City Commission Workshop - Sustainability

City Commission
Workshop on Sustainability

January 4th from 2—4 p.m.

City Commission chambers

Join us as we welcome Alderman Mary Ann Smith from the 48th Ward of Chicago to discuss sustainability issues and solutions. Known for her concern for the environment, particularly Chicago's lakefront, Mary Ann represents the City of Chicago on the International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives. Formerly she served as vice chair of the City Council Subcommittee on the Chicago Lakefront, as a vice-chair of the Lake Michigan Federation (now the Alliance for the Great Lakes), and a founding member of PCB's Gone. Her leadership on environmental issues earned a United Nations Environment Programme Award for Citizen Action to Protect the Global Environment and a fellowship to study urban planning in several European cities from the U.S./German Marshall.

After the Alderman’s presentation we will hear from local sustainability pioneers and experts in the field of environmental science and policy.

Michael Carlson - experience includes institutional and public sector projects such as local government facilities, public service facilities and educational facilities. As a licensed architect in the state of Florida since 1989, Michael has completed successful projects throughout Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast region. His continuing education is focused on Green Building, and he is one of the first Architects in the state of Florida to achieve the LEED Accredited Professional designation.

Albert Joerger - launched the Sarasota Conservation Foundation in 2003 as a result of his extensive expertise in intelligent conservation and his passion for the Gulf Coast. Mr. Joerger holds a BS in Economics, an MLA in Landscape Architecture and a PhD.in Environmental Information Science, all from Cornell University. His broad experience includes market research, coastal land use and development, planning for sustainable tourism, environmental consulting on water resources, as well as fundraising and land acquisition for The Nature Conservancy.

Melissa Meehan - Southeast Coastal Organizer for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes responsible energy choices that solve global warming problems and ensure clean, safe and healthy communities throughout the Southeast.

Speakers Bureau Member from FGBC - The Florida Green Building Coalition is a nonprofit Florida Corporation dedicated to improving the built environment. Our mission is "to provide a statewide Green Building program with environmental and economic benefits." Sarasota recently joined the FGBC Local Green Government Designation initiative.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL Michele Mician, Environmental Coordinator at 941-954-2670. Also visit yourgreencity.sarasotagov.com