green|spaces is hosting a free, open to the public, Lunch & Learn for the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan on Wednesday, March 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at their facility, 63 E. Main St. in Chattanooga.
Across energy, water, mobility, resilient communities, ecosystems and material waste, committees made up of over 50 residents, subject matter experts and community leaders have been considering long term challenges related to their topic, researching best practices from around the country and world and building on work from the Thrive Regional Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce’s Velocity 2040 Goals. At the event, they will present ideas that emerged from that process. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback, submit questions and suggestions for each area.
Following the lunch & learn, public comments and recommendations will be incorporated into the planning process. Additional opportunities for community feedback will be made available to the public through neighborhood meetings and online comment forums.
Officials said, "Fifty years ago Chattanooga saw what economic sustainability looked like without environmental and social sustainability. After massive economic growth as the Dynamo of Dixie, the foundries and textile mills started closing leaving severe damage to the land, the rivers, the air, and the residents without jobs. Fifty years later, Chattanooga has made great strides toward becoming a place where businesses, people, and the environment can thrive with perhaps no better evidence than the 'Best Town Ever' title from Outside Magazine."
Today, Chattanooga continues to face large scale and small scale challenges that are connected to each other in ways that make it difficult to solve one without the other.
“While we are concerned about carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, the poorest families in Chattanooga have higher than average utility bills than most in the country. While we think about the coming transition from gas to electric cars, evidenced by Volkswagen’s exciting expansion plans, those that can’t afford to live near where they work and struggle to afford cars may be left behind. While we see the need to invest in local ecosystems, farms, and biodiversity, many residents live in food deserts and don’t have a park within a 10 minute walk,” said Michael Walton, executive director at green|spaces.
While the event is free, green|spaces is requesting people to RSVP online, or by calling 423-648-0963.