By now, you’ve read the reports about the city’s new Thrive Initiative. The public announcement and pledge is an important first step in moving the city toward a more (environmentally) sustainable future.

The even better news is that there are is a lot of opportunity for citizens (that means you!) and local organizations (and you!) to take part in the crucial next steps of:
Developing policies and programming
Implementing policies and programming
Measuring the effects of policies and programming
Reporting on progress or lack therof to ensure transparency

Members of the Savannah Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Savanah Bicycle Campaign, Savannah State University and A.W.O.L threw their respective hats into the ring last night to welcome responses from the mayor, city manager and council. The promise of collaboration is very encouraging.

Before the Thrive Initiative was introduced, members of the audience were brought up to speed on the ongoing efforts the city and its partners are undertaking in the areas of Crime, Economic Development, The DeRenne Project, Affordable Housing and Youth. Moving forward, I hope that we will start to look for synergies between these other issues and the city’s efforts to improve environmental quality in the Savannah area. Ultimately, all three three legs of the sustainability stool (community, economy, environment) must be addressed and addressing them together should prove more innovative and effective.