2009
In August 2009 nearly 700 people from across Greater Cleveland gathered at Public Auditorium for a three-day summit focused on “Building an Economic Engine to Empower a Green City on a Blue Lake.” This effort is focused on supporting business growth, protecting the environment and creating opportunities for individuals to prosper.
It was a watershed moment in Cleveland history as a diverse group–from CEOs to high school students–shared their dreams of a sustainable city. Through a process known as Appreciative Inquiry (AI) the participants focused on 20 areas including food, water, land, and transportation to work on prototypes of that brighter future. The summit was facilitated by Case Fowler Center for Sustainable Value faculty director David Cooperrider, who pioneered AI, and the city of Cleveland’s Office of Sustainability. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson attended all three days.
GreenCityBlueLake.org coverage of the summit
For Plain Dealer coverage of the city’s sustainability summit, go here.
Resources
- 2009 summit briefing paper (background on the issues and opportunities for Cleveland’s sustainable economy)
- 2009 summit participants list
- 2009 summit workbook
- 2009 final report
