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Our
Purpose
Over
the past three decades, many grassroots organizations arose in the Northeast
Ohio region to research environmental issues and to heighten community
awareness of the far-reaching implications generated by population growth
and land development, including issues associated with urban sprawl, air
quality, water quality, and health. More recently, the social and economic
ramifications of development patterns have become apparent and groups
focusing on those sectors have joined in the discussion.
These qualified and
dedicated groups have been working on disparate aspects and issues of
sustainable development and livable communities for Northeast Ohio. Each
has played a significant role in educating the community as to the relevant
issues.
The
Symposium
In 1999,
Congressman Dennis Kucinich and The American Institute of Architects,
Cleveland Chapter, proposed convening a Sustainable Communities Symposium
as a cost-effective means of bringing these groups together to encourage
consensus and to go beyond heightening awareness. The goal of Sustainable
Communities Symposium 2000 is to promote a collaborative effort focused
on action that will produce a viable agenda for the region. A collaboration
of 12 of these organizations joined together with a common vision. That
vision is to make the Northeast Ohio urban region a national leader in
sustainability and the establishment of livable communities.
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