June's meeting of the Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability (GAINS) featured best practices learned from study trips to Pittsburgh, Detroit and Portland in sustainable economic development, incorporating community equity and environmental design principles. Local sustainability champion Jason Segedy, director of the Akron Metropolitan Area Transit Study (AMATS), was be honored for his leadership in bringing regenerative planning and design practices to the region through Better Block. Presentations were coordinated by David Swirsky, a University of Akron student, sustainability advocate, and participant in the Akron2Pittsburgh trip and included information on “Supportland" from Portland, a local sustainable business alliance, and Sustainable Pittsburgh, which accelerates the policy and practice of sustainability in southwestern Pennsylvania through collaborations, start-ups and partnerships. AMATS is focused on planning an efficient transportation system for the Akron Metropolitan area which includes Summit, Portage and a portion of Wayne County - a region with over 700,000 residents. Better Block is a community development demonstration tool that rebuilds an area using grassroots efforts to show potential for a walkable and vibrant neighborhood center; and to develop “pop-up” businesses and entrepreneurial ventures to show the potential for revitalized economic activity on a presently challenged blighted urban block. According to Arthur C. Nelson in his book "Reshaping Metropolitan America," statistics show that while 4 percent of Americans bike or walk to work, that number shot up in the last decade to 35 to 40 percent when work or shops are within a mile of people’s homes. Planning, designing and zoning reform, centered on walkable/bikeable urbanism, can translate into thriving business districts and communities that feature sustainable infrastructure. GAINS is a local gathering of sustainability practitioners who focus on advancing innovative ideas, and sustainable values and practices in the marketplace. The salon-style meetings are free and interactive and open to anyone interested in learning about and engaging with community partners on the leading edge of sustainability. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GAIN4Sustainability. Visit the Akronist at http://www.akronist.com.

• published: 18 Jun 2015
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