I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 7:19 am Post subject: What 3 things for Impacting Public Policy
I'm a Newb - been lurking here about a month and this is my first post.
For the last month I've been making some private preparations - but because I'm the director of a local non profit - I tend to think along the lines of community wide action.
What 3 things can I advocate for in my community to help it prepare for the coming descent.
I'm thinking 1) public transportation improvements 2) community gardens - local food production and 3) helping businesses and individuals improve the energy efficiency of their homes and facilities
I'm aware that many feel its too late for measures such as these to save the larger community, but I have to try.
What 3 community initiatives would you advocate for in your community if you were me!
Joined: Feb 17, 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Boulder, Colorado
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 10:33 am Post subject: Re: What 3 things for Impacting Public Policy
I agree with all three of your suggestions. I would add bicycle facilities to the mix. Here in the city of Boulder, CO we have invested significantly in public transit, bicycling, and also passed a carbon tax on energy use. We have a growing local food production movement with a growing farmers' market two days a week. Another focus is transit oriented development, public private partnerships to buide mixed-use development around major transit stations. What we don't have is enough affordable housing. We also need to focus on bring back some manufacturing to support our high-tech, science, and education economy. Look into the Post Carbon Institute to get their new research on post-carbon cities.
Joined: Apr 03, 2004 Posts: 6976 Location: My Grandkids' Farm
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 1:10 pm Post subject: Re: What 3 things for Impacting Public Policy
Good stuff and Welcome.
Local food production is a biggie for me, CSAs, Farmers Markets, Harvest Trails, Community Gardens, Gardening Classes, Restaurants and Chain Food stores and institutions like schools and hospitals buying local - the list could go on and on.
Easing of Zoning restrictions to allow mixed use retail and residential and even light commercial will happen eventually but the sooner the better. As well starting to think along the lines of rezoning subdivisions of huge single family homes into multiple occupancy - especially those half-built out, foreclosure prone, new subdivisions.
Better, cheaper, wider broadband access and incentives to work from home.
Not sure how many of these are within the realm of community action but a good idea for renewing an old subject. _________________ Make a plan and work it:
Joined: Apr 04, 2005 Posts: 473 Location: Seattle, WA
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: What 3 things for Impacting Public Policy
BicycleCommuter wrote:
I agree with all three of your suggestions. I would add bicycle facilities to the mix. Here in the city of Boulder, CO we have invested significantly in public transit, bicycling, and also passed a carbon tax on energy use. We have a growing local food production movement with a growing farmers' market two days a week. Another focus is transit oriented development, public private partnerships to buide mixed-use development around major transit stations. What we don't have is enough affordable housing. We also need to focus on bring back some manufacturing to support our high-tech, science, and education economy. Look into the Post Carbon Institute to get their new research on post-carbon cities.
Power to the Pedal!
Personally, I'd like to see laws against you bicyclists. In my beautiful city of Seattle, the bicyclists here flip back and forth between being a car and being a pedestrian. They follow whatever law suits them at the moment. I think they should have to choose. Either be a car and obey traffic laws or be a passenger. No flipping back and forth to the sidewalk just because the light is red and you are on a bicycle. It just pisses me off! We should have a law that requires 10 years in prison for bicyclers that do that.
Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 6:17 pm Post subject: Re: What 3 things for Impacting Public Policy
WTB140 wrote:
I'm a Newb - been lurking here about a month and this is my first post.
For the last month I've been making some private preparations - but because I'm the director of a local non profit - I tend to think along the lines of community wide action.
What 3 things can I advocate for in my community to help it prepare for the coming descent.
I'm thinking 1) public transportation improvements 2) community gardens - local food production and 3) helping businesses and individuals improve the energy efficiency of their homes and facilities
I'm aware that many feel its too late for measures such as these to save the larger community, but I have to try.
What 3 community initiatives would you advocate for in your community if you were me!
Welcome.
Those are good areas you brought up.
I wish you town had a public transport loop run on electric. I live in small town and we could service many people with such a public loop.
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