I spent some time talking with Andrew Watterson of the Department of Sustainability of the City of Cleveland. We were at an event as a sort of “pre-summit happy hour” for those planning on attending. The group was diverse. We talked about the roll out of the recycle program and I expressed my opinion that we need to step it up. I never miss an opportunity to tell someone employed by the city that we need to step up our recycling program. More interesting was the expectations for the upcoming summit. He let me know that there are a variety of demographics and sectors to be included in this process. Some people are being turned down, despite their obvious ability to contribute valuable to the outcome. Truth is, this is about including everyone. Local business, as well as non-profit and government; young and old. How I managed to wrangle an invitation, I will never know, but I am thrilled to be included. What would you say, if you were to participate in this summit? Of course, first and foremost in my mind is recycling. Other things that are on my mind include: Stormwater Runoff, we need to fix our aging infrastructure and find a way to keep sewage out of Lake Erie; Alternative Energy, can we get cheap clean energy from the sun and the lake; Public Transportation, finding a way to make it better and more inclusive-especially as we plan to renovate the I-90 bridge; Incentives for New Business in the City, reusing existing buildings and infrastructure and luring green businesses to the region. What else, should be included. As I understand it, this summit will use the Appreciate Inquiry method to actually formulate public policy. Let your voice be heard. Comment here or drop me an email at: robert@thegldc.com and I will try to get your opinion heard.
We are still waiting for more comments for the giveaway for a framed print. Go here to read the post, but to encourage you, here is the print I am going to give away. It is an 8×10 framed black and white print of Lincoln Park in Tremont. This contest end on Wednesday (Aug 12), as the summit starts that day!
Tags: environment, Events, Green Policies, Sustainability Summit
In a recent brainstorm, I envisioned a geographic contracting of the regional economy. Reducing sprawl and drawing more people closer to the city center. I will prepare to deliver some form of outline that addresses many of the major issues you describe.
Thanks Mark! See you at the Summit?