Last public presentation for Elgin’s Sustainability Action Plan

The final working group presentation by volunteers developing Elgin’s Sustainability Action Plan will be focused on policy and code recommendations. The Economic Development, Green Building Technology and Urban Design working groups are the last three to present in a round of public forums.

The presentation will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 39W830 Highland Ave. It will begin with an overview of the entire plan followed by presentations by each working group and a sustainability survey for audience members.

Recommendations by the Economic Development group focus on educating businesses about sustainability practices and emphasizing the importance of economic health.

“Sustainability should include more than just environmental sustainability,” said Aaron Cosentino, Elgin’s sustainability and grants coordinator. “It’s a way to keep the local economy healthy.”

The Green Building Technology group has focused on establishing programs for energy efficiency improvements and green work force training. These initiatives will require partnerships among members of the education and business communities and the city.

Some of the more tangible ideas include rebate programs for energy efficiency products and apprentice programs for students at local colleges and high schools for career training in the green industry.

The Urban Design group would like to see the city analyze existing plans and codes with an eye toward sustainability.

The group is also recommending a “complete streets” policy that would make streets more open to all forms of transportation.

“A complete street might not be as wide as a typical street,” Cosentino said. “It might be narrower so pedestrians feel more comfortable walking on it.”

City staff and volunteers who developed the Sustainability Action Plan will continue targeted outreach over the next couple months to solicit comments and suggestions for the final draft, which will be presented to the city council in April.

Already the city is earning national acclaim for its work on the plan. Representatives of the working groups will speak at the end of June during the American Public Works Association’s Sustainability in Public Works Conference in Portland.

Residents who are unable to attend Tuesday’s presentation should visit cityofelgin.org/green for more information about the plan and access to the sustainability survey.