The La Plata Sustainability Dialogue series has been suspended.
The Sustainability Alliance's La Plata Sustainability Dialogues had been held on the second Thursday of every other month, January through November. The evening meetings provided 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 usually were held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Durango City Council Chambers at 949 E. 2nd Ave.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011. "Renewable Energy, National Security, and Local Economic Development." Former CIA Director James Woolsey made a teleconference presentation entitled "NO STRINGS ATTACHED: The Case for a Distributed Grid and an Low-Oil Future." Noble Hall 130, Fort Lewis College, 6:30 p.m. Mr. Woolsey argued that a CLEAN (Clean Local Energy Accessible Now) energy policy is imperative for our national security. The session included a question and answer session with the speaker.
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 and consultant Donna Graves presented results of the Driver Study, which identifies and examines the base industries that bring in "outside" dollars to recirculate within the local economy. The Driver Study looks at the total number of jobs in La Plata County 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. Reflections on the meeting appear in the Policy Committee minutes for July 22.
September 9. "Sustainability Social with a Mission"
After about an hour of socializing at the Lost Dog Bar and Lounge, members had a discussion of ideas for possible targeted initiatives by the Sustainability Alliance.
November 11. Canceled in favor of presentation of the La Plata County Climate and Energy Action Plan