title: Can local voluntary environmental programs "work"? An examination of Fort Collins' (Colorado) climate wise program.
abstract: Previous research on voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) frequently assesses the effectiveness of federal, state, and third party programs and why organizations seek to join such programs. Yet, research has yet to evaluate the effectiveness or firm motivation relative to local VEPs. Recognizing this gap, our paper examines the structure and organization of Fort Collins' Climate Wise program, a local VEP. Using a variety of sources, we find that the program has successfully met both short- and long-term goals by persistently self-evaluating and seeking outside financial support. Findings from this analysis can aid in understanding and developing local VEPs elsewhere. Specifically, this initial research suggests that local VEPs need to consider local context and available resources when implementing such programs. Furthermore, it is possible for local VEPs to attract a diverse variety of participating firms by avoiding one-size-fits-all participation levels and by establishing a sense of ownership among partners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Political Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. smosier@lamar.colostate.edu
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mosier
authors.forename: Mosier
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samantha
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fisk
authors.forename: Fisk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jonathan
mesh_terms: D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D003120:Colorado; D004777:Environment; D017752:Greenhouse Effect / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D015397:Program Evaluation; D035141:Voluntary Programs