Taking control of development: preparing for a post-oil world

Taking control of development at the local level

by Christopher J. Ryan, AICP

The model of land development practiced today will surely be the scavenged ruins of tomorrow. Peak oil will guarantee this outcome...

Most people connected to the business of urban development like I am understand that decisions and action is driven by the availability of money, the developers that employ the money and turn a hefty profit, and the landowners that seek to maximize their return also. The lucrative nature of the business for practitioners who follow the formula (i.e. what has always worked thus strip shopping malls and cul-de-sac subdivisions in the exurbs) continues to drive sprawl and an enormous waste of land and resources clearly diametrically opposite to actions that should be taken to relocalize and become more resilient. What this amounts to is a criminal waste of dwindling precious resources at a time when we need to swiftly retool our communities in the face of peak oil and climate change. (more)

Equal Justice Rocks!

Justice Rocks II
Second Annual Campaign For Equal Justice Benefit Concert

Rock out and raise your glass for a noble cause with local musicians. Join us at The Roxxy this Friday night at 8pm-2am for an evening of non-stop music. Live music by Norman, the Upsidedown, Coco Cobra & The Killers with DJ JD between sets. $5 (minimum donation) at the door to benefit the Campaign for Equal Justice. Unique items provided by the bands will also be available for auction and sale.

This event aims to raise funds for The Campaign for Equal Justice, which provides free legal assistance to thousands of low-income Oregonians in need. The CEJ mission is to champion access to justice for low-income Oregonians through education and by working to increase funding for legal aid. We live in a free society and The Campaign for Equal Justice plays an essential role to realize that freedom for some of the 600,000 Oregonians living in poverty.

Kaylie Heimel (503)581-1240 / kheimel@kite.com Crowell Ing, LLP -

Additional information:
The Event - http://www.myspace.com/justice_rocks_music
Campaign for Equal Justice - THE ROXXY •1230 State Street

Your Right to Know about Toxic Releases

OMB Watch today launched a redesigned and expanded website for the Right-to-Know Network (RTK NET) at www.rtknet.org. The website serves as a source for information about environmental and public health threats and opportunities for public engagement with environmental policy, and it offers news, data, and analysis of environmental right-to-know issues.

Constantly evolving since its initial launch in 1989, RTK NET continues to provide free access to several government databases of environmental information. Users can identify sources of pollution in their communities, learn about the transport of hazardous waste, search reports of chemical spills and accidents, and much more.

RTK NET allows users to conduct countless types of data searches, including in the Toxics Release Inventory - a database containing information on toxic pollution from facilities across the nation. Visitors will also find interactive maps for comparing states and easy-to-understand graphs that clearly identify pollution trends.

In addition to offering access to extensive amounts of environmental data, the redesigned RTK NET presents information on how environmental data are being used to protect air and water quality, wildlife habitats, children's health, and more.

Visitors will also find news items dealing with government transparency, public access to information, and public participation in environmental decision making. Opportunities for grassroots action and citizen involvement are available, as well as tools for outreach and education.

By providing both the raw information and the context for how it can be used, RTK NET empowers citizens to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

RTK NET can be found at http://www.rtknet.org. Please take a look and let us know what you think.

Welcome, Friends! (Friends of Salem Saturday Market)

Excellent news. One of Salem's most charming attractions now has a non-profit auxiliary group, Friends of Salem Saturday Market, to build awareness and appreciation for the market:

Friends of Salem Saturday Market is a newly forming 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about our local farmers markets and want to increase awareness of the wide range and benefits of using locally produced products. The purpose of Friends of Salem Saturday Market: 1. Provide outreach and education to the public on food production, nutrition, preservation and general cooking and food preparation 2. Collaborate with other community organizations to organize charitable and educational programs and activities in support of local, sustainable agriculture 3. Strengthen and encourage community support of local, sustainable agriculture in order to help preserve Oregon's unique agricultural heritage 4. Help provide a creative and vibrant community gathering place

And they're not just gazing fondly at the SSM -- they're bent on making it even better:

Upcoming Events at Salem Saturday Market

Canning and preservation demonstrations by Marion County’s OSU Extension

Knitting Day at Salem Saturday Market

Bike valet service

Produce tastings

Chef’s demonstrations

Education and outreach on topics ranging from nutrition to sustainable agriculture to crafts

Off-site Events
We will also host year-round events away from the Market, including tours of local farms employing sustainable practices and partnering with other local organizations.