21st Century Policy Project

Principles

The approach to the 21st Century Project will be based upon the following principles:

1. The 21st Century Project is an initiative of the Board. In its leadership role, the Board will direct the project and formulate policy based on an understanding of the issues and options, and the perspectives of a range of stakeholders.
2. "Stakeholders" refers to parties who have a direct stake in the outcome of the 21st Century Project, including: CIWMB Board members, management and staff; state government (the administration, legislature, Cal/EPA and its constituent agencies, and other agencies); city and county government, and other local jurisdictions; existing and emerging waste-related industries; the business community; environmental groups; waste producers and users; and the people of California.
3. Stakeholders will be given numerous opportunities to give input through a variety of mechanisms (written, electronic, and in person). Also, stakeholder representatives will be invited to actively participate in meaningful dialogue during workshop-style "conferences" at several points in the process.
4. The project will incorporate effective, innovative methods to:
   • Bring internal and external stakeholder representatives of diverse viewpoints and interests into one room.
   • Generate meaningful dialogue among stakeholders to foster understanding of their various viewpoints and interests (in lieu of "debate" or speeches").
   • Encourage stakeholders to reconsider their assumptions and positions based on a full consideration of issues, ideas, viewpoints, and possibilities that may arise through this process.
   • Foster creativity and "outside the box" thinking, leading to innovative ideas and solutions to waste management issues.
5. The project will identify waste management issues and options from other states and countries, and explore the potential for applying them in California.
6. In evaluating alternatives, options, and final recommendations, the Board will consider potential effects on:
   • The health and safety of the people of California in future generations.
   • The economy of California.
   • Current and emerging waste management-related industries in California.
   • The natural environment of California and the larger ecosystem.

Last updated: October 18, 2007