Monday, January 4, 2016

Gayle Prest - Interview Notes

Knope and change: Parks and Rec Test

Gayle Prest - Darby Minow Smith

Minneapolis
Loves her city
and is incredibly funny
with the sustainability office since 2006
why sustainability directors across the nation re working together
unique approach in Minnesota to urban sustainability
why the City of Lakes is so lovable

Office is just two people and an intern
Mission: drive change throughout the city
New climate Action Plan, last one in the 90’s
documenting greenhouse gas emission reductions - 13% from 2006 to 2010

Big issue right now: Fighting Asian Carp
Past Minneapolis -> Lake Superior
Lock and dam to stop them -> work with state and federal agencies and Congress, but a slow pace, no way to “light the fires”

Urban farming
food council, with a hybrid model untried anywhere else in the country - city staff, elected officials and the community
150 community gardens
updating zoning regulations as related to urban agriculture - look to other cities for models
bees on the green roof on site hall in the next year

Pushback on projects
Sustainability is always a negotiation
success of nice ride program

Competition with other cities - “Portland is just an avenue in Minneapolis”

Source: Gayle Prest Interview by Darby Minow Smith

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