The City and the AADL are hosting the third annual Sustainable Ann Arbor Series, which will include four events (held monthly and ending in April), each focusing on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s Sustainability Framework.

This first event centers on Equality In Planning, and includes a discussion of countywide projects supported by Washtenaw County’s recent three-million dollar Housing and Urban Development grant. The projects aim to expand existing affordable and energy efficient housing options, engage underrepresented residents, and foster community development in the region.

A think tank of local stakeholders including representatives from community organizations, City of Ann Arbor staff, and Washtenaw County staff will join the public to discuss local sustainability efforts and challenges in our community. This month's panelists include:Amanda Edmonds, Executive Directors, Growing Hope; Jennifer Hall, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Housing Commission; Jamie Kidwell, Sustainability Associate, City of Ann Arbor; Charo Ledon, Executive Director, Casa Latina; Sarah Teare, Community Development Director, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley; and Stephen Wade, Management Analyst, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development.

Dascola Barber Shop has been a fixture of downtown Ann Arbor since 1938 when Dominic Dascola first struck out on his own as a business owner. Bob Dascola, his son, has been a part of this tradition for the past 45 years, keeping shop first in his father's original location on E Liberty St and now in his own space on S State St. In that time, he's grown from being one member of the family business to being a small business owner, then a community leader, and now a candidate for City Council in the 3rd Ward. When Bob sat down with us, we talked about going into the family business, how a community member can make a difference, and the things he's learned just by talking with people who come in and sit down in his chair.

This fourth and final session in a series of monthly discussions centers on transportation options, including the transition to more fuel-efficient modes of transit, such as electric vehicles, and non-motorized planning efforts in the community. Building on the public forums from last year, the 2013 forums will focus on planning for change in the community. A think tank of local stakeholders, including University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations, and city commissioners, join City of Ann Arbor staff and the public to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts--past, present and future. The presentations will discuss conditions that are changing in the community and past and potential actions to adapt to change. Each program will also include tips for individual actions that residents may take.Speakers include: John Hieftje, Mayor, City of Ann Arbor; Erica Briggs, Project Manager, Clean Energy Coalition; Nathan Voght, Economic Development Specialist, Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development; Eli Cooper, Transportation Programs Manager, City of Ann Arbor; Michael Benham, Strategic Planner, AATA

This third in a series of four discussions (held monthly and ending in April) centers on Diverse Housing, including how to meet the current and future needs of the community with changing housing demographics, such as older residents, a high rental population, and affordability. Building on the public forums from last year, the 2013 forums focus on planning for change in the community. A think tank of local stakeholders, including University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations, and city commissioners, join City of Ann Arbor staff and the public to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts--past, present and future. The presentations discuss conditions that are changing in the community and past and potential actions to adapt to change. Each program will also include tips for individual actions that residents may take.Speakers include: Steve Bredernitz, Bredernitz Professional Services; Eunice Burns, Ann Arbor resident and former Ann Arbor City Council member; Ryan Cowmeadow, HomeShare Coordinator, Housing Bureau for Seniors; Karen Kafantaris, Associate State Director, AARP; and Wendy Rampson, Planning Manager, City of Ann Arbor.

This second in a series of four discussions (held monthly and ending in April) centers on Economic Vitality, including opportunities to invest in the local economy and to build a strong sense of place in the community. Building on the public forums from last year, the 2013 forums will focus on planning for change in the community. A think tank of local stakeholders, including University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations, and city commissioners, join City of Ann Arbor staff and the public to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts--past, present and future.Speakers for this forum will include: Ingrid Ault, Executive Director, Think Local First; Mary Jo Callan, Director, Washtenaw County Community and Economic Development; Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO, Michigan Municipal League; Paul Krutko, President and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK and Paul Saginaw, Founding Partner, Zingerman's Deli.The presentations will discuss conditions that are changing in the community and past and potential actions to adapt to change. Each program will also include tips for individual actions that residents may take.

This first in a series of four discussions (held monthly and ending in April) centers on Sustainable Systems, including the impacts of current and predicted weather changes in the community and on the City's constructed and natural infrastructure. Building on the public forums from last year, the 2013 forums will focus on planning for change in the community. A think tank of local stakeholders, including University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations, and city commissioners, join City of Ann Arbor staff and the public to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts--past, present and future. Tonight's presentations will be given by Matt Naud, Environmental Coordinator, City of Ann Arbor; Dan Brown, Research Associate, UM Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessment; Jen Lawson, Water Quality Manager, City of Ann Arbor; Cresson Slotten, Systems Planning Unit Manager, City of Ann Arbor; Rick Norman, Director of Emergency Management, City of Ann Arbor; and Jason Frenzel, Adopt-A-Stream & Stewardship Coordinator, Huron River Watershed Council. The presentations will discuss conditions that are changing in the community and past and potential actions to adapt to change. Each program will also include tips for individual actions that residents may take. There will be an audience Q&A after the presentations.

Ann Arbor District Library Board will hold three community forums to allow Library staff to provide information about the challenge and opportunities presented by the Downtown Library, offer tours of the current facilities, and provide the opportunity for community input. Forums will be offered on Saturday, June 9 (10:00 am to noon); Tuesday, June 12 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm); and on Wednesday, June 20 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm).The Library Board is considering placing a bond proposal on the November ballot to address the challenges of the Downtown Library.

Ann Arbor District Library Board will hold three community forums to allow Library staff to provide information about the challenge and opportunities presented by the Downtown Library, offer tours of the current facilities, and provide the opportunity for community input. Forums will be offered on Saturday, June 9 (10:00 am to noon); Tuesday, June 12 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm); and on Wednesday, June 20 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm).The Library Board is considering placing a bond proposal on the November ballot to address the challenges of the Downtown Library.

Ann Arbor District Library Board will hold three community forums to allow Library staff to provide information about the challenge and opportunities presented by the Downtown Library, offer tours of the current facilities, and provide the opportunity for community input. Forums will be offered on Saturday, June 9 (10:00 am to noon); Tuesday, June 12 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm); and on Wednesday, June 20 (7:00 pm to 9:00 pm).The Library Board is considering placing a bond proposal on the November ballot to address the challenges of the Downtown Library.

This final in a series of four monthly discussions co-sponsored by the City of Ann Arbor focuses on Community and includes discussion on housing, economic development, public safety, recreation, outreach, civic engagement, and stewardship of community resources. The presentation will examine past successes and challenges, and feature a think tank of local stakeholders. The ensuing discussions will help guide the city's sustainability planning efforts.Panelists for this event include, from the City: Jennifer Hall, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Housing Commission; Wendy Rampson, Planning Manager; John Seto, Deputy Police Chief; and Cheryl Saam, Recreation Facilities Supervisor. The panel will also include Richard Norton, Chair of the Urban and Regional Planning Program; Cheryl Elliott, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation; and Julie Grand, Chair of the Park Advisory Commission.Details of this series are posted online at www.a2gov.org/sustainability. For Ann Arbor's current environmental goals, check out the State of Our Environment Report at www.a2gov.org/soe.