5. Recommendations Improve Livability and Resiliency in All Neighborhoods Improve Communication, Collaboration and Transparency Improve Mobility Within and Between Neighborhoods Minimal Costs & Build on Existing Success 5 Carbon Neutral Seattle Neighborhoods
6. Carbon Neutral Seattle Neighborhoods 6 Existing groups are tackling aspects of this initiative:
7. Recommendation: Improve Communication, Collaboration and Transparency Effectively communicate information Provide feedback and open access to data Engage and collaborate 7 Carbon Neutral Seattle Neighborhoods
8. Break down silos and prioritize the messages: P-PATCH COMMUNITY GARDENING PROGRAM 8 Carbon Neutral Seattle Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods working group envisions a Seattle in which carbon emissions are reduced, and local community resilience is strengthened through policies, projects, and programs that: Strengthen Local Economies
Foster civic engagement and facilitate lifelong learning
Promote human and environmental health, and ensure equal access to employment, resources and services.
The programs we are recommending would advance these goals by promoting groups of coordinated projects and policies that can be launched within 1-3 years. Most of our recommendations would have little to no capital costs, and build upon existing successes. Seattle is the place for abold initiative like this one to succeed.
This can be seen through the huge number of local groups that already tackle different aspects of this issue. These groups range from non-profits and community groups, <next image>to Businesses, foundations, news and information services.. <pause>No, unfortunately, this does not mean the City Council’s and our work is done.
Additionally, one size does not fit all for Seattle -- each of our neighborhoods have different challenges and opportunities. To meet these needs, more information at the neighborhood level is necessary to establish a baseline for tracking and inspiring change. Specifically, we recommend that data on energy, water, waste and transportation-usage be made available at the zip code or neighborhood level: openly, transparently, and at least monthly. Whether we are implementing programs to generate clean energy locally or organizations are creating innovative social and technological systems, we need better feedback to improve the programs that work, and change those that do not.
To be more agile when making these adjustments, individuals, organizations and government need to shift from an "us vs. them" mindset to one of active engagement and collaboration. The process leading up to this "carbon neutral community forum" was a good start, however, we need to build upon this success and move toward models where people and businesses in all neighborhoods work with the city to co-create the city of the future here in Seattle.
For moving people, the City needs to make it even more convenient to choose options like bicycling, through methods such as: a) Create bike boulevards and public spaces that connect urban villages to each other and within each urban center.
b) Timing lights for bicycle -- and pedestrian -- safety, but also in such a way that reduces motorized vehicle stops, starts and idling. c) And ensure that as the new Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure is rolled out, the City takes into account electric bicycle charging -- since electric bikes are rapidly gaining in popularity, and make riding through our wonderfully hilly City easier and more fun for all ages.As part of planning for a future of more volatile and increased fuel prices due to peak oil, we want to ensure there is improved mobility and that people are the resources people need are closer together in more livable neighborhoods.
<REWORD/ REWRITE/FINISH>To accomplish this we propose strengthening neighborhood-scale economies through rezoning, incentives and a campaign to encourage the creation of new community-building local businesses and green career paths.New jobs and businesses increase the tax base, while local production and purchasing strengthens community ties AND has a positive multiplier effect on neighborhood and City economy.All of these efforts will contribute to our neighborhoods’ health and vitality, and reduce transportation emissions.
