As our community continues to advocate for work advancing racial equity, we believe that the Our Climate Future planning process, centered in equity and leading with race, is more relevant and important than ever. I’m proud that we started this planning process last year and will have the first City plan that centers on equity. Please make sure to lend your voice as we gather input during Phase 2 (more below).
Summer Time, Summer Time, Sun-Sun, Summer Time! It’s summer and our community is finding new and different ways to enjoy summer, even with fewer vacations, fewer kids’ camps, and less pool time. Our data indicates that our trails, natural areas, and outdoor spaces are being utilized more than ever before and I feel lucky every morning on my dog walk to have nature so accessible.
In our last newsletter Lindsay Ex announced her appointment as Interim Housing Manager, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the Interim Climate Program Manager. My name is Michelle Finchum and I have worked for the City since 2001, mostly in the Utilities department as the community engagement specialist. Since 2017, I have been the Municipal Sustainability Specialist, implementing the Municipal Sustainability and Adaptation Plan and having the honor to announce that our organization met the Climate Action Plan goals in 2017 (21% below the 2005 baseline) and continues to lead by example.
I am excited to be a part of the forward thinking work of climate action in our community—for example, see below for a special announcement from Platte River Power Authority!
Enjoy this newsletter – we have a lot to share!
Michelle