From left, Greg Thomas, director of planning; Jonathan Jobe, director development and engineering; Councilman Avery Johnson; Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland; City Manager Janice Casteel; Assistant City Manager Melinda Carroll, and Patti Petit, recreation and parks director.
The Tennessee Municipal League has recognized the city of Cleveland with an award for Excellence in Green Leadership.
Cleveland partnered with UT Knoxville in 2014 for the Smart Communities Initiative, becoming the university’s first partner in the student service learning program.
Students will participate in 19 civic projects, including stormwater mapping and analysis, greenway extensions, streetscape improvements and redeveloping old industrial sites.
Faculty and city staff will lead the projects, while students will do the work, make reports and give suggestions for solving problems they study.
Cleveland is also a Tree City USA member and a Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council member.
The city of Cleveland is also partnering with Cleveland State Community College on sustainability awareness throughout the community and bringing events that promote sustainability to the area. They are also working with Cleveland Utilities for the TVA Green Power Switch program, encouraging the use of renewable energy.