2009 Regional Livability Summit
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The 2009 Regional Livability Summit
From Hope to Change: Transforming Our Region
The 2009 Summit was the biggest one yet! Roughly 400 people representing the diverse communities and interests that make up our region packed the room. Our keynote speaker, Julian Agyeman, Chair of the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University, opened the Summit with a provocative talk on what it means to strive for a “just sustainability.” With Julian’s insights in mind, over 60 speakers engaged participants in conversations about mobilizing for equity through 18 different breakout sessions.
New to this year’s Summit, the Days of Equity Action offered a variety of done-in-a-day equity service and advocacy activities hosted by CLF member and partner organizations. This pilot program provided a new way for individuals to connect with CLF, the Summit, and issues of regional equity and sustainability. We look forward to building on this year’s pilot effort, and scale it up significantly next year.
Read the Summit 2009 Proceedings Report to learn more about the day.
The 2009 Summit was Co-Hosted by:
Our Thanks to The 2009 Summit Sponsors:
Lead Sponsors
Major Sponsors
Co-Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
City of Portland Bureau of Planning and SustainabilityPortfolio 21
Exhibitors
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
May 20 – Summit Day of Mobilization Agenda Highlights
9:30 am
Opening Keynote by Julian Agyeman
"Toward a Just Sustainability?"
From London to Australia to the US, Julian has been a government advisor, academic, and activist. Currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University, Agyeman was co-founder of the Black Environment Network, the first environmental justice-based organization of its kind in Britain. With degrees in botany, geography, conservation policy and environmental education, Julian adeptly navigates the intersection of environment and society, expanding our thinking about the possibilities for a just sustainability. Download his presentation on "just sustainability" here.
Leadership Plenary Panel:
"Equity on the Ground: Structural Change in Turbulent Times?"
We find ourselves at a unique moment in time. We face an economic crisis of huge proportions. We have new national leadership that’s interested in investing in communities at levels we've not seen for many generations. That new leadership shares our values of equity and sustainability. Is this a unique opportunity for rethinking entrenched systems that contribute to the regional inequities and thwart our goal of creating a just sustainability? Where are leverage points? What are key opportunities in our local communities? Hear perspectives from local leaders about navigating the new waters we find ourselves in and what they are doing (or would like to be doing) to capitalize on the unique circumstances we find ourselves in.
Moderator: Lynn Peterson, Clackamas County ChairEquity Action Agenda Breakouts
Eighteen developmental or action-ready sessions focused on campaigns and projects that aim to address systemic causes of inequities to built environment resources and opportunities for prosperity. For information on sessions and speakers click here.
What happens to neighborhoods when your neighbors aren't your neighbors any more?
Nationally recognized Portland artist, Julie Keefe, spoke about her experience working with children in an effort to address the social issues of gentrification and begin a dialogue about community. She shared photo-and-word portraits created by students, which have been displayed on large banners throughout their communities.
2009 Regional Leadership Award Presentation
The Regional Leadership Award recognizes and rewards leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the livability of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region during the past year. This year's award winner was Linda Robinson. For over 20 years Linda has been a model citizen of Portland and the region. Since 1989 her community leadership has extended far and wide, but marked distinctly the goal of advancing and integrating ecological health and equitable access to nature in East Portland neighborhoods.
May 21st to May 30th
– Equity Action Days –
Volunteers rolled up their sleeves by joining CLF member and partner organizations in a variety of done-in-a-day service or advocacy projects.
Flabby City, Fit City