Celebrating 10 Years. Building the Future.
Since 2009, Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s Sustainable Cleveland 2019 (SC2019) initiative has engaged more than 15,000 people from all walks of life, working together to design and develop a thriving and resilient Cleveland region. Over the past ten years, SC2019 has supported collaboration and action to make Cleveland a greener, cleaner place to live, work, and play for all. From improved water and air quality to increases in bike infrastructure and clean energy, SC2019 has come a long way.
On Wednesday October 16th, 2019 the city of Cleveland celebrated the culmination of SC2019, honored the many people and organizations that have been involved, and built off this foundation for even greater progress. The one-day Summit went from 8am-5pm on October 16th, followed by an evening reception. The Summit included remarks from Mayor Frank Jackson, keynote presentations, recognition and awards, and facilitated discussions on key priorities going forward.
Participants were invited to:
- Celebrate Cleveland’s progress in sustainability since 2009
- Share stories of collaboration and action inspired through the SC2019 initiative
- Recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses leading by example to advance sustainability in Cleveland
- Advance Cleveland Climate Action Plan priorities that require community-wide action, such as reaching 100% renewable electricity, trees, access to vibrant green space, sustainable transportation, clean water, and creating a circular economy
- Chart a path forward for continued engagement in sustainability and climate action beyond 2019
Dr. David Cooperrider, who facilitated the first Sustainable Cleveland Summit in 2009, and many since then, returned to the event this year to lead the group through an afternoon Design session. Said Dr. Cooperrider, "The energy in this room, and the intrinsic nature of this [Appreciative Inquiry], is who we are as a Cleveland people."
Besides facilitating the Summit, the Fowler Center was also happy to bring Michael Waas, Global Vice President of Brand Partnerships at TerraCycle to speak at the event about the Circular Economy. TerraCycle was the Fowler Center's 2019 Flourish Prize honoree for Global Goal #12.