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 Two US PLUS Network cities, Olympia (Washington) and Montpelier (Vermont), both state capitals, have launched their Capital City Challenge with a Council resolution and specific sustainability goals. More of a collaboration than a competition, the challenge is a unique co-operative effort between two capital US cities to introduce measures and actions that will accelerate their journey towards sustainability.
Both City Councils prepared parallel resolutions last fall supporting the challenge, and both cities' efforts involve extensive public engagement. The resolutions welcome other cities to take up the challenge. Both cities define sustainability in terms of ensuring that meeting our present needs does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
The co-ordinators of the challenge are Gwendolyn Hallsmith, City Planner for Montpelier, and Michael Mucha, Public Works Director for Olympia. In February, the two city teams compared notes on their initiatives and provided these updates:
Montpelier
Since October, we have launched a new initiative called the Food Systems Council, which is a coalition of people from our region who are charged with increasing the percentage of food that people in Montpelier consume from local sources. Currently, 95% of our food comes into the state on trucks, in contrast with the time when Vermont was a net agricultural exporter.
 We have also successfully completed an application to the state government of Vermont for growth center designation, which is a tool to help cities and town become compact and avert sprawl by leveling the playing field between urban re-development and greenfield development.
The enVision Montpelier committees are still in full swing, considering strategies and targets they need to meet the goals that were adopted by the City Council last August. The Capital Area Neighborhoods initiative has also moved into its next phase, where the neighborhood groups are working to have more of a voice in city government - a recent potluck in the North Street neighborhood featured all the City Council members and the City Manager.
Olympia
 The City of Olympia has launched a community engagement process. This will be the first time in Olympia's history that we start a broad conversation about the type of community we collectively hope to become as we grow and change. The results of this conversation will help us understand the hopes and dreams that we hold in common. The City Council endorsed this process in January and it will officially launch in November of this year.
Recognizing the City's opportunity to show sustainability leadership, Olympia has engaged the creativity of employees and some external key stakeholders as part of a Sustainable Action team to figure out how we can better create a leadership culture around sustainability. The Team is working on two strategies; Clarity of Purpose and Finding Common Ground in knowledge and values.
Background
Montpelier
Montpelier is the nation's smallest state capital with a resident population of 8,400 that increases to 20,000 during the day. The percentage with a college education is double the national average.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
A substantial effort to save energy, convert to renewable sources, and reduce GHG emissions.
Engagement of a large group stakeholders in envision Montpelier, a 30-100-year plan for the city.
 An energy-efficiency materials co-op.
Biomass district energy plant.
Local on-demand public transit.
Community justice center.
Bioblitz to catalogue local species.
Comprehensive bike and pedestrian improvement program.
Onion River Exchange.
Local food program and food council.
Olympia
With a population of 44,450, Olympia provides 51,000 jobs within the region. The City motto is SPIRIT - Service, People, Integrity, Results, Innovation, Teamwork.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
Engaging community members in discussing and planning for sustainable land use.
Reducing vehicle emissions, including the use of biodiesel.
Utilizing Green Power for 100% of Utilities' electricity needs.
 Working towards Zero Waste
Promoting the planting and preservation of trees.
Conserving precious water resources.
Protecting our streams and groundwater.
Acquiring land for future parks.
Building sidewalks for safe and easy walking.
Providing and using Class A reclaimed water.
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Competition among Friends
Michael Mucha (Olympia) and Gwendolyn Hallsmith (Montpelier),
Capital City Challenge Team Co-ordinators
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Challenge Brochure 34KB