The city of Peoria has started the process of updating its sustainability plan that addresses education, water conservation, energy consumption, and best environmental practices. Beginning this month, the city will open a public engagement period to ask residents about their suggestions for future sustainable programs and actions.
“Past sustainability efforts have provided a solid base for us to build upon, but we are always looking for ways to improve,” says Cape Powers, Peoria director of water services. “The updated plan will help us adapt to changing conditions, such as increasing concerns related to water availability, and more directly reflect the views of our residents. Our goal is to ensure that providing for our community’s needs today does not impact the ability to provide for the needs of future generations.”
The city’s last sustainability plan was created in 2012 to establish clear goals and metrics that guided all departments in reviewing and adopting more sustainable practices and technologies. This year’s plan, named the Sustainable Peoria Plan, aims to not only expand upon the previous plan’s objectives but to set new, ambitious goals and engage Peoria residents throughout the development and implementation processes.
Residents have the opportunity to provide their feedback in an online survey, developed in partnership with Arizona State University’s Project Cities. In addition, there will be four virtual listening sessions that will review the eight different categories of the new plan and allow residents a chance to give input and ask questions.
• Natural Systems, Community Forestry and Community Health and Wellness
Wednesday, Jan. 6 from 6 – 7 p.m.
http://links.asu.edu/SustainablePeoria_ListeningSession1
• Urban Form and Transportation
Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 6 – 7 p.m.
http://links.asu.edu/SustainablePeoria_ListeningSession2
• Water Resources and Waste Management
Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 6 – 7 p.m.
http://links.asu.edu/SustainablePeoria_ListeningSession3
• Building and Energy and Community Education and Outreach
Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 6 – 7 p.m.
http://links.asu.edu/SustainablePeoria_ListeningSession4
“We want this plan to be driven by the community and are excited to hear what actions and goals our residents envision in our eight topic areas,” says Victoria Caster, Peoria’s sustainability and water conservation coordinator.
The new proposed plan will be reviewed by the Peoria City Council later this year. For more information or to sign up to receive sustainability news, visit peoriaaz.gov/sustainability.
