The Sustainability Alliance's La Plata Sustainability Dialogues are held on the second Thursday of every other month, January through November. The evening meetings provide a forum for local stakeholders, experts, and the public to brainstorm about ways to achieve greater sustainability in La Plata County and the region. The meetings are held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Durango City Council Chambers at 949 E. 2nd Ave.
2010 Schedule
January 14. "People Planet Profit — Thriving as a Community of Collaboration"
"The urge to form partnerships, to link up in collaborative arrangements, is perhaps the oldest, strongest, and most fundamental force in nature. There are no solitary, free-living creatures; every form of life is dependent on other forms. —Lewis Thomas. How can we collaborate to enable our businesses and our communities to thrive socially, environmentally, and economically?
March 11. "Focus on Local Government"
This second annual governmental update featured a panel discussion with representatives from La Plata County, the City of Durango, the Town of Bayfield, the Town of Ignacio, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The presenters provided updates on sustainability-related initiatives by their respective governments. The panel discussion was followed by an open community dialogue focused on ways that governments, community organizations, and individuals can communicate and collaborate to foster common sustainability goals.
May 13. Canceled in favor of the May 12 Green Transportation Expo
July 8. "The Businesses that Drive Our Local Economy"
Ed Morlan, Director of the Region 9 Economic Development District, will present the results of the Driver Study, which identifies and examines the base industries that brings in “outside” dollars to re-circulate within the local economy. The driver study looks at the total number of jobs in La PlataCounty to see how the number of base jobs and supporting jobs are associated. At the local level the information can be used to develop policy, assist in planning for and responding to growth, and strategize for economic development.
September 9. t.b.d.
November 11. t.b.d.