It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the climate crisis and the sense that personal efforts aren’t making enough of a difference. That changes when you run for City Council.
As I learn more about Ward 5 by delving into committees and master plans, I’m finding a lot to feel good about, discovering ways to engage and learning there is work to be done.
We have some fantastic committees that are working to make a difference. The Conservation Commission Tree Subcommittee is greening Concord by installing trees. The Energy & Environment Advisory Committee is jumping on the latest development with net metering. The Transportation Policy Advisory Committee (TPAC) Bike and Pedestrian Subcommittee is currently working on a pilot program to make our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
At a recent public meeting, the senior city planner, city transportation engineer, TPAC and tree subcommittee members presented the plan to create bump outs at crosswalks during General Services scheduled sidewalk and curb repair. This pilot program could be replicated across the city, with the addition of residents choosing a tree when their property abuts the construction.
As a city councilor, I intend to join these folks in amplifying the initiatives of city committees that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, advocate for safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians and weatherize the old homes that give our city so much character.
Since filing to run for City Council I’ve talked with many Ward 5 residents that are currently employed or volunteering in fields that address the climate crisis. I’ve met a solar design specialist for ReVision Energy, a leading solar panel installer in the Northeast and a scientist at Parallel Works Inc, which has run computer simulations to optimize solar farms and to identify urban heat pockets where planners could strategically plant trees for maximum cooling benefit.
I’ve also met with three Concord residents who serve on the board of Clean Energy NH, a group that supports policies and programs that strengthen our state’s economy, promotes renewable energy, protects public health and conserves our natural resources. I think it’s important to always be seeking out those with the expertise and experience to help us navigate unchartered territory. As a city councilor, I would be proactive in developing connections that support local businesses in the renewable resource industry.
I also would work to update Concord’s Stormwater Master Plan, which was last updated in 2007, to include sustainable features using green infrastructure. With current weather patterns, it seems certain that we will continue to see extreme weather conditions and will need safeguards against flash flooding, even here in Concord. As our world alternates between droughts and record rainfall, we need trees to counter stormwater runoff. I want to help promote the initiatives that make our community sustainable and livable into the future.
I would also encourage the city to become a member of the Community Power Coalition of NH. The coalition’s mission is to foster resilient communities by empowering them to realize their energy goals. As my new friend Dr. Lloyd Sederer wrote, “We cannot change the wind, but we can adjust our sails.”
If elected, I would collaborate with the Concord Energy & Environment Advisory Committee to strengthen specific targets we can implement to achieve the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050 that has been established by the Concord City Council.
I would look at what other municipalities are doing that can easily be replicated and engage community members with ideas for making Concord more attractive to energy-conscious folks. For example, the city can attract electric vehicle drivers to recharge on Main Street by installing charging stations in the downtown area. I also would advocate for installing solar arrays on municipal spaces as neighboring cities such as Manchester and Hanover have already done.
I believe we can do more than simply address the climate crisis. I also believe we can preserve the character of our community while still moving forward — together. As a city councilor, I will build on the climate action and renewable energy efforts that the city has undertaken and work to make Concord a leader in achieving renewable resources. We have talented people among us and the desire for change. Let’s tap and harness that renewable resource.
(Stacey Brown is a City Council candidate for Ward 5 in Concord.)