MIDDLEBURY — How does a Vermont community become a national model by pioneering initiatives that increase economic opportunity and affordability while also tackling climate change? The citizens of Middlebury and surrounding towns will begin to answer that question on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6:30-9 p.m., at the American Legion Post 27, 49 Wilson Road, when they come together to choose priorities and line up for action as part of the Greater Middlebury Climate Economy Initiative.
“This process is a great opportunity to think creatively about our community’s future. Hopefully people of all ages, from all parts of Middlebury and the surrounding towns, and with a variety of perspectives and experiences will join us and add their voices to the conversation,” noted Andrea Murray, Middlebury resident, architect, business owner, and member of the planning committee for the initiative.
The Oct. 26 community meeting is the second step in the Climate Economy Initiative process. It builds from the kick-off event on Sept. 18 that attracted over 100 local citizens to forums on topics ranging from transportation efficiency to local food and agriculture. At those forums, people reflected on the assets and challenges within the community and then brainstormed ideas for community improvement.
For the October community meeting, the ideas from the Sept. 18 forums will be compiled and presented back to the community. Using dot voting, community members will decide on three priorities for action that they believe are both transformative and achievable.
Details:
All members of Middlebury and surrounding towns are invited to participate. The detailed notes from the Sept. 18 Kick-Off are available for review at tinyurl.com/y836swek. For those wishing to add ideas e-mail your suggestions to Jon Copans at [email protected] by Friday, Oct. 20. For more information, visit vtrural.org, contact Jon at 802-225-6393 or visit the event Facebook page at facebook.com/events/175804126316988.