Abstract

Sustainability is utilized by cities to enable a multifaceted, cross-sectoral approach for the betterment of communities and operational efficiency of organizations. Using a case study of the medium size local government in the Midwest and the city’s application of sustainability planning, this article focuses on a development of an expanded definition of the bottom line and a nascent approach to measuring and tracking sustainability-related efforts. The research provides an overview of measuring sustainability adopted by this particular city, using the target-specific, extended quadruple bottom line approach. The method attempts to address economic vitality, environmental quality, social equity, and governmental accountability through governance. The use of the quadruple bottom line to measure sustainability is linked to its annual budget planning and investments in transformation-related initiatives. While such an approach to measuring sustainability progress is unique in the United States, a number of cities in Australia have also adopted the quadruple bottom line approach to measure sustainability. Lessons in reporting sustainability efforts using the quadruple bottom line, in the context of an efficient and effective service delivery, can be applied to other local governments.