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One of the things I am extremely proud of being a part of is that The City of Asheville has worked to develop a Sustainability Management Plan that will structure how the organization moves forward and greens its own house.

This is a compelling report and offers great direction for the City of Asheville to be a model for the rest of the community. Since it addresses water and other infrastructure issues it also sets the stage for a regional Sustainability Plan.

Asheville Sustainability Management Plan

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The White House has just released a landmark report on Climate Change, its impacts and science that is a compelling reseasrch report on the topic.  This is important information and needs to be in our awareness as we move forward in all our decision making on a local, regional, state and national level.

This report summarizes the science of climate change and the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future. It is largely based on results of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP),^a and integrates those results with related research from around the world. This report discusses climate-related impacts for various societal and environmental sec tors and regions across the nation. It is an authoritative scientific report written in plain language, with the goal of better informing public and private decision making at all levels.

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People often wonder what we actually accomplished over at City Hall last year. If you only listen to the news and read the paper you'd think nothing at all.  But in fact, there are always things working to make our City better.  Staff has put together a list of highlights from last year's accomplishments to let you know that we are moving forward toward our goal of a Safe, Affordable, Green and Sustainable City.

2008 Highlights and Accomplishments

My own list of accomplishments would include working with the Hub on a commitment to sustainability and community development that will set the frame work for creating a City that is resilient, healthy, just and an integral part of the emerging green economy.  Currently I am the local lead on a federal collaboration to create regional integrated responses to the climate, economic and energy challenges we face as a nation.  A team will be headed to Sonoma California the first week of February to strategize with other invited cities to continue developing this federal program that will be a model for regional action. 

I continue to serve as chair of the Council Planning and Economic Development Committee where we support the community and staff in conversations concerning vital community issues. I am a member of the Community Energy Advisory Council, liason to the Sustainabile Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment and a member of the Housing and Community Development Committee. 

I look forward to this year and the opportunity to see some of the projects  move closer to realizing the goals set for them.