Sustainable2050: Central Ohio Communities Working Toward a Better Future

As soon as 2050, central Ohio may be a region of three million residents. How does it accommodate growth yet maintain a balance of social, environmental and fiscal well-being? Sustainable2050 is an initiative of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission designed to meet that challenge by supporting local governments’ and partner organizations’ sustainability efforts through technical assistance, collaboration, and recognition. Sustainable2050 members track their progress toward the goals and objectives of the Regional Sustainability Agenda, the guiding document for MORPC's sustainability-focused programming. Together, we gain a deeper understanding of how all efforts make a collective impact on the quality of life in central Ohio. Learn how the novel approach of Sustainable2050 has led to early successes for the program and its members. Also learn how to adapt Sustainable2050 to your organization, along with lessons learned and next steps.

Description

Central Ohio is growing. As soon as 2050, it may be a region of 3 million residents. How does it accommodate one million more people yet maintain a balance of social, environmental and fiscal well-being today and in the future? Sustainable2050 is a collaborative, member-based initiative of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission designed to meet that challenge by supporting local governments’ and partner organizations’ sustainability efforts through direct technical assistance, collaboration, and recognition. The Sustainable2050 initiative is directly tied to the goals and objectives of the Regional Sustainability Agenda, the guiding document for MORPC's sustainability-focused programming and committees. The Regional Sustainability Agenda provides the framework for members and regional partners to work toward common goals. Sustainable2050 members benchmark their sustainability efforts and track their progress toward achieving the goals and objectives of the Regional Sustainability Agenda. Together, we gain a deeper understanding of how all efforts make a collective impact on the quality of life in central Ohio. To become a Sustainable2050 member, local governments and partner organizations must pass a resolution of participation, indicating their commitment to the program. In addition, members must designate a local champion to ensure public awareness of the program and assign a representative from the local government or organization to participate in program meetings. Sustainable2050 is a highly replicable program. Members meet quarterly to share best practices and engage in peer-to-peer networking. Every Sustainable2050 member receives a tier status level – bronze, silver, gold or platinum – acknowledging the number of sustainability-related achievements each member has made in the categories established by the Regional Sustainability Agenda. MORPC uses the Tier Status designation to direct targeted resources and technical assistance to members. Presenters will discuss: the evolution of Sustainable2050, a program rooted in the central Ohio Green Pact and grounded in best practices; how a member-driven and member-focused approach has led to early successes for the program and its participants; steps you can take to adapt Sustainable2050 to your organization; lessons learned and next steps for the initiative.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Kerstin Carr, director, planning and environment, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, kcarr@morpc.org (Corresponding Author); Andrew Kistler, director of property management, Columbus Metropolitan Library; Hon. Karen Angelou, council member at-large, City of Gahanna; Justin Milam, planning officer, City of Upper Arlington

Keywords

sustainability, best practices, collaboration, partnership, peer exchange

Citation

Engaged Scholars, v. 7 (2019).

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/1811/87318

Collections

Engaged Scholars: Volume 7 (2019)

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