Sustainable economic development: Let’s get it right

Melissa it is folks like you I'm counting on to help lead the way! Please never get discouraged when those public meeting seem like gripe sessions.

“Sustainability will come about by encouraging participatory decision making and empowering citizens to control policy, and through bypassing flawed institutions that are captured by the actors promoting unsustainable practices.” WOW, truer words were never spoken!! BUT, changing the processes that are in place to allow for citizen control is a very difficult road in Appalachia. There are many top down processes that are working for a few…at the top. We need to be diligent in supporting bottom up processes in our local governments that work for many. As a county planner, I have to point out that one of the best examples of citizen empowerment through local government (that WV State Code currently allows) is the implementation of a good county or municipal planning department. The problem is, very few communities in WV know about, understand, or support this valuable institution. So,if you don’t have a planning department help get one established, if you do, show them support, get involved, and challenge them to expand their reach beyond building permits to thoughtful reflection about how to create sustainable, innovative community solutions!!

Encouraging the WV State Legislature to pass enabling legislation that would allow local governments to establish Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy programs would be a huge economic development tool for communities, and provide for profit companies with an alternative funding tool to address energy efficiency capital projects in their facilities.

Excellent article my friend. .