As Huntsville continues to grow, city officials are focused on creating long-term success for those who call Rocket City “home.”
Public and private sector leaders recently responded to Mayor Tommy Battle’s call to establish a commission to examine factors for achieving environmental sustainability in the Huntsville Metro.
Towards a sustainable future
Participants filled out a comment card.
The Huntsville Environmental Sustainability Commission (HESC) invited residents to provide input at a public meeting held on Tuesday, October 11, at Campus No. 805. years to come.
“We have experts and industry leaders who offer advice and consultation, but we feel it is very important to include the public in this discussion.” – Marie Bostic, HESC Chair.
Marie Bostic, Commissioner and Executive Director of the North Alabama Land Trust, said HESC’s definition of environmental sustainability is the balance between a healthy environment and a thriving economy for current and future generations. The focus is on finding balance, he said.
“Changes in our environment, whether through planned activities or natural processes, affect everyone,” she said. We have experts and industry leaders, but I feel it’s very important to include the public in this discussion.”
Public opinion critical to success
Through a series of interactive exercises, participants identified areas they felt the city needed the most attention in order to have a sustainable future. To better explore such a broad topic, HESC has categorized the theme into six sustainability sectors.
- natural environment
- Build environment
- energy
- transportation
- food security
- environmental justice
“It is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the public and members of the Commission in supporting this initiative.” – Jim Bolte, HESC Co-Chair
Participants marked their environmental priorities with color-coded stickers.
Participants ranked their environmental priorities by placing color-coded dots on display boards in each sector. They also filled out a comment card reflecting the same questions asked in an online survey that allowed anyone in the Metro Huntsville area to submit feedback. HESC members were present at the meeting to hear attendees’ concerns about the upcoming committee discussion.
“We were thrilled with the turnout for our first public forum at Campus 805.” The Commission looks forward to continued community input as we develop and refine our city’s green initiatives. ”
emergence of top priority
Preliminary results from public input meetings, comment cards, and online surveys indicate three issues and corresponding actions that the community deems to be of top priority.
- natural environment: Protecting natural resources, including air and water conservation
- transportation: Increase transportation options, including public transport, electric vehicles, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure
- Build environment: Encourage and practice green buildings and infrastructure
Public opinion collected from bulletin boards, maps, comment cards, and online surveys help inform the future of Huntsville’s environment.
Public input helps the Commission develop its sustainability sector research and recommendations. Ultimately, HESC presents its latest strategic recommendations to Mayor Battle and subsequent sector administrations.
Jim Bolte, Co-Chair of HESC and former president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, said: “We have many opportunities ahead of us. Now we need to create impactful plans that the city and its residents can be proud of.”
To learn more about HESC or participate in our online environmental sustainability survey, please visit https://huntsvilleal.gov/hesc.
