Friends,
A new Sustainability Investment Fund….that’s what I’m urging for Bloomington.
For those who joined us at the State of the City on February 20th, thanks for sharing an evening of music and words. We talked about two great challenges/opportunities:
Will we in Bloomington do our part to help save our planet – help address climate change and develop the new economy that will be carbon neutral?
Will we ensure that the new sustainable economy will have a place for everyone at the table – decent jobs, housing, inclusion, quality of life, and safety net, to be sure no one is left behind?
The decade we’re starting – the 2020s – is make or break for both these challenges. Science tells us we must be well on our way to carbon neutral by 2030, or we’ll never make it and our planet is at great risk. And we also must address income and wealth inequality, racial justice, and real opportunity for all, with imagination and results in that same decade.
Check out my speech here, and join in supporting the investments needed here in Bloomington. Because to meet these big challenges/opportunities, we need new resources. A modest local tax can bring significant impact for transit, housing, equity, and more, and we’re in strong fiscal shape to accomplish this. It’s our time. (I hope our Local Income Tax Council will vote by June to establish the Sustainability Investment Fund.)
I firmly believe that we can make the 2020s a great decade for our future – doing our part on climate, and building the community we want to live in, that truly welcomes all, supports all, and embodies justice and opportunity for all. It’s Both/And.
It will take all of us – and that means you! Please get engaged to chart the path for the 2020s.
Democratically yours,
John
P.S. The first of lots of public engagement to explore the 2020s plan is Thursday, March 5th at The Mill, from 7 to 9pm. More info here. Please come and advocate for our future!
P.P.S. You should receive the US Census forms in the mail this month. Please fill them out online, by mail, or by phone. Everyone counts!