Infinite Earth Radio – weekly conversations with leaders building smarter, more sustainable, and equitable communities (Michael Hancox)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Infinite Earth Radio – weekly conversations with leaders building smarter, more sustainable, and equitable communities
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| 13 Jan 2016 | Hunger in America – Thinking Outside the Food Pantry | 00:30:39 | |||||
TOPICTaking a Look at Food Insecurity GUEST BIO
Sharon Thornberry is the Community Food Systems Manager at the Oregon Food Bank. Sharon has been a grassroots organizer, trainer and advocate for community food systems, rural communities, and anti-hunger work in Oregon since 1986. She grew up on farms, was very active in 4-H and Girl Scouts, and was one of the first female members of Future Farmers of America. In 1979, she was a homeless mom with two small children. Sharon has served on the Oregon Hunger Task Force for 16 years, the board of the Community Food Security Coalition for six years (three as President), and the board of Bread for the World and Bread for the World Institute for six years. The sum of her experiences have come together to make her a passionate and knowledgeable community food security and anti-hunger advocate. She is the 2009 recipient of the Billi Odegard Public Health Genius Award from the Community Health Partnership of Oregon. She has worked for Oregon Food Bank for the past 16 years focusing on rural food systems and is the creator of “FEAST”, the nationally recognized community food systems organizing program. She has been a resident of Philomath, Oregon for 30 years. She is an avid gardener and loves to share the cooking traditions learned in the farm kitchens of her youth with friends and family. Sharon Thornberry Twitter https://twitter.com/ofb_sharont
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“The statistics say that rural hunger is not as bad as urban hunger, I think people in rural communities are less likely to admit they’re hungry too. There’s a lot of pride that goes with living in rural communities.” “There aren’t equal opportunities for everybody and there’s a lot of deniers that say that all of this stuff is made up. But I’m here to tell you it’s not made up. We don’t think about the challenges of access. People with small children are the most financially insecure. Salaries have not kept up with the cost of living in this country.” “We’re leaving a lot of kids in a really bad place because it’s impossible for their parents to have a living wage, especially in rural communities. There’s a whole systemic thing that we need to look at and figure out how we solve it as a country.” “Just think: the food banks across this country, there are hundreds of Feeding America food banks, there are tens of thousands of food pantries across this country, they all have volunteers. If those folks had taken even a fraction of the hours they’ve taken handing out food and been saying to the powers that be: to congress, to their state senators, to their state legislators, even to their county commissioners, “This is wrong, we have to do this differently,” what do you think the picture would be? I think we’d be in a different space?” “It’s about keeping the discussion going, and people having success, and supporting small farmers. You can’t do enough to do that. Go out there and get to know your small farmer, find out what their issues are, and find out how you can help them stay in business.”
RESOURCESA Place at the Table book and film
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| 12 Jan 2017 | New Partners for Smart Growth 2017 | 00:35:06 | |||||
TOPICLeaving a Lasting, Tangible Impact IN THIS EPISODE[01:44] Mike shares how to register for the 2017 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. [01:54] Mike tells how to register for the FREE Equitable Development training from Infinite Earth Academy. Find the registration link in the Resources section below! [02:31] Kate Meis is introduced. [02:53] Kate expresses what she is most excited about for this year’s New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. [06:24] Kate conveys the time frame for the projects to be done in St. Louis. [07:01] Kate mentions some of the key topics of the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. [09:05] Kate identifies some challenges of continuing the momentum towards smarter, more sustainable communities. [12:49] Mike discusses environmental policies and the effects of moving to a carbon-neutral economy. [14:26] Kate comments about what smart growth looks like. [16:04] Kate describes her thoughts on what she sees are the most promising developments impacting smarter and more sustainable communities. [19:43] Mike mentions the arrival of self-driving cars and trucks and that driving is one of the biggest employers in the U.S. [22:35] Kate weighs in on the topic of job automation. [23:46] Mike replies about how we shouldn’t be afraid of technology. [24:34] Kate responds that we should rethink what change means for our education system and workforce training. [25:31] Kate relates what the change in administrations might mean for smart growth and sustainability efforts. [32:00] Mike talks about the high demand for walkable, smart-growth communities and about the shifting economics of energy markets. [33:04] Kate agrees about the market momentum. [33:54] Mike tells how to register for the 2017 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in St. Louis. GUESTKate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
ORGANIZATIONFor over 35 years LGC has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. Together they are advancing transformative policies and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable communities. LGC works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions. With roots in California and a national reputation, LGC offers inspiration, information, and partnership for local and regional champions dedicated to building thriving communities that integrate civic engagement with environmental, social and economic priorities. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“This year I’m really looking forward to having a tangible impact in the community we’re going to be in in St. Louis. So, in the past we’ve gone, we’ve had a great few days, we’ve done local tours, we’ve engaged our local partners through a local advisory committee, and we’ve made some great partnerships and some great connections, but we had never really utilized all these experts we’re bringing together across the nation to leave a lasting impact in our host city. So that’s our priority this year.” “We will also be working with some art organizations in three neighborhoods to provide some technical assistance and in critical areas that they identify, and then also working with some local youth to build and install three large,... | |||||||
| 05 Jan 2017 | Civil Rights and Access to Recreation and Open Space (Re-release) | 00:36:39 | |||||
TOPICAdvancing Racial, Social, and Environmental Equality IN THIS EPISODE[01:23] Mike announces the Infinite Earth Lab training program. [02:44] Mike explains this episode of Infinite Earth Radio. [03:11] Robert Garcia is introduced. [04:07] Robert explains when he realized fighting for civil rights would be his life’s work. [05:37] Robert describes the victory of the Bus Riders Union versus the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. [07:51] Robert shares why Title VI of the Civil Rights Act is an important tool in the battle for environmental justice. [12:24] If those who receive federal funding violate the agreement of Title VI, what can the federal government do? [16:19] Robert explains why The City Project is focused on equal access to natural resources. [21:00] Robert discusses his efforts to restore the Los Angeles River. [25:07] Robert shares what it was like for The City Project to be involved in creating new national monuments. [28:47] How will the communities with newly restored natural areas going to benefit from the investment and the restoration and not become displaced? [33:33] Robert shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [33:59] Robert describes the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [34:19] Robert explains what California, our national parks, our natural resources and monuments look like 30 years from now. GUEST
Robert García is a civil rights attorney who engages, educates, and empowers communities to seek equal access to public and natural resources. He is the Founding Director and Counsel of The City Project, a non-profit legal and policy advocacy organization in Los Angeles, California. Robert graduated from Stanford University and Stanford Law School and is an Assistant Professor at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Robert has extensive experience in public policy, legal advocacy, mediation, and litigation involving complex social justice, civil rights, human health, environmental, education, and criminal justice matters. He has influenced the investment of over $43 billion in underserved communities, working at the intersection of equal justice, public health, and the built environment. He served as chairman of the Citizens’ School Bond Oversight Committee for five years, helping raise over $27 billion to build new, and modernize existing, public schools as centers of their communities in Los Angeles. He has helped communities create and preserve great urban parks and preserve access to beaches and trails. He has helped diversify support for and access to state resource bonds, with unprecedented levels of support among communities of color and low-income communities, and billions of dollars for urban parks. He served on the Development Team for the National Park Service Healthy Parks, Healthy People Community Engagement eGuide. Robert served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund. He received the President’s Award from the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice for helping release Geronimo Pratt, the former Black Panther leader, from prison after 27 years for a crime he did not commit. He represented people on Death Row in Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. Stanford Law School called him a “civil rights giant” and Stanford Magazine “an inspiration.” Robert served on the Justice and Peace Commission for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under Cardinal Roger Mahony. He is an immigrant who came to the U.S. from Guatemala at age four. OrganizationThe City Project, a non-profit legal and policy... | |||||||
| 29 Dec 2016 | Affordable Housing and Employment Patterns in the San Francisco Bay Area (Re-release) | 00:35:26 | |||||
TOPICHow High-Wage Jobs Affect Affordable Housing IN THIS EPISODE[01:22] Mike announces the Infinite Earth Lab training program. [02:52] Mike explains this episode of Infinite Earth Radio. [03:25] Dr. Chris Benner is introduced. [04:23] Chris shares his background and what draws him to issues of economic and social equity and inclusion. [06:40] Chris gives the importance of education for disadvantaged populations for our economic future. [07:09] Chris explains a study of job growth in the San Francisco Bay Area. [09:54] Chris gives information about the next study and how people can get access to it. [10:34] Chris shares the report findings of a lack of housing affordability is causing displacement of residents and long commutes. [12:53] Chris explains the report data of a significant number of low-wage jobs are being created but no new affordable housing units are being created. [15:04] What are the policy implications? What can we do to fix this problem of no new affordable housing? [18:18] Do you see any indication that there’s a movement to create inclusionary zoning or some kind of development incentives to create more affordable housing? [19:54] Are San Franciscans changing how they think of themselves since the city’s character seems to be changing and it now seems to be a city that people can’t afford to live in? [21:52] Chris explains, within a regional context, how residents are needed to have the basis for the sales tax to buy goods. [23:15] Chris shares how he was made aware of the dynamic of people in poor communities who are shopping in other places that are benefiting from the tax dollars being spent there. [24:28] Mike brings up the fact, and Chris agrees, that the poor pay more in regard to commuting time, cost of commuting, and quality-of-life and economic implications. [26:20] Chris explains how the job, inequality, and political crises play out in the context of housing affordability and the overall quality of life in the Bay Area. [30:14] Chris shares where people can go to learn more about his work. [31:14] Chris provides one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [32:26] Chris explains the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [33:24] Chris shares what the world looks like 30 years from now.
GUEST BIO Dr. Chris Benner is the Dorothy E. Everett Chair in Global Information and Social Entrepreneurship, Director of the Everett Program for Digital Tools for Social Innovation, and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research focuses on the relationships between technological change, regional development, and structures of economic opportunity, focusing on regional labor markets and the transformation of work and employment patterns. He is the author of multiple books including Just Growth: Inclusion and Prosperity in America’s Metropolitan Regions, co-authored with Manuel Pastor (Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California), which helps uncover the processes, policies and institutional arrangements that help explain how certain regions around the country have been able to consistently link prosperity and inclusion. His most recent book, also co-authored with Manuel Pastor is titled Equity, Growth, and Community: What the Nation Can Learn from America’s Metro Areas. Benner’s work has also included providing research assistance to a range of organizations promoting equity and expanded opportunity, including the Coalition on Regional Equity (Sacramento), Working Partnerships USA (San Jose), the California Labor Federation, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions among others. He received his Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University... | |||||||
| 22 Dec 2016 | Come Hell or High Water-Climate Equity, Part 2 | 00:58:12 | |||||
TOPICThe Story of Turkey Creek: Self-Determination and Resilient Communities IN THIS EPISODE[01:46] Derrick Evans is introduced. [01:55] Derrick shares his background, which led to the Turkey Creek Community Initiatives. [14:46] Derrick reflects on what it felt like when he first moved to Boston and what kept him there. [22:31] Derrick talks about the impact of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita on Gulfport and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. [31:59] Is the Gulf Coast Fund what Derrick meant by resilient communities? [32:48] Derrick discusses his definition of climate change. [36:03] Derrick agrees that people in Gulf Coast communities saw the climate changing. [37:34] Derrick describes the documentary film “Come Hell or High Water” and mentions the impact it’s had on Turkey Creek. [43:43] Derrick tells about the things that communities can do to make themselves better prepared to withstand or recover from climate impacts. [46:35] If environmental-protection responsibility gets pushed back to the states, what will that mean in terms of work with Gulf Coast communities around resilience and Mississippi DEQ? Are there good working relationships there? [49:08] Derrick adds his closing thoughts. [56:06] Derrick provides one change that would lead to more resilient, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [56:31] Derrick states the action that listeners can take to help build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. [56:43] Derrick shares what resilient Gulf Coast communities look like 30 years from now. GUEST/ORGANIZATIONDerrick Christopher Evans is the director of Turkey Creek Community Initiatives and a managing advisor to the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health. Since 2001 he has worked to help protect and revitalize his coastal Mississippi community and sister communities throughout the region. Prior to that he taught civil rights history at Boston College and social studies in the Boston Public Schools. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“My community went from being entirely undeveloped—swamplands—to being sort of a pastoral, forested, agricultural type of thing where people were subsistence farmers and fishermen to a community that was the site of multiple coastal timber-industry employments and facilities.” “This is what, pretty much, TCCI’s m.o. has always been was to recognize the very long list of community ailments and challenges, turn those into an equally long, if not longer, list of possible prescriptions or remedies, including things that we had never thought of before, like coastal ecological restoration, which now is bearing fruit nearly twenty years later; historic preservation; even looking at a historic longstanding, uncleaned, EPA-toxic cleanup site and saying, you know what, that’s a historic site as well as a headache. Let’s use some creative visioning to frame this in such a way that it makes our circle bigger. When you have that list of possible solutions, it attracts from within the community and from without the community potential contributors to the problems that need to be solved.” “I had a teacher once—the greatest teacher I ever had—who told me that is was no accident that the overwhelming majority of the most impactful ‘spokespeople’ for the race—the black race—historically, like, Frederick Douglass, Dr. DuBois, even Louis Farrakhan, and so forth and so on, had spent formative time and years in and around Boston, Massachusetts.” “I remember when Hurricane Katrina hit, and my first thought was that this event is either going to…finish off Turkey Creek and its sister communities or open a door for their survival and transformation, particularly as the most not only impacted but instructive places on what not to do again.” “We’re not resigned to injustice, we’re not resigned to the structuring of... | |||||||
| 15 Dec 2016 | Surviving and Thriving in the Face of Rising Seas, Climate Equity Part 1 | 00:33:22 | |||||
TOPICHow Climate Change is Impacting Low-Income Communities IN THIS EPISODE[01:56] Rachel Cleetus is introduced. [02:20] Rachel shares her background. [02:54] Rachel mentions what motivates her to do the work that she does. [03:44] Rachel defines the term “climate change.” [05:13] Rachel describes “climate equity” and “climate justice.” [06:38] Rachel differentiates between climate equity and climate justice. [07:46] Rachel explains the concept and some of the major findings in the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)’s “Surviving and Thriving in the Face of Rising Seas” report (find the report in the Resources below!). [11:05] Rachel tells us about the case studies mentioned in the report, specifically Dorchester County in Maryland. [13:57] Rachel shares where people can go to learn more about the report. [14:55] Rachel shares what the phrase “resilient communities” means to her. [16:52] Rachel explains some of the biggest barriers to enabling vulnerable communities to become more resilient in the face of climate-related disasters, and what preventative measures people can take. [21:10] Rachel gives her thoughts on how other areas in the world impacted by weather can be more resilient with support from the U.S. and other neighboring nations. [24:14] Rachel conveys what communities and local governments can do to make themselves better prepared to withstand or recover from climate impacts. [28:57] Rachel provides one change that would lead to more resilient, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [29:19] Rachel states the action listeners can take to help build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. [30:03] Rachel shares what our coastal communities will look like 30 years from now. GUESTRachel Cleetus is the lead economist and climate policy manager with the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). She designs and advocates for effective global warming policies at the federal, regional, state, and international levels. These policies include market -based approaches (such as cap-and-trade programs) and complementary, sector-based approaches (such as efficiency, renewable energy, and clean technology research and development). She also analyzes the economic costs of inaction on climate change. Prior to joining UCS, Dr. Cleetus worked as a consultant for the World Wildlife Fund, performing policy-focused research on the links between sustainable development, trade, and ecosystems in Asia and Africa. She also worked for Tellus Institute in the energy and environment program, under the mentorship of Steve Bernow. Dr. Cleetus holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in economics from Duke University and a B.S. in economics from West Virginia University. The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. Learn More about Rachel and the Union of Concerned Scientists TAKEAWAY QUOTES“For me, climate change is one of the biggest threats we face as humanity, and it’s touching every aspect of our life. It’s not just an environmental problem; it is an economic problem, it’s a social problem, it’s a justice issue, because the impacts are already playing out around the world, and they are disproportionately affecting communities of color and low-income communities. So, for me, this work has always been about how do we make a better future for our kids and grandkids, and how do we do it in a way that’s inclusive, that brings people in to work towards a common... | |||||||
| 08 Dec 2016 | The Future of “Infinite Earth Radio” and Sustainability and Equity in the Trump Era | 00:29:33 | |||||
TOPICOne Year of Spurring Innovation for the Future of Sustainability and Equity IN THIS EPISODE[01:19] Kate Meis is introduced. [02:04] Kate reflects on her feelings of how the podcast has been doing over the past year. [03:04] Mike adds to the conversation with his own perspective of the podcast. [03:33] Kate explains how she sees the recent election impacting sustainability and equity efforts. [07:46] Mike comments how he thinks sustainability efforts will play out over the next four years. [08:49] Kate mentions what advocates are paying attention to in the sustainability space. [10:49] Kate talks about the membership survey. [14:10] Mike shares his thoughts about the survey results. [15:55] Kate speaks about some of the themes found in the survey results. [18:24] Mike mentions what he learned from the survey. [19:29] Kate tells of the split between urban and rural areas that she saw in the election. [21:18] Mike conveys that the suburban and rural voters feel disrespected by the urban voters. [22:02] Kate shares what’s being done to foster more innovation and progress at the local level. [23:38] Mike describes what’s coming up for “Infinite Earth Radio”. [27:37] Kate adds her thoughts on an upcoming plan for “Infinite Earth Radio”. [27:58] Kate shares some words of encouragement. GUESTKate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments, a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts, and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’ s degree from California State University, Sonoma. ORGANIZATIONFor over 35 years LGC has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. Together they are advancing transformative policies and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable communities. LGC works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions. With roots in California and a national reputation, LGC offers inspiration, information, and partnership for local and regional champions dedicated to building thriving communities that integrate civic engagement with environmental, social and economic priorities. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Our mission, really, is to get the word out about great projects and policies that can be scaled and implemented in communities across the nation, with the goal of improving those communities, making them more livable and sustainable, so to be able to reach the number of folks we’ve reached through these podcasts has been really rewarding.” “…the next four years will really determine whether or not we’re able to deliver on the Paris Agreement, so the next four years are going to be critical. So that is why we’re concerned about the signals we’re getting from the administration, but that said, climate-change leadership has always happened at the subnational level, so at the level of cities, regions, and states.” “No matter what happens with the new administration, we are seeing strong signals that states are going to continue to lead, that cities are going to continue to lead…We are seeing leadership continue, and that’s going to be critical moving forward.” RESOURCESSign up to attend the FREE training – Equitable Development in Practice– Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at [1:30] Eastern | |||||||
| 01 Dec 2016 | Regenerative Agriculture with John Roulac of Nutiva: Voting for a Sustainable Future Three Times Per Day | 00:27:12 | |||||
TOPICWhat You Eat Can Help Save the Planet IN THIS EPISODE[01:47] John Roulac is introduced. [02:23] John tells about his background and how he became so passionate about the environment and regenerative agriculture. [03:35] John defines regenerative agriculture. [05:53] John discusses why more is needed than just reducing the creation of carbon. [08:44] John speaks to the common argument of needing big agriculture because the planet’s population is growing and people can’t be fed without modern farming approaches. [14:48] John explains the purpose of his article called “Starbucks, Destroyer of the Seas.” [17:38] John discusses the bee population, technology, and nature. [19:37] John describes his company, Nutiva. [21:18] John mentions what needs to happen to ramp up regenerative agriculture. [24:49] John shares how people can learn more about Nutiva and his work, and where to buy his products. [25:23] John expresses his thoughts on the impacts of not eating meat. GUESTJohn W. Roulac is the founder and CEO of Nutiva, the world’s leading organic superfoods brand of hemp, coconut, chia, and red palm superfoods. John founded Nutiva in 1999 with a mission to nourish people and planet. Through his leadership, Nutiva has become the fastest-growing superfoods company on the planet, with a 55 percent annual growth rate since 2002, and has for five years in a row been named one of Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing companies in America. This growth keeps bringing John closer to his dream of a world that places people above profits—one where people everywhere have access to wholesome, organic foods. ORGANIZATIONNutiva® is the world’s leading brand of all-organic hemp foods, coconut oil, red palm oil and chia seeds. We’re a values-driven brand, dedicated to “Nourishing people and planet.” In a world where the industrialized food system has led us down a tangled path, where food choices have been reduced to the lesser-of-evils, and where distrust reigns, we are the champions of the greater good. Tireless seekers of pure and delicious foods that will nourish our bodies and our planet, we have devoted ourselves to a dream, a vision, a mission. We will revolutionize the way the world eats! And in so doing we will bring nourishment and balance, health and well being, sustainability and community to people and planet. We know change is hard, but we want to make it easy. We went out looking for the kind of foods that packed a powerful amount of nutrition into every bite, so that you could make small changes to big effect. We found superfoods—nutrient-dense powerhouses that can also be grown and processed in a sustainable way. These are foods that are truly good for you and for the planet. They’re foods like hemp and coconut, chia and red palm. They’re organic, full of vital nutrition, easy to use and delicious additions to your diet. We say food doesn’t have to be a choice between the lesser of evils. We say let food lead us to a better world. We say super people deserve superfoods. We say, come join us in our mission. Together, we can change the world. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“I think it’s part of our fixation with technology. We’re so into, like, that wind and solar will carry the day, or some new battery technology. And these are obviously important, and we need to stop burning... | |||||||
| 24 Nov 2016 | Encore Careers in Sustainability and Energy—Transferring Knowledge, Experience, and Wisdom | 00:24:25 | |||||
TOPICRetirees Improving Communities for an Optimistic Future IN THIS EPISODE[02:09] Paul Johnson is introduced. [02:46] Paul tells about his journey and how he personally became involved in the CivicSpark Encore program. [04:47] Paul gives details about the Encore program. [06:52] Paul shares how an Encore fellow is funded and who supports the program. [07:40] Paul describes what makes a good candidate for the program. [08:44] Paul answers the question of what a nonprofit needs so that it would make sense to get an Encore fellow. [18:58] Paul tells where nonprofits or late-career professionals can go to learn more about the Encore program. [11:31] Paul explains how the Encore program overlaps with the CivicSpark program. [12:47] Paul talks about the work that he’s done as a fellow working with agencies or organizations. [15:16] Paul comments on the chance to interact with and mentor CivicSpark fellows. [16:54] Paul conveys the lessons he’s learned while doing this work. [17:57] Does Paul see himself continuing this work? [18:46] Paul provides one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [19:34] Paul states the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [21:21] Paul discusses what the Encore program looks like 15 or 20 years from now. GUESTPaul Johnson is the President of Paul Everett Johnson and Associates (PEJ), a small business that provides consulting services to develop successful self-sustaining clean energy programs. Paul has over 40 years experience developing and managing clean energy programs and policies in the public, private, and nonprofit sector. During this period, he had 30 years of increased management experience at the US Department of Energy, capped by two years as the Acting Deputy Director of the Seattle Regional Office of DOE. Since 2005, he has served as President of PEJ and conducted a wide variety of consulting projects around the country. From 2007 until 2011, Paul served as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization, a non-profit organization focused on increasing the level of clean energy activity in the eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley. For the past few years Paul has worked to develop an Encore Climate Fellows program within the Encore program in several locations in the West to help communities be more resilient to deal with climate change. ORGANIZATIONEncore Fellowships are designed to deliver a new source of talent to organizations solving critical social problems. These paid, time-limited fellowships match skilled, experienced professionals with social-purpose organizations in high-impact assignments. During the fellowship period (typically six to 12 months, half- to full-time), Fellows take on roles that bring significant, sustained impact to their host organizations. While they are working, Fellows earn a stipend, learn about social-purpose work and develop a new network of contacts and resources for the future. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“The Encore program is dedicated to leveraging human capital of very seasoned, adult experience to adult professionals to improve communities in this country and around the world…A program like this—strengthening nonprofits right on the front lines of dealing with environmental and climate challenges—it just seemed like a great opportunity, and I jumped into the program and have been working in the program in a number of capacities for about four and a half years.” “The key component of the program that I work on is the Encore Fellowship Network, which refer to themselves as the proof point for the Encore concept. And the Encore Fellowship Network has been around since 2009, and they currently work with partner organizations in 13 different locations around the U.S. and Canada... | |||||||
| 17 Nov 2016 | Food Security, Clean Water, and Economic Development in Southern Colorado | 00:20:00 | |||||
TOPICFood Justice and Self-Empowerment IN THIS EPISODE[01:35] Justin Garoutte is introduced. [01:57] Justin describes where the Conejos Land Grant Region is and why it is important. [03:05] Justin tells who predominately lives in the region now. [03:25] Justin shares his background and how he came to be the Executive Director of Conejos Clean Water. [04:36] Is food justice and food security a big issue in this region? [05:37] Justin relays how receptive people are to growing their own food. [06:24] Justin talks about the Conejos Clean Water organization and its background. [07:36] Justin speaks of the things that he’s currently working on. [10:01] How is Conejos Clean Water funded? [10:41] Justin discusses how many people live in his region, the number of acres, and what the overall economy looks like. [12:10] Is the water from the Valley supplying any other regions? [13:09] Justin discusses if there is any financial support for the region from people downstream. [15:07] Justin shares how people can learn more about Conejos Clean Water and their work. [15:33] Justin conveys how people can support Conejos Clean Water. [16:38] Justin provides one change that would lead to safer, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [17:26] Justin states the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [18:02] Justin shares what the Conejos Land Grant Region will look like 30 years from now. GUESTJustin Garoutte is the Executive Director of Conejos Clean Water. Justin is an Antonito native who recently returned home to give back to his community and be closer to family. His family has been farming and ranching in Conejos County for multiple generations. At an early age, he was fascinated with traveling and took the first opportunity to get out and see the world. He was one of sixteen Americans chosen to be a citizen ambassador for the U.S. Department of State LINC Program in Tunisia in 2005. His experience in northern Africa inspired him to study abroad again, and he received a scholarship for a full-year of study in Germany on the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program. After returning from Germany and graduating high school, he headed off to Colorado College on scholarships from the Daniels Fund, Hispanic Annual Salute, and CC Presidential Fund. While at Colorado College, he explored his interests, including courses in Native American and Mexican American Literature. After another year abroad in Göttingen, Germany, Justin graduated cum laude with a BA in German Language and Culture in 2012. Immediately after graduating, he embarked on what would turn out to be a three-year journey to Germany and other European countries. While in Germany, he taught English at the University of Bremen and German for high school exchange students from the United States, Thailand, and China. In addition, he returned to Colorado College in 2014 to teach a month-long, intensive German Theatre course and direct Das letzte Feuer, a German theatrical production by Dea Loher. Upon his latest return from Europe, Justin founded Valleybound, the Antonito School and Community Garden, which serves as an empowering educational space, offering a variety of activities for youth and adults alike. Educating and empowering community remains his main focus. Currently, he coordinates and teaches literacy and healthy choices at Guadalupe Elementary and serves as a mentor to at-risk youth throughout Conejos County. ORGANIZATION
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| 10 Nov 2016 | Radical Innovation and Resilient Infrastructure—Climate Adaptation | 00:32:36 | |||||
TOPICFinance Strategies, Sustainable Development, and Future Benefits IN THIS EPISODE[01:11] Shalini Vajjhala is introduced. [02:10] Shalini tells about the moment when the idea of re:focus partners came into existence. [05:27] Shalini shares what re:focus partners is and the work it takes on. [06:56] Does Shalini have a favorite project or a project she thinks was particularly innovative or successful? [09:20] Shalini discusses the progress of her favorite project and how it is being financed. [11:05] Shalini explains if the majority of RE.bound projects are in post-catastrophe situations. [16:24] Is there a catastrophe bond currently in place? [17:22] Shalini elaborates on the financial flow of the catastrophe bonds. [19:00] Shalini discusses the insurance policy transaction. [21:40] Has the insurance industry been receptive or supportive? [23:10] How does this work impact low-income communities? [27:48] Has re:focus developed any reports about the results of Hurricane Katrina? [28:55] Shalini shares where people can learn more about re:focus partners. [29:17] Shalini provides one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [29:52] Shalini states the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [30:35] Shalini shares what disaster preparedness and community resilience look like 30 years from now. GUEST/ORGANIZATIONShalini Vajjhala is the Founder and CEO of re:focus partners. Shalini has an interdisciplinary background with over a decade of experience in green design, engineering, economics, and policy. Before starting re:focus partners, Shalini served as Special Representative in the Office of Administrator Lisa Jackson at the US Environmental Protection Agency. In this position, she led the US-Brazil Joint Initiative on Urban Sustainability (JIUS) announced in March 2011 by Presidents Obama and Rousseff. The JIUS was a signature initiative of the June 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), demonstrating how environmental protection can serve as a driver for economic growth and job creation in building the greener economies and smarter cities of the future. Previously, Shalini served as Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of International & Tribal Affairs at the US EPA and as Deputy Associate Director for Energy and Climate at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. She joined the Obama Administration from Resources for the Future, where she was awarded a patent for her work on the Adaptation Atlas. Shalini received her Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy and B.Arch in Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University.
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“My work has taken a number of really interesting turns over the last few years, most of which look much more coherent in hindsight than I could have ever planned them out to be, but the common thread is actually working with communities on designing both policy systems and actual infrastructure services for the most vulnerable.” “A lot of environmental mandates are really difficult to comply with for cities that are really trying to do the right thing. So take, for example, a city like Philadelphia that was dealing with a failing stormwater system—the systems that are designed to manage sewers and storm flows—and Philly did something really creative: | |||||||
| 03 Nov 2016 | Moving Vulnerable Communities from Surviving to Thriving, Part 5 | 00:18:15 | |||||
Stay engaged with the social and environmental justice dialogues started at the 2016 National Funding and Resources Training Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities – Learn How HERE
TOPICTransitioning Out of a Toxic, Unsustainable Industry IN THIS EPISODE[02:09] An introduction to José T Bravo. [02:32] José describes the mission and goal of Just Transition Alliance. [03:40] What are the goals of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition and Californians for a Healthy & Green Economy (CHANGE)? [04:35] José explains what green chemistry is. [05:38] José tells why the gathering at the 2016 National Training & Resources Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities was significant. [06:29] José shares if measurable progress is being made in addressing the environmental and public-health challenges that vulnerable communities are facing. [07:33] Was there an avenue for the voice of impacted communities and workers to be a part of the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) reform process? [08:22] José explains the message he brought to the Summit, from his stakeholder perspective. [10:16] José states what he was hoping to accomplish when he co-lead at the Summit. [11:08] José shares about the consumer campaign that Just Transition Alliance is helping to lead. [13:32] José conveys why we should all be working toward addressing the disproportionate impact of pollution and health threats to vulnerable communities and workers. [14:35] José provides one change that would lead to safer, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [15:51] José states the action listeners can take to help build a more safe, equitable, and sustainable future. [16:29] José shares what chemical and toxic exposure looks like 30 years from now. GUEST/ORGANIZATIONJosé T Bravo is the Executive Director of the Just Transition Alliance. José is a leader in Californian and national chemicals policy reform work, and Green Chemistry as a member of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families and Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy (CHANGE). CHANGE is an alliance of health, environmental, labor, resource organizations and EJ organizations throughout California. Also, José is on the steering committee of the State Alliance for Federal Reform of Chemicals Policy (SAFER). SAFER is an alliance of organizations in key states working to create a pre-market testing system and regulation for all chemicals. José works directly with Environmental Justice (EJ) Communities and Labor (Organized and Unorganized). His work in social justice issues is rooted in his upbringing in the Southern California farm fields alongside both his parents. José has also worked on immigrant rights issues since his days as a student organizer in the 80s to the present. José has participated in the EJ movement since 1990 and over the years he has gained recognition as a national and international leader in the movement. José also serves on the board of Communities for a Better Environment. The Just Transition Alliance was founded in 1997 as a coalition of environmental justice and labor organizations. Together with frontline workers, and community members who live along the fence-line of polluting industries, the Just Transition Alliance creates healthy workplaces and communities. They focus on contaminated sites that should be cleaned up, and on the transition to clean production and sustainable economies. The Just Transition Alliance is a 501(c)3 organization based in San Diego, California. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“For the first time, we were able to go and talk about what a regional economy looks like, what a safe job should look... | |||||||
| 27 Oct 2016 | Moving Vulnerable Communities from Surviving to Thriving, Part 4 | 00:18:15 | |||||
Stay engaged with the social and environmental justice dialogues started at the 2016 National Funding and Resources Training Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities – Learn How HERE
TOPICWorker Training and Workforce Development IN THIS EPISODE[02:05] Introduction of Sharon Beard. GUEST/ORGANIZATION
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| 20 Oct 2016 | Moving Vulnerable Communities from Surviving to Thriving, Part 3 | 00:23:09 | |||||
Stay engaged with the social and environmental justice dialogues started at the 2016 National Funding and Resources Training Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities – Learn How HERE
TOPICThe Workforce Development Component IN THIS EPISODE[01:52] Introduction of Khalil Shahyd. [02:06] Khalil describes the Urban Solutions Program at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). [03:27] Khalil shares the purpose and goal of the 2016 National Training and Resources Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities. [04:12] Khalil answers the question of why workforce development is such an important component at the Summit. [05:59] Khalil identifies some of the sessions he’s developing for the Summit in the workforce development track. [07:21] Khalil expresses what he thinks of the workforce development that’s occurring now. [08:44] Khalil discusses how his hometown of New Orleans is doing in regard to the Summit’s theme of moving communities from surviving to thriving, after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. [13:17] Khalil tells how energy inequality presents itself. [15:30] Khalil explains the connection between the reality of energy inequality and workforce development. [16:48] Khalil talks about the importance for people from vulnerable communities to attend the Summit. [17:56] Khalil provides one change that would lead to energy equity and more sustainable urban communities. [19:21] Khalil states the action listeners can take to build a more equitable, energy-efficient, and sustainable future. [20:56] Khalil shares what urban communities look like 30 years from now. GUEST/ORGANIZATIONKhalil Shahyd, PhD is a Project Manager for the Urban Solutions Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Khalil’s work focuses on the Energy Efficiency for All Project, which aims to increase utility-funded energy efficiency programs in the affordable multifamily housing sector. He coordinates with NRDC’s affordable housing partners to advocate for efficiency investments in the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. As part of the LEED Neighborhood Development initiative, Shahyd also promotes the expansion of “green” communities in New Orleans. Prior to joining NRDC, he worked domestically and internationally in urban and rural community development and in economic and environmental justice organizing. He holds a master’s degree in sustainable international development from Brandeis University and is based in NRDC’s Washington, D.C. office. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“The Urban Solutions Program—we work, as the name suggests, with cities and municipalities to make cities, neighborhoods, communities, much more sustainable, walkable, and equitable. Our vision is working with cities where more than 70 percent of our population actually lives, also accounts for more than 70 percent of our carbon emissions that induce climate change, and so we feel that if we can tackle these issues at the urban scale then we can have a large impact in addressing climate change.” “As you all know, our cities are also one of the leading sources, or scales, or locations, that are driving our rising inequality, both nationally but also around the world. Much of the gap in wealth, gap in income, gap in affordability, that is happening across our nation is really concentrated in our cities most heavily. And so we feel that attacking climate change and inequality have to be paired together, they have to come in tandem, particularly as we see cities being the major driver of each of those.” “The goal of the Summit is really to…highlight what’s working in communities and to highlight those leaders at the local level that are actually driving that positive change and to be able to bring those... | |||||||
| 13 Oct 2016 | Moving Vulnerable Communities from Surviving to Thriving, Part 2 | 00:11:03 | |||||
Stay engaged with the social and environmental justice dialogues started at the 2016 National Funding and Resources Training Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities – Learn How HERE
TOPICOpportunities Through Alternative Energy IN THIS EPISODE[02:17] Introduction of Gilbert Campbell. [03:08] Gilbert describes Volt Energy. [04:29] Gilbert conveys his thoughts on the potential to create economic opportunities in the renewable-energy sector. [05:21] Gilbert relates why he’s involved in the 2016 National Training and Resources Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities. [06:31] Does Volt Energy’s business model address the seeming lack of focus on providing solar-power access to lower-income communities? [07:29] Gilbert shares if he thinks energy efficiency could be a strategy to reduce poverty and move communities from surviving to thriving. [08:06] Gilbert relates why it’s important for those who care about economic and environmental inequality to attend the Summit. [08:45] Gilbert provides one change that would lead to more energy-efficient, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [09:10] Gilbert states the action that listeners can take to help build a more energy-efficient, equitable, and sustainable future. [09:24] Gilbert shares how widespread solar and alternative energy will be and how widespread access will be for low- and moderate-income folks 30 years from now. GUESTGilbert Campbell is a co-founder of Volt Energy, a renewable energy project development firm that builds, operates, and maintains state-of-the-art solar energy systems for commercial, industrial, government and educational institutions. Gilbert was recently named to EBONY magazine’s 2014 Power List, which recognizes influential achievements by African Americans annually. Additionally, under Gilbert’s leadership, Volt Energy is largely recognized as an emerging national renewable energy development firm. Volt is a 2014 recipient of Amtrak and The Washington Wizards Pioneer Award, honoring companies that have made a positive impact in their community. Gilbert is a member of The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), an Advisor to the US Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy Initiative, and an Advisory Board Member of The Center for Energy Research and Technology at North Carolina A&T. Gilbert also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club and is on the Ambassador Board for KIPP DC. Gilbert graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.B.A in Finance from Howard University and has done post-graduate leadership training at Harvard University. ORGANIZATIONVolt Energy is one of the largest minority owned solar energy development firms that builds, operates, and maintains state-of the-art solar energy systems for commercial, industrial, government and educational institutions. Volt Energy offers its clients solar energy at significant savings through a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which requires no upfront costs. Volt Energy draws on the experience of its diverse project team of professionals in project finance, engineering, land use law, project management and business development to deliver quality solar solutions for its clients. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Volt Energy, at its core, is a renewable-energy firm, and we really focus on innovative finance solutions…where we can bring solar, with no upfront cost, or it could be electric-vehicle charging stations, or it could be a combination of energy storage, where we’re helping organizations reduce their energy load, carbon footprint.” “The solar industry…is growing twelve times faster than national economy. However, there’s room for improvement. When you look at... | |||||||
| 06 Oct 2016 | Moving Vulnerable Communities from Surviving to Thriving, Part 1 | 00:25:43 | |||||
Stay engaged with the social and environmental justice dialogues started at the 2016 National Funding and Resources Training Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities – Learn How HERE
TOPICStrengthening and Revitalizing Communities IN THIS EPISODE[01:47] Introduction of Mustafa Ali. [02:22] Mustafa explains the purpose of the 2016 National Funding and Resources Training Summit to Revitalize Vulnerable Communities. [03:25] Mustafa gives the dates and location of the Summit. [03:46] Mustafa tells who the primary audience is for this Summit. 04:22 Mustafa shares how listeners can learn more about the Summit.Interested in attending? Register HERE! [04:41] Is there an intent to do this Summit annually? [07:13] Is this a culminating event for this administration to lift up the many resources it has developed to support the revitalization of vulnerable communities? [08:20] What are the biggest unmet needs vulnerable communities and those living with environmental burdens face? [09:46] Mustafa talks about the change he has observed in the EPA’s approach to working with environmental justice and vulnerable communities. [11:53] Mustafa shares what kind of response he’s getting from the business community. [13:50] Mustafa addresses his viewpoint of the notion that community revitalization has become a focal point of EPA’s environmental justice efforts. [15:22] Mustafa describes the Environmental Justice 2020 Action Agenda. [17:32] Mustafa speaks to the intent of the Action Agenda of eliminating childhood lead poisoning, and ensuring everyone has access to safe drinking water. [18:37] Mustafa explains how the Summit relates to the Environmental Justice 2020 Action Agenda. 19:12 Mustafa again shares how listeners can learn more about the Summit. Register HERE! [19:48] Mustafa gives his idea of what the outcome will be if the Summit is successful. [22:19] Mustafa shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable and less vulnerable communities. [22:47] Mustafa expresses the action listeners can take to be supportive of the goals of the Summit. [23:57] Mustafa states what environmental justice communities look like 30 years from now. GUEST/ORGANIZATIONMustafa Ali has been a national speaker, trainer and facilitator on social and environmental justice issues for the past 17 years. During that time, Mustafa has worked with communities on both the domestic and international front to secure environmental, health, and economic justice. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“It’s pretty simple. It’s actually just a few words is what the real meaning, the foundation and goal and vision for this [the Summit] is, and that’s moving vulnerable communities from surviving to thriving, which is really grounded in the environmental justice movement, the social justice movement, civil rights, sort of the economic justice movement. All those various movements are all pointing in a similar direction, and it’s about strengthening and revitalizing communities, giving voice to the visions and the opportunities that exist in our most vulnerable communities.” “When we say ‘vulnerable communities,’ we are talking about low-income communities, we’re talking about... | |||||||
| 29 Sep 2016 | Cap and Trade, Where Do We Go From Here? – Climate Adaptation Series, Part 4 | 00:27:11 | |||||
New to this series? Catch up, starting with Part 1 of our Climate Adaptation Series HERE.
TOPICBuilding Support and Communication IN THIS EPISODE[01:57] Steve answers the question of how to build a support and communication network for the cap and trade program and other programs to fight climate change. [05:30] Kate describes if the environmental justice community is a group that needs to be brought on board to continue support for cap and trade. [06:52] Jonathan speaks to the involvement of the environmental justice community to support cap and trade. [08:08] Steve talks about the reduction of emissions in markets. [09:49] Steve discusses communities that are exposed to pollution and how this impacts life expectancies. [11:02] Jonathan weighs in on the discussion of pollution. [16:07] Steve joins in on the topic of pollution. [17:26] Jonathan talks about the image of the climate movement and the largest factor of pollution. [19:17] Steve adds to the topic of pollution. [19:33] Jonathan speaks to getting a new brand for fighting climate change. [19:56] Kate mentions a branding campaign to communicate the need for change. [21:28] Mike mentions the need for rethinking how communities and cities are built. [22:05] Jonathan identifies the biggest leverage point that would make a difference in climate impacts. [23:21] Steve identifies the biggest leverage point that would make a difference in climate impacts. GUESTSKate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
Jonathan Parfrey is the Executive Director and Founder of Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while making Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring people at home, at work, and in government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, as well as prepare for climate change impacts.
Steve Frisch is President of Sierra Business Council and one of its founding members. Over the last 20 years, Sierra Business Council has leveraged more than $100 million of investment in the Sierra Nevada and its communities through community and public-private partnerships. Sierra Business Council also manages the Sierra Small Business Development Center focusing on advancing sustainable business practices and linking new and expanding businesses to climate mitigation and adaptation funding. ORGANIZATIONSFor over 35 years LGC has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. Together they are advancing transformative policies and implementing innovative solutions for... | |||||||
| 22 Sep 2016 | Cap and Trade, Where Do We Go From Here? – Climate Adaptation Series, Part 3 | 00:18:56 | |||||
New to this series? Catch up, starting with Part 1 of our Climate Adaptation Series HERE.
TOPICFinding Equity Around Funding and Financing IN THIS EPISODE[02:15] Jonathan tells about the dynamic in Maryland, where the worst impacts are being felt by people who are not politically powerful. [05:43] Steve tells how he’s bringing the vulnerable populations into addressing climate-change resilience. [10:50] Steve describes if he’s been able to utilize funding in a way that addresses resiliency at the community level. [14:14] Jonathan weighs in on the subject of cool roofs. GUESTSKate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
Jonathan Parfrey is the Executive Director and Founder of Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while making Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring people at home, at work, and in government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, as well as prepare for climate change impacts.
Steve Frisch is President of Sierra Business Council and one of its founding members. Over the last 20 years, Sierra Business Council has leveraged more than $100 million of investment in the Sierra Nevada and its communities through community and public-private partnerships. Sierra Business Council also manages the Sierra Small Business Development Center focusing on advancing sustainable business practices and linking new and expanding businesses to climate mitigation and adaptation funding. ORGANIZATIONSFor over 35 years LGC has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. Together they are advancing transformative policies and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable communities. LGC works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions. With roots in California and a national reputation, LGC offers inspiration, information, and partnership for local and regional champions dedicated to building thriving communities that integrate civic engagement with environmental, social and economic priorities. Climate Resolve is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating real, practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while building a better city for Angelenos. Their mission is to make Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring... | |||||||
| 04 Feb 2016 | Environmental Justice and Smart Growth | 00:35:46 | |||||
TOPICIncorporating Environmental and Economic Justice and Equitable Development IN THIS EPISODE[02:28] Introduction of Mustafa Ali. [02:52] Introduction of Carlton Eley. [03:23] What brings Mustafa and Carlton to their work and what motivates them to work on issues of equity, environmental justice, and community revitalization? [08:53] How would Mustafa and Carlton assess the progress made by the Smart Growth movement over the past 15 yrs? [12:58] Carlton explains why his focus of embedding the principles of environmental justice into the planning process resonates with him. [17:52] Have we exhausted the equitable development discussion? [25:01] If you could implement one change or pick one leverage point that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities, what would it be? [27:45] Carlton explains what someone could do to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [30:27] Mustafa explains whether you can achieve sustainability without achieving social justice. [32:11] Mustafa and Carlton explain what the world looks like thirty years from now, if they are successful in the work that they are currently doing. GUESTSMustafa Ali has been a national speaker, trainer and facilitator on social and environmental justice issues for the past 17 years. During that time, Mustafa has worked with communities on both the domestic and international front to secure environmental, health, and economic justice. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization.
Carlton Eley is an environmentalist, urban planner, and lecturer. While working to normalize environmental justice during the planning process, he has become an accomplished expert on the topic of equitable development in the public sector. He currently serves as Senior Environmental Protection Specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ORGANIZATIONThe mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the environment. Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. EPA’s environmental justice mandate extends to all of the Agency’s work, including setting standards, permitting facilities, awarding grants, issuing licenses and regulations and reviewing proposed actions by the federal agencies. EPA works with all stakeholders to constructively and collaboratively address environmental and public health issues and concerns. The Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) coordinates the Agency’s efforts to integrate environmental justice into all policies, programs, and activities. OEJ’s mission is to facilitate Agency efforts to protect environment and public health in minority, low-income, tribal and other vulnerable communities by integrating environmental justice in all programs, policies, and activities. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“No one should be creating activities, programs, policy without there being a strong voice from the communities of those folks who are not only being impacted by the choices that are being made but also can be strongly benefitted and can actually help to move their communities to a much... | |||||||
| 01 Sep 2016 | Water Resiliency in the Inland Empire-CivicSpark Fellows | 00:19:52 | |||||
TOPICWater Conservation with Inland Empire Utilities Agency and Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority IN THIS EPISODE[01:39] Introduction of Arya Moalemi. [02:25] Arya describes the CivicSpark program. [02:47] Arya tells about working on water issues in Southern California. [03:24] How much acreage is within the Inland Empire? [03:54] Arya elaborates on his work addressing water issues in Southern California. [05:35] Arya explains the challenge of Southern California drying out. [06:17] Arya shares the goal of the agencies he’s working with. [06:39] What does the future of water in Southern California look like? [07:40] Arya describes the impact of his work. [09:52] Arya shares when he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [11:21] Arya tells if he anticipates having an ongoing, networking relationship with the other CivicSpark fellows. [12:39] Arya explains what he’ll be doing after his CivicSpark fellowship ends. [13:11] Arya describes if his CivicSpark skills will make him a stronger job candidate and better professional. [14:01] Arya describes if his CivicSpark experience will make him a stronger job candidate. [14:36] Arya shares the advice he would give to someone who is interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [15:12] Arya comments on the focus group of CivicSpark fellows looking at water issues and water infrastructure. [15:43] Arya shares where people can learn more about the CivicSpark program. [16:12] Arya shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [16:24] Arya states the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [17:11] Arya comments on the fact that there’s a demand and not enough supply of walkable places where people can live. [18:16] Arya says what the water-system resilience in Southern California looks like 30 years from now. GUESTBefore earning his masters’ degree in City Planning and Regeneration at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, Arya Moalemi went to the University of California, Irvine and received his degree in International Studies. He has lived in Le Mans and Lyon, France and has since lived in Montreal, Canada. He is passionate about the field of urban planning. ORGANIZATION
Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“With IEUA [Inland Empire Utilities Agency], for example, I really appreciate how they have a really strong goal—and it’s the same as SAWPA [Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority] as well—of trying to be as self-sufficient as possible. And so that is putting a huge emphasis on groundwater storage and groundwater management as much as they possibly can because... | |||||||
| 25 Aug 2016 | Urban Heat Island and Public Health in LA County – CivicSpark Fellows | 00:21:47 | |||||
TOPICAddressing Climate Change at the Los Angeles County Health Department IN THIS EPISODE[01:26] Introduction of Sergio Avelar and Teresa Perez. [02:06] Teresa gives a description of the CivicSpark program. [02:41] Have the CivicSpark fellows just graduated from college, with a bachelor’s degree? [02:56] Sergio describes the projects he’s been working on. [04:08] Sergio explains what a cool roof is. [04:29] Sergio tells how to make a cool roof. [05:07] Teresa describes the project she’s been working on. [05:51] Teresa gives an example of how the public health impacts of climate change can be reduced. [06:26] Are there health impacts of climate change that are more long term or more chronic? [07:21] Teresa tells about the impact she hopes her work makes. [08:05] Sergio shares the impact he hopes his work makes. [09:31] Sergio describes the collaboration between the City of L.A. and the partner organizations to work on projects. [10:57] Teresa tells about the moment when she decided she wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [11:35] Sergio tells about the moment when he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [12:40] Are there a lot of people applying to be CivicSpark fellows? [13:18] Teresa shares what she expects to do after she completes her fellowship. [14:05] Sergio explains what he expects to do after he completes his fellowship. [15:05] Teresa describes how the CivicSpark-fellow experience impacted her and how it will serve her in the future. [15:52] Sergio describes how the CivicSpark-fellow experience impacted him and how it will serve him in the future. [17:13] Teresa shares the advice she’d give to anyone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [17:46] Sergio shares the advice he’d give to someone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [18:43] Teresa tells where people can go to learn more about the CivicSpark program. [19:04] Teresa and Sergio share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [19:38] Teresa and Sergio tell the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [20:10] Sergio and Teresa share what Los Angeles County Health Department’s efforts to address climate change look like 30 years from now. GUESTSSergio Avelar is from Los Angeles, CA and has experience working in education, local government, and sustainability. He graduated from the graduating from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies.
Teresa Perez is from Whittier, California and graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy. She is passionate about educating the community in what it means to be sustainable and why it is important to live with an environmentally conscious mind. She is eager to learn about the dynamics in the public sector and how to work with a large number of people to create positive and effective change. ORGANIZATION
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| 18 Aug 2016 | Climate Justice as an Encore Career | 00:24:28 | |||||
TOPICEnvironmental Justice, Equity, and Livability in California IN THIS EPISODE[01:52] Introduction of Cyrus Keller. [02:31] Cyrus shares how working with CivicSpark compares with other job positions he has held. [03:29] Cyrus explains his role in the CivicSpark program. [04:44] Cyrus tells what excites him the most about the CivicSpark program. [07:22] Cyrus describes the impact the CivicSpark program is having. [08:45] Cyrus shares his thoughts on the values and work ethic of millennials. [09:47] Cyrus explains a project that exemplifies the value CivicSpark creates. [10:56] Cyrus shares how the program impacts the fellows and the communities that they’re working in. [12:14] Cyrus describes the types of projects being worked on in Northern California. [16:38] Cyrus discusses the ethos of sustainability, equity, and livability in the Bay Area. [20:57] Cyrus shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [21:13] Cyrus tells the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [21:36] Cyrus shares what the Bay Area and California will look like 30 years from now. GUESTCyrus Keller is a career professional and social activist. He has over thirty years of combined experience in aerospace, technology and software, and education. His professional experience includes working with both the public and private sectors, enterprise customers, federal, state, and local government agencies, and managing global and virtual teams in a number of settings from start ups to Fortune 50 corporations. Combined with a lifetime of engagement in a wide range of community, social, and international issues, he brings a unique insight to the process of social change, activism, and organizing, as well as a wealth of managerial and training experience, to the CivicSpark and Encore programs. ORGANIZATIONCivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. CivicSpark also includes retired professionals who share their project management expertise with the next generation. Encore Fellows serve as regional coordinators, providing day-to-day guidance for CivicSpark fellows and also act as project managers for the teams. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“I think more than 50 percent of the program [CivicSpark] this year are women, and of the fellows that I am working with, there are three that are men and four that are women, and that’s unusual for me. In most of my career, men have dominated the space…But it’s unusual for me in more the science and technical fields that I’ve had experience in to find that many women. So that’s really a sort of a refreshing and rewarding change, that many women in this program.” “I think probably the most exciting thing for me was the coming to the realization that a lot of the community organizing I did actually does fall | |||||||
| 11 Aug 2016 | Regional Sustainability Indicators in Southern California – CivicSpark Fellows | 00:25:43 | |||||
TOPICSupporting the Development of Sustainable Practices IN THIS EPISODE[01:45] Introduction of Mackenzie Bolger. [02:16] Introduction of Mike Kloha. [02:45] Introduction of Bree Swenson. [03:20] What is the sustainability indicators project? [03:57] Mike Kloha gives more details of the project. [04:59] How many people are involved in this project? [05:47] What kind of project report will be issued? [07:19] When the project is complete, how will people access the information? [08:48] What impact are Bree, Mackenzie, and Mike hoping to see from the work they’re doing as CivicSpark fellows? [10:02] Could this work produce healthy competition between municipalities? [10:41] Mackenzie, Bree, and Mike share when they decided they wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [12:41] Bree, Mike, and Mackenzie describe how they feel about the ability to have a significant impact on issues of sustainability and climate change. [16:28] Could municipal governments have a significant impact on sustainability if the right set of resources were in place? [17:32] Bree shares what’s next for her in her career and how the CivicSpark experience impacted her. [18:18] Mackenzie describes what’s next for her in her career and how the CivicSpark experience impacted her. [19:13] Mike explains what’s next for him in his career and how the CivicSpark experience impacted him. [21:00] What advice would be given to anyone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow? [22:34] Where can people find out more about the CivicSpark program? [23:04] What is one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities? [23:23] What action can listeners take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future? [23:58] What will Southern California communities look like 30 years from now? GUESTSMike Kloha is from San Diego and is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a degree in Environmental Policy and a minor in Urban Planning. He is a former NCAA athlete in cross country and track. Mike developed a great interest for sustainable urban planning, and has also worked in local government for over a year. He hopes to learn more about the sustainability needs of Los Angeles and to actively be a part of addressing those needs throughout the region.
Mackenzie Bolger is a 2015-2016 CivicSpark Americorps Fellow located in Los Angeles, California. In 2015, she graduated with honors from Arizona State University’s School of Social Transformation with a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies and a minor in Sustainability. She is committed to transforming Southern California into a socially just, environmentally healthy, and economically vital region that will model sustainability for the rest of the world.
A Southern California native, Bree Swenson graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in Anthropology and a focus on Global Health and Environment. She has worked on distributed energy policy, energy efficiency, and land use policy in St. Louis, DC, and Los Angeles and hopes to use her passion for environmental sustainability to continue this work in her hometown. ORGANIZATION
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| 04 Aug 2016 | Civil Rights and Access to Recreation and Open Space | 00:35:02 | |||||
TOPICAdvancing Racial, Social, and Environmental Equality IN THIS EPISODE[01:23] Introduction of Robert Garcia. [02:30] Robert explains when he realized fighting for civil rights would be his life’s work. [04:00] Robert describes the victory of the Bus Riders Union versus the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. [06:15] Robert shares why Title VI of the Civil Rights Act is an important tool in the battle for environmental justice. [10:47] If those who receive federal funding violate the agreement of Title VI, what can the federal government do? [14:43] Robert explains why The City Project is focused on equal access to natural resources. [19:23] Robert discusses his efforts to restore the Los Angeles River. [23:30] Robert shares what it was like for The City Project to be involved in creating new national monuments. [27:10] How will the communities with newly restored natural areas benefit from the investment and the restoration and not become displaced? [31:56] Robert shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [32:23] Robert describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [32:42] Robert explains what California, our national parks, and our natural resources and monuments look like 30 years from now. GUESTRobert García is a civil rights attorney who engages, educates, and empowers communities to seek equal access to public and natural resources. He is the Founding Director and Counsel of The City Project, a non-profit legal and policy advocacy organization in Los Angeles, California. Robert graduated from Stanford University and Stanford Law School and is an Assistant Professor at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Robert has extensive experience in public policy, legal advocacy, mediation, and litigation involving complex social justice, civil rights, human health, environmental, education, and criminal justice matters. He has influenced the investment of over $43 billion in underserved communities, working at the intersection of equal justice, public health, and the built environment. He served as chairman of the Citizens’ School Bond Oversight Committee for five years, helping raise over $27 billion to build new, and modernize existing, public schools as centers of their communities in Los Angeles. He has helped communities create and preserve great urban parks and preserve access to beaches and trails. He has helped diversify support for and access to state resource bonds, with unprecedented levels of support among communities of color and low-income communities, and billions of dollars for urban parks. He served on the Development Team for the National Park Service Healthy Parks, Healthy People Community Engagement eGuide. Robert served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund. He received the President’s Award from the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice for helping release Geronimo Pratt, the former Black Panther leader, from prison after 27 years for a crime he did not commit. He represented people on Death Row in Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. Stanford Law School called him a “civil rights giant” and Stanford Magazine “an inspiration.” Robert served on the Justice and Peace Commission for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under Cardinal Roger Mahony. He is an immigrant who came to the U.S. from Guatemala at age four. ORGANIZATIONThe City Project, a non-profit legal and policy advocacy team in Los Angeles, California. The City... | |||||||
| 28 Jul 2016 | A Carbon-Neutral Santa Monica by 2050—CivicSpark Fellows | 00:25:43 | |||||
TOPICThe Experience and Work of the CivicSpark Fellowship Program IN THIS EPISODE[01:44] Introduction of Mikael Matossian. GUESTMikael Matossian is a 2015-2016 CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellow in the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment, working on various climate action and energy initiatives. Mikael graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2015 with his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in energy systems at Carnegie Mellon University. His main research interests include the introduction of energy efficiency practices and renewable energy technologies in the Republic of Armenia. ORGANIZATION
Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training.
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TOPICForests and Our Water Supply IN THIS EPISODE[02:19] Introduction of Laurie A. Wayburn. [02:39] Laurie shares when she realized forest and natural-resource conservation would be her life’s work. [04:28] Laurie elaborates on what she means by “wealth” in her quote, “Nature is central to our emotional, physical, and spiritual wealth and well-being…Nature is where our wealth comes from.” [06:23] Laurie describes the Pacific Forest Trust and what their mission is. [08:35] Laurie shares the extent of the drought and water crisis western states are facing and if there is a connection between the drought and frequent wildfires. [12:12] Laurie confirms the accurate description of California’s water availability and population. [12:29] Are there regional inequities in terms of accessing available fresh water sources in California, and are there really water wars happening in the West? [14:25] What are the challenges in California of preserving the relationship with those with the water supply? What is being done to preserve that relationship? [17:17] Laurie explains what could be done for the landowners in order to compensate them in a way that would preserve the water supply. [20:34] Laurie addresses the EPA’s waters of the United States rule of which water bodies, including wetlands, need to be protected. [23:17] Why is the concept of a water fee or tax—which could accumulate into a very large fund—so controversial? [27:22] Laurie shares where people can learn more about her work. [28:03] Laurie shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [28:22] Laurie describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [28:36] Laurie explains what the forests in California look like 30 years from now. GUESTLaurie A. Wayburn is the Co-founder, Co-CEO and President of the Pacific Forest Trust. Ms. Wayburn is an accomplished forest and conservation innovator who advises policymakers at the state, regional, national, and international levels. She pioneers new approaches to develop sustainable resource economies using her deep experience in the fields of conservation, ecosystem services, and sustainability. A preeminent authority on the climate and ecosystem benefits of forests, she leads efforts enacting climate change policies that unite conservation and sustainable management with market-based approaches. She has received several highly prestigious honors bestowed for her leadership and is a frequent speaker, writer, and media commentator on working forest conservation. Prior to co-founding Pacific Forest Trust with Constance Best in 1993, Ms. Wayburn worked internationally for 10 years in the United Nations Environment Program and Ecological Sciences Division of UNESCO. She later served as Executive Director of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and was the Founder and first Coordinator of the Central California Coast Biosphere Reserve. Ms. Wayburn is a graduate of Harvard University and currently serves on the Northwest BioCarbon Initiative Steering Committee, the American Forest Policy Steering Committee, and the Land Trust Alliance Advisory Council. ORGANIZATION
For more than 20 years, Pacific Forest Trust has epitomized innovation, daring, and a savvy understanding of market forces to create new economic incentives that reward private forest owners for conserving their lands and practicing sustainable forestry. They are a visionary think-and-do tank of scientists,... | |||||||
| 14 Jul 2016 | CivicSpark Fellows—Making the Central Valley More Sustainable | 00:22:11 | |||||
TOPICBringing New Economic Opportunities to Disadvantaged Communities IN THIS EPISODE[02:04] Introduction of Trevor Wilson and Mitchelle De Leon. [03:05] Trevor and Mitchelle share what the CivicSpark AmeriCorps program is all about. [04:13] Mitchelle shares the moment he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [05:10] Trevor shares the moment he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [06:08] Trevor describes the application process. [07:27] Mitchelle explains his application experience. [07:41] Trevor describes his experience of what it’s like to be in the program. [09:13] Mitchelle shares his experience of being in the program. [10:37] Mitchelle explains the project he’s working on. [11:51] Trevor shares the project he’s working on. [12:53] Mitchelle and Trevor tell what’s next for each of them. [14:28] Trevor and Mitchelle describe how the CivicSpark experience has impacted them and how it will serve them in the future. [16:40] Trevor and Mitchelle share the advice they would give to someone who is interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [18:57] Mitchelle and Trevor share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [19:59] Trevor and Mitchelle describe the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [20:53] Trevor and Mitchelle explain what California-San Joaquin Valley looks like 30 years from now. GUESTSMitchelle De Leon recently graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a concentration in Finance. During college, he engaged his fellow students on environmental justice issues in Kern County. He aspires to work on policies on state and federal levels, ensuring fair and equitable solutions to climate change. In 2016, he plans to start a nonprofit organization focused on building youth leaders’ capacity to address climate change
Trevor Wilson grew up in the middle of Michigan and moved on to Michigan State University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. He focused on renewable energy policy and sustainability. Trevor’s senior thesis paper was on Germany’s energy transition to renewables, leading him to a summer internship with an environmental protection organization in Berlin, Germany. ORGANIZATION
Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Fellows complete eleven months of service, working on a variety of climate-change-related projects, from developing climate action plans, increasing electric-vehicle... | |||||||
| 07 Jul 2016 | Businesses Acting on Rising Seas | 00:27:55 | |||||
TOPIC Small Businesses, Climate Change, and Preparedness IN THIS EPISODE[02:37] Introduction of Michael Green. [03:09] Michael explains what the Climate Action Business Association (CABA) is and what its mission is. [03:51] Michael shares how the organization got started and how long it’s been around. [05:35] How long has Michael been working at CABA? [05:48] Michael describes how he personally came to this work. [08:11] Michael shares a basic summary of what CABA does and how it serves businesses. [11:11] Michael explains what the Businesses Acting on Rising Seas (BARS) initiative is. [14:55] Is there a threat of rising seas or flooding to the businesses in the Massachusetts area? [16:20] How is it that GE is moving into a place where they’re at risk of sea rising? [18:11] Michael explains how CABA’s guide helps businesses outline an approach to decrease the risk of going out of business due to consequences of climate change. [20:47] Michael shares where people can learn more about CABA and BARS. [21:33] Are there resources on the website that will help small businesses learn what kind of steps they need to take to be resilient against climate change? [22:18] Michael shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [23:01] Michael describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [24:05] Michael explains what Massachusetts looks like 30 years from now. GUESTMichael Green is the Executive Director of the Climate Action Business Association (CABA). He came to CABA as a seasoned advocate for climate policy and environmental action. Since 2012, he has served as a representative to the United Nations focusing on international climate science and policy. As an activist, he has played strategic roles in several of the largest national, as well as international, campaigns dedicated to fighting climate change. In his role at CABA, Michael manages staff and oversees the development of all program areas. He sits on the Board of Boston area non-profits as well as a policy advisor to national business associations on topics ranging from energy policy to climate adaptation. Michael is a Northeastern University graduate with degrees in international affairs and environmental studies, course work at the University of Edinbrough’s MSc Program in Environmental Protection and Management, and Harvard Business School’s CORe Program. ORGANIZATIONCABA’s mission is to help solve the climate crisis by organizing local business leaders to be more effective advocates for climate change action within our communities, at the business, and at local, state, regional, national and international levels. CABA envisions a new economy based on a strong, cooperative local business community, working together to create and maintain a resilient and sustainable future that is responding to climate change, with business leaders helping to achieve collective agreements at all levels of governance. CABA provides participating businesses with the resources and tools needed to work within the business on climate change and sustainability efforts, and within the coalition on broader policy initiatives. The coalition members set policy priorities, and create opportunities for business owners to leverage voice in policy. CABA welcomes all independent businesses looking to be effective policy advocates and offer resources to this collective effort. CABA’s work focuses on 3 main areas: internal sustainability, political advocacy, and building community. CABA’s summer campaign is called Businesses Acting on Rising Seas (BARS). For eight weeks, the CABA team will educate local businesses across the state of Massachusetts about the impacts of rising sea levels. CABA will engage into face-to-face conversations with business... | |||||||
| 30 Jun 2016 | Mobility and the Sharing Economy | 00:24:13 | |||||
TOPICThe Shared-Use Strategy of Transportation IN THIS EPISODE[02:33] Introduction of Susan Shaheen. [02:56] Susan explains what shared-mobility services are. [03:46] Susan describes the societal and individual benefits of shared-mobility services. [05:48] Susan shares if car-sharing services are being universally accessed or if they are more concentrated in certain areas. [07:10] Is anyone currently making car-sharing services available to other parts of the population? [07:42] How is the Zipcar model—individuals sharing a car—expanding, and what is the market acceptance? [10:38] Susan shares the benefits of shared-mobility services to municipalities and society. [12:34] Are these shared-mobility services putting cab companies and their drivers out of business, and is there any data about these services driving down wages for those drivers? [14:35] Are all communities being served by shared-mobility services? [16:30] Are shared-mobility services impacting the need for public transportation, as well as the investments that would result in the reduction of vehicle-miles traveled? [20:29] Susan shares where people can learn more about her work. [21:31] Susan shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [22:17] Susan describes the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [22:34] Susan explains what our communities look like 30 years from now. GUESTSusan’s interest in environmentally- and socially-beneficial technology applications led her to focus her doctoral research on carsharing, linked to public transit in the mid-1990s. Today, she is an internationally recognized expert in mobility and the sharing economy and co-directs the Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC) of the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California (UC), Berkeley. She is also an adjunct professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley. She has authored 57 journal articles, over 100 reports and proceedings articles, four book chapters, and co-edited one book. Her research projects on carsharing, smart parking, and older mobility have received national awards. ORGANIZATIONThe Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC) was formed in 2006 to combine the research forces of six campus groups at UC Berkeley: the University of California Transportation Center, the University of California Energy Institute, the Institute of Transportation Studies, the Energy and Resources Group, the Center for Global Metropolitan Studies, and the Berkeley Institute of the Environment. Since TSRC was founded, it has been a leading center in conducting timely research on real-world solutions for a more sustainable transportation future. In addition to performing research informed by a diverse array of perspectives, TSRC also engages in education and outreach to promote its core values of sustainability and equity, to ensure that we are able to meet the transportation needs of the present without compromising future generations.
TSRC uses a wide range of analysis and evaluation tools, including questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, automated data collection systems, and simulation models to collect data and perform analysis and interpretation of the data. The center then develops impartial... | |||||||
| 23 Jun 2016 | Power of Small—A Housing Revolution | 00:28:04 | |||||
TOPICThe Multi-Generational Housing Model Movement IN THIS EPISODE[02:49] Introduction of Rachel Ginis. [03:30] Rachel describes what an accessory dwelling unit is. [04:05] Rachel explains how she become an advocate and champion of accessory dwelling units. [06:51] Rachel shares the benefits for individuals who create accessory dwelling units. [08:52] Is the multi-generational housing form a good thing in society? [10:30] Rachel describes the obstacles that are involved with this model. [13:07] Rachel explains the regulatory environment surrounding accessory dwelling units. [19:47] Rachel talks about the rise in the cost of housing and creating affordable communities. [23:28] Rachel shares how people can learn more about her work. [24:26] Rachel explains what people can do to introduce accessory dwelling units in their communities. [26:15] Rachel shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [26:31] Rachel describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [26:44] Rachel explains what communities look like 30 years from now. GUESTRachel F. Ginis is the Executive Director of Lilypad Homes. Rachel held on to her home as a single working mom by temporarily turning the master bedroom into a lovely junior apartment. That experience led her to develop an innovative model for flexible housing and to successfully advocate for its adoption in California. Rachel is a third-generation designer, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. She received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Maryland where she studied housing patterns as a reflection and influencer of society. She has been in high-end residential design for over twenty years, is a LEED accredited designer, and a general contractor. Rachel has a passion for small, efficient spaces and believes the home plays a critical role in financial and personal well-being. ORGANIZATIONLilypad Homes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating flexible housing that offers more affordable housing options for homeowners and renters. We do this by supporting and facilitating the creation of second units or in-law apartments that meet individual homeowner needs. Lilypad offers services to help homeowners assess their home’s suitability for a second unit, and to assist them through the financing, design, permitting, and construction process. Lilypad Homes was created for many reasons: to provide much-needed housing, to make homeownership more affordable, to house loved ones, caregivers and people who work in the community, and to create Rachel created Lilypad to empower other women going through... | |||||||
| 16 Jun 2016 | “The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America’s Prosperity, Security, and Sustainability in the 21st Century” | 00:35:41 | |||||
TOPICAddressing the Economy, Climate Change, and the Challenge of Global Unsustainability IN THIS EPISODE[01:39] Introduction of Joel Makower. [01:56] Introduction of Mark Mykleby. [02:29] Where can listeners buy a copy of the book, “The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America’s Prosperity, Security, and Sustainability in the 21st Century”? [03:22] What is grand strategy, and have we had grand strategies in the past? [05:38] Why did we stop using grand strategy? [07:25] Is the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after World War II considered one of the grand strategies? [08:23] Why was the Pentagon interested in a new grand strategy? [09:57] Why wasn’t the plan embraced by the Pentagon or the Obama administration? [11:24] What are the three pools of pent-up demand currently seen in our society, and how will tapping into them make us safer? [16:28] What would need to happen to tap into these three pools of demand? [21:44] How do we move forward in getting this grand strategic plan in place? Are there people who could drive this within the business community that would then drive the politics in Washington to be more supportive? [27:09] How could a grand strategy affect the conversation about climate change? [30:45] How would a grand strategy address the growing income inequality and lack of social mobility? How does this help the working class and disenfranchised communities of color? GUESTSJoel Makower is chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group, Inc., a media and events company focusing at the intersection of sustainable business and clean technology. He also serves as a senior fellow at the Strategic Innovation Lab at Case Western Reserve University. A former nationally syndicated columnist, Makower is author of more than a dozen other books, among the earliest books on corporate environmental responsibility and corporate social responsibility. In 2012, he was awarded the Hutchens Medal by the American Society for Quality, which cited “his ability to tell compelling stories that both inform and inspire business leaders toward profitable action.” In 2014, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Institute of Sustainability Professionals. The Associated Press has called him “The guru of green business practices.” Mark Mykleby is a founder and co-director of the Strategic Innovation Lab at Case Western Reserve University. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987. Designated as a qualified F/A-18 pilot in December 1990, he served in five fleet fighter squadrons from 1991 to 2006. In 2007, Mykleby was assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command, where he developed strategy for the Special Operations Forces. From 2009 until 2011, he served as a special strategic assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that capacity, he coauthored with Navy Captain Wayne Porter A National Strategic Narrative, a concept and vision for a 21st century grand strategy for the nation. Mykleby retired from the Marine Corps in 2011. From 2011 until 2014, he served as a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, working alongside Patrick Doherty to develop the framework for a new U.S. grand strategy. ABOUT THE BOOK
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| 09 Jun 2016 | Using Nature to Combat Climate Change—The Nature Conservancy | 00:20:17 | |||||
TOPICEnhancing Resilience of Human and Natural Communities IN THIS EPISODE[01:27] Introduction of Louis Blumberg. [01:57] Louis describes the moment when he realized combating climate change would become the focus of his career. [03:29] Louis explains what ecosystem services are. [04:37] What are some of the other natural solutions to climate change? [05:26] Louis describes the comprehensive suite of natural climate-change solutions he’s working on. [06:28] How do these natural climate-change solutions impact low-income, people-of-color, and indigenous communities? [07:29] Does working with the people in other countries translate to low-income, people-of-color, indigenous communities in California and on the West Coast? [08:20] Are there any leading-edge innovators or implementers when it comes to natural climate-change tools? [09:52] Is there anybody in the private sector supporting your work? [11:21] Louis explains the three-prong approach of using nature to address climate change. [12:41] Are there any large-scale projects using nature to actually restore carbon? [14:10] Is the decrease in forest cover an international issue or a domestic issue? [15:01] Are urban forestation programs going to make a significant difference, or should we be focused on larger international projects to reforest large areas? [16:38] How can people learn more about your work and support it? [17:16] Louis shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [18:22] Louis describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [18:48] Louis explains what California and the West Coast look like 30 years from now. GUESTLouis Blumberg, is the Director of the California Climate Change Program of the Nature Conservancy’s California Chapter where he leads a multidisciplinary team developing a comprehensive suite of natural climate solutions including strategies to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions from forest and other natural lands, and to enhance resilience of human and natural communities from the escalating impacts of climate change. ORGANIZATIONThe Nature Conservancy – protecting nature, for people today and future generations. Founded in 1951, the Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization. The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives. The Forests 4 Climate Network consists of several nonprofit organizations working together to fight one of the world’s worst climate change problems: deforestation. Through tropical forest credits, these organizations believe jurisdictions across the world can limit greenhouse gas emissions by saving and restoring forests. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“We see that nature is a very powerful tool to address climate change; and by using nature, you often are able to accomplish—make progress, at least—in all three key strategies; and those are (1) reducing or avoiding the emissions of greenhouse gas; (2) restoring carbon to the earth; and (3) reducing climate-magnified risk and enhancing resilience of both human and natural communities.” “In California, there are two Native American tribes. Both of those tribes have been able to produce forest carbon credits and sell them on the market, and…they’re using the revenue to buy back adjacent cutover timber land that was part of their ancestral land base. This is a great way to protect and restore their cultural heritage while protecting the environment and fighting climate... | |||||||
| 02 Jun 2016 | Race, Ethnicity, and Urban Land Use Decision-Baltimore Ecosystem Study | 00:27:10 | |||||
TOPICHistory of an Unlevel Playing Field IN THIS EPISODE[01:41] Introduction of Morgan Grove. [02:05] Morgan explains what the Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) is. [03:13] Who is participating in the Baltimore Ecosystem Study? [04:07] Morgan shares what his role is on the BES team. [05:06] Morgan describes some of the sub-projects he’s working on. [07:40] Morgan shares the connections between economic and social inequality and diminished access to nature. [15:20] Morgan talks about health disparities and other quality-of-life indicators. [17:42] What have been the most unexpected findings from the BES so far? [19:36] Morgan explains how we can overcome the misunderstanding of white people to the persistence of the disempowerment of African Americans throughout history. [23:35] Morgan shares where to learn more about the BES. [24:27] Morgan shares where to find his book, “The Baltimore School of Urban Ecology.” [24:58] Morgan shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [25:12] Morgan describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [25:49] Morgan explains what Baltimore city and the Chesapeake Bay looks like 30 years from now. GUESTMorgan Grove is a social scientist and Team Leader for the USDA Forest Service’s Baltimore Urban Field Station. Morgan has worked in Baltimore since 1989, with the Forest Service since 1996, and has been a Co-Principal Investigator in the Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) since its beginning in 1997. Learn More about Morgan Here ORGANIZATIONThe Baltimore Ecosystem Study is a long-term ecological research project. It is funded by the National Science Foundation to learn how an urban area works as an ecological system. We want to know the ecological interactions in the whole range of habitats — from the center city of Baltimore, out into the surrounding rural areas. We are conducting research on the soil, the plants and animals on land and in the streams, the water quality, and condition of the air in and around Baltimore. For that information to make sense, we are also studying how families, associations, organizations and political bodies make decisions that affect ecological processes. In other words, we are treating the whole collection of urban, suburban and rural areas as an ecological system that includes people and their activities. This is a really unusual approach to ecology because it combines with social sciences, physical sciences, and education to understand a big metropolitan area as an ecological system. Saying that an urban area is a system just means that we are concerned with the interactions between wild and domestic organisms, people and their organizations, and the natural and built environment all affect one another. It is these relationships that determine the quality of the environment we experience in the places where we live, work and relax. The research project is long-term, because conditions in the past affect the urban environment we experience now, and we also need to be able to say what environmental effects the things we are doing now in and around our cities will affect the environment in the future. This information can help people, including individuals, families, organizations and government agencies, to make decisions that have the environmental effects that they want. The Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) seeks to • Pursue excellence in social-ecological research in an urban system; • Maintain positive engagement with communities, environmental institutions, and government agencies; • Educate and inform the public, students, and organizations that have need of... | |||||||
| 26 May 2016 | When a Climate Change HERO Comes Along | 00:22:11 | |||||
TOPICProviding Turnkey Sustainability Programs IN THIS EPISODE[01:18] Introduction of Barbara Spoonhour and Dustin Reilich. [01:52] Barbara shares how the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) program started, what the goals were, and how the program works. [03:29] What does PACE stand for? [04:50] Barbara and Dustin describe the early years of the program. [06:45] Was Renovate America on board with HERO from the very beginning? [07:50] Dustin explains that the money that would have gone to utilities is being used to create jobs. [08:55] Is there an opportunity for individual households to reduce their carbon footprint as a result of the HERO program? [09:30] Is the program available to multi-unit houses, apartment buildings, etc.? [10:26] How did the HERO program ramp up so quickly? [11:40] How is the program different today than when it started in 2011? [12:46] Barbara shares the specific, measurable outcomes she wants to achieve. [14:31] Dustin explains how the expansion is going. [15:59] Are there aspects of HERO that are designed to deal with issues of environmental justice, racial justice, income inequality? [18:25] Is there any effort to target lower income communities? [19:43] Barbara and Dustin share when they realized their career focus was working on issues of sustainability. [22:14] Barbara and Dustin share if they ever imagined this program would become so big so fast. [24:55] Dustin share how people can learn more about HERO and how they can get involved. [25:50] Barbara and Dustin share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [27:35] Barbara and Dustin describe the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [29:26] Barbara and Dustin explain what Western Riverside County, California, and our country look like 30 years from now. [30:46] Barbara explains what motivated WRCOG to reach beyond local governments to have this program statewide in California. GUESTSBarbara Spoonhour, Director of Energy and Environmental Programs, has been with Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) since 2001. Ms. Spoonhour has over 10 years of experience in local government and over 15 years in implementing environmental programs. She oversees the energy efficiency and water conservation program for Western Riverside County, referred to as HERO (Home Energy Renovation Opportunity). The HERO program expanded statewide in 2014 and currently has over $1 billion in approved projects. In addition, Ms. Spoonhour oversees the Western Riverside Energy Leader Partnership, which is a public-private partnership with Southern California Edison that promotes jurisdictional leadership for the promotion of energy efficiency.
Dustin Reilich is the Senior Director of Municipal Development for Renovate America – HERO Financing. The HERO (Home Energy Renovation Opportunity) program provides turnkey Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program management designed for municipalities. The HERO program includes a full set of program deliverables that incorporate best practices utilized by other municipalities. This ensures each program builds on the experience of other programs, while at the same time allowing municipalities to modify the program to meet unique requirements. ORGANIZATION | |||||||
| 19 May 2016 | Fair Trade and the World’s Largest Coffee Break | 00:30:15 | |||||
TOPICThe Impact of Trade Deals in America IN THIS EPISODE[02:36] Introduction of Rodney North. [03:13] Rodney shares about when he became passionate about fair trade. [04:27] Rodney explains the mission of Fairtrade America. [05:54] Rodney describes the coffee-focused project Fairtrade America is involved in. [07:45] Is there a corollary within the tea industry for those who don’t drink coffee? [09:24] Why is fair trade an important issue for working-class and lower-income Americans? [10:24] How would you define “fair trade”? [13:33] Rodney explains NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). [16:15] How do trade deals impact the environment, working-class Americans, and our communities? [18:52] Is it possible to structure a trade deal when the cost-of-living imbalance is so great on a global scale? [23:03] If people don’t understand the value of organized labor and being paid a fair wage, are they able to understand what’s happening with the undermining of workers in other parts of the world? [26:07] Where can listeners learn more about Fairtrade America? [26:48] Rodney shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [27:40] Rodney describes the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [28:52] Rodney explains what trade looks like 30 years from now. GUESTRodney North is Fairtrade America’s Director of Marketing and External Relations. Rodney oversees Fairtrade America’s marketing, public relations and advocacy efforts to increase awareness and support for equitable business practices involving smallholder farmers and other stakeholders. He has worked in the fair trade foods movement longer than all but a handful of individuals in the nation and has been deeply involved in communicating the fair trade story to diverse constituencies. Prior to his role at Fairtrade America, Rodney worked for Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative and market leader in the fair trade and organic food movements. North joined the pioneering company in 1996, serving in various positions, including for the past 15 years in media relations and public advocacy roles. He earned the nickname The Answer Man because of his extensive knowledge of fair trade, the global food industry, small farmer co-operatives, socially responsible and sustainable business practices, and how business models intersect with human development. At Equal Exchange, North was also one of the co-operative’s 120 worker-owners. He was a two-term director of the enterprise’s Board of Directors, and he served as Vice Chair for three years. North has also volunteered with the Fair Trade Federation (membership screening committee), and for four years was an advisor to the board of directors of La Siembra, a Canadian worker co-operative and 100% fair trade, 100% organic food company. ORGANIZATIONFairtrade America is a national, nonprofit organization committed to helping smallholder farmers and workers around the world get a fairer price for their products, access to international markets, and funds for community development that will enable them to lead better lives, and invest in their communities. Fairtrade America is a member of Fairtrade International, which comprises 25 such organizations around the world and three producer networks that together establish international Fairtrade standards. Fairtrade International is unusual among ethical certifications due to the large governance role played by its members in the global south. Participating farmer producer groups hold half the votes in the Fairtrade International General Assembly and more than one-third of the seats on the Fairtrade International board of directors. The Fairtrade Mark is the most recognized and trusted ethical label worldwide, found on products sold in over 120 countries... | |||||||
| 12 May 2016 | Taking Back the Power – Community Choice Aggregation | 00:32:55 | |||||
TOPICThe Next Frontier in Community Energy IN THIS EPISODE[01:39] Introduction of Alex DiGiorgio. [01:57] Alex describes what Marin Clean Energy (MCE) is. [03:45] What is Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), and how does it work? [06:53] Do the consumers get to choose the mix of energy they’re receiving? [09:17] How many different choices do consumers have? [10:33] What is the price difference between the lowest option and the highest option? [12:17] Can the cost be lowered if more people join? [13:52] How is MCE doing with their opt-out rates? [15:14] Who is the opposition? [16:00] How widely spread are CCAs (in California)? [17:30] Is there anything outside of California that is comparable to the CCA concept? [18:22] Alex explains the success of sourcing alternative renewable energy at a lower price. [21:18] Alex shares how a CCA impacts low-income communities and how it creates more equitable outcomes. [24:57] Will the Clean Energy Incentive Program help make CCAs available everywhere? [27:24] Alex shares how listeners can learn more about CCAs. [28:50] Alex shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [29:46] Alex describes the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [30:10] Alex explains what the energy field in California looks like 30 years from now. GUESTAs MCE Clean Energy (MCE)’s Community Development Manager, Alex DiGiorgio collaborates with stakeholders throughout MCE’s service area to advance sustainable development and expand access to competitively-priced renewable energy. By cultivating partnerships with residents, businesses, local leaders, and community groups, Alex helps MCE customers determine which resources they wish to support through their electricity purchases. Alex received his law degree from UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall, where he earned certificates of specialization in energy regulation and environmental law. ORGANIZATION
MCE makes it possible for you to take advantage of cleaner energy that’s better for the environment without doing anything at all. When you sign up for PG&E service in Marin County, unincorporated Napa County or the cities of Benicia, El Cerrito, Richmond and San Pablo, you are automatically enrolled in our standard Light Green 50% renewable energy program, which comes from sources like solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and small hydroelectric. Or, you can sign up for Deep Green 100% renewable energy from Green-e Energy certified, non-polluting sources. PG&E will continue to deliver your energy through their standard power lines, and their repair and maintenance teams in the familiar blue trucks still provide the same reliable service you’re used to — rain or shine. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Community-choice programs allow cities and counties to join together and then offer an alternative energy-supply portfolio to all of the electricity consumers within their jurisdiction. That’s really what CCA is: it’s the public option for energy administered at the local level.” “If CCA’s can keep their opt-out rates low—and better yet, if they can get their opt-up rates high—then…that should help to both stabilize rates and reduce them.” “Community-choice programs—and some of these are called something different. They’re sometimes called municipal-choice programs, but they’re essentially the same thing. They’re often operated very... | |||||||
| 05 May 2016 | The Future of Transportation: Mobility as a Service | 00:32:55 | |||||
TOPICReducing Single-Occupancy-Vehicle (SOV) Commuting IN THIS EPISODE[01:13] Introduction of Steve Raney. GUESTSteve Raney leads Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s Mobility as a Service project. Previously, Steve led autonomous vehicle commercialization studies for Nissan and Google and he led the EPA’s “Transforming Office Parks into Transit Villages” Study. He is the parent of MTC’s Climate Innovations grant program. Steve has 5 university degrees. Learn more about Steve here ORGANIZATIONEstablished in 1993, Joint Venture Silicon Valley provides analysis and action on issues affecting our region’s economy and quality of life. The organization brings together established and emerging leaders—from business, government, academia, labor and the broader community—to spotlight issues and work toward innovative solutions.
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| 28 Apr 2016 | Community Benefits Agreements: A Vital Tool for Equitable Community Reinvestment | 00:23:30 | |||||
TOPICEqualizing the Balance of Power IN THIS EPISODE[01:48] Introduction of Veronica Eady. [02:14] Veronica explains when she realized being an environmental justice advocate would be her life’s work. [03:59] What is a community benefits agreement? [05:20] Do community benefits agreements work in equalizing developers and communities? [07:50] Why are community benefits agreements important for equitable reinvestment or development? [11:33] Are there other examples of a good environmental benefits agreement, and is an environmental benefits agreement the same as a community benefits agreement? [13:40] Veronica describes the elements of obtaining a community benefits agreement. [16:21] Where can we learn more or get advice about a community benefits agreement? [18:17] Veronica explains about the Conservation Law Foundation and the work that is done there. [19:27] Veronica shares how listeners can learn more about the Conservation Law Foundation and get in touch with her. [19:55] Veronica shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [20:37] Veronica describes the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [21:27] Veronica explains what the New England region looks like 30 years from now. GUESTVeronica Eady is the Vice President and Massachusetts Director of the Conservation Law Foundation. She is a lawyer whose practice has been focused on issues of environmental justice. Veronica is a former chair of the U.S. EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and the principal author of the State of Massachusetts’ environmental justice policy. Check out Veronica’s recent posts on the Conservation Law Foundation website Contact Veronica via email at veady@clf.org ORGANIZATION
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Generally speaking, the interests on the community side in a community benefit agreement are wide-ranging. It can be community based organizations; it can be labor unions, faith organizations, or mainstream environmental groups, or any combination of those. But typically those are the types of groups that have an interest in community benefits agreements.” “I’ve seen some community benefits agreements that have been very good, and I have seen some that have not been so good…Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen them change quite a bit, to the extent that in some states, community benefits agreements are mandated by law. “…here in Massachusetts, where I live, our casino gaming law requires a community benefits agreement with the community, and the fact that these community benefits agreements are now more so embodied in a statute and required, that’s really changed what the playing field looks like. So no longer is it community organizations, the environmental groups and such coming together and insisting on their power and their place at the table, the dynamic is a little bit different now because you have the state government, in Massachusetts, for example, saying you have to do this community benefits agreement…it changes the lead of the agreement; it changes the tenor of the agreement…it really has shaken up the playing field and the balance of power.” “[Community benefits agreements] continue to be an... | |||||||
| 21 Apr 2016 | The California Endowment: Empowering Grassroots Communities | 00:36:09 | |||||
TOPICGiving People a Voice IN THIS EPISODE[01:31] Introduction of Dr. Craig Martinez. [01:59] Introduction of Veronica Garibay and Phoebe Seaton. [02:27] Craig describes the California Endowment and its mission. [03:15] Craig explains that health happens in neighborhoods, not just in a doctor’s office. [04:10] Craig shares why this work is important to him. [05:27] What is the geographic description of the San Joaquin Valley, and what are the economic and social conditions there? [07:00] What are the health outcomes overall within San Joaquin Valley? [09:43] Craig shares that there’s a benefit to building healthier communities to get better health outcomes. [11:26] Veronica describes the organization of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. [15:23] What steps are needed to give people a voice when they aren’t being heard in their communities? [20:01] Phoebe shares why this work is important to her. [21:22] Veronica shares why this work is important to her. [23:54] Craig shares that the people who produce the food for the country don’t have the most basic quality of life. [25:26] Craig explains how the California Endowment and the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability are working together. [28:10] Phoebe and Veronica explain the partnership of the work they’ve been doing together with the California Endowment. [30:32] Phoebe and Craig share how people can access their work and get in touch with them. [32:03] Craig, Phoebe, and Veronica share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [32:45] Veronica, Phoebe, and Craig share the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [33:25] Veronica, Phoebe, and Craig explain what the San Joaquin Valley looks like 30 years from now. GUESTSDr. Craig Martinez, joined The California Endowment in May 2012 as a program manager to work towards policy and systems changes that will result in improved neighborhood environments that support health. Prior to joining The Endowment, Dr. Martinez served as a health policy advisor in the Health Policy Office of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee. He is based in The California Endowment’s Los Angeles office. Veronica Garibay is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. Veronica immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico at a young age along with her parents and four siblings to the City of Parlier in Fresno County. Veronica grew up in this small farmworker town and graduated from Parlier Unified District Schools. As a first generation student, she attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Law and Society in 2008. Upon graduation, Veronica joined the California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. Community Equity Initiative (CEI) as the programs first Community Worker. While at CRLA Veronica earned a Master of Public Administration from Fresno State. Phoebe Seaton is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. Prior to launching Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Phoebe directed the Community Equity Initiative (CEI) at California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. and was the Policy Coordinator for issues related to water and land use at California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. She initiated the CEI to address critical infrastructure and service deficits in low income, unincorporated communities in California. She and her colleagues at CRLA litigated civil rights and fair housing claims and maintained a robust writ practice, litigating against local and state agencies. At CRLA, Seaton also directed the organization’s Delano office and engaged in legal advocacy on Housing and Employment... | |||||||
| 14 Apr 2016 | A Holistic Approach to Drinking-Water Infrastructure [U.S. Water Crisis Part Three] | 00:27:08 | |||||
TOPICWater Sustainability in Urban Areas IN THIS EPISODE[02:09] Introduction of Dr. Tamim Younos. [02:44] Tamim describes the scope of the problem of the water crisis and the number of Americans who lack access to safe drinking water. [05:37] Tamim shares about water testing. [08:04] Are certain geographic areas or populations more likely to be impacted by the lack of proper water infrastructure? [09:30] What kind of implications does the lack of access to clean water and wastewater facilities have on families and communities? [10:54] What are some common health issues related to lower-quality drinking water? [12:40] Tamim explains what the Green Water-Infrastructure Academy is doing about the problem of unsafe drinking water. [17:38] Tamim describes the obstacles of getting a broader knowledge of the policies that are needed. [20:11] How can people learn more and support the Green Water-Infrastructure Academy’s work? [20:54] Tamim shares what motivates him to do this work and why this work is important to him. [21:45] Tamim discusses the frequency of the issues of poor and lacking water infrastructure in the U.S. [23:19] Tamim shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [24:40] Tamim explains the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [25:17] Tamim shares what water infrastructure looks like 30 years from now. GUESTDr. Tamim Younos is Founder & President of the Green Water-Infrastructure Academy. Dr. Younos earned a doctoral degree in urban and environmental engineering from the University of Tokyo. His research and educational interests include watershed assessment, sustainable water management systems, and water-energy nexus in urban environments. Dr. Younos has authored/co-authored more than 150 publications and has edited five books: “Advances in Watershed Science and Assessment” (Springer 2015) “Potable Water: Emerging Global Problems and Solutions (Springer 2014), “Climate Change and Water Resources” (Springer, 2013); “Total Maximum Daily Load: Approaches & Challenges” (PennWell Books 2005), “Advances in Water Monitoring Research” (Water Resources Publications 2003). Dr. Younos is a former Research Professor of Water Resources and Interim Director of Virginia Water Resources Research Center at Virginia Tech, and a past President of the Cabell Brand Center for Global Poverty and Resource Sustainability Studies, a nonprofit organization. ORGANIZATION
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“We have public water systems, like the one in Flint, Michigan, and then we have private water systems; and the public water systems serve about 86% of the population, which is about 260 million people in the United States, and the remaining is... | |||||||
| 07 Apr 2016 | Climate Change and Storm Water Utilities [U.S. Water Crisis Part Two] | 00:25:09 | |||||
TOPICIntegrated Water Resource and Infrastructure Management IN THIS EPISODE[01:43] Introduction of Matthew Naud. [01:54] Matthew explains what his job as the Environmental Coordinator for the City of Ann Arbor entails. [02:42] Matthew shares his personal background and what motivates him to do his work. [03:33] Matthew describes his session at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. [04:42] What kind of water or climate-change challenges is Ann Arbor facing, and what’s being done to meet those challenges? [06:10] What’s being done to deal with the increased amount of precipitation, and what are the implications to the community of that increased precipitation? [08:24] Matthew explains why increased rainfall and runoff is a challenge and why the storm-water utility was created. [10:23] Matthew shares the implications of not managing the storm-water runoff. [11:31] In Flint, is the source of the water that is being used part of the problem? [14:00] Are there other communities that have created this storm-water utility and taken this approach that Ann Arbor has? [15:00] How long has Ann Arbor had that system in place? [15:13] Did it face any legal challenges or real political pushback? [16:14] Is funding the rest of the infrastructure equally challenging? [18:49] What is the quantity of water that people can get for a dollar? [19:42] Is there any reason why these approaches that are taken in Ann Arbor not broadly transferrable to other places? [20:25] Do you get many people asking you how you do it and learning from Ann Arbor’s approach? [21:30] Are there any other cities in Michigan that have a storm-water utility? [21:49] Matthew shares where listeners can learn more about he’s doing in Ann Arbor. [22:23] Matthew shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [23:03] Matthew explains the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [23:29] Matthew shares what Ann Arbor looks like 30 years from now. GUESTMatthew Naud has been the Environmental Coordinator for the City of Ann Arbor since 2001. He staffs the City’s Environmental Commission and makes recommendations to the City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council on a broad range of sustainability issues. Mr. Naud is a member of the Urban Sustainability Director’s Network where he serves on the Planning Committee, Innovation Committee, and Small Cities User Group. Mr. Naud was recently appointed to a three year term on the USEPA Board of Scientific Counselors – Sustainable and Healthy Communities Subcommittee. He holds Masters degrees from the University of Michigan in Biology and Public Policy and an undergraduate degree from Boston College. ORGANIZATIONThe city of Ann Arbor is committed to providing excellent municipal services that enhance the quality of life for all through the intelligent use of resources while valuing an open environment that fosters fair, sensitive, and respectful treatment of all employees and the community they serve. Ann Arbor has 114,000 residents, spans 28.6 square miles, and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit (www.a2gov.org/news). To keep up with City of Ann Arbor information, subscribe for email updates (www.a2gov.org/subscribe), follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/a2gov) or become a city fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thecityofannarbor). TAKEAWAY QUOTES“We work a lot with—it’s called the Graham Sustainability Institute and they have a climate center and... | |||||||
| 31 Mar 2016 | Access to Safe Drinking Water in Rural America [U.S. Water Crisis Part One] | 00:25:02 | |||||
TOPICWater Infrastructure in Rural Communities IN THIS EPISODE[01:39] Introduction of Hope Cupit and Andy Crocker. [02:18] In light of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, how many Americans lack access to safe drinking water? [03:16] Is it accurate that the number of people who don’t have access to drinking water doesn’t take into account those who may have access to below-standard drinking water? [03:49] Is the lack of water infrastructure disproportionately located in other geographic ways, or are certain populations more likely to be impacted? [05:45] How are investments for new developments justified when distressed communities have been trying for years to get water infrastructure? [08:55] What are the health and economic implications for rural communities that don’t have access to clean water and wastewater facilities? [10:28] What has the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project been doing to address this problem of inequity in access to water infrastructure? [12:26] Is South Carolina one of the states that you work in? [12:49] How do you get infrastructure to communities that have been trying to get onto municipal water supplies? [14:21] On a national level, what are some of the obstacles that get in the way of being able to get communities what they need? [15:50] How are tribal communities enduring the lack of water infrastructure? [18:02] How can people learn more and support the work that you’re doing at SERCAP? [19:36] Hope and Andy share information about the larger network that SERCAP is part of. [21:09] Does the larger RCAP network have its own website? [21:34] Hope and Andy explain why this work is important to them. [23:00] Andy and Hope share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [23:25] Hope and Andy explain the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [23:55] Hope and Andy share what the world looks like 30 years from now. GUESTSHope Cupit is the President and CEO of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP). She also is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and is a Professor at Virginia Western Community College where she teaches Financial Accounting. In 2007, Mrs. Cupit began her tenure at Southeast RCAP as the Controller, then was promoted to become the Vice President/Deputy CEO and was hired in 2009 as President and CEO for the organization. Mrs. Cupit comes from a background of community leadership and has been actively involved with community economic development efforts for over 25 years. She is devoted to assisting the less fortunate and maintaining the integrity of improving the infrastructure of small rural communities. She enjoys working with these small communities, learning first-hand about the challenges people face in everyday life and advocating on their behalf. Andy Crocker is the Virginia State Manager for Regional Programs at SERCAP. ORGANIZATIONS
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| 24 Mar 2016 | Youth Perspective-How to Engage the Next Generation in Decision-Making | 00:22:51 | |||||
TOPICYoung Women and Youth for Smart Growth IN THIS EPISODE[01:29] Introduction of Zelia Gonzales. [02:03] Zelia explains what motivates her to be an activist in her community. [02:48] Zelia shares the first time she got involved with becoming an activist?. [03:37] Zelia describes the definition of complete streets. [04:25] Zelia shares about advocacy projects she’s been involved with, including the Sacramento Young Feminists Alliance. [06:51] Can you explain what feminism means to you and why you were motivated to start the group? [08:11] How do your parents and other adults react to your activism? [09:41] Can you tell us how the session at New Partners for Smart Growth Conference went and what did you accomplish or try to accomplish during the session? [11:12] What advice would you give to people in communities who want to get more young people involved? [13:53] As communities work on revitalization issues, are there certain areas that resonate more with young people? [15:05] As the younger generation sees more possibility than the older generation, can the urge of the older generation to stifle the idealism and the potential the younger people seek be a turnoff in the process? [16:59] Zelia shares some of the issues that SYFA is addressing. [18:39] Zelia explains how New Partners for Smart Growth Conferences has supported her and made her a better activist. [20:31] Zelia shares where people can go to learn more about SYFA. [20:55] Zelia shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [21:22] Zelia explains the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [21:40] Zelia shares what Sacramento looks like 30 years from now. GUESTZelia Gonzales is a high school senior and political activist for a variety of causes ranging from feminism to fair wages. She has worked for the City of Sacramento for two years and will continue through college and career as a public servant. Her work with the Sacramento Young Feminists Alliance (SYFA) has led her to presenting at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. ORGANIZATIONThe Sacramento Young Feminists Alliance (SYFA) strives to unite high school feminists’ coalitions and clubs from all around the Sacramento area. They unite students with the common mission of destroying patriarchy and inspiring all women and people to be who and what they want. SYFA builds solidarity and cooperation between Sacramento area high school feminists, in order to empower young women, through meetings twice a month and facilitating youth led projects and education. Contact SYFA at sacyoungfeministsalliance@gmail.com TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Seeing unjustices around me and recognizing my privilege from a very young age, that allowed me to see the contrast and try to work towards equalizing that out. When I was younger…I saw how they [Zelia’s peers] were treated unjustly through a system, not by any one individual, and as I got older and I could put words to that and I could work on actual topics, I could change that, it really manifested into creating a space for other people to do the same thing.” “I’ve found people that have been really, really supportive and believe that what we are doing with SYFA and what I’m doing individually with all these other organizations really does make a difference, and so it’s really allowed another activist wave to form, which is youth advocacy.” “When you’re engaging with youth, it’s really important to remember that they are not held back by anything—you know, they’re not held back by any of this bureaucracy or preconceived notions about certain people or ideas—and so their ideas may be a lot more innovative and fresh than some | |||||||
| 17 Mar 2016 | Affordable Housing and Employment Patterns in the San Francisco Bay Area | 00:33:31 | |||||
TOPICHow High-Wage Jobs Affect Affordable Housing IN THIS EPISODE[01:31] Introduction of Dr. Chris Benner. [02:29] Chris shares his background and what draws him to issues of economic and social equity and inclusion. [04:46] Chris explains the importance of education for disadvantaged populations for our economic future. [05:14] Chris explains a study of job growth in the San Francisco Bay Area. [07:58] Chris gives information about the next study and how people can get access to it. [08:39] Chris shares the report findings of a lack of housing affordability is causing displacement of residents and long commutes. [10:58] Chris explains the report data of a significant number of low-wage jobs are being created but no new affordable housing units are being created. [13:09] What are the policy implications? What can we do to fix this problem of no new affordable housing? [16:23] Do you see any indication that there’s a movement to create inclusionary zoning or some kind of development incentives to create more affordable housing? [18:00] Are San Franciscans changing how they think of themselves since the city’s character seems to be changing and it now seems to be a city that people can’t afford to live in? [19:58] Chris explains, within a regional context, how residents are needed to have the basis for the sales tax to buy goods. [21:20] Chris shares how he was made aware of the dynamic of people in poor communities who are shopping in other places that are benefiting from the tax dollars being spent there. [23:46] Chris agrees that the poor pay more in regard to commuting time, cost of commuting, and quality-of-life and economic implications. [24:25] Chris explains how the job, inequality, and political crises play out in the context of housing affordability and the overall quality of life in the Bay Area. [28:19] Chris shares where people can go to learn more about his work. [29:12] Chris shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [30:31] Chris explains the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [31:28] Chris shares what the world looks like 30 years from now. GUESTDr. Chris Benner is the Dorothy E. Everett Chair in Global Information and Social Entrepreneurship, Director of the Everett Program for Digital Tools for Social Innovation, and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research focuses on the relationships between technological change, regional development, and structures of economic opportunity, focusing on regional labor markets and the transformation of work and employment patterns. He is the author of multiple books including Just Growth: Inclusion and Prosperity in America’s Metropolitan Regions, co-authored with Manuel Pastor (Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California), which helps uncover the processes, policies and institutional arrangements that help explain how certain regions around the country have been able to consistently link prosperity and inclusion. His most recent book, also co-authored with Manuel Pastor is titled Equity, Growth, and Community: What the Nation Can Learn from America’s Metro Areas. Benner’s work has also included providing research assistance to a range of organizations promoting equity and expanded opportunity, including the Coalition on Regional Equity (Sacramento), Working Partnerships USA (San Jose), the California Labor Federation, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions among others. He received his Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBenner Chris’ email is | |||||||
| 10 Mar 2016 | Authentic Community Engagement in Gentrifying Communities | 00:18:58 | |||||
TOPIC Making Sure That Underrepresented Communities Are Heard IN THIS EPISODE[01:57] Topic for this episode is introduced. [02:01] Introduction of Helen Leung. [02:12] Introduction of Amanda Daflos. [02:30] Helen shares her background and what motivates her to work on issues of equity, smart growth, and sustainability. [04:17] Amanda shares her background and what motivates her to work on issues of equity, smart growth, and sustainability. [05:54] Helen tells about LA-Más. [06:48] Amanda tells about the Mayor’s Office of Innovation in L.A. and the Bloomberg Philanthropies. [08:01] Helen and Amanda explain alternative approaches to traditional models of community-engagement initiatives that are ineffective. [12:02] What are some practices to ensure that underrepresented populations are represented in decision making? [14:58] How do we keep current residents from being pushed out as private investment occurs in underrepresented neighborhoods? GUESTSAmanda Daflos serves as the Director of the Innovation Team (i-team) in the Mayor’s Office of Budget and Innovation in the City of Los Angeles. Her team, funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Teams grant, works on key mayoral priorities and collaborates across the City to define pathways to improvement. Amanda previously worked as a Senior Manager at Deloitte Consulting, and has spent the last decade working with on and leading federal, state and local government projects in the US and abroad. Prior to joining Deloitte, Daflos was the Director of Programs for an international non-profit organization where she was responsible for programming and operations in the US, Tanzania, Peru and Nepal. Daflos presently serves as a Deputy to the Los Angeles Honorary Consulate General to Nepal, a role she accepted in the wake of the 2015 earthquake. Daflos holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Colorado and a BA from Hamilton College. She is a 2014 graduate of the Leadership Tomorrow program in Seattle and lives in Los Angeles.
Helen Leung is Co-Executive Director of LA-Más, a cross disciplinary non-profit community design organization based in Los Angeles. Helen ensures that all LA-Más projects are grounded in community need and policy potential. She is passionate about redefining the intersection of community development and social equity, with a focus in minimizing displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods. A native Angelino and urban planner, Helen has extensive community-based experience working for former Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti. Helen holds a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. ORGANIZATIONS | |||||||
| 03 Mar 2016 | Blue Zones and the Secret to Living to 100 | 00:25:02 | |||||
TOPICMaking the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice IN THIS EPISODE[1:36] Introduction of Dan Burden. [1:57] Dan shares what motivates him in his work of bike-able, walkable communities. [3:28] Dan explains his role as director of inspiration and innovation at Blue Zones, LLC. [4:07] Dan explains what blue zones are. [4:54] Dan tells about the Blue Zones Project and how people can get their community to be a blue zone project. [5:55] Dan shares where listeners can get more information about Blue Zones, LLC and the Blue Zones Project. [6:12] Dan tells about the Blue Zones Project he’s been working on in Hawaii. [7:56] Are any projects occurring in primarily low-income or minority communities? [9:05] What are the obstacles of having projects occur in low-income or minority communities? [11:09] Dan shares what role the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference has played in raising the interest in walkable, bike-able communities. [11:56] Dan shares if walkable, bike-able communities are more equitable in addition to being healthier and better for the planet. [13:15] What is it about Missoula, Montana that makes it such a great walkable, bike-able community? [14:25] What do we need to do in our cities to start a transition away from an auto-central design to a more people/bike design? [16:20] Dan shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [16:44] Dan explains the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [17:07] Dan shares what the world looks like 30 years from now. [17:44] Dan shares the importance of change. [18:10] Dan explains that we live in a “vuca” world. GUESTDan Burden is one of the most recognized names in the development of walkable and bicycle friendly communities. During the past 32 years he has been studying, interpreting and implementing insights and skills of changing human habitat to be focused on people first. Dan is the Director of Inspiration and Innovation at Blue Zones. He has relentless energy and has personally helped 3,500 communities throughout the world make their means of transportation healthier, more active and affordable. Many of Dan’s streets designs and town centers are now celebrated in numerous publications and books and, of course, everyday by the millions of feet utilizing his designs. He joins our podcast to talk through the history, benchmarks, key steps, principles and best practices in making walking and all of active transportation the natural choice in motion. ORGANIZATION
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| 25 Feb 2016 | Beyond Talk: A Tool for Planning and Evaluating Equitable Development Projects and Plans | 00:28:52 | |||||
TOPIC Moving Equity from a Buzzword to a Metric IN THIS EPISODE[3:32] Topic for this episode is introduced. [3:56] Introduction of Joan Valhalla. [4:13] Introduction of Shauen Pearce. [5:04] Shauen and Joan explain why a scorecard tool that ensures benefits to everyone is necessary. [6:44] What are the five categories that are incorporated into the tool? [7:48] Are there a set of underlying principles or values that drive the whole scorecard? [10:33] How is this tool used? [15:04] To what degree was the development community involved in the creation of this tool, and how have they embraced it? [18:13] How can people learn more about the equitable development principles and scorecard tool? [18:55] Why is this work important, and what is the motivation to do this work? [24:52] Shauen and Joan share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [25:50] Shauen and Joan explain the action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [26:26] Shauen and Joan share what the world looks like 30 years from now. GUESTSShauen Pearce is the Executive Director of the Harrison Neighborhood Association. She is an educator, organizer, and strategist with training in critical analysis, program development, campaign organizing, and capacity development. Shauen has over 15 years of success in policy and administrative leadership in the public and private sectors. Growing up in a society marked by corruption, violence, and displacement, Shauen is inspired by the struggles and successes of wise elders and visionary leaders. She enjoys the intersections of life, encouraging everyone to think critically and selflessly about embracing justice and harmony through fearless community building.
Joan Vanhala is a Coalition Organizer at the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability. Joan joined the Alliance in February 2008. Joan has an accomplished career that includes: expertise in community organizing to achieve lasting results through effective partnerships; leadership development to sustain organizing efforts for long-term community strength; and the inclusion of racial equity as a necessary component of grassroots community development. Her work in leadership development includes creating curriculum and leading classes in organizing, conducting community best practices workshops and providing one-on-one technical support to community leaders. Before joining the Alliance, Joan worked for the Seward and Longfellow neighborhoods to develop and implement restorative justice programs for juveniles. She previously worked as the Native American Educational Services college campus director and a program manager for the Community Leadership Development Program at Family & Children’s Service. As a community organizer for the Phillips neighborhood, Joan led several successful campaigns that resulted in Green Institute/ReUse Center, Midtown Greenway Coalition, Franklin Avenue revitalization, public art projects created by neighborhood youth, and an energized citizen participation process in neighborhood planning and development. Joan has a degree in Community Organizing, Leadership Development: Methods and Practices from Metropolitan State University. ORGANIZATIONSThe Harrison Neighborhood Association is working to create a prosperous and peaceful community that equitably benefits all of Harrison Neighborhood’s diverse racial, cultural and economic groups. We work to foster community awareness to improve the quality of life within our community, to provide a forum for information and communication within our community, to educate residents in the use of effective procedures for resolving problems or initiating... | |||||||
| 18 Feb 2016 | Revitalizing Baltimore in the Wake of the Freddy Gray Tragedy | 00:20:48 | |||||
TOPICRevitalization in Baltimore after Freddie Gray GUEST Mel Freeman is the former Executive Director of Citizens Planning & Housing Association, a regional organization whose mission envisions a well-planned Baltimore region with equity among jurisdictions, where citizens respect diversity and have access to responsive government and quality housing in vibrant neighborhoods. Currently, Mel is leading his own consulting firm, Freeman Consulting Group, where he continues to work to advance community-led planning processes that provide residents and organizations with the tools to self-manage change within their own communities. His approach is grounded in the belief that people change neighborhoods themselves not by waiting on others to lead the way. ORGANIZATIONThe Citizens Planning & Housing Association (CPHA) is the catalyst for civic action to bring about a healthy, inclusive Baltimore, with economically vibrant communities and opportunities for all people. The organization does this by bringing together people and neighborhoods to create innovative solutions to challenging, community-wide problems; empowering citizens with information and skills for advocacy and organizing; and championing solutions through legislative and policy reforms. Their programs include Community Association Support and Leadership Training, Policy Research and Legislative Pressure, Citizen Outreach and Organizing, and more. Website – http://www.cphabaltimore.org/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bmorecpha Twitter – https://twitter.com/bmorecpha TAKEAWAY QUOTES“There is a big fear of the word gentrification, do we have to have other folks who don’t look like us in our neighborhoods to increase the value of our communities?” “There is never enough public money, ever! So private investment needs to happen in these communities.” “We do need change in communities, but we also need to secure the families that are there.” “You can’t get anything done unless you’re out there talking to people, and trying to really understand what their needs are.” “Nobody in their neighborhood uses this train, hundreds of cars drive to this train station and then those people go to work, and those jobs are for them, not for us.” “What we have to do is get out in these communities and talk about what is for them, and not have them constantly thinking that the next thing that happens in their community is not for them, it is for them and they need to know that.” THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and every one of them! | |||||||
| 18 Feb 2016 | The Philadelphia Land Bank and Equitable Community Development | 00:21:08 | |||||
TOPICBuilding Strong Neighborhoods and Communities IN THIS EPISODE[2:27] Introduction of Frank Woodruff and Beth McConnell. [3:16] Frank explains if the goals of equitable development and smart growth are at an impasse. [4:35] Beth shares if she sees the issue of smart growth and equitable development as being at odds with each other. [5:25] Beth and Frank give suggestions for how we can move past the impasse. [7:21] Beth gives an example of a place where they think smart growth and equitable development are coming together in a synergistic way. [8:50] Beth explains if her model can be imported to other communities. [9:20] Beth shares the challenge in Philadelphia that the Philadelphia Land Bank seeks to solve. [11:25] Beth shares what needs to happen to streamline the process of reacquiring properties and the role of the Philadelphia Land Bank. [13:01] Frank tells how to encourage private investment in neighborhoods while protecting the public interest. [16:53] Beth shares if she’s encountered a place where people have figured out how to live together. [18:05] Frank and Beth share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [18:54] Frank and Beth share one action that listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [19:12] Beth and Frank share what they think the world will look like 30 years from now. GUESTSFrank Woodruff is the Executive Director of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA). Frank joined NACEDA in September 2010, becoming executive director in January 2012. During a time of significant political and economic challenges for community development, Frank saw this as an opportunity to take NACEDA to a new level of success and sustainability. As our country emerges from the great recession, he believes community and economic development will be a critical tool for those communities and neighborhoods that are organized, demanding, and capable of instituting change. Beth McConnell is the Policy Director for the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC). PACDC represents more than 100 member organizations, including nearly 50 community development corporations, who work to develop affordable housing, revitalize commercial corridors, and stabilize Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Beth works to advance a policy agenda that helps them do their great work. ORGANIZATIONS
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| 11 Feb 2016 | Community Wealth Building, a Superior Economic Development Model | 00:29:05 | |||||
TOPICAnchor Institutions and Community Wealth Building GUESTTed Howard is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Democracy Collaborative at the University of Maryland. In July 2010, Mr. Howard was appointed the Steven Minter Senior Fellow for Social Justice at The Cleveland Foundation where he was a member of a team that developed the comprehensive job creation and wealth building strategy, which resulted in the Evergreen Cooperatives Initiative. Full Bio – http://democracycollaborative.org/content/ted-howard ORGANIZATIONThe Democracy Collaborative is a national leader in equitable, inclusive and sustainable development through their Community Wealth Building Initiative. This initiative sustains a wide range of Advisory, Research and Field Building activities designed to transform the practice of community/economic development in the United States. Website – http://democracycollaborative.org Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/democracycollaborative Twitter – https://twitter.com/democracycollab TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Rooting wealth in communities is the future of economic development in America” “Ownership and control of capital is a key determinant of power in any economic system” “There are 50 million or more people living in poverty in the US.” “For profit with a social mission and a broadly shared ownership structure – that is what community wealth building is about.” “A job alone is not enough…how do you create assets in addition to income.” RESOURCESNew Partners for Smart Growth Conference THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and every one of them! | |||||||
| 11 Feb 2016 | Smart Growth as a Driver of Equity | 00:35:29 | |||||
TOPICEquitable Opportunities for All People and Communities IN THIS EPISODE[1:50] Introduction of Ron Sims. [3:36] Ron describes his background and his motivation for his work on the environment and social justice. [5:26] Ron talks about the history and current status of the name change of King County. [9:21] Clarification that the official name is still King County, but it is now named after Dr. Martin Luther King, but the area also recognizes the role that other races and cultures play. [12:03] Ron will be giving the keynote address at the 2016 New Partners to Smart Growth Conference and a panel discussion. [12:26] Ron shares the major themes of his keynote. [14:02] Why do you think those who have been focused on improving the built and natural environments are only now realizing that the key to improving our physical environment is greater economic and social inclusion for under-served and disadvantaged communities? [17:09] Where have you seen the biggest advances on issues of access to economic and social inclusion? [23:40] Ron discusses how we can make investments that will fundamentally make a difference. [29:00] Ron shares what the Equity and Social Justice Initiative is trying to accomplish and how it’s working. [33:38] Ron shares one change that would lead to more sustainable and more equitable communities. [33:58] What one action could listeners take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future? [34:12] What does Martin Luther King, Jr. King County, Washington look like 30 years from now?
GUEST
Ron Sims is a civic volunteer active in health, education, environmental and social equity issues. Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee, Sims serves as the chair of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board. The board is responsible for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Washington State. Sims is on the Board of Regents of Washington State University. He was appointed to the board by former Governor Chris Gregoire. The Board of Regents is the university’s governing body. Sims is on the Board of Directors of the Washington Health Alliance, formerly the Puget Sound Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization he helped found where employers, physicians, hospitals, patients, health plan providers and others from throughout the region come together to improve healthcare quality. Sims served as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2009 to 2011. He was appointed by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. As the second most senior official at HUD, Sims managed the day-to-day operations of an agency with 8,500 employees and an operating budget of nearly $40 billion. Prior to his appointment at HUD, Sims served for 12 years as the elected Executive of Martin Luther King, Jr. County (also known as King County), in Washington State, the 13th largest county in the nation with over 2 million residents and 39 cities, including the cities of Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond. As County Executive, Sims was nationally recognized for his work on the integration of environmental, social equity, and public health policies that produced groundbreaking work on climate change, health care reform, affordable housing, mass transit, environmental protection, land use, and equity and social justice. Born in Spokane, Washington in 1948, Sims is a graduate of Central Washington University. ORGANIZATIONThe Equity and Social Justice Initiative of King County, Washington recognizes that economy and quality of life depends on the ability of everyone to contribute. They will work to remove barriers that limit the ability of some to fulfill their potential. They are committed to implementing their equity and social justice agenda, to work toward fairness and opportunity for all. TAKE AWAY QUOTES... | |||||||
| 04 Feb 2016 | Investing in Opportunity | 00:19:36 | |||||
TOPICInvesting in Opportunity GUESTAlan Jenkins is Executive Director of The Opportunity Agenda, a communications, research, and policy organization dedicated to building the national will to expand opportunity in America. https://www.linkedin.com/pub/alan-jenkins/5/634/570 ORGANIZATIONThe Opportunity Agenda launched in 2006 with the mission of building the national will to expand opportunity in America. Focused on moving hearts, minds, and policy over time, the organization works with social justice groups, leaders, and movements to advance solutions that expand opportunity for everyone. Through active partnerships, The Opportunity Agenda synthesizes and translates research on barriers to opportunity and corresponding solutions; uses communications and media to understand and influence public opinion; and identifies and advocates for policies that improve people’s lives. To achieve their mission, they focus on racial equity, immigration, economic opportunity, reproductive health and rights, and African-American men and boys. https://www.facebook.com/opportunityagenda https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-opportunity-agenda TAKEAWAY QUOTES“The ideal of opportunity is the notion that everyone deserves a fair chance to achieve his or her full potential.” “Where the door of opportunity was cracked open a bit, Americans of all backgrounds have always rushed to get in the door.” “Ultimately it’s up to all of us to make sure that we move from concern, to action, to solutions and that those solutions are lasting.” RESOURCESSocial Justice Communications Toolkit American Opportunity Communication Toolkit Opportunity for Black Men and Boys THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and every one of them! | |||||||
| 28 Jan 2016 | From Unemployed Berkeley Dropout to Climate Change Warrior, the Tyi Johnson and Rising Sun Energy Story | 00:07:25 | |||||
TOPICThe Green Economy and Workforce Development GUESTTyi Johnson is a graduate of the Green Energy Training Services (GETS) program at Rising Sun Energy Center. She is a program administrator at Community Energy Services Corporation and previously served as a crew member and office assistant for Rising Sun Energy Services, the organization’s social enterprise. She also has served on Rising Sun Energy Center’s Board of Directors since 2015. ORGANIZATION The Smart Lights Program at Community Energy Services Corporation is designed to help small businesses become more energy-efficient. This program offers free start-to-finish technical assistance and instant rebates to help defray the cost of upgrading and/or repairing existing equipment. SmartLights can help with comprehensive lighting retrofits, refrigeration tune-ups, controls, and seals replacement, and referrals to appropriate HVAC programs. Services include: a no cost and no obligation energy-efficiency assessment, instant rebates (typically range from 25%-75% of total project costs), negotiated volume pricing with qualified installation contractors, free start-to-finish project management and quality control, rebates paid directly to your contractor to help defray your out-of-pocket costs, and referrals to other energy efficiency programs as needed. See some of our work on cafes,auto repair shops, facilities, and retail stores. Website – http://ebenergy.org/commercial-services/smart-lights-program/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Community-Energy-Services-Corporation-610255012322031 TAKEAWAY QUOTES“After the internship ended, it was hard-going for me. This is when unemployment was at an all-time high… I stayed the course, I was meeting with my case-manager week after week. I really appreciate the fact that Rising Sun continued to collaborate with me and to encourage me and work with me until I was gainfully employed.” “I feel like Rising Sun and the GETS program have put me in the prime position to be doing what I’m doing right now… I had three reasons why I joined GETS program: to learn about the green field, to learn about the energy efficiency field and by extension sustainability, and to learn how to save on my PG&E bill. And they did all three of those things for me. So it’s really great that I got all of those things, and got employed in the green energy efficiency field.” “If I can empower others to be good stewards of this one great beautiful planet called Earth that we have, then I’ll do so, and I’m so appreciative of Rising Sun for setting me on that path.” RESOURCESRising Sun Energy Center’s Best Green Resources Rising Sun Energy Center’s California Youth Energy Services (CYES) Rising Sun Energy Center’s Green Energy Training Services... | |||||||
| 28 Jan 2016 | Green Job Training and Workforce Development | 00:15:57 | |||||
TOPICThe Green Economy, Youth Employment and Workforce Development GUESTJodi Pincus is the Executive Director of Rising Sun Energy Center and a recognized expert in the green economy, youth employment, social enterprise and workforce development. ORGANIZATION Rising Sun Energy Center is a green workforce development and energy retrofit services organization working throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Their mission is to empower individuals to achieve environmental and economic sustainability for themselves and their communities. Rising Sun Energy Center runs three programs, which include the California Youth Energy Services (CYES), Leaders-in-Field-Training (LIFT) and Green Energy Training Services (GETS). The CYES program includes summer and after-school programs that train and employ young adults ages 15 to 22 to provide no-cost Green House Calls (energy efficiency and water conservation upgrades) to homes in their community. The LIFT program gives top employees in Rising Sun’s CYES program peer leadership roles and teaches business and leadership skills. The GETS program is a pre-apprenticeship training program that prepares adults for careers in construction, energy efficiency, and the solar industry. Website – http://www.risingsunenergy.org/ Blog – https://risingsunenergy.wordpress.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/risingsunenergycenter Twitter – https://twitter.com/RisingSunEC TAKEAWAY QUOTES“We believe that you can’t solve climate change without addressing unemployment.” “Our youth, not only are they earning money and feeling a sense of purpose by doing the work but they’re gaining a lot of self-confidence, self-esteem; they’re going on to careers in business, social service, and environmental science.” “This wonderful young man… he was in the foster care system… he came out of prison and into our job training program, and he had never graduated from anything in his life, and he graduated from our program.” RESOURCESRising Sun Energy Center’s Best Green Resources Rising Sun Energy Center’s California Youth Energy Services (CYES) Rising Sun Energy Center’s Green Energy Training Services (GETS) THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and every one of them! | |||||||
| 28 Jan 2016 | Renewable Energy and Taking Control of Your Future | 00:22:33 | |||||
TOPICRenewable Energy IN THIS EPISODE[1:17] Mike introduces Tom Butt, Mayor of Richmond, CA. [2:06] Why was Chevron motivated to defeat Tom? [3:29] How the refinement project, Community Power and City Action: Solar Farming in the Refineries Backyard, came into existence. [6:13] What type of emissions impact will Richmond’s solar farm have on the city and surrounding cities? [7:55] How will the Environmental Benefits Agreement improve the lives of local citizens? [9:29] Tom discusses the holistic approach they took when developing the Environmental Benefits Agreement. [11:25] Tom shares advice to other community leaders who are looking to bring more sustainable energy to their city. [14:57] Tom discusses how Richmond successfully built strong relationships between the police department and low income communities of color. [17:29] What role did the Richmond police chief play in the positive response of the local Black Lives Matter movement? [18:08] How can others learn more about what Richmond is doing with the refinement project. [18:54] What one change would Tom implement to improve the future? [20:00] What action would Tom recommend that listeners take to make a difference? [20:25] What will Richmond look like 30 years from now if Tom’s plans are successful? GUESTTom Butt is a 20-year member of the Richmond, California City Council, and was elected to a four-year term as mayor in 2014. He serves on the board and is vice-chair of Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a Community Choice Aggregation joint powers authority serving parts of four California counties. He also serves on the board of the Local Government Commission. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Statistically, people who come from low income neighborhoods don’t live as long, they don’t have as good health as people who live in wealthier neighborhoods. I think this example of the 50% local hire rule and training people from low income neighborhoods in Richmond be proficient in the solar industry and to find jobs in that is a way of essentially ultimately improving their health.” “Well, the big thing here really is getting control of your future. Once you can control your future, whether it is in energy or whether it is in agriculture or whether it is in heath or whatever, then you have an opportunity to make it better because you are no longer subject to somebody else’s decision making.” “About 80-85% of electricity users have chosen to stay with Marin Clean Energy. The way it’s set up, it’s an opt-out system, so once the city decides to make that change over then everybody gets changed over automatically unless they decide not to.” “This is an example of how people can get control of their destiny.” RESOURCESEpisode 019: Taking Back the Power – Community Choice Aggregation – In this episode, we speak with Alex DiGiorgio of MCE Clean Energy about how Community Choice Aggregation gives back the power to local residents, providing them with access to competitively-priced renewable energy. New Partners for Smart Growth Conference THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose... | |||||||
| 21 Jan 2016 | Local Food Systems and Food Justice | 00:24:13 | |||||
TOPICLocal Food Systems IN THIS EPISODE[2:48] Laura explains the mission at The Center for Regional Food Systems [3:16] What is the Food and Community project? [9:43] The importance of creating local food systems [12:30] Laura defines food justice and sovereignty [15:30] What motivates Laura? [17:52] New Partners Pre-Conference Food System Activities [20:55] Learn more about The Center for Regional Food Systems [21:40] The one change Laura would like to see to lead to better food systems [22:34] Actions that listeners can take to build a more sustainable food future [22:53] 30 years from now: how Laura sees the future of food systems GUESTThe Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) engages the people of Michigan, the United States and the world in developing regionally integrated, sustainable food systems. CRFS extends MSU’s pioneering legacy of applied research, education and outreach by catalyzing collaboration among the diverse range of people, processes and places involved in regional food systems. Our vision is a thriving economy, equity and sustainability for Michigan, the country and the planet through food systems rooted in local regions and centered on food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable.
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Access to good food, food that’s healthy, green, fair and affordable, I think it’s also important to note culturally appropriate, really should be a basic human right that is available to all of us regardless of differences in race, in gender, in ethnicity, in class, all of those things. But the idea of food justice exists because there are all these structural inequities in our food system that impede that access and they are often tied to those differences. So, I see food justice as a lens that we can apply to our efforts to work toward more equitable systems. Food Sovereignty refers to the idea that communities hold the power to determine what a just food system looks like. And I think you will most often hear about that in the context of communities that have been disenfranchised by the food system in the past.” “I think it’s important for communities to try and foster conversations about what people need and want in their community. I don’t think there is a one size fits all approach for how to incorporate, even just urban agriculture in all cities, it’s really place specific and as you mentioned before, the shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy, think about how that has played out in Detroit and now you have this urban agriculture movement, but some people don’t want to see a city like that shift... | |||||||
| 21 Jan 2016 | Equitable Development and Economic Growth | 00:25:38 | |||||
TOPICIntertwined Crises in America IN THIS EPISODE[2:48] Manuel talks about his background and motivation [4:05] Spatial, political and intellectual segregation in America [5:57] Manuel talks about the three big crises in the US [9:23] Diverse, Dynamic Epistemic Communities [11:58] Examples of where these communities have come together [17:02] The key to economic growth [23:28] One change that would lead to better communities [24:08] One action listeners can take to build a better future [24:17] What does the world look like 30 years from now? GUESTDr. Manuel Pastor is Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC), where he also serves as the Director of USC’s Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) and Co-Director of USC’s Center for the Study on Immigration Integration. He is the author of multiple books, including most recently, Equity, Growth, and Community: What the Nation Can Learn from America’s Metro Areas, which he co-authored with Chris Benner from UC Santa Cruz. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“We are in a place where people don’t agree on the basic facts. An epistemic communities are about creating opportunities for people to know together so they can grow together. The thing that we sort of left out in this book is that it’s important for them to be diverse and dynamic. You can’t be surrounded simply by like-minded or like-raced people. You need to make sure that who is at the table is coming from different sectors, different communities, et cetera to be able to understand what it is that weaves us together and where our mutual interests lie.” “It’s basically a nerd fest. We consider ourselves to be nerds for social justice and we did this for a couple of different reasons. Essentially, it was born when Angela Glover Blackwell and I—she’s the head of PolicyLink—were at a meeting at the White House and we realized that while we had pretty good ideas about what to do, few people were paying attention because we didn’t have the kind of data that we needed behind the ideas. This created a way to sort of democratize data.” “Making sure that people understand that there is more than one leverage point; that we need to move the needle on multiple things at the same time; that we need to make sure that people are reentering from the criminal justice system successfully; that we are dealing with immigration reform. We are dealing with gender inequality. We need to get away from the idea that there is a silver bullet for our problems.” RESOURCESUSC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) USC Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII) THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and... | |||||||
| 18 Jan 2016 | Food Waste in America – The Beauty in Ugly Food | 00:19:55 | |||||
As much as 40 percent of all the food produced in the United States never gets eaten and typically ends up in landfills or goes unharvested in the field, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Megan Burritt, Aspen Institute First Mover Fellow and director of sustainability and wellness at Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, saw an opportunity to address this issue, developing pathways that connect fresh food waste in the supply chain with food insecure consumers. This led the company to design a new program, dubbed “Real Good” produce, to sell imperfect fruits and vegetables to food insecure customers, at a highly discounted price. Learn more about this program here: http://www.aspeninstitute.org/about/blog/aspen-first-mover-fellow-tackles-food-waste-while-feeding-food-insecure#sthash.a2q39kN1.dpuf TOPICDecreasing Food Waste Through the Real Good Produce Program GUESTMegan Burritt is Raley’s Supermarkets Director of Wellness and Sustainability. Passionate about creating sustainable food systems and bringing good, clean food to the everyday American, Meg has lived every link in the food chain, from working on the farm to line cooking to category management. Meg attended Stanford as an undergrad, majoring in Human Biology, and is a graduate of Presidio Graduate School where she obtained an MBA in Sustainable Management. As a 2014 First Movers Fellow with the Aspen Institute Business and Society Program, Meg continues to learn and grow as an innovator. First Movers is a group of exceptional innovators in business who are creating new products, services and management practices that achieve greater profitability and positive social and environmental impacts. Meg lives in beautiful Curtis Park, Sacramento where she enjoys baking, riding bikes and spending time with her veterinarian wife, Amanda, and their family of rescue animals. Twitter – https://twitter.com/misskeen LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganburritt ORGANIZATION
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Up to 40% of the food that we grow here in America is often wasted before it gets to the consumer. That’s the high end of the statistic, but it really is mind boggling when you think about that much food that we’re putting resources into growing, that isn’t getting into the hands of people who would like to eat it.” “At Raley’s we do still have some produce waste because some of it just goes off while it’s waiting to be purchased at the grocery store. And we actually divert from the landfill. We send all of our produce waste to an anaerobic bio-digester where it becomes essentially compost and then natural gas energy.” “We are used to selling only one type of very perfectly shaped, sized, and colored fruits and vegetables in conventional grocery stores. So to go out here with this what people sometime call “ugly produce” we were taking a little bit of a risk. But we did see a really positive reception with our consumers that they understand that every fruit and vegetable is unique and it’s still... | |||||||
| 18 Jan 2016 | Portland is a Movable Side Yard Feast | 00:24:48 | |||||
TOPICProviding Local Food to the Local Community GUESTStacey Givens is the farmer, chef and owner of The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen in Northeast Portland, Oregon’s Cully Neighborhood. Givens grows diverse organic produce for Portland’s top restaurants and provides food, education and opportunity to her community. Givens was raised the youngest of seven children in a large Greek family in Redondo Beach, California where she was instilled with do-it-yourself values from a young age, farming in their backyard garden and small orchard, foraging with her mom, picking and brining olives and helping prepare large Greek family-style suppers. Givens has been in the food industry since age 15. She worked her way up the West Coast, including at the nationally acclaimed Millennium in San Francisco, before landing in Portland in 2006. Givens established The Side Yard Farm in 2009. The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen currently consists of several urban farm lots maintained by Givens and her team, a farm-to-table private catering company, and the ‘Nomadic Chef’ supper club where she features her urban-grown goods. Givens also organizes invaluable community services at The Side Yard like DIY workshops, grief support groups and kids camps. While The Side Yard has a hyperlocal focus, Givens’ drive to build a strong community and make lasting connections with talented and passionate people is globally-minded, traveling around the world to meet fellow organic farmers and chefs. In 2014, Givens was the recipient of Portland’s Local Hero award in the chef category, and continues to give back to the community she loves through volunteerism and her indispensable work at The Side Yard. In 2015, she competed on the Foodnetwork’s ‘Chopped’ and brought home the win for Portland. Stacey Givens Twitter https://twitter.com/thesideyardpdx ORGANIZATION
TAKEAWAY QUOTES“It’s all about the experience of seed to plate. All of that was harvested the day before, the day of. You can just taste the freshness and that connection of hyper local.” “After I lost my father I decided I’m done with going to grief groups in hospitals- why not have one at the farm. It’s such a beautiful place and I think it’d be easier for people to share the loss of their loved one…and we just become this big ole family.” “I hope that what we’re doing is we’re teaching people that being local is really important, being organic is extremely important, and I guess that’s what I would hope for is that we’re doing our job educating people and bringing them closer to their food.” RESOURCESThe Side Yard http://www.thesideyardpdx.com/ Local Government Commission http://www.lgc.org/ THANKS FOR LISTENINGThanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please... | |||||||
| 15 Sep 2016 | Cap and Trade, Where Do We Go From Here? – Climate Adaptation Series, Part 2 | 00:17:20 | |||||
New to this series? Catch up, starting with Part 1 of our Climate Adaptation Series HERE.
TOPICEffectively Communicating Climate Change Issues to Diverse Audiences IN THIS EPISODE[02:32] Jonathan explains the messages (and messengers) he uses that resonate with community members. [04:02] Steve describes the messages that resonate with community members in the Sierra Nevada. [06:59] Steve speaks about how the the impacts of years-long drought, millions of dead trees, and wildfires are changing the conversation in the Sierra Nevada. [08:21] Jonathan shares his viewpoint of the climate impacts in the regions where he works. [10:35] Steve speaks about a communication strategy to make a difference. [11:57] Steve discusses how to communicate climate change in a way that people can understand how it impacts them. GUESTSKate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
Jonathan Parfrey is the Executive Director and Founder of Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while making Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring people at home, at work, and in government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, as well as prepare for climate change impacts.
Steve Frisch is President of Sierra Business Council and one of its founding members. Over the last 20 years, Sierra Business Council has leveraged more than $100 million of investment in the Sierra Nevada and its communities through community and public-private partnerships. Sierra Business Council also manages the Sierra Small Business Development Center focusing on advancing sustainable business practices and linking new and expanding businesses to climate mitigation and adaptation funding. ORGANIZATIONSFor over 35 years LGC has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. Together they are advancing transformative policies and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable communities. LGC works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions. With roots in California and a national reputation, LGC offers inspiration, information, and partnership for local and regional champions dedicated to building thriving communities that integrate civic engagement with environmental, social and economic priorities. Climate Resolve is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit,... | |||||||
| 19 Jan 2017 | Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis | 00:30:29 | |||||
TOPICWhat’s Driving the Affordability Problem IN THIS EPISODE[01:53] Mike shares how to register for the 2017 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. [02:04] Mike describes the Infinite Earth Lab program and how to sign up for the waiting list. [03:00] Jeff Bellisario is introduced. [03:21] Shannon Peloquin is introduced. [03:51] Jeff reflects on what he finds so compelling about community development. [06:06] Shannon shares how affordable housing and community development motivate her. [07:49] Jeff and Shannon share how significant the affordability problem is in the San Francisco Bay Area. [11:25] Jeff addresses the drivers of the affordability problem. [13:13] Shannon gives her perspective of what’s driving the affordability problem. [14:13] Jeff discusses the population of San Francisco and job growth in that area. [16:26] Shannon shares her thoughts of what San Francisco needs to do to alleviate the housing affordability crisis. [18:39] Jeff weighs in with his opinion of what San Francisco needs to do. [19:52] Shannon discusses financial incentives to create commercial development. [22:46] Jeff adds his thoughts to the discussion of financial incentives. [23:30] Shannon describes what’s currently being done in the San Francisco Bay Area to create housing. [24:24] Shannon mentions if there have been any housing-shortage studies done in the Bay Area. [25:19] Jeff contributes to the topic of housing-shortage studies. [26:20] Shannon identifies what needs to happen to make progress on the affordable housing issue. [28:19] Jeff tells his thoughts on what needs to happen to make progress on the affordable housing issue. GUESTS/ORGANIZATIONS
Jeff Bellisario is a Research Manager for the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. He supports a wide range of Institute research through project management, research design, and analysis. His research interests lie at the intersection of community development and finance, and his past projects include analyses of Bay Area housing programs, public-private partnerships for infrastructure, and the economic impacts of transportation investments. Prior to joining the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, Jeff worked in Chicago in various portfolio management and investment analysis positions for John Hancock Financial Services and State Farm. Jeff holds an MPP degree from the UC-Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy and a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He enjoys long runs through the hills of the East Bay and cheering on his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. The Bay Area Council Economic Institute is a public-private partnership of business, labor, government and higher education, that works to support the economic vitality and competitiveness of California and the Bay Area. Its work builds on the twenty-year record of fact-based economic analysis and policy leadership of the Bay Area Economic Forum, which merged with the Bay Area Council in January 2008. The Bay Area Council and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) are the Institute’s leading institutional partners. The Economic Institute also supports and manages the Bay Area Science and Innovation Consortium (BASIC), a partnership of Northern California’s leading scientific research institutions and laboratories.Through its economic and policy research and partnerships, the Economic Institute addresses major issues impacting the competitiveness, economic development and quality of life of the region and the state, including infrastructure, globalization, science and technology, and governance. Its Board of Trustees, which oversees the development of its products and initiatives, is composed of leaders representing business, labor, government, higher education, science and technology, philanthropy and the... | |||||||
| 26 Jan 2017 | Autonomous Vehicles—The Future Much Sooner Than You Think | 00:27:26 | |||||
TOPICThe Inevitable Future of Transportation IN THIS EPISODE[01:10] Mike shares how to register for the 2017 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference. [01:16] Mike describes the Infinite Earth Lab program and how to sign up. [02:17] Lisa Nisenson is introduced. [02:39] Ryan Snyder is introduced. [03:06] Ryan explains what an autonomous vehicle is. [03:54] Lisa gives her sense of what the timing is for autonomous vehicles to come and what the state of the technology is. [04:47] Ryan discusses autonomous technology and cab services. [06:13] Ryan shares his perspective that commercial vehicles will move first toward autonomous vehicles. [06:39] Lisa mentions that there are different phases for incorporating autonomous vehicles in society. [07:32] Ryan gives his view of potential implications in terms of infrastructure and community design. [08:53] Lisa shares her thoughts of potential implications in terms of infrastructure and community design. [10:08] Ryan and Lisa talk about the shape and size of autonomous vehicles. [12:15] Ryan and Lisa speak to lane size in relation to autonomous-vehicle size. [14:00] Lisa and Ryan discuss the benefits of moving to autonomous vehicles. [17:06] Lisa identifies some of the challenges in moving to autonomous vehicles. [17:39] Ryan states some additional challenges in moving to autonomous vehicles. [18:49] Mike discusses the inevitable job loss. [24:14] Ryan expresses what the transportation system looks like 30 years from now, and whether the technology and the vehicles work correctly. [25:00] Lisa adds her perspective on what the transportation system looks like 30 years from now. GUESTS/ORGANIZATIONS
Lisa Nisenson has 20 years of experience and leadership in smart growth, sustainable development and civic engagement. She founded an award-winning tech startup, GreaterPlaces, will release a mobile app in May and is working with Alta Planning + Design to integrate technology into health, active communities. GreaterPlaces is an award-winning website, forthcoming mobile app and consulting firm. The demand for smart city + emerging transportation is growing, even as cities, suburbs & towns invest more in walkable, bikeable and sustainable design. The mission of GreaterPlaces is to help you create a greater community by providing a visual, organized trove of placemaking and community planning solutions. Ryan Snyder is Principal with Transpo Group, a transportation planning and engineering firm that prepares sustainable transportation plans. Ryan is a widely known presenter, activist, and educator and has established himself as one of the forefront experts of the Complete Streets movement. Transpo Group is a specialty transportation planning and engineering services firm with offices in Washington, California, and the Middle East. Transpo plans and designs transportation systems for people — not just drivers of cars and trucks, but also the pedestrians and cyclists who share these systems. They create connected solutions that enable a sustainable tomorrow for communities of all sizes, and still get everyone safely where they need to go today. Their team of engineers, planners, and technical resources includes- a full range of skilled experts that have assisted clients with transportation planning and traffic engineering services since 1975. Take Away Quotes“There are, what we call, five levels of autonomous vehicles that have been identified. The first level is where you just have your basic sort of technology that we’ve had for years—for example, cruise control, and now we’re getting adaptive cruise control and lane assist and park assist. Level two is where you combine two of those together and can use them simultaneously. Level three is where the driver can let the car do the driving most of the time but... | |||||||
| 02 Feb 2017 | Missing Middle Housing: Responding to the Demand for Walkable Urban Living | 00:22:12 | |||||
TOPICThe Shift in Demand for Walkable Urban Living IN THIS EPISODE[01:16] Daniel Parolek is introduced. [01:53] Daniel tells about when he first knew architecture and urban design were going to be what he would do for a living. [03:11] Daniel answers the question of, what is missing middle housing? [06:09] Daniel speaks of the transition to support housing that supports more walkable communities. [08:15] Daniel addresses if it’s possible to create a more diverse mix of housing options in communities that are already built out. [10:32] Daniel identifies how to adapt building codes to allow for a more diverse mix of housing. [12:59] Daniel talks about using floor-area ratio in a residential context. [14:16] Daniel gives his thoughts on the affordability benefits of missing middle housing. [16:09] Daniel discusses the good response builders and developers have had. [19:01] Daniel mentions if there’s been any work done on how a community’s finances are affected. [20:02] Daniel shares where people can learn more about his work and missing middle housing. GUEST
Daniel Parolek is a nationally recognized thought leader in architecture, design, and urban planning, specifically in terms of creating livable, sustainable communities and buildings that reinforce them. He is the founder and a Principle at Opticos – an architectural and urban design firm located in Berkeley CA. ORGANIZATION
Opticos Design, Inc. is an award-winning multidisciplinary design firm founded in Berkeley, CA, that specializes in creating great places by revitalizing old ones and creating new pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods and cities by designing well-crafted traditional and classical architecture. They are recognized nationally as leaders in their field and have won various awards for their diverse work. Their designs emphasize the creation of vibrant, sustainable communities, comfortable pedestrian environments, and memorable places that will withstand the test of time. Opticos was named to B Lab’s “2013 B Corp Best for the Workers List,” honoring the top 10% of all Certified B Corporations in the world that have made a positive impact on their workforce. Take Away Quotes“…actually, I wrote an essay when I was in sixth grade about wanting to be an architect, so I guess it was maybe between growing up in a really great, sort of vibrant community and also being let loose on my grandfather’s farm and having lots of time to build lots of cool forts out of stacked hay bales and treehouses and such, sort of, ultimately, ended up me having a real interest and passion for it.” “[Missing Middle Housing] is the scale of housing in between single-family homes and sort of the four- and five-story apartment buildings, and it’s the duplex, it’s a fourplex, it’s a small-courtyard apartment or a bungalow court, that this range of housing types exist in every pre-1940’s neighborhood across the country. Some of them are usually mixed in with other, even, single-family homes, and they make up a really vibrant part of a community and provide housing choices in those places that they exist.” “We’ve also been having great conversations with builders, builder’s who’ve historically built mostly single-family homes, that are realizing that they need to shift and add these missing middle housing types to their portfolios to respond to the shift in demand. Even apartment builders are starting to look at this as well.” “What we find is a lot of our work is actually being hired by cities to go and fix their zoning codes, and a lot of times it entails writing a form-based code, which is just a different approach to it, and the | |||||||
| 09 Feb 2017 | Entrepreneurship and Place-Based Economic Development | 00:23:05 | |||||
TOPICA Successful Approach to Community Reinvention IN THIS EPISODE[01:14] Erik Pages is introduced. [01:39] Erik talks about how he ended up focusing his work in economic development and entrepreneurship. [02:27] Erik shares the keys to success of communities that have reinvented themselves. [03:38] Why is this approach to economic recovery not more widely used? [04:44] An example of a community that’s been successful with this kind of economic-recovery approach. [05:28] Erik describes what a place-based approach is. [06:17] An example from Coal Country that is taking the place-based approach. [07:14] Erik gives advice to those living in a community in need of reinventing itself. [08:04] Strategies for leveraging the entrepreneurial talent that’s found in every community. [09:12] Erik states how communities can make themselves more resilient to economic changes. [10:53] Erik tells if it’s possible to build an economy that will keep people’s jobs since technology is replacing some jobs. [12:25] Erik shares his thoughts on the Trump administration’s objective of creating more jobs through better trade deals and a better tax structure. [13:49] Erik speaks to whether the coal economy is coming back. [15:46] How can Coal Country make an easier transition to an alternative-energy economy? [17:20] Erik proposes a national-level policy to move our economy forward. [19:18] Erik shares if there is a need of a better system for re-training and job-transition programs. [19:55] Erik gives his suggestion that would allow easier and faster reinvention of communities. [20:43] Erik tells how people can learn more about his work and entrepreneurial economic development. GUEST
Erik Pages is the President of EntreWorks Consulting, an economic development consulting and policy development firm focused on helping communities and organizations achieve their entrepreneurial potential. ORGANIZATION
Based in Arlington, VA, EntreWorks Consulting is an economic development consulting and policy development firm focused on helping communities, businesses, and organizations achieve their entrepreneurial potential. EntreWorks works with a diverse base of clients including state and local governments, Chambers of Commerce, business leaders, educational institutions, and non-profits. Since its founding, EntreWorks has worked with customers in forty states and overseas.
Take Away Quotes“I think I come at entrepreneurship from a slightly different perspective of most people. I’m not one of these people that adores Bill Gates or adores Steve Jobs. I’m interested in entrepreneurship because I think it’s an economic-development strategy that’s available to all communities, unlike some other, say, high-tech-development strategy. So that’s why I’m a big fan of entrepreneurship, and I think it’s an economic-development strategy that can fit in almost any kind of community.” “I do think that there’s a couple things that successful communities do. One is that they engage everybody in the community. It’s not just a handful of leaders doing it. The other thing—and this is... | |||||||
| 17 Feb 2017 | Affordable Housing-Walking the Inclusionary-Zoning Tightrope | 00:29:48 | |||||
TOPICServing Lower-Income Families Through Inclusionary Housing IN THIS EPISODE[01:13] Co-host Kate Meis is introduced. [01:21] Sasha Hauswald is introduced. [01:30] Sasha shares how she ended up working on affordable-housing issues. [02:21] Sasha talks about some of the tools cities are using to ensure there is a supply of affordable housing so families can stay together. [04:33] Sasha conveys her thoughts on challenges municipalities have with providing affordable housing. [05:10] Sasha explains inclusionary housing/zoning. [06:42] Sasha states if there’s an incentive to the developer to include inclusionary housing. [08:33] Sasha elaborates if the impact of housing affordability is long term or short term. [10:28] Sasha discusses how one has to think of inclusionary housing differently in stronger versus weaker up-and-coming markets. [16:13] Is there anything else, beyond incentives to developers, that can incentivize more housing creation? [20:04] Why should affordable housing matter for those who already have housing? [22:47] Sasha comments on how policy decisions can favor or disfavor certain people. [24:32] Sasha gives advice on how smaller communities can get involved in this conversation around affordable housing. [26:11] Mike mentions the importance for people to understand zoning and how zoning impacts housing prices. [27:20] Kate discusses the misalignment of the planning process with zoning codes. [28:20] Sasha shares how people can learn more about her work. CO-HOST Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
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Take Away Quotes“I started off working in foster care, and a lot of the kids who I was looking after in foster care were trying to be reunited with their families, but their parents were not able to find housing. So their parents are trapped in shelters, and the kids are trapped in foster care, and I just realized that it was sort of an underlying issue that was keeping families apart.” “[Kate] read a study that said that there isn’t a county anywhere in the nation that can fill all of its low-income-population need for affordable housing.” “Now, places are finding that they have... | |||||||
| 23 Feb 2017 | Is the Smart-Growth Movement at an Inflection Point? | 00:21:07 | |||||
Topic:Sustainability and Economic Opportunity and Inclusion In This Episode:[01:24] Co-host Kif Scheuer is introduced. [01:32] Julie Seward is introduced. [01:40] Julie shares how she became interested in working in resiliency, sustainability, and community equity. [03:14] Julie describes the biggest successes and the biggest challenges in the smart-growth movement. [05:23] Julie speaks about the subtopics and interconnected terms of the smart-growth movement and if there’s confusion for the public. [06:47] Julie comments on who is involved in the smart-growth movement and the roles they play. [08:28] Julie addresses challenging issues that go beyond jurisdictional boundaries. [10:41] Julie states how to weave together thriving-economy areas and non-thriving-economy areas of the country. [14:37] Kif mentions the economic imbalance of coastal urban areas, valuable resources we have under a stressed climate, and the “makers and takers” of the environment. [15:35] Julie expresses her thoughts on the future leaders who may be able to help shape the future [16:50] Mike adds to the discussion his opinion that the biggest need is for people to have equitable opportunity to participate in the economy. [18:29] Julie responds with her perspective on economic inclusion, urban economies, and the inflection point. Co-Host:Kif Scheuer joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kif Scheuer is the Climate Change Program Director at the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kif is a solution-oriented sustainability professional with a strong history of engaging diverse audiences in real-world climate protection efforts through innovative, market-focused research and analysis, creative program design, effective project implementation, and compelling public advocacy and education. In 2013 Kif organized the first California Adaptation Forum, which attracted over 800 attendees and served to kick start the statewide conversation on adaptation. Kif led the development and growth of one of the LGC’s key coalitions – the Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation, a statewide network focused on addressing adaptation at the regional scale.… Guest:Julie Seward is the Principal of Julia Seward Consulting. Julie is skilled at building the foundation for long-term initiatives and transforming strategies into actions. Her consulting work often involves finding solutions and promoting common goals and collaboration among highly diverse stakeholders. Julie’s particular areas of interest and experience include building sustainable communities through smart growth; creating and integrating state policy partnerships; and planning and orchestrating conferences and meetings that produce innovative outcomes. Organization:Julia Seward Consulting provides strategic planning, project management and implementation, and facilitation to national organizations, local, state, and regional governing bodies, community based organizations, foundations and consulting firms. Take Away Quotes:“The biggest success in the smart-growth movement, in fact, is there is a smart-growth movement that is understood, and smart growth is now a fairly accepted frame of reference for people. If you had asked people a decade ago what that means, certainly there are a core of people who would understand that, but many people would not have. I think there’s huge success and the…people that are involved in smart growth should really claim great credit for having really created something that has become a common word for people in the United States. Sustainability is now a part, I think, of the way most people think about the work they do—certainly not that way a decade ago—so I think in some ways that’s the greatest success is it’s become an integral part of the way people think about their... | |||||||
| 02 Mar 2017 | Plan4Health: Fighting Deadly Chronic Diseases Through Better Planning | 00:19:07 | |||||
Topic:How community design impacts lives
In This Episode:[01:31] Elizabeth Hartig is introduced. [01:40] Elizabeth shares how she became involved in planning for health issues. [02:23] Elizabeth tells about the American Planning Association (APA). [03:02] Are there specific objectives for the Plan4Health initiative? [04:08] Elizabeth discusses the degree to which community design impacts health versus access to healthcare. [05:05] How can we move to more healthy community design? [07:18] Elizabeth shares her thoughts on what needs to be done to get the healthy-community movement moving at a faster rate. [08:36] Elizabeth provides the degree to which her work focuses on communities that have a lower quality of health outcomes and what needs to be done for those communities to be healthier. [10:54] What needs to be done to get the people who are building communities to be more responsive to the urban, walkable community market demand. [12:37] Where can people learn more about Plan4Health? [13:53] Elizabeth provides the first steps to making healthier communities. [15:38] Mike and Elizabeth talk about the biggest mistakes planners make. [16:59] Elizabeth mentions if there is an expected end to the Plan4Health program or if it’s ongoing. Guest:Elizabeth Hartig joined the American Planning Association (APA) as a project coordinator for the Planning and Community Health Center in January 2015. Immediately prior, Elizabeth was a program officer with the Chicago Foundation for Women, leading the foundation’s volunteer grantmaking committee, managing the final evaluation plan for each proposal and supporting the foundation’s grantee community. Elizabeth received her master of arts in social administration from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and has worked in a variety of direct service and administrative positions.
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Take Away Quotes:“My background is actually in social work, so I worked with a community foundation in Chicago, really thinking about how we can reach vulnerable populations, how we can support families and women and girls, and a lot of our work focused around places, so where people were and how that impacted their lives and their health and their choices. So when the opportunity to work with a Plan4Health project came up, I was really excited to take this to a deeper level and really think about how the design of our communities can impact our lives.” “APA is a membership organization. We have about 38,000 members across the country. Our members are working at all different levels, with local communities, in regions, really thinking about how we can create healthy, vibrant communities.” “APA was awarded a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September of 2014, so we are in our second-and-a-half year of the project, and, really, the goal of the award and the goal of our overall project is to prevent chronic disease. So, how do we do that? We can make it easier to walk and bike and increase opportunities for physical activity, and we can also make it easier to get healthy food.” “I think a... | |||||||
| 09 Mar 2017 | Tiny Homes and Smart Infill Housing—Improving Housing Choices | 00:15:32 | |||||
Topic:Spurring Community Revitalization In This Episode:[01:36] Co-host Kate Meis is introduced. [01:44] Guest Darin Dinsmore is introduced. [01:53] Darin shares how he ended up working on affordable-housing and infill-housing issues. [02:24] Darin explains what smart infill housing is. [02:50] Darin describes what infill and smart growth look like in rural communities like Truckee, California. [03:54] Darin provides information on his tiny-home project. [06:04] Darin discusses the zoning ordinance for the tiny-home project in Arizona. [06:50] Kate mentions that with the growing interest in tiny homes, local governments are having to figure out how to keep the zoning updated. [07:23] Mike comments on the dynamic of minimal residential house size and people who are living in hotel rooms. [08:11] Darin speaks about micro-units and single-room occupancy units. [08:46] Darin tells about the infill score and revitalization roadmap tool. [09:27] Darin states where people can go to take the infill-readiness test. [09:48] Darin describes the Crowdbrite tool. [11:25] Darin shares where people can go to access the Crowdbrite tool. [11:39] Darin mentions where the Crowdbrite tool is being used. [12:06] Darin supplies some of the things communities can do to be infill ready. [13:01] Mike adds to the discussion that there’s a public-approval issue. [13:24] Kate conveys that most Americans prefer smart growth. [13:33] Darin provides some of the challenges cities face in becoming infill ready. Co-Host:Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
Guest:
To help create more sustainable and vibrant communities he launched a suite of SMART planning tools including www.infillscore.com and the Community Revitalization Program, used by more than 400 communities. In 2017 Darin is working to create new jobs and innovative housing solutions with a Tiny House demonstration project. Organization:
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| 16 Mar 2017 | Heart and Soul—A Barn-Raising Approach to Community Wealth | 00:21:10 | |||||
Topic:People Taking Charge of Their Own Community In This Episode:[01:20] Jane LaFleur is introduced. [01:28] Jane shares what interests her about community development and how she got involved in community-development work. [02:30] Jane provides some of the economic challenges. [03:33] Jane defines community wealth. [04:13] Jane states what “a barn-raising approach to community wealth” means. [06:06] Jane tells more about the Heart and Soul approach. [07:31] Jane mentions how long she’s been doing the Heart and Soul approach. [08:14] Jane gives a success story of the Heart and Soul approach. [11:14] Mike discusses the problem of getting people engaged in their communities. [11:41] Jane provides another success story of the Heart and Soul approach. [13:26] Mike states his thoughts about the disconnect between government and the people. [13:40] Jane informs that the Heart and Soul approach is about what communities can do for themselves. [15:00] Mike shares his view of what governance is. [15:48] Jane says how people can learn more about her work. [16:04] Jane speaks about the inclusiveness of the Heart and Soul process. [16:58] Mike clarifies which website to go to, depending on your state of residence. [17:33] Jane discusses whether community wealth is an economic-development process. [18:52] Mike mentions focusing on social capital. [19:32] Jane conveys that social capital is a part of asset-based planning and that businesses are attracted to a community that knows what its values are. Guest:Jane LaFleur is the Senior Program Director of Lift360, a state-wide organization that inspires leadership, builds stronger leaders, and equips those leaders to tackle the critical issues facing Maine. Lift360 works to strengthen leaders, organizations and communities through its work with cities and towns, non-profit organizations and community members. Jane served as the Executive Director of Friends of Midcoast Maine (FMM), a regional smart growth, planning and civic engagement organization for 13 years until joining Lift 360 in September 2016. She developed The Community Institute, a program of Friends of Midcoast Maine and has been named a coach and champion on the Orton Family Foundation Heart & Soul planning program. Jane grew up in Lewiston, Maine and has been a city and regional planner since 1981. Her work has received the Maine Associations of Planners Plan of the year award in Damariscotta, Maine and in South Burlington Vermont and in 2015 she was named The Professional Planner of the Year by both the Maine Association of Planners and the Northern New England Chapter of APA. Jane is a sought after lecturer and trainer on planning and civic engagement topics at the local level as well as at national and state conferences including NNECAPA, APA, New Partners for Smart Growth, Community Matters, and MAP Annual Meetings. She has recently published an article in the “Communities and Banking” magazine of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston as well as other publications. Jane graduated from the University of Maine and received her master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University and lives within Camden, Maine. Organization:
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| 23 Mar 2017 | Urban Agriculture—Infrastructure and Impact | 00:22:52 | |||||
Topic:The Impact Domino Effect: From Neighborhoods to Cities to Regions In This Episode:[01:19] Rachel Deffenbaugh is introduced. [01:29] Rachel shares how she became involved in urban agriculture and why urban agriculture is important to her. [02:15] Rachel states what Gateway Greening is. [02:31] What is the difference between community gardening and urban agriculture? [03:19] How should urban agriculture be looked at in terms of it being a system within a community.=? [04:58] Rachel talks about why we should focus energy on urban agriculture. [07:25] Rachel shares her thoughts on the direct economic benefits of urban agriculture. [10:49] Mike comments that urban settings can make the food system more economically viable. [12:13] Rachel speaks about the consumer side of food. [13:11] Mike mentions the book The Two-Income Trap by Elizabeth Warren and talks about the other things in our economy that are more expensive than food. [14:16] Rachel talks about what Gateway Greening is doing to make St. Louis more of an urban agricultural place. [17:50] Rachel describes the goals and vision of Gateway Greening. [20:33] How can listeners support the work of Gateway Greening? [21:24] Rachel shares resources for those who do not live in the St. Louis area. Guest:Rachel Deffenbaugh managed the Gateway Greening Urban Farm for over 6 years, during which time she developed and implemented dynamic employment and therapeutic programming for individuals struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and/or addiction. She has a diverse background in sustainable agriculture and therapeutic horticulture. She recently transitioned to supervising the Therapeutic Horticulture program at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Organization:
Take Away Quotes:“For me, community gardening has a very localized effect. So it’ll be a garden in a neighborhood, or at a church, that is really focused on whatever community is connected to that garden, which is really significant and impactful for that community. Urban agriculture has a much bigger focus. Maybe it’s a whole city that is impacted by the programing and the produce that is grown there, or potentially even a whole region. So it’s really kind of the scale of what you’re working with.” “Urban agriculture can be easily integrated into any sort of community with intention behind it… in the case of where I work, it might look like a big—we have a two-and-a-half acre urban farm in downtown St. Louis; and we operate a lot of different programs and impact people struggling with homelessness; we bring in volunteers from all different walks of life, all different communities; we have a teen-employment program. So that’s a very centralized, kind of top-down approach to urban agriculture, which I don’t think is bad by any means, but there’s also the bottom-up approach that is out there as well.” “Another thing that urban agriculture can be if you’re a city planner or developer or something is tucking in agricultural elements into what you’re already doing. So if you’re redesigning the streetscape in some cute little neighborhood or something, rather than using... | |||||||
| 30 Mar 2017 | #Carbon Series: Conservative Republicans Propose a Carbon Tax | 00:34:40 | |||||
Topic:Climate Change and Putting a Price on Carbon In This Episode:[01:10] Carbon series co-host Michael Green is introduced. [01:40] Michael shares what he hopes to bring to this #carbon podcast series. [02:22] Mike shares his excitement for sustainability and equity at the sub-national level. [02:48] Michael tells about CABA’s (Climate Action Business Alliance) expansion efforts to help state-based networks. [03:31] Mike mentions the list of diverse topics that he and Michael have come up with for this new series and introduces what today’s episode will be about. [04:32] Michael conveys his thoughts regarding the Republican party’s view on climate change. [05:01] Mike describes the carbon tax proposal. [08:28] Catrina Rorke is introduced and talks about R Street. [10:44] Catrina elaborates on carbon pricing. [11:24] Michael agrees with carbon pricing and says that they will be talking about what to do with the revenue. [11:49] Catrina answers the question of whether carbon pricing and the idea of putting a market signal on an externality is a conservative idea. [13:06] Catrina speaks about the idea of a direct rebate to taxpayers. [14:37] Catrina explains how the R Street approach would work and if it would be fair to those who are paying taxes. [17:19] Catrina expresses her thoughts on putting a price on carbon. [19:12] Catrina shares if climate change is a populist-enough issue for the Republican party. [20:28] Catrina gives her insights of how effective a carbon tax would be. [24:53] Catrina comments on the increase of the carbon tax and how to ensure an environmental outcome from a price signal. [28:03] Michael discusses information on what he’s been following regarding sustainability, the future of climate change, and the outdoor-sports industry. [30:22] Mike talks about an article he read about the Alberta tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline. [32:24] Michael provides information about his interest in the pipeline. [32:54] Mike shares what he knows about ExxonMobil and supplies an issue with the tar sands. [33:33] Michael mentions that Canada is going to be putting a price on carbon. Guest:Catrina Rorke is senior fellow and energy policy director for the R Street Institute. She founded and leads the institute’s energy program, which works to clarify a well-defined and limited role for government in shaping decisions about infrastructure, wholesale and retail electricity, research and development, fuel choice and diversity, and climate adaptation and mitigation. Organization:
Take Away Quotes:“As an organization that’s dedicated to conservative free-market principles, the carbon tax sort of checked the boxes, and so R Street has long advocated for a revenue-neutral form of a carbon price, especially one that includes preemption for regulatory programs that currently try to price carbon into the market.” “It’s certainly a conservative idea to use the lightest touch possible to correct a market failure. So, when you look at a role for government, as a conservative you don’t want government to expand beyond addressing substantive market failures, where the market isn’t addressing problems on its own. And climate change is a really perfect example of this. We know that there’s risk related to anthropogenic emissions, the market isn’t pricing that on its own, and so without the... | |||||||
| 06 Apr 2017 | Food Security—Growing Food Connections | 00:24:18 | |||||
Topic:Making Sure All People Have Access to Affordable Food In This Episode:[02:16] Mike gives some background on the topic for today’s episode. [02:38] Julia Freedgood is introduced. [02:47] Julia tells about the American Farmland Trust. [03:08] Julia shares why farmland and food equity are important. [04:19] Julia explains what food equity is. [05:40] Julia talks about whether food insecurity is a real problem. [06:50] Julia reflects on what needs to be done to attack the problem of food insecurity. [09:08] Julia gives examples of communities that are making progress in the issue of food insecurity. [11:28] Julia provides information about resources on the Growing Food Connections website. [13:44] Julia shares how to access the Community Guide to Planning for Agriculture and Food Systems. [15:00] Julia identifies some of the issues that are creating an obstacle to food security and food equity. [19:45] Julia communicates what the average person can do to be supportive of more food security for other people. [23:23] Mike mentions the book “The New Grand Strategy.” Guest:Julia Freedgood is the Assistant Vice President of Programs for the American Farmland Trust and oversees federal, state and local program and policy efforts to support farmland protection and agricultural viability. Organization:American Farmland Trust is dedicated to preserving the nation’s farm and ranch land – and critical natural resources like soil and water. They also make sure to never forget that it is people – our family farmers and ranchers – who feed us and sustain America. Take Away Quotes:“The American Farmland Trust is a national nonprofit organization. We were founded in 1980 to protect farmland for farming, so our mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land.” “For us, in the context of the project that I was talking about, which is a project American Farmland Trust is part of called Growing Food Connections, and the goal of that project is to strengthen community food systems by supporting small and midsize farmers who are growing food within their communities and regions, and also by improving food access, food security, or food equity. And so for the food-equity piece, we’re really looking at making sure that all people in a community have access to affordable food that’s culturally appropriate, the kind of food they’re familiar with and like to eat, and that it’s readily available.” “Fifty million people in the country are affected by food insecurity, and so that means lack of access to food on a regular basis. It doesn’t mean that they’re starving, necessarily, but it does mean that they don’t have food access every day, three meals a day, healthy food. It’s gotten a little bit better in the last few years, but it’s still worse than it was before the Great Recession, and it’s still a problem that we need to work on. And you find it especially in low-wealth communities and communities of color and rural communities.” “Through the project [Growing Food Connections], we studied what we call Communities of Innovation, and so these would be places across the country that have really addressed food-system issues through planning and policy and building partnerships and making investments.” Resources: | |||||||
| 13 Apr 2017 | Sales Tax Distribution – Equity and Sustainability | 00:24:25 | |||||
Topic:Sales Tax Issues and Impacts In This Episode:[02:27] Guests Bob Lewis, Jim Brasfield, and Sarah Coffin are introduced. [02:57] Jim shares why he’s interested in sales tax and distribution equity. [03:18] Bob tells why he’s interested in sales tax and distribution equity. [03:52] Bob talks about his role as Principal at Development Strategies. [04:13] Sarah speaks about why she’s interested in sales tax and distribution equity. [04:55] Bob gives his view of what sales tax distribution equity is. [06:13] Jim explains where sales tax money goes and what it pays for. [08:15] Sarah shares what the negatives of sales tax distribution are. [09:43] Bob speaks about how the sales tax system drives land-use decisions. [11:30] Who decides who is a point-of-sale city? [12:54] Mike speaks of the incentives for more commercial development than housing development. [13:51] Sarah comments about the zoning decisions made by local governments and the affordable-housing issue. [14:48] How do we fix the problem of poorer communities going to rich communities to shop and the rich communities taking the sales tax? [16:26] Is there any property tax sharing or is it just the sales tax? [17:31] Mike mentions the challenges of too many local governments and overlapping jurisdictions. [18:02] Bob adds to the conversation of sharing the costs. [18:55] Sarah reflects on how St. Louis County supports its cultural districts. [20:23] Are there any words of wisdom for other parts of the country that aren’t doing sales tax sharing? Guests/Organizations:
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| 20 Apr 2017 | Resiliency: New Buzzword or New Normal | 00:28:14 | |||||
Topic:Expanding the Conversation of Community Resiliency In This Episode:[01:50] Co-host Kif Scheuer is introduced. [01:54] Guest John Zeanah is introduced. [02:05] John shares how he became involved in community resiliency [04:20] John explains what he thinks the word resiliency means. [05:31] John talks about how communities across and within jurisdictional boundaries are responding to resiliency. [09:58] John relates the kind of conversation that takes place within the community he works in. [14:40] John comments on energy-cost burdens and how costs are factored into response strategies. [18:09] Is resiliency is just another word for disaster preparedness? [20:29] John addresses how to have the conversation of investing money for the benefit of something that won’t happen, like a flood. [23:28] John identifies the pieces of his plan that will continue beyond the grant. [27:07] John mentions how people find more information and take a look at Shelby’s resilience plan. Guest/Organization:John Zeanah is the Deputy Director of the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. In this role, Mr. Zeanah assists the direction of planning functions including land use, comprehensive planning, sustainability and resilience, transportation, housing, and development services. Prior to this role, Mr. Zeanah served in the roles of program manager and administrator for the Memphis-Shelby County Office of Sustainability, coordinating various program areas including energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, green infrastructure, and sustainable food systems.
Take Away Quotes:“I think the evolution of resilience is pushing people to think beyond just, how do you bounce back from a flood, or how do you build back from a hurricane, but also as you’re building back, as you’re bouncing back, how are you doing that in a way that’s addressing so many of the social and economic issues that your community may face.” “I don’t know that the way that we’ve thought about disaster preparedness as a practice has taken in, at least to the degree that we’ve seen in the last few years around resilience, this concept of focusing on co-benefits, focusing on the multiple benefits, and ensuring that what we do around a preparedness initiative or project in a community has benefits throughout the year.” “My advice for any community out there is think about when you have a disaster, whether it’s a flood or something else, what are the systems that have to get in place to be able to prevent damage from happening? What are the cleanup efforts that have to take place? What’s the dollar value of those things?” Resources:Learn More about Shelby County’s Resilience Efforts Resilient Shelby – Resilience Plan Shelby County Planning and Development | |||||||
| 27 Apr 2017 | The Play Everywhere Challenge | 00:13:07 | |||||
Topic:The Importance of Play In This Episode:[01:50] Aisha Alexander is introduced. [02:02] Aisha shares what KaBOOM! is. [02:40] Aisha provides why play opportunities are so important. [04:06] Aisha explains why access to play is an issue. [06:02] Aisha describes the Play Everywhere Challenge. [09:08] Aisha states how people can learn more about KaBOOM! and the Play Everywhere Challenge. [09:38] Mike comments how playspaces have dual benefits. [10:16] Aisha expresses how kids are indicator species for cities. Guest/Organization:… Aisha Alexander is a Director of External Affairs for KaBOOM!, where she leads efforts promote the creation of kid-friendly cities. She attended Hampton University, where she earned her BA in English and Early Childhood Education; and Temple University, earning a Master of Social Work, concentrating in Community and Policy Practice. Before joining KaBOOM!, she worked in municipal government, most recently for the City of Charlotte, where she managed the city’s neighborhood improvement programs. Aisha is an expert in community engagement, neighborhood quality of life and social sector innovation. …
… Take Away Quotes:“KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit organization that’s committed to making sure that all kids have the access to the play opportunities they need to thrive.” “There’s lots of reasons that play is really important. Number one, we believe that play is a fundamental right of childhood; it is the work of children.” “We realized through our community-built playgrounds that we could not address the problem at scale, and so we worked with Ideas42, a behavioral research firm, to figure out what are the barriers to play, and when we looked at those barriers, we found out that what needs to happen to be able to give access to all kids is to really make play everywhere.” “We really wanted to have this Play Everywhere Challenge to help spur these types of ideas of how you can infuse play into everyday spaces where kids and families are already spending time.” Resources:Infinite Earth Radio Episode 053: Civil Rights and Access to Recreation and Open Space (Re-release) with Robert Garcia | |||||||
| 21 Jan 2016 | The Future of Smart Growth | 00:30:07 | |||||
TOPICSmart Growth and Sustainability in Communities in the U.S. IN THIS EPISODE[3:30] Kate explains her passion for her work with the Local Government Commission. [5:37] Matt talks about his motivation to start at The Office of Sustainable Communities. [8:08] The impact that the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference has had over the years. [11:43] What does the Office of Sustainable Communities do for the EPA? [14:33] How does the Smart Growth and Sustainability Act affect how we make community decisions now? [15:50] Where we are now, and where do we need to go? [23:02] One change that Kate and Matt would make. [24:49] Action steps for listeners to take to help their communities. [26:45] What will our country and communities look like 30 years from now? [29:15] New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Information GUEST BIOS
Kate Meis has served as the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC) since 2013. Since assuming directorship, her focus has been to strengthen partnerships and capacity to serve a growing number of community leaders across the state and the nation. Kate is a champion for local governments, a catalyst of early local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts, and an ardent coalition builder. Under Kate’s leadership LGC has become a forerunner on climate change – advancing the first California Adaptation Forum, developing a new Governor’s Initiative CivicSpark capacity building program and providing fiscal and staffing support for the new Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation. Kate is driven by the belief that given the right tools and partners people will innovate to improve their communities and respond to pressing challenges. Her unique background in agricultural research, social work, alternative transportation and community development has helped her to establish a rich network of partners and an integrated approach to assisting local governments.
Matthew Dalbey is the Director of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities. The Office of Sustainable Communities (OSC) collaborates with other US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs; federal agencies; regional, state, and local governments; and a broad array of nongovernmental partners to help communities become stronger, healthier, and more sustainable through smarter growth, green building, green infrastructure and related strategies. OSC leads EPA’s participation in the interagency (HUD-DOT-EPA) Partnership for Sustainable Communities, as well as EPA’s cross-Agency focus on Making a Visible Difference in Communities. This work is integral to EPA’s priorities of improving air quality, addressing climate change, protecting America’s waters, cleaning up our communities and promoting environmental justice.
Take Away Quotes:“The trajectory of growth that we all relied on for generations is not there any longer fundamentally all across this country we are trying to reinvent our economy there are places that have done better since the great recession and there are many places that have not yet begun to move forward. And I think the big challenge for all of us that are working in the smart growth, sustainable communities, environmental justice space is how do we work in our communities to help reinvent the economies that are not the economies of the 20th century but are the economies of the 21st century. I don’t know what that is going to look like but we need to figure it out because the trajectory of growth is just not there any longer. We have to work on economic development in every single one of our communities. We have to become good stewards of not... | |||||||
| 04 May 2017 | Years of Living Dangerously | 00:36:43 | |||||
Topic:Putting a Price on Carbon In This Episode:[01:37] Co-host Michael Green is introduced. [02:23] Mike and Michael talk about the series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” [04:50] Mike and Michael mention the Put a Price on It campaign. [06:44] Guest Camila Thorndike is introduced. [07:22] Camila shares the origin and goal of the Put a Price on It campaign. [08:39] Camila describes how the partnership with the “Years of Living Dangerously” team came about. [12:12] Camila reflects on carbon-pricing stories that she’s heard. [17:53] Camila expresses if celebrity involvement is an advantage in terms of communicating the climate-crisis message. [21:42] Camila shares her response to the question, “What can I do?” [26:30] Camila tells where people can go to connect with Our Climate and the Put a Price on It campaign. [28:33] Camila provides how she stays positive while dealing with climate-change issues. [32:06] Michael identifies what caught his eye this week in the news. [33:40] Mike talks about what caught his eye this week in the news. Guest:Camila Thorndike has been an environmental advocate and social entrepreneur for 10 years. At Whitman College, she led the largest campus club and founded a tri-college leadership network. After graduating with honors in 2010, Camila directed outreach for a regional urban planning project in Arizona; advanced green jobs for the mayor of D.C.; worked at the U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution; and co-founded COAL, a nationwide musical theater project about fossil fuels. She is a Udall Scholar, Fellow of the Center for Diversity and the Environment, Sitka Fellow, Mic50 Awardee, and member of the 2016 class of the Young Climate Leaders Network. Organization:Our Climate mobilizes and empowers the generations most affected by climate change to pass inclusive, science-based climate policy through creative civic engagement. Take Away Quotes:“It takes a lot of education and encouragement to make sure that young people, especially, feel confident advocating for the policy, but once they’re hooked, it’s amazing what they’ve been pulling off.” “We’re finally getting more creative in how we bring people in, and there’s nothing more powerful than story. It’s not unique to the efforts around carbon pricing, but I think the climate and sustainability movements as a whole have really gotten the memo that you can’t just broadcast facts and figures and graphs and charts—it won’t resonate emotionally—and that when you don’t have that emotional link, then you can’t expect folks to prioritize this above their grocery list or paying the bills or whatever it might be.” “Something that young people everywhere need to realize is that you don’t wait until some magical moment—that you have this right title or the right position—to speak out on something that you care about. It is actually your youth and your perspective of being in the most imperiled generation and facing down the barrel of this gun that is the core message that will resonate and move the rest of society, and, in fact, if you don’t speak out, you’re missing this incredible opportunity which is going to fade with time.” “…more and more people are waking up and taking action, and I think that comes from refusing to take no as an answer and doing the hard work of honing your skills and your knowledge base and, again, making use of this precious time that we have when we’re alive on this earth to advance something that we believe in, whether or not we win. The victory is not guaranteed, but the effort is in your hands.” Resources: | |||||||
| 08 Sep 2016 | Making the Global Local – Climate Adaptation Series | 00:26:32 | |||||
TOPICThe Local Impacts of Climate Change IN THIS EPISODE[02:05] Introduction of co-host Kate Meis. [03:17] Introduction of Steve Frisch. [03:53] Introduction of Jonathan Parfrey. [04:30] Steve describes his organization, Sierra Business Council. [05:56] Jonathan describes his organization, Climate Resolve. [08:53] Jonathan explains the governance of jurisdictional-boundary issues. [10:47] Steve and Jonathan discuss how to bring people together to think about issues of governance and building resiliency. [15:55] Steve and Jonathan speak about the opportunities to bring regions together to mobilize a unified voice around change. [21:21] Jonathan relates how he’s been able to locally engage people, as well as some of the efforts of The Path to Positive. GUEST BIOSKate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma.
Jonathan Parfrey is the Executive Director and Founder of Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while making Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring people at home, at work, and in government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, as well as prepare for climate change impacts.
Steve Frisch is President of Sierra Business Council and one of its founding members. Over the last 20 years, Sierra Business Council has leveraged more than $100 million of investment in the Sierra Nevada and its communities through community and public-private partnerships. Sierra Business Council also manages the Sierra Small Business Development Center focusing on advancing sustainable business practices and linking new and expanding businesses to climate mitigation and adaptation funding. ORGANIZATIONSFor over 35 years LGC has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. Together they are advancing transformative policies and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable communities. LGC works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions. With roots in California and a national reputation, LGC offers inspiration, information, and partnership for local and regional champions dedicated to building thriving communities that integrate civic engagement with environmental, social and economic priorities. Climate Resolve is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating real, practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while building a better city for Angelenos. Their mission is to make Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to | |||||||
| 11 May 2017 | Coal Blooded — Coal Power Plants as a Civil Rights Issue | 00:34:06 | |||||
Topic:Coal, Coal-Fired Power Plants, and the Impacts on Communities In This Episode:[01:58] Mike shares information about Island Press and Infinite Earth Radio’s series on urban resilience. [03:18] Mike talks about the topic of today’s podcast. [05:15] Vernice identifies why the EPA has been focused on regulating the emissions from coal-fired power plants. [10:50] Guest Jacqueline Patterson is introduced. [11:31] Jacqueline defines the term “urban resiliency.” [12:49] Jacqueline shares what she thinks motivated the NAACP to create the energy and climate-justice program. [14:34] Jacqueline discusses the reactions to the NAACP beginning to take on environmental issues. [15:53] Jacqueline expresses whether there is a legal advantage to viewing environmental issues as civil-rights issues. [17:02] Jacqueline talks about the NAACP’s “Coal Blooded” report. [19:41] Jacqueline shares her thoughts on the seeming lack of conversation around the negative impacts on communities of color and people living near power plants. [21:30] Jacqueline discusses why uninterrupted energy service should be looked at as a civil-rights issue. [25:35] Jacqueline addresses how to alleviate the hardship for people who can’t pay their utility bill. [28:55] Jacqueline states what she’d like to see accomplished in the public-policy conversation. [31:14] Mike shares what he noticed this week in the news. [32:10] Vernice conveys what caught her attention this week in the news. Guest/Organization:Jacqueline Patterson is the Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program. Since 2007 Patterson has served as coordinator & co-founder of Women of Color United. She has worked as a researcher, program manager, coordinator, advocate and activist working on women‘ s rights, violence against women, HIV&AIDS, racial justice, economic justice, and environmental and climate justice. Patterson served as a Senior Women’ s Rights Policy Analyst for ActionAid where she integrated a women’ s rights lens for the issues of food rights, macroeconomics, and climate change as well as the intersection of violence against women and HIV & AIDS. Environmental injustice, including the proliferation of climate change, has a disproportionate impact on communities of color and low-income communities in the United States and around the world. The NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program was created to support community leadership in addressing this human and civil rights issue. Take Away Quotes:“The reason that EPA was so focused on trying to regulate the emissions from coal-fired power plants is that those emissions create huge pollution issues that then create and trigger huge public-health challenges…the combustion of coal has a lot of adverse impacts.” “Resilience, I guess in any context…would be the ability of a community to withstand disturbances, basically, to life and living. And as we define resilience in our work as a civil- and human-rights organization, we look at the structural inequities that make certain communities more vulnerable—whether it’s disasters or sea-level rise or other types of shifts—and as we build resilience, it includes eliminating those vulnerabilities.” “Communities of color; low-income communities; women, to some extent; and other groups are being disproportionately impacted by the environmental injustices—whether it’s exposure to toxins, air pollution, water pollution, land contamination, etc.—to the effect that these communities do hold these pre-existing vulnerabilities that make them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, shifts to the agricultural yields, etc.” “The price of poverty should never be death.” Resources: | |||||||
| 18 May 2017 | Charting the National Healthy Communities Platform | 00:24:50 | |||||
Topic:Incorporating Public Health Considerations in the Local Government Planning Process In This Episode:[02:40] Co-host Paul Zykofsky is introduced. [02:48] Guests Miguel Vazquez and Erik Calloway are introduced. [03:10] Miguel tells how he came to be working on healthy-communities issues. [04:13] Erik tells how he came to be working on healthy-communities issues. [05:02] Erik describes ChangeLab Solutions. [05:41] Miguel describes the Riverside University Health System. [09:09] Miguel shares about the National Healthy Communities Platform. [09:44] Why is there a need for a National Healthy Communities Platform? [11:13] Erik evaluates the state of the healthy-communities movement. [12:25] Miguel gives his evaluation of the state of the healthy-communities movement. [13:42] Miguel identifies what he hopes will come out of the National Healthy Communities Platform. [15:04] Erik comments on the breakdowns of the social determinants of health. [15:51] Erik supplies his recommendations of how to get started to address the issues of the social determinants of health. [18:30] Miguel shares the challenges he thinks will be encountered as the healthy-communities movement is pushed forward. [20:45] Erik describes what he thinks the challenges will be. CoHost:Paul Zykofsky directs the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) programs related to land use and transportation planning, community design, and health and the built environment. In the past 20 years, he has worked with over 300 communities to improve conditions for infill development, walking, bicycling, and transit. Mr. Zykofsky provides technical assistance to communities throughout the nation on issues related to smart growth, infill development, transit-oriented development, street and sidewalk design, health and the built environment, and public participation in the planning process. Mr. Zykofsky is a co-author of Building Livable Communities: A Policymaker’s Guide to Transit Oriented Development and Emergency Response: Traffic Calming and Traditional Neighborhood Streets. In 2006, Mr. Zykofsky co-wrote (with Dan Burden of Walkable Communities) the section on “walkability” in the American Planning Association’s Planning and Urban Design Standards. Guests & Organizations:
Learn More About Miguel’s Career Journey as a Planner Take Away Quotes: “My journey has been kind of strange in a sense that | |||||||
| 25 May 2017 | Broadband for All — Part 1 | 00:38:57 | |||||
Topic:Broadband Access Impacts Environment, Health, Agriculture, and Jobs In This Episode:[01:20] Co-host Kate Meis is introduced. [02:04] Kate talks about the Local Government Commission (LGC). [03:11] Kate shares the LGC’s upcoming events. [05:00] Kate introduces the next two podcast guests and what the podcast topics will be. [06:43] Mike mentions that access to broadband is a national issue. [07:56] Kate comments about how cutting some of the services in the infrastructure makes broadband access that much more important. [09:47] Guest Trish Kelly is introduced. [11:23] Trish tells how she became involved in the broadband-access issue. [12:18] Trish provides some statistics on who’s being left behind in the digital divide. [13:50] Trish defines the term “underserved”. [14:32] Trish talks about the demographic breakdown of underserved communities. [16:22] Trish shares the economic-development impacts of the rapid changes in the workforce. [19:11] Trish highlights the connection between broadband and the environment. [22:21] Trish comments on the use of technology in agriculture. [24:38] Trish states some steps to position communities for job opportunities. [27:07] What we should be asking from our community leaders? [29:34] Trish speaks to the accessibility of information and people feeling more connected in their community. [31:52] Trish tells how people can learn more about her work and Valley Vision. [32:46] Kate talks about what she noticed this week in the news. [36:42] Mike adds his thoughts to Kate’s observations from this week. CoHost:Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma. … Guest & Organization:
Valley Vision is a leadership organization dedicated to making the Sacramento region a great place to live, work, and recreate. Take Away Quotes:“In the 21st century, high-speed Internet access is no longer a luxury amenity but rather an essential service for homes and businesses in this interconnected world. No other technology has produced as much innovation, competition, and economic growth.”—Congressional letter to the new administration “I started this process more than 10 years ago. We were working with the governor’s cabinet, looking at issues that really impeded or affected rural economic vitality, and broadband kept coming | |||||||
| 01 Jun 2017 | Broadband for All — Part 2 | 00:28:50 | |||||
Topic:Broadband Access in Rural Communities In This Episode:[02:04] Mike gives a recap of part 1 of the Broadband for All series. [03:53] Guest Cecilia Aguiar-Curry is introduced. [04:51] Cecilia talks about why the issue of broadband is important to her. [06:19] Cecilia explains the relationship between under-connected communities and Internet access. [07:55] Cecilia talks about AB-1665, the broadband-access bill. [10:42] Cecilia discusses federal-level discussions regarding infrastructure services in rural areas. [12:49] Cecilia expresses the role broadband plays in agriculture. [14:33] Cecilia shares the application she sees in helping people access state government in relation to smart-city applications and open-data portals. [16:10] Cecilia states her thoughts on how to continue innovation in smart technology, without leaving rural communities behind. [17:55] Cecilia addresses the decline of retail. [22:39] Kate shares what she noticed this week in the news. [25:54] Mike states what he noticed this week in the news. CoHost:Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma. … Guest & Organization:
Cecilia grew up in western Yolo County and has long served her community. After going to school and working in the Bay Area for several years, she moved back to her hometown of Winters where she almost immediately became active in the local community and a regional leader on several issues. She first served as planning commissioner and then was elected to the city council eventually serving as the first female mayor of Winters. While growing up, Cecilia was surrounded by agriculture. As a youth, she cut apricots in the packing shed and helped her father in the walnut orchards in the area. She is still involved in local agriculture to this day as she and her brothers own an 80-acre walnut orchard. Take Away Quotes:“It was really important for me to make sure that the families had the digital literacy training. I didn’t want anybody, ever, left behind, and I don’t think anybody in a rural community, as well as urban community, should be left behind and not be able to be part of the digital age.” “People always said, well, in a rural community, you don’t have, necessarily, an educated population to be able to take on this digital literacy. I say that’s wrong. And the problem is that you’re not exposed to these opportunities. So bringing this kind of education to the forefront in our schools, in our libraries, in our community, is really important to all of us — it helps with the economic development, it helps with telehealth, it helps with so many things.” “We wanted to make sure that the rural communities were connected, because it’s very easy to say the state of California, 95 percent of the people had Internet capabilities, but quite frankly, that 95 percent could be just taken up with the populations of the San Diegos, the Los Angeles’, the Silicon Valleys, the San Franciscos — the bigger communities — but rural communities weren’t included in... | |||||||
| 08 Jun 2017 | Put a Price on It | 00:33:38 | |||||
Topic:The State of Carbon Pricing In This Episode:[05:41] Michael shares what brought him to working on carbon pricing. [08:12] Michael addresses how people would feel the impact of a carbon tax. [10:38] How would putting a price on carbon play out? [12:17] Michael comments on the cost of carbon pricing. [13:19] How is carbon pricing implemented at the state level? [14:38] Is there a proposal in the state of Massachusetts to implement carbon pricing? [16:00] How close is Massachusetts to implementing the proposal? [17:18] Michael shares if other states or governmental entities have passed putting a price on carbon. [19:37] Michael states how close the vote was in the state of Washington. [20:26] Michael explains how British Columbia’s system works. [23:06] Michael talks about whether any of the proposals in Massachusetts are modeled after the one in British Columbia. [23:42] How does Massachusetts compare with other states in relation to passing carbon pricing? [25:08] Michael addresses the concern of making a state less competitive than others. [26:32] What is California’s stance on carbon pricing? [27:42] Michael gives his thoughts on where we’ll first get some form of carbon pricing. [29:50] Michael shares what he noticed this week in the news. [31:12] Mike tells what he noticed this week in the news. Guest/CoHost:Michael Green is the Executive Director of the Climate Action Business Association (CABA). He is also co-host here on Infinite Earth Radio. Michael is a seasoned advocate for climate policy and environmental action and has played strategic roles in several of the largest national, as well as international campaigns dedicated to fighting climate change. Since 2012, he has served as a representative to the United Nations focusing on international climate science and policy. As an activist, he has played strategic roles in several of the largest national, as well as international campaigns dedicated to fighting climate change. In his role at CABA, Michael manages staff and oversees the development of all program areas. He sits on the Board of Boston area non-profits as well as a policy advisor to national business associations on topics ranging from energy policy to climate adaptation. Michael is a Northeastern University graduate with degrees in international affairs and environmental studies, course work at the University of Edinburgh’s MSc Program in Environmental Protection and Management and Harvard Business School’s CORe Program. Organization:Climate Action Business Association (CABA) is a membership-based organization in Boston, Massachusetts, that helps businesses take targeted action on climate change. We provide our member businesses with the resources and tools needed to work within their business on sustainability efforts, political advocacy and building a community of shared values. Take Away Quotes:“My original goal, going into college, was that I wanted to be a forest ranger. I’m from upstate New York and really wanted to be working out and preserving our forests and the Adirondack mountains. As I learned more about the challenges of climate change, I realized that being way out in the woods wasn’t going to be enough to really protect our natural habitat.” “If people are starting to respond to a carbon tax because it’s already implemented, then, essentially, we’re losing the fight already because what it’s going to mean is it’s going to mean more expensive reliance on fossil fuels. So for those who are not able to make the transition, or are not willing to make the transition, they’re going to see an increase in cost.” “We’re also going to create huge market signals for renewable-energy development and financiers who are questioning whether or not these transition technologies and opportunities stand to gain financially... | |||||||
| 15 Jun 2017 | Bike Boom | 00:31:19 | |||||
Topic:The Future of Cycling as a Mode of Transportation In This Episode:[01:59] Guest Carlton Reid is introduced. [02:49] Carlton explains the history of the bike boom. [07:24] Carlton tells why there was a bike boom in the early ’70s. [09:18] Carlton talks about cycling as a mode of transportation, not just for recreation. [10:32] Carlton informs us of the degree to which bicycling is popular in the U.S. [13:07] Carlton addresses the percentage of modal sharing in the Netherlands compared to the U.S. [14:34] Carlton discusses having the bicycle infrastructure be more favored than the auto infrastructure. [19:58] Carlton mentions his support for cycleways. [22:05] Carlton gives his thoughts on the unpopularity of cycling among women, ethnic minorities, and the urban poor. [24:21] Carlton addresses Mike’s comment about the trend that may reverse the number of cars on the road and individual car ownership. [27:20] Carlton answers the question, what is the future of biking? Guest and Organization: Carlton Reid is executive editor of BikeBiz magazine and is writing a book about the recent history of roads. He is author of Roads Were Not Built For Cars and Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence of Cycling. He also writes adventure travel articles for publications such as National Geographic Traveller and The Guardian – his forte is cycle touring. Founder and rider-manager of the first ever British mountain bike team – which competed in the World Championships in France in 1987 –Reid was inducted into the MBUK Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2008, one of the first 20 inductees. He has ridden solo in the Sahara and A digital native, Reid’s then one-man website BikeBiz.com tied for second with BBC.co.uk in theEuropean Online Journalism Awards of 2000. Working for the Bicycle Association of Great Britain he also commissioned the world’s first cycle-specific 3D satellite navigation, which has since been through a number of upgrades and can now direct cyclists on bike paths via beeps and wrist-buzzes on the Apple Watch. Take Away Quotes:“I would say the book is very much more interested in the advocacy side of cycling, the getting around as an everyday form of transport form of cycling, because at the end of the day, that’s actually what keeps cycling afloat.” “Cities who want to increase their cycling modal share have, pretty much, got to bite the bullet and restrict the use of motoring.” “It’s inescapable that many communities don’t see the bicycle as an aspirational form of transport; it’s very much the opposite of an aspirational form of transport. The white, hipster cycling thing is a thing because it’s genuinely a thing. Cycling, for some strange reason, now is this relatively middle-class, white activity.” Resources: | |||||||
| 22 Jun 2017 | People’s Climate March | 00:29:21 | |||||
Topic:The People’s Climate March, the Economy, and Policy Making In This Episode:[01:40] Vernice Miller Travis is introduced. [02:14] Vernice tells about the Climate March. [04:50] Vernice gives her thoughts regarding the amount of press coverage of the Climate March. [07:23] Vernice describes the impacts of the various recent marches. [10:55] Is there evidence of impact on the direction the government is taking? [12:13] Vernice shares if there will be a change for various groups who have overlapping agendas but who don’t work well together. [16:58] Are we doing enough to overcome “tribalism”? Or are we working with other “tribes” just because it’s expedient? [25:35] Mike speaks about the modern economy. [26:48] Vernice talks about the possibility of future climate marches. Co-Host/Guest:Infinite Earth Radio Co-host Vernice Miller Travis is a nationally recognized expert in brownfields redevelopment, community revitalization, collaborative problem solving, multi-stakeholder design and planning and environmental justice. Her interests have focused on economic and environmental restoration and the inclusion of low-income, people of color and indigenous communities in environmental and economic decision making at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. Vernice enjoys listening to and singing gospel music, visiting her family in the Bahamas, traveling with her husband, and eating Maryland blue crabs and barbecue. Take Away Quotes:“There’s an initiative that is training young people, particularly young women of color, to run for elected office…it’s really to get a new generation of people engaged in the electoral process and to really put themselves out there, because a lot of the hard-core politics of our country, particularly the electoral national politics, have really rubbed a lot of people the wrong way and really pushed a lot of good people away from ever thinking that they may run for office. Whether it’s a local school board or a county council or a planning commission or, certainly, any higher office than that. People say, ‘I don’t want to be a part of that’ but if they’re not a part of that, you get folks in office, making decisions that actually adversely hurt people.” “You cannot continue to operate and try to affect national policy by representing the top 10% of wage earners and mostly affluent and middle-class white communities—those are not the only communities in the United States—and if you want to have broad-based impact, you’ve really got to reach a much broader, much deeper constituency that really is activating and doing things and trying to drive change in their local communities.” “We talk about shutting down coal-fired power plants, but I don’t hear any environmentalists talking about what happens to the people who work in the power plants, or who work feeding the stock digging the coal.” Resources: | |||||||
| 29 Jun 2017 | Leadership in a Time of Change | 00:36:22 | |||||
Topic:Adjusting to the Rapid Pace of Change In This Episode:[02:20] Guest Carl Guardino is introduced. [03:03] Carl talks about what is being done to stay relevant in technology and innovation. [05:45] Carl describes what leaders can do to be resilient and to continue to come up with innovative ideas. [08:05] Carl informs us if this administration’s tax reform proposal is where we need to go in response to the changing economy. [09:06] Carl shares if this administration is more responsive in terms of listening to the business community. [12:34] How has congestion impacted business in Silicon Valley, and how have you responded? [16:34] How are you addressing the housing crisis, and how is it impacting local businesses? [18:40] Carl speaks about the region’s response to the evolving workforce. [21:41] Carl shares what cities can do to retain and attract businesses. [25:10] Carl describes what current leaders should do to prepare and what types of innovation are on the horizon. [27:21] Kate shares what caught her attention during Carl’s interview. [28:28] Mike supplies what caught his attention. [29:14] Kate mentions what she noticed this week in the news. [33:15] Mike talks about what he read this week in the news. Guest and Organization:Carl Guardino, one of Silicon Valley’s most distinguished business and community leaders, is the President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a public policy trade association that represents nearly 400 of Silicon Valley’s most respected employers. In February 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Guardino to a four-year term on the California Transportation Commission, and he has been reappointed twice by Governor Jerry Brown. Known throughout the region as a consensus builder, Guardino has championed a number of successful ballot measures, especially in the areas of transportation and housing. Guardino was born and raised in San Jose and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from San Jose State University, where he is a Distinguished Alumnus. Carl is married to Leslee Guardino. In their spare time, they compete in marathons, triathlons, and duathlons. Take Away Quotes:“What we try to explain to executives constantly is, we have a choice as executives: we can be engaged, or we can be enraged. And it’s much more productive and positive to actually be engaged with policymakers making incredibly difficult decisions in their difficult processes. And we, again, try to remind executives, if you’re just going to sit on the sidelines and be frustrated and wring your hands, not only are you not going to be successful in explaining to policymakers the ramifications of a product or services, but you are probably going to end up as dinner rather than at the dinner table when those decisions are made.” “It has been since 1986 — 31 years ago — since our federal government has made major changes in federal tax law. Thirty-one years ago. eBay didn’t exist, PayPal didn’t exist, Google didn’t exist, Facebook didn’t exist…Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft — none of those companies even existed, let alone a twinkling in our eye of the technologies that they would be creating, and the tax laws haven’t changed in a major way in this nation for three decades.” “In the Silicon Valley and Bay Area, when we ask individuals about the concerns they talk about in their living rooms, or we’re asking CEOs and senior officers about the concerns that they face as companies here in the region in their boardrooms, the common themes are the same, and they’re the flip side of the same coin: housing and traffic.” “When it comes to education, we always try to remember in Silicon Valley, it’s cradle through career; from the moment we’re born to the moment we retire, we have to focus on education.” Resources: | |||||||
| 06 Jul 2017 | Autodesk: Climate Change and Equity as Design Challenges | 00:27:45 | |||||
Topic:Using Design to Create Positive Impacts In This Episode:[01:29] Guest Lynelle Cameron is introduced. [01:39] Lynelle describes Autodesk. [02:48] Lynelle shares her career journey. [04:06] Lynelle discusses Paul Hawken’s new book, Drawdown. [05:17] Lynelle tells about the Autodesk Foundation. [06:41] Lynelle defines the term “design.” [07:08] Lynelle talks about climate change through the lens of design. [09:58] Lynelle states how the Foundation provides support to companies and organizations. [14:03] Lynelle gives examples of organizations working domestically on issues of urban design and social and environmental justice. [15:44] Lynelle provides where people can learn more about Autodesk Foundation’s work. [16:07] Lynelle explains how investing at an intellectual-capital level has impacted Autodesk and its culture. [19:00] Lynelle speaks to the benefit of Autodesk employees’ ability to make a positive impact in the world. [20:57] What is the current state of corporate social responsibility and what is the outlook for sustainability and equity being a part of a business’ core mission? [22:40] Lynelle provides her thoughts on whether the current administration’s roll back of the climate progress that was made will have an impact on the business community. [24:05] Lynelle share how people who might benefit from the Autodesk Foundation’s programs can get more information. [25:17] Lynelle mentions whether there is an effort to share the lessons, or best practices, that have been learned. Guest & Organization:Lynelle Cameron is president and CEO of the Autodesk Foundation and vice president of Sustainability at Autodesk. She established both to invest in and support people who are designing solutions to today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. Under Cameron’s leadership, Autodesk created the Sustainability Workshop, an online learning platform for sustainable design that has reached over 2 million students and professionals worldwide, and launched two software donation programs: the Technology Impact program for nonprofit organizations and the Entrepreneur Impact program for early-stage clean-tech and social-impact companies around the world. Cameron has also led the company in setting ambitious science-based greenhouse-gas-reduction targets, committing to 100 percent renewable energy and integrated reporting. Since Cameron joined nine years ago, Autodesk has received numerous awards for sustainability leadership and innovation. A published author and regular speaker, Cameron has degrees from Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, and Middlebury College. Take Away Quotes:“Autodesk is a leading provider of 3D design software that is used to make quite literally anything on the planet. Whether you’re building a car, a highway, a building, or even a whole city, there’s a good chance that you use one of Autodesk’s products.” “The turning point for me was reading a book called ‘The Ecology of Commerce’ by Paul Hawken, and that’s when I realized to really make the kind of transformative change that I was looking for, I needed to go work from within the private sector.” “We launched the Autodesk Foundation about three years ago, and we have historically as a company always given back to communities where we work. So the idea of philanthropy was not new for the company, although the actual foundation is … As a foundation, we invest in people and organizations who are using design to address, initially, a whole range of social and environmental challenges.” “Design is the creation, the idea, and then the actual making of anything, quite literally, on the planet…it’s all about imagining and creating things that, in our mind, are going to make the world a better place for billions of... | |||||||
| 13 Jul 2017 | World Bank — Turning Down the Heat | 00:27:24 | |||||
Topic:Carbon and the Paris Agreement In This Episode:[03:10] Guest Tom Kerr is introduced. [03:26] Tom explains what the World Bank is. [05:00] Tom describes the kind of work that the climate change group does. [07:37] Tom talks about the changes he’s seen since Kim Yong became the World Bank’s president. [09:27] Tom speaks of his work at the IFC in engaging the private sector. [12:20] What has the response been to President Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement? [14:11] Tom shares his thoughts on if there will be a ripple effect from the U.S. pulling out of the Agreement. [16:21] Tom talks about whether there is a financial-commitment hole that the U.S. will no longer fill with regard to developing countries. [18:43] Tom gives his thoughts about the upcoming bond talks and if ambition will be there. [21:27] Tom provides his sense of where the Trump administration is going to end up with regard to carbon. [22:39] Host Mike and co-host Michael discuss the Paris Agreement. [23:48] Mike states what he noticed this week in the news. [24:31] Michael identifies what he noticed this week in the news. [25:18] Mike and Michael discuss the economy of renewable energy and the Paris Agreement. Guest and Organization:Tom Kerr has worked for 20 years designing and implementing public/private efforts that transform markets for resource-efficient climate business solutions. He currently leads the IFC’s private sector climate policy engagement, which involves working with emerging economy governments and major corporations to develop investor- and climate-friendly national strategies; designing coalitions to advance carbon pricing and performance standards; and providing private sector input into international policy processes such as the G20 and the United Nations climate talks. Mr. Kerr was previously the director of climate change initiatives at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, where he worked with international organizations, government leaders, and industry executives to advance practical solutions via platforms such as the G20, the United Nations, and the Forum’s Annual Meeting at Davos. While at the Forum, he designed and led the Green Growth Action Alliance, a public-private coalition launched at the 2012 G20 with over 60 leading companies developing solutions to unlock private investment for sustainable growth. From 2006-10, he worked in Paris for the International Energy Agency, leading the development of global reports, including the Technology Roadmap series, the flagship Energy Technology Perspectives publication, and the Clean Energy Progress Report. Mr. Kerr started his career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, where he designed and launched a suite of innovative voluntary programs such as Energy STAR, Green Power, and methane programs that today continue to engage thousands of businesses to adopt clean, efficient technologies and practices. Take Away Quotes:“Where I sit is the IFC – the International Finance Corporation is the private-sector arm of the Bank, so we work in developing countries, lending to private-sector clients and helping them to find profit in development, and in my particular group, trying to find profit in climate business. So we work across the world and emerging markets to really try to tackle poverty—that’s the main mission; then, development—make it smarter; and then, in my case in particular, we try to make profits out of climate business.” “[Kim Yong, president of the World Bank] wanted to know what the current problem was, and once he found out, he got quite alarmed and made it a top priority for him personally and raised attention externally and also within the World Bank’s priorities. So, we’ve always been doing this, but he put an increased urgency behind it and really tried to push the... | |||||||
| 20 Jul 2017 | Local Leadership | 00:26:56 | |||||
Topic:Creating Successful Communities Through Positive and Determined Leadership In This Episode:[02:36] Guest Mayor Rey Leon is introduced. [02:56] Mayor Leon describes his community. [05:54] Mayor Leon tells how long he’s been mayor. [07:16] Mayor Leon conveys what he would like to accomplish during his time as mayor. [19:20] Mayor Leon gives the status of three projects. [21:38] Mayor Leon identifies some of the challenges he faces as a mayor in a small community. Guest and Organization:Rey Leon is the Mayor of Huron, California. He was born in Fresno and raised in the Huron area. Mr. León is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley where he obtained a BA in Chicano Studies with an emphasis in public health. He is the founder and Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Latino Environmental Advancement & Policy Project (Valley LEAP), a Latino Valley based environmental non-profit organization. Mr. León is based in Fresno for the Valley and focuses on environmental and transportation justice, air quality, climate change, energy, green jobs and community development. Mr. Leon has been working to ensure that environmental justice principles are advanced in the regions institutions and culture. Rey is founder of the San Joaquin Valley Regional Green Jobs Coalition which counts on 300+ members and co-founder of the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition. As Co-chair of CVAQ, Leon helped advance some of the greatest victories for air quality in the Valley including the ending of agriculture industry’s exemption from the clean air act and the placement of two public members, a doctor and a scientist, onto the region’s air pollution control district. Mr. León sits on various boards and committees including the Center on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) and member of the California Air Resources Board Environmental Justice AB 32 Advisory Committee. Mr. León has been organizing in the Valley for the past twenty years and for the past eleven years has been advocating and successfully building coalitions, community capacity, advancing public policy; placement of the first PM 2.5 air quality monitor on the West Side of the Valley, systems change; developing the first ever environmental justice strategy and committees for both the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the Fresno County Council of Governments. Most recently, Valley LEAP has completed an Environmental Justice Planning Project and Report for the farmworker community of Huron where over 30 projects to improve mobility, access and safety were identified. Through Valley LEAP, Rey continues to organize with the grassroots, grasstops, agencies and other partners to promote sustainable development, clean energy alternatives, green jobs and reduction of pollution & GHG’s in concentrated clusters of poverty in the central San Joaquin Valley. Mr. Leon successfully works with Valley communities to achieve environmental and climate justice. Take Away Quotes:“Huron is a farm-worker city. It’s got the highest rate of Latinos for an incorporated city in the nation…And, of course, it’s a small community, around 7,000 on paper. I venture to say that there’s at least 10,000 residents. We, having an agricultural base and being a farm-worker community, we have a population that good amount of folks that are, I would say, economic refugees… It’s a community that speaks a good nine languages at least, which, to me, is amazing.” “[A plaza is] just a magical space where you’re able to bond with the rest of the folks in your community, some way, somehow. It’s where young men, young women meet their mates; it’s where entertainment is shared; it’s where farmers’ markets happen; it’s where you do some exercise out there; it’s just ’the’ place.” “The vision, the goal, my... | |||||||
| 27 Jul 2017 | Market-Driven Water Conservation – AquaShares | 00:24:56 | |||||
Topic:Innovative Solutions for Resilient Water Management In This Episode:[02:43] Guest James Workman is introduced. [03:42] James talks about his book and what motivated him to travel to Africa. [07:13] James shares why he created programming based on what he saw in Africa. [08:50] James describes AquaShares. [11:51] What measures are people taking to reduce their water use? [13:37] James talks about AquaShares’ partners and the incentives for homeowners. [16:43] How many people have signed on to participate in the program? [19:07] James shares what success looks like for this program and for water resilience in general. [23:05] James states where people can go to learn more about AquaShares. Guest and Organization:James Workman creates conservation markets for water and marine life. He wrote the award-winning Heart of Dryness: How the Last Bushmen Can Help Us Endure the Coming Age of Permanent Drought, and is co-author with Amanda Leland of the forthcoming Sea Change: How Fishermen Are Irreversibly Restoring Life Offshore – and On. Workman studied at Yale & Oxford, taught at Wesleyan & Whitman, but his real education came blowing up dams, releasing wolves, restoring wildfires, guiding safaris, smuggling water to dissidents, breaking down in Africa’s Kalahari Desert, and becoming a dad. An investigative journalist, he served as White House appointee to U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, later joining the World Commission on Dams under Nelson Mandela. In San Francisco, he writes for Environmental Defense Fund, edits the International Water Association’s magazine, The Source, and is founder of AquaShares Inc., the world’s first online water savings market. Follow James Workman on Twitter
Take Away Quotes:“A lot of problems, especially environmental problems, can be solved by regulation alone. You just say, okay, that factory over there is pouring its waste, its sewage, its pollution into the air, into the water; we’ve got to just put a cap on that, lock that. But what do you do with the 50,000 people who are all competing with each other for the same resource? And that’s the tragedy that…makes all, to me, conservation issues interesting.” “The approach of AquaShares is to give people a sense that they’re not just renting access to as much water as they want, as cheap as they want, but they have an ownership stake, that they’re stewards of that water that they save, and that they can profit from saving water, not just feel good about it.” “One of the biggest water users in every city is the city itself. There’s lots of water loss, in some cases, 10, 20, 30 percent, and while, for more than a decade or more, utilities have been pointing a finger at families and firms, saying, ‘You should save water, you should save water,’ utilities themselves had real no incentive to spend $100,000 to systematically find and fix their leaks, manage their water pressure, and address that, because it might only save a few thousand dollars’ worth of water.” “It’s a crazy business model for me, but success is when we go out of business; there’s no need for AquaShares anymore because everyone is autonomous, they’re using the bare-minimum water, there’s nothing left to trade, there’s no more water that can go towards a higher-value use.” Resources: 2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference – February 1-3, 2018 | |||||||
| 03 Aug 2017 | Bottom Up Water Solutions | 00:28:34 | |||||
Topic:Fresh Water, Climate Change, and Community Resilience In This Episode:[02:10] Guest Rebecca Wodder is introduced. [03:19] Rebecca expresses how the first Earth Day impacted her life and career path. [05:06] Rebecca tells if fresh water has always been the focus of her environmental career. [05:48] Rebecca talks about how water affects climate change. [09:18] Rebecca explains the degree to which our fresh-water supply is being threatened. [11:28] Rebecca describes the Clean Water Rule. [14:41] Rebecca shares which industries are most impacted by the 2015 Clean Water Rule. [16:26] Rebecca addresses natural capital and social capital. [18:33] Rebecca speaks about New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina. [21:39] Rebecca states where people can learn more about her work (check out the Resources section below!). [23:10] Rebecca mentions the wisdom she would pass along to her younger self on Earth Day 1970. [25:52] Rebecca talks about whether she’s more hopeful now than she was in the past. Guest and Organization:Rebecca Wodder is a nationally known environmental leader whose conservation career began with the first Earth Day. As president of the national advocacy organization, American Rivers, from 1995 to 2011, she led the development of community-based solutions to freshwater challenges. From 2011 to 2013, she served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior. Previously, Rebecca was Vice President at The Wilderness Society, and Legislative Assistant to Senator Gaylord Nelson. In 2010, she was named a Top 25 Outstanding Conservationists by Outdoor Life Magazine. In 2014, she received the James Compton Award from River Network. In her writing and speaking, Rebecca explores how communities can enhance their resilience to climate impacts via sustainable, equitable approaches to rivers and freshwater resources. She serves on the boards of River Network, the Potomac Conservancy, and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Take Away Quotes:“When the first Earth Day came along…my high school chemistry teacher asked if I would organize this event for the community. We really didn’t know what it was supposed to be about, but we knew it was intended to engage people and help them recognize the environmental issues that were so prominent at the time…The first Earth Day was just a great event in my life because it showed me how I could combine my passion for making a difference with my academic interests in science and biology.” “Water is the way that we experience weather, and weather is the way we experience climate change in our daily lives.” “Ultimately, the reason that we have a blue planet, the reason there is life on this planet is because of water. It is the fundamental reason for life.” “One of the things that is so important about small streams is that they are the head waters, they are the sources of our drinking water, and something like one-third of all Americans get their drinking water—it starts with these small streams.” Resources:Fight the attempt to kill the Clean Water Rule The Community Resilience Reader: Essential Resources for an Era of Upheaval Resilience Matters: Forging a Greener, Fairer Future for All (Free e-book!) | |||||||
| 10 Aug 2017 | Building Communities for an Aging Population | 00:23:55 | |||||
Topic:Planning and Creating Age-Friendly Communities In This Episode:[00:57] Co-host Paul Zykofsky and guests Kathy Sykes and Bill Armbruster are introduced. [01:24] Kathy shares why she’s interested in the field of aging and public health. [01:47] Bill discusses why he’s interested in the field of aging and public health. [02:56] Why is planning for an aging population so important? [04:43] What can we learn from the change in how communities have developed and from the past generation? [06:57] Kathy states what the USEPA’s interest is in this issue of an aging population. [07:49] What are some aspects of the issue of rural versus urban communities? [10:48] Does AARP or the USEPA have a guide for communities on how to think about, and what they should be doing, in terms of planning for an aging population? [14:05] Are there examples of places that have embraced planning for an aging population? [17:07] How does one get started in planning an age-friendly community? [20:36] How much could be saved in seniors’ health costs if age-friendly communities were created? Co-host:Paul Zykofsky directs the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) programs related to land use and transportation planning, community design, and health and the built environment. In the past 20 years, he has worked with over 300 communities to improve conditions for infill development, walking, bicycling, and transit. Mr. Zykofsky provides technical assistance to communities throughout the nation on issues related to smart growth, infill development, transit-oriented development, street and sidewalk design, health and the built environment, and public participation in the planning process. Mr. Zykofsky is a co-author of Building Livable Communities: A Policymaker’s Guide to Transit Oriented Development and Emergency Response: Traffic Calming and Traditional Neighborhood Streets. In 2006, Mr. Zykofsky co-wrote (with Dan Burden of Walkable Communities) the section on “walkability” in the American Planning Association’s Planning and Urban Design Standards. Guests and Organizations:
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| 17 Aug 2017 | Reimagining Retail | 00:30:13 | |||||
Topic:Reusing and Revitalizing Retail Spaces In This Episode:[02:57] Guest Michele Reeves is introduced. [04:03] Michele talks about the impact she’s seeing from the decline of retail. [06:52] Michele shares her thoughts about what to do with vacant retail spaces and what some of the obstacles are. [10:48] Michele addresses huge parking lots. [13:32] Michele expresses her thoughts regarding retail space based on sales tax revenue rather than need, and market studies. [18:16] Michele describes strategies to make community corridors a destination. [21:56] Michele shares what local businesses can do to have a more dynamic experience that can compete or complement e-commerce offerings. [28:54] Michele states how people can get in touch with her and her firm, Civilis Consultants. Co-host:Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma. Guest and Organization:
Take Away Quotes:“It’s kind of funny. Even that phrase — ‘decline of retail’ — I would call it sort of a change in retail. And I think one of the things I would just say fundamentally about retail — there’s kind of a saying we have inside retail that retail is about reinvention, and that’s always true. Retail is always changing, and it’s always finding new avenues and expression for itself.” “I think the biggest impact that these changes in retail are having is that it’s leaving us — it’s a retail problem and a real estate problem because one of the biggest things it’s doing is leaving us with these really challenging land-use issues and a lot of vacant buildings that are, in some cases, difficult to reuse.” “A lot of times the biggest obstacle to reusing these spaces as mixes of different kinds of space, whether it’s church space — which is another common reuse of old Walmarts or Kmarts — or whether it’s manufacturing or light manufacturing, or wholesale, or Internet sales and distributorship, is mostly the zoning often stops these spaces from being something else.” “Everything that you do that’s brick and mortar, everything that is in person is really going to have to have fundamental elements of a really positive... | |||||||
| 24 Aug 2017 | Ethnodrama and Youth Leadership | 00:21:06 | |||||
Topic:Inviting People to Share Their Stories In This Episode:[01:26] Guests Sahdiyah Simpson and Sarah Hobson are introduced. [01:39] Sarah describes Community Allies, ethnodrama, and the STL Youth Smart Growth Leaders program. [04:40] Sahdiyah shares her experience with the STL Youth Smart Growth Leaders program. [05:59] Sahdiyah states what her topic was. [06:19] Sarah explains the mechanics of the program. [07:38] Sahdiyah talks about the time commitment required for the program. [08:47] Sarah provides how the program makes difficult conversations easier to have. [10:49] Sahdiyah gives her thoughts about the drama part of the program. [12:00] Are the drama performances used as a tool to help people understand what those in the program learned? [14:12] Sahdiyah tells about her school. [15:09] Why would this program be valuable in schools or communities that aren’t doing something like this? [18:18] Sarah states how people can learn more about her work. Guest and Organization:Dr. Sarah Hobson, founder and President of Community Allies, LLC. received her Ph.D. in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. She served as an Assistant Professor in Adolescence English Education at The State University of New York at Cortland where she taught courses in language acquisition, grammar, the teaching of writing, and digital literacies. She is currently teaching literacy assessment at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Educational institutions are products of systemic policies that for years have contributed to various discriminatory practices that affect youth and communities similarly and differently. Dr. Hobson’s ethnodramatic programming, researched for over 10 years, helps youth acquire sophisticated understandings of societal processes that hinder progress. Throughout the programming, youth gain communication skills that help them begin to interrupt these practices as they learn where and how they can advocate for themselves and others. Schools and communities in turn access new ways of learning from youth the ethical complexities they have inherited. As students use their research to teach others, administrators, teachers, parents, and communities access much-needed healing.Dr. Hobson’s ethnodrama programs are multi-faceted. They are the result of years of teaching and research and must be implemented with multi-dimensional educational knowledge and care. They require institutional support, staff support, careful collaborative research and documentation, and constant reflection and interrogation. When implemented with the right support and investment, they help transform institutionalized cultures, opening up new possibilities for teaching and learning that expand youth, teacher, and administrator agency and advocacy. Community Allies is available to school districts, educational leaders, administrators, teachers, parents, and students for short or long-term mentoring of educators in culturally relevant, student-centered curriculum enrichment. Our mentoring comes in a variety of formats primarily focused in two areas: professional development for administrators and teachers and after-school programs for students. We help you integrate student-centered real-world research into any grade, school-wide inquiry, or subject area. We help you increase student retention, academic and college and career success through dynamic, real-world literacy learning opportunities. Take Away Quotes:“The mission of Community Allies is to bring people together across the county and the city…as part of that program, I’ve done after-school programs focused on ethnodrama, which is a program around which students become youth leaders by collecting a variety of stories and using those stories... | |||||||
| 31 Aug 2017 | Equitable Civic Engagement | 00:31:43 | |||||
Topic:National Engagement Starts with Local Engagement In This Episode:[01:18] Guest Mindy Romero is introduced. [02:14] Mindy shares if there’s a resurgence of civic engagement. [05:52] Mindy talks about whether there’s an opportunity to translate national engagement to local level engagement. [08:48] Mindy speaks about building trust with communities with local policymakers that aren’t demographically reflective. [12:26] Mindy shares if she’s seen strategies where communities have attempted to create more accessible pathways. [17:10] Mindy gives her thoughts on how trust plays into voter turnout and if there are strategies to increase voter turnout. [22:07] Mindy addresses how to measure the quality of the engagement. [27:08] Do events like what happened in Charlottesville make us stronger? [30:06] Mindy provides where listeners can find out more about her work. Co-Host:Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma. Guest & Organization:
Mindy Romero, Ph.D. is the founder and director of the UC Davis California Civic Engagement Project (CCEP). Romero is a political sociologist and holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from UC Davis. Her research focuses on political behavior and race/ethnicity, and seeks to explain patterns of political underrepresentation. Romero has been invited to speak about civic engagement and political rights in numerous venues, testifying before the National Commission on Voting Rights and the California Legislature, among others. Her research has been cited in major news outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee, Politico and the Huffington Post. She has also been a frequent guest on National Public Radio, Capital Public Radio, and several other NPR-affiliated stations in California. She is a regular op-ed contributor to the Sacramento Bee. Romero works with a wide array of policymakers, elected officials, voter education groups and community advocates to strengthen political participation and representation. To this end, she has served on a number of boards and commissions. She is currently a member of the Public Policy Institute Statewide Survey Advisory Committee, President of the Board of the non-profit organization, Mutual Housing California, and Vice-Chair of the Social Services Commission for the City of Davis.
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| 07 Sep 2017 | Green Stormwater Management | 00:24:30 | |||||
Topic:Incorporating Green Infrastructure into Street Design In This Episode:[01:57] Guest Corinne Kisner is introduced. [02:10] Corinne shares about the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). [02:33] Mike tells about Island Press and NACTO’s book, “The Urban Street Stormwater Guide”. [03:17] Corinne explains why sustainable stormwater management matters and why transportation officials should be concerned about stormwater management. [05:12] Corinne gives the benefits of using green stormwater infrastructure in street design. [06:49] Corinne comments on green stormwater systems making cities more desirable and more attractive places to live. [08:30] Corinne gives the characteristics of successful city projects. [11:03] Corinne shares the elements that help make green infrastructure work within a street design. 13 :07 Corinne states the challenges that cities face in stormwater street design. [14:02] What should be kept in mind when designing or implementing a stormwater street project? [15:08] Corinne talks about underserved communities using green infrastructure as a community-building, community-investment strategy. [17:16] Corinne shares whether there is a role for green stormwater infrastructure in areas that have a drier climate. [17:47] How can green infrastructure projects positively change a city’s growth and development? [19:06] Is green infrastructure more or less expensive than traditional infrastructure approaches? [20:35] Is “The Urban Street Stormwater Guide” currently available, and where can people go to buy the book? [21:25] Corinne discusses what needs to happen next to get more cities to implement green infrastructure as part of their normal course of business. Guest and Organization:Corinne Kisner is the Director of Programs at the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). In this role, she facilitates networks of peer cities working to build safe, sustainable transportation systems and equitable, active cities through better street design and transportation policy. Corinne directs the annual Designing Cities conference and facilitates city policy initiatives on issues such as Vision Zero, planning for automated vehicles, and integrating green stormwater infrastructure into multi-modal street design. Corinne also oversees NACTO’s communications, external partnerships, and leadership development program for city transportation officials. NACTO’s mission is to build cities as places for people, with safe, sustainable, accessible and equitable transportation choices that support a strong economy and vibrant quality of life. Follow Corinne and NACTO on Twitter Take Away Quotes:“NACTO is an association of 55 member cities and transit agencies across North America, formed to help exchange best practices and ideas in city transportation and raise the bar nationally to what city transportation can do in cities.” “We’ve been seeing cities across the country really thinking critically about the design of streets and how that plays in to city goals for sustainability and equity and access and really livable, vibrant cities.” “The network of cities that we work with are starting to think critically, too, about how streets play a role in the stormwater infrastructure, in the stormwater network within the city. Most streets are very impervious, meaning that water can’t absorb through the concrete or the asphalt into the ground, and so you just get enormous volumes of stormwater runoff running across streets and into storm drains. That really separates water from the natural cycle and causes water... | |||||||
| 14 Sep 2017 | California Leading the Nation on Carbon Legislation | 00:22:47 | |||||
Topic:California’s Cap-and-Trade Program In This Episode:[01:16] Guest Arjun Patney is introduced. [02:11] Arjun describes his work at the American Carbon Registry. [04:28] Arjun explains how the California carbon market works. [07:26] Arjun talks about what was exempt from the market. [08:42] Since California is a large exporter of agricultural product, did that have a part in the decision making? [09:22] Arjun gives his thoughts on why the agricultural sector is less regulated than the industrial sector. [09:56] Arjun talks about why there’s been less-than-expected revenue for various programs. [12:37] How can cap-and-trade legislation become a bipartisan issue? [15:29] Arjun states what was done in this legislation to address concerns about people who might bear burdens disproportionately. [17:46] Arjun touches on the future of carbon market legislation. Co-Host:Michael Green is the Executive Director of the Climate Action Business Association (CABA). He is also co-host here on Infinite Earth Radio. Michael is a seasoned advocate for climate policy and environmental action and has played strategic roles in several of the largest national, as well as international campaigns dedicated to fighting climate change. Since 2012, he has served as a representative to the United Nations focusing on international climate science and policy. As an activist, he has played strategic roles in several of the largest national, as well as international campaigns dedicated to fighting climate change. In his role at CABA, Michael manages staff and oversees the development of all program areas. He sits on the Board of Boston area non-profits as well as a policy advisor to national business associations on topics ranging from energy policy to climate adaptation. Michael is a Northeastern University graduate with degrees in international affairs and environmental studies, course work at the University of Edinburgh’s MSc Program in Environmental Protection and Management and Harvard Business School’s CORe Program. Climate Action Business Association (CABA) is a membership-based organization in Boston, Massachusetts, that helps businesses take targeted action on climate change. We provide our member businesses with the resources and tools needed to work within their business on sustainability efforts, political advocacy and building a community of shared values. Guest and Organization:
Winrock has long recognized the threat posed by climate change. The American Carbon Registry (ACR),... | |||||||
| 21 Sep 2017 | Disaster Preparedness and Recovery | 00:26:29 | |||||
Topic:It’s “Just” Rain: Weather Events Impacting Rural Communities In This Episode:02:41 Laura explains the impacts of extreme weather on smaller rural communities. 05:48 Laura talks about some of the resources available to help small communities recover from a weather event. 08:49 Laura describes what a disaster declaration is. 10:30 Is the average number of federal disaster declarations increasing? 14:36 Laura shares some strategies that communities can use when a disaster hits. 19:35 How should weather events be integrated into planning? 22:46 How can communities learn about what they should do to be prepared? Co-Host:Kif Scheuer is the Climate Change Program Director at the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kif is a solution-oriented sustainability professional with a strong history of engaging diverse audiences in real-world climate protection efforts through innovative, market-focused research and analysis, creative program design, effective project implementation, and compelling public advocacy and education. In 2013 Kif organized the first California Adaptation Forum, which attracted over 800 attendees and served to kick start the statewide conversation on adaptation. Kif led the development and growth of one of the LGC’s key coalitions – the Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation, a statewide network focused on addressing adaptation at the regional scale. Guest and Organization:
She has been working with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) since 2014 on a comprehensive approach to Hurricane Sandy recovery that is designed to protect over 350 acres of Sandy damaged NYCHA property from increasing climate change risks including storm surge, sea level rise and rain inundation. Her strategy for stormwater management is that it be achieved through creative land re-engineering to maximize perviousness and drainage while embracing Placemaking. Currently she is invested in helping flood ravaged communities across Texas and Louisiana rebuild in a safer, more sustainable way. CCMC is based in Austin, Texas but works with clients across the U.S. They provide a range of local constituencies with logistical support for environmentally sustainable and socially conscientious community revitalization in both pre- and post-disaster scenarios. CCMC serves in both a consultative and project management role ensuring that all project participants operate on budget and schedule and that the client gets a project with multiple co-benefits. CCMC was created because of the widely acknowledged need for hands-on, focused coordination of various groups involved in creating projects and programs that benefit communities. They approach holistic resiliency solutions through partnership building and collaboration. They have a sensitivity to diversity and inclusion with special attention paid to the most vulnerable populations. Take Away Quotes: “There’s a lot of philosophical discussion about climate change and climate adaptation, and when I go to conferences, I see a lot of people talking about Katrina and Sandy. It is very disappointing to me because I work in disaster recovery, and I see the events that are happening: we’re... | |||||||
| 28 Sep 2017 | Disaster Recovery Activist | 00:24:44 | |||||
Topic:Disaster Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency for Smaller and Rural Communities In This Episode:[01:37] Guest Laura Clemons is introduced. [01:44] Laura tells how she became interested in community resiliency and disaster work. [02:50] Laura explains the difference between an advocate and an activist. [04:24] Laura describes how individuals may be able to help after a disaster. [07:36] Laura talks about how to mobilize people, before disaster hits, to develop a more resilient community. 09:23 Laura shares how to communicate to people that they have the ability to create networks of resiliency. 14:13 Laura states where people can go to learn about her diagnostic tool and her work. [18:59] Laura expresses how to intervene in the division between urban and rural. Co-Host: Kif Scheuer is the Climate Change Program Director at the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kif is a solution-oriented sustainability professional with a strong history of engaging diverse audiences in real-world climate protection efforts through innovative, market-focused research and analysis, creative program design, effective project implementation, and compelling public advocacy and education. In 2013 Kif organized the first California Adaptation Forum, which attracted over 800 attendees and served to kick start the statewide conversation on adaptation. Kif led the development and growth of one of the LGC’s key coalitions – the Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation, a statewide network focused on addressing adaptation at the regional scale. Guest and Organization:
She has been working with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) since 2014 on a comprehensive approach to Hurricane Sandy recovery that is designed to protect over 350 acres of Sandy damaged NYCHA property from increasing climate change risks including storm surge, sea level rise and rain inundation. Her strategy for stormwater management is that it be achieved through creative land re-engineering to maximize perviousness and drainage while embracing Placemaking. Currently she is invested in helping flood ravaged communities across Texas and Louisiana rebuild in a safer, more sustainable way. CCMC is based in Austin, Texas but works with clients across the U.S. They provide a range of local constituencies with logistical support for environmentally sustainable and socially conscientious community revitalization in both pre- and post-disaster scenarios. CCMC serves in both a consultative and project management role ensuring that all project participants operate on budget and schedule and that the client gets a project with multiple co-benefits. CCMC was created because of the widely acknowledged need for hands-on, focused coordination of various groups involved in creating projects and programs that benefit communities. They approach holistic resiliency solutions through partnership building and collaboration. They have a sensitivity to diversity and inclusion with special attention paid to the most vulnerable populations. Take Away Quotes: “What I really focus on when I talk to people—whether it’s at conferences or it’s with clients that I meet with in a post-disaster... | |||||||
| 05 Oct 2017 | WE ACT For Environmental Justice | 00:27:13 | |||||
Topic:Looking at the Past, Present, and Future of the Environmental Justice Movement In This Episode:[02:06] Guest Peggy Shepard is introduced. [02:24] Peggy shares of her experience as a journalist. [06:34] Peggy relates how she made the transition from being in a political space to being in the environmental justice space. [08:25] Peggy gives her response to those who say that environmental and climate justice are new concepts. [09:30] Peggy states what the biggest environmental justice threats were in 1991 and what the threats are now. [10:25] Peggy informs us how racism is intertwined with environmental injustice. [12:22] Peggy tells if there has been progress in lessening the targeting and the disproportionate impact on populations of people of color from environmental threats. [13:53] Peggy describes the Northern Manhattan Climate Action Plan. [17:28] Peggy says if it was easier to get people’s attention about climate resilience issues after living through Superstorm Sandy. [19:18] Peggy identifies the political and social objectives that WE ACT is trying to accomplish. [23:47] Peggy elaborates on the power of speaking for ourselves. Guest and Organization:Peggy Shepard is co-founder and executive director of WE ACT For Environmental Justice and has a long history of organizing and engaging Northern Manhattan residents in community-based planning and campaigns to address environmental protection and environmental health policy locally and nationally. She has successfully combined grassroots organizing, environmental advocacy, and environmental health community-based participatory research to become a national leader in advancing environmental policy and the perspective of environmental justice in urban communities — to ensure that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment extends to all. Her work has received broad recognition: the Jane Jacobs Medal from the Rockefeller Foundation for Lifetime Achievement, the 10th Annual Heinz Award For the Environment, the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, and an Honorary Sc.D from Smith College. Take Away Quotes: “That report [Toxic Waste and Race] has been reconfirmed around this country in so many other research studies. That race is the primary predictor of where a toxic waste facility is and that income is the secondary predictor.” “People really want energy security. They want to feel that they can help reduce greenhouse gasses by using alternative energy sources but also secure their energy future by being able to have a little more autonomy over energy—how they use it and what kind of energy they use.” “We are working from the ground up, and we know that community organizing is essential but that you can’t really organize a community to be empowered and advocate on their own without information. So we have a…nine-week environmental health and leadership training program that we put all of our members through…We’re making sure that they are informed about air pollution, water quality, children’s environmental health, toxics, climate change, energy, the whole host of issues that evolve to have importance at varying times in communities.” Resources: Island Press Urban Resilience Project WE ACT For Environmental Justice People Power: How Residents of Northern Manhattan are Creating an Energy Revolution | |||||||
The mission of Conejos Clean Water (CCW) is to build public awareness and encourage advocacy and education around environmental, social, economic, and food justice issues in the Conejos Land Grant Region. CCW...
re:focus partners are social entrepreneurs with expertise in public policy and sustainable development. They design integrated resilient infrastructure systems — including water, waste, and energy projects —and develop new public-private partnerships to align public funds and leverage private investment for vulnerable communities around the world.
CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs.
CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs.
The mission of the Pacific Forest Trust is to sustain America’s forests for their public benefits of wood, water, wildlife, and people’s well-being, in cooperation with landowners and communities.
CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs.
TSRC conducts research on a wide array of transportation-related issues, addressing the needs of individuals as well as the public. Research efforts are primarily concentrated in six main areas: Advanced vehicles and fuels, Energy and infrastructure, Goods movement, Innovative mobility, Mobility for special populations, and Transportation and energy systems analysis.
resilient, self-sufficient communities capable of housing critical service providers. While all of these are true and vital reasons they do not actually explain how Lilypad Homes got its start. The idea for Lilypad germinated in 2000 when Rachel Ginis, the organization’s founder, became a single parent. As a residential designer, she did not earn enough money to remain in her home in Marin County (California). Rachel determined to temporarily repurpose the master bedroom into a lovely little living space. The income from that 230 square foot efficiency apartment allowed her to hold onto her home, keeping her daughter in school just down the road from her father’s house. Because Rachel’s daughter was 4 years old at the time, she did not feel that taking on a roommate was a viable option; she needed to secure their privacy. She also needed to ensure she could meet the monthly mortgage. Privatizing a bedroom was a sensible solution and created a reliable income stream from a little-used room.
“The New Grand Strategy” tells the story of a plan, born within the Pentagon, to recapture America’s greatness at home and abroad by elevating sustainability as our new strategic imperative. It aligns our enduring national interests of prosperity and security with a new framework that addresses pressing economic, social, and environmental issues at home, tapping into a trillion-dollar market demand for walkable communities, regenerative agriculture and resource
MCE’s mission is to address climate change by reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy supply and energy efficiency at stable and competitive rates for customers while providing local economic and workforce benefits.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s umbrella term for our Silicon Valley commute-focused project to improve options besides driving alone. MaaS dissolves the boundaries between different transport modes, providing a more customer-centered, seamless experience while improving the efficiency of the entire transport system. Bay Area employers provide a range of customized employee programs to facilitate commuting: transit passes, Wi-Fi motor coach...
The Conservation Law Foundation protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. They use the law, science and the market to create solutions that preserve natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy. Their vision is for a healthy, thriving New England – for generations to come.
The 
Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc.’s (SERCAP) mission is to improve the quality of life for low-income individuals by promoting affordable water and wastewater facilities, community development, environmental health, and economic self-sufficiency. As a member of the National Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), SERCAP serves all of the rural citizens of seven southeastern states: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. To date, SERCAP has brought clean water and wastewater facilities to more than 450,000 residents in our seven state network
LA-Más is a...
The mission of Blue Zones is to help people live longer, better lives. Blue Zones works with industry leaders to bring the Blue Zones mission to life. The Blue Zones Project is a systems approach in which citizens, schools, employers, restaurants, grocery stores and community leaders collaborate on policies and programs that move the community towards better health and well-being. It implements long-term, evidence-backed policies and interventions that optimize environments within communities, nudging people towards healthier choices throughout their day. The program is based on the assumption that we spend 90% of our lives in a 20-mile “Life Radius”. Rather than relying on individual behavior change, the program focuses on making the healthy choice the easy choice. Instead of nagging people to exercise, we make walking easier and more desirable than driving. By making wholesome foods more accessible and less expensive than junk foods, people begin to eat healthier naturally. The approach is based on the cornerstone of sustainability. Unlike other health or wellness initiatives Blue Zones Projects address the environment not just the individual,...
The National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) is a national alliance of community development associations. Its member organizations are champions, stewards, and thought leaders for community development at the state and local level. With 43 association members in 28 states, more than 3,500 community-based organizations are represented by their members.
The Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC) is dedicated to advocacy, policy development and technical assistance for community development corporations and other organizations in their efforts to rebuild communities and revitalize neighborhoods. Through their policy and advocacy work, they strive to create a more supportive environment for community development activities and to enable members to more effectively meet the needs of lower income residents and advance neighborhood revitalization. In addition, they aim to build the capacity of CDCs through resource and information delivery, a sharing of ideas and practices among CDCs, technical assistance, and promotion of the community development industry. The PACDC’s vision is to see vibrant and diverse...
Laura Goddeeris, AICP, is a Specialist at CRFS and coordinates outreach engaging national organizations in improving food systems and community environments, linking ground-level efforts and national stakeholders to inform policy and systems change. She is particularly focused on exploring opportunities for local governments to support regional food systems. As a part of this work, she has partnered with the Local Government Commission to develop a series of pre-conference workshops on healthy, equitable food systems in conjunction with the annual New Partners for Smart Growth conference. Laura’s background includes more than a decade of experience in research, outreach, and program administration around issues of economic development, community and social equity, and transportation planning, much of it within the context of food systems. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is a graduate of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy Emerging Leaders Program.
Raley’s Supermarkets (also known as Raley’s Family of Fine Stores) is a privately held, family-owned, regional grocery chain that operates stores under the Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods, and Food Source names in northern California and Nevada. Raley’s operates 128 stores, 40 of them in the Greater Sacramento area and employs around 13,400 workers today. Headquartered in West Sacramento, California, Raley’s is the dominant supermarket operator in the Sacramento metropolitan area.
The Side Yard is an urban farm, supper club and catering company located in the NE Cully Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Since 2009 they have provided local restaurants with creative organic produce and the community with food, education and opportunity. The farm is largely operated by volunteers and interns who gain hands on experience with the urban seed to plate movement. The Side Yard offers urban farm suppers & brunches, private catering, nomadic pop-ups, educational DIY workshops, farm tours and grief groups. Their focus is to provide local food for the local community, from the seeds they sow, animals they raise, and to the craftsmanship they embrace.
EntreWorks Consulting works with communities, organizations, and civic leaders to design, implement, and promote innovative economic development strategies, policies, and programs. They help create and publicize the best of new thinking about community economic development. Their work is based on a belief that entrepreneurship in all its forms is the key to revitalizing our communities, ranging from the booming technology hot spots to distressed rural and urban communities.
Prior to serving as Director of State and Local Policy at Grounded Solutions Network, Sasha was Senior Program Officer at Cornerstone Partnership, where she led Cornerstone’s inclusionary housing engagements and activities. Before that, Sasha worked in at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development where she oversaw legislative affairs, strategic planning, and program evaluation projects as Public Policy manager.
rounded Solutions Network is supporting strong communities from the ground up. We work nationally, connecting local experts with the networks, knowledge and support they need. Grounded Solutions Network helps promote housing solutions that will stay affordable for generations so communities can stabilize and strengthen their foundation, for good.
Plan4Health is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Planning Association’s Planning and Community Health Center is an awardee of the CDC’s National Implementation and Dissemination for Chronic Disease Prevention funding opportunity. Plan4Health is one community within the larger project — sharing lessons learned and expertise with the American Heart Association; the National Women, Infants, and Children; Society for Public Health Education; and Directors of Health Promotion and Education.
Darin Dinsmore is an urban planner & landscape architect with over 25 years of experience in community-based planning and design. He launched Crowdbrite in 2010 to bring plans to life and find solutions to improve civic engagement. His award-winning interactive online tools (
Crowdbrite’s mission is to work with cities and developers to help build more affordable, vibrant and walkable communities. In the first 12 months since launch Crowdbite has 400+...
Lift360 focuses on leadership every day – for individuals, in organizations, and throughout communities.Their mission is to inspire leadership, build stronger leaders, and to equip those leaders to tackle the critical issues faced in Maine. That focus takes them into communities and boardrooms, reaching all sectors and all areas of the state. They deliver programs and services working side by side with organizational and community leaders. The impact of their work and the stories they hear from those they...
Gateway Greening isn’t just about gardens and plants. It’s about working together to create something beautiful — safer, more colorful neighborhoods for our children; food for the underprivileged and opportunities for the homeless; and a city that embodies our vision of sustainability and hope. Gateway Greening is a community of gardeners, neighbors, friends and volunteers. And we believe that by educating and empowering our community through gardening and urban agriculture, we can continue to grow St. Louis into the city we know it to be.
The R Street Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan, public policy research organization (“think tank”). Our mission is to engage in policy research and outreach to promote free markets and limited, effective government.
Jim Brasfield is Emeritus Professor of Management at the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University, and former Chair of the Department of Management for nineteen years. He has been on the faculty of Webster University since 1976. He has a Ph.D. in political science from Case Western Reserve University (1973) and MA in Political Science from St. Louis University. He was Mayor of the City of Crestwood from 1996 to 2002 and on the Crestwood Board of Alderman from 1978 to 2006. He has been President of the St. Louis County Municipal League and the President of the Board of the Greater St. Louis Health System Agency. Since 2000 he has been a member of the Government Relations Committee of the Gateway Chapter of the MS Society. He was President of the Webster University Faculty Senate from 2001 to 2007. Currently he is a member of the Municipal Parks Grant Commission and the Board of Directors of Voyce. He is a past President of the Organized Section on Health Politics and Policy of the American Political Science Association, and was Book Review Editor of the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law from 2010 to 2016. In 2011 his book Health Policy: The Decade Ahead was published by Lynne Rienner Publishers. 
Dr. Sarah Coffin is an associate professor of urban planning at Saint Louis University in the School of Social Work where she directs the masters in Urban Planning and Development Program. Trained as an urban planner, Dr. Coffin’s work focuses on the impacts of brownfields on weak market economies and examining the role that common development tools like tax increment financing and tax credits play in local economic development planning practice in these post-industrial regions.
Her work draws on both primary and secondary data...
Recently, Mr. Zeanah led the development of the Mid-South Regional Greenprint and Sustainability Plan, a unified vision for a regional network of green space connecting across the Greater Memphis area, and Shelby County’s Greenprint for Resilience initiative, which received over $60 million in HUD’s National Disaster Resilience Competition. Mr. Zeanah holds a BA in Political Science from Rhodes College and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis.
As a senior planner at ChangeLab Solutions, Erik Calloway focuses on the links between the built environment and health. He conducts research, prepares strategies, and develops tools to help communities support healthy living and sustainability. Prior to joining ChangeLab Solutions, Erik worked for 13 years as an urban design consultant. He has led multidisciplinary teams on streetscape and public space design, district and corridor restructuring, city planning, neighborhood development, and downtown revitalization projects.
Miguel Vazquez, currently serves as the Healthy Communities Planner for the Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH) (formerly known as Riverside County Department of Public Health) in California. Our work directly impacts the quality of life of 2.2 million people living in 28 cities and the unincorporated area of Riverside County. For the past five years, my leadership role has focused on the integration of planning and health through policy, programs and outreach.
Trish Kelly is the Managing Director of Valley Vision. Trish joined Valley Vision as Senior Vice President in 2014, having been involved with Valley Vision on several projects over the years. As a consultant, Trish has contributed to Valley Vision initiatives in such areas as regional food systems and agriculture, broadband, economic vitality, and quality of life indicators. She is managing Valley Vision’s agriculture and food system projects and the Connected Capital Area Broadband Consortium, and is supporting other Valley Vision regional leadership efforts. Trish has a passion for projects that provide strong research and accessible information as the basis for engaging community leaders, stakeholders and partner organizations in collaborative, solution-driven strategies that will ensure a Triple-Bottom Line for the region – with shared opportunity, environmental quality and economic prosperity for all.
Cecilia Aguiar-Curry is an American politician who has been elected to the California State Assembly. She is a Democrat representing the 4th Assembly District, encompassing Wine Country and parts of the Sacramento Valley.
Kalahari deserts and, from his mountain bike in 1994, he researched the first guidebook to Lebanon since the end of that country’s civil war.
Bill Armbruster manages the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, which is a program within AARP Livable Communities. He has been with AARP since 2000, joining as an associate state director for AARP New York. In that role he served the upstate and western region of the Empire State and was responsible for the development, implementation and assessment for community outreach programming. That body of work included livable and age-friendly communities initiatives, partner development and grassroots volunteer organizing for a 30 county region both near and far from his Rochester home base. In addition to his work at AARP, Bill has extensive experience in corporate wellness programs, occupational rehabilitation and ergonomics, pain treatment and physical therapy.
Kathy Sykes is Senior Advisor for Aging and Public Health at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since 1983, Kathy has held policy positions in the U.S. Senate and Congress and in federal agencies: U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, with Congressman Obey and at the NIOSH within CDC and for almost 20 years at the Environmental Protection Agency, where she developed the Aging Initiative that focused on environmental health issues and the built environment. She also serves on Washington, D.C.’s the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Task Force. She is a fellow of the GSA and currently Chair of the Social Research Policy and Practice Section. Ms. Sykes holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration
Michele E. Reeves is an urban strategist with significant private sector experience revitalizing districts. Her qualifications, derived from over 16 years of work in various facets of renewal, include facilitating public/private partnerships, marketing unknown or undesirable districts, pre-development consulting, siting manufacturing facilities, strategizing acquisitions and development with private sector investors, and creating retail leasing plans. 
Michele founded Civilis Consultants to assist mixed-use districts, small businesses, property owners, and public sector organizations to recognize and leverage their strengths, identify and accomplish economic development goals, and craft their unique stories to create compelling, multi-faceted brands. Michele has a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Photo by Eddie Ostrowski
The California Civic Engagement Project (CCEP) is a non-partisan civic engagement research and outreach initiative for the state of California and the U.S. Founded and directed by Mindy Romero, it is housed at the UC Davis Center for Regional Change. The CCEP provides data and analysis to inform public dialogue about representative governance. We believe that inclusive civic engagement can help overcome disparities in social and economic well-being, and can improve health, education and employment outcomes for all Californians. The CCEP has become a go-to source for electoral and civic engagement research, including the
Arjun Patney is the Policy Director of Winrock’s American Carbon Registry, which engages with regulators in California and other jurisdictions to help ensure that market-based climate change mitigation programs address the full range of emissions reduction opportunities. In this way, he advances greenhouse gas mitigation that delivers economic opportunities as well as environmental and social benefits. Patney’s diverse experience in the environmental field spans technical, policy and business spheres. Practical sustainability solutions have been the common thread of his work in the U.S. and Asia, whether he was negotiating carbon credit deals, implementing environmental management systems, engineering spill controls, or helping foreign clean tech companies enter Asian markets. Patney previously established the U.S. carbon trading desk at the multinational corporation Cargill and subsequently worked with USAID to advance international forest carbon markets. He received a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, an M.S. in environmental management and policy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
Laura Clemons is the founder and CEO of Collaborative Communities Management Company, LLC, (CCMC) and serves as the company’s head project team leader. Ms. Clemons is a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty designation in Building Design and Construction and has been working in the sustainable built environment since 2008. She transitioned into disaster recovery after the devastating tornados of April 2011 and has combined her diverse background into being a foremost expert on resiliency. 
Laura Clemons is the founder and CEO of Collaborative Communities Management Company, LLC, (CCMC) and serves as the company’s head project team leader. Ms. Clemons is a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty designation in Building Design and Construction and has been working in the sustainable built environment since 2008. She transitioned into disaster recovery after the devastating tornados of April 2011 and has combined her diverse background into being a foremost expert on resiliency.