GreenTown experiences are tailored to the needs of our community partners. We work closely in each community with a core team to customize the event. Typically, planning for GreenTown takes a year. During that time, we are meeting regularly, set goals, make community connections, build relationships and connect dots. GreenTown is more than an event. We are raising awareness and educating people about issues, opportunities and ways to create an environment for a healthy, sustainable, equitable community.
Below are a few GreenTown case studies. If your community would like to host GreenTown, please contact John Harris at 708.227.5313.
2007
Highland Park officials attended Oak Park’s Greentown and left with the goal of developing a sustainability plan, which it created in 2010. By 2012, implementation was well underway.
2011
GreenTown’s strategies and policies related to healthy living, complete streets and local food was the catalyst for the passing of the Village of Oak Park’s nationally recognized, award-winning Complete Streets policy.
2012
Toledo-Lucas County, OH developed a 50-organization Advisory Team and network, and supported the Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission with an RFP that led to the commissioning of the area's first comprehensive sustainability plan.
2012-2013
Mark Fenton's "Walk Audits" in Naperville, IL, Oak Park, IL and Toledo, OH led to the implementation of specific streetscape changes and policies and influenced plans for community redevelopment efforts to incorporate more bikeable and walkable features.