When we can’t count on the federal government to tackle climate change, communities like Oak Park need to focus on what we can do locally.
Oak Park has made considerable progress on reducing our collective burden on the environment in just the four years since the village board adopted the Climate Ready Oak Park (CROP) climate action plan. But the municipality hasn’t done it alone. From developing CROP to putting in place the policies, programs, and funding to realize its ambitious but essential goals, partnerships between the village and community groups like Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN) have been key.
For Chicago Climate Week, OPCAN is offering a panel discussion about how advocacy organizations and municipal governments can create successful climate actions. Featuring Oak Park Village Manager Kevin Jackson, former Village Trustee Susan Buchanan, and Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, this FREE event takes place on Saturday, July 18, from 3-5 p.m., in the beautiful offices of Elements Architectural Group, at 407 South Blvd. in Oak Park (close to the CTA Green Line, street parking, and bike racks!). Guests can tour this recently renovated net-zero carbon vintage building and enjoy complementary refreshments. Space is limited: register at bit.ly/july18-opcan.
Laura Derks
Oak Park