Leon County Sustainable Communities Summit

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The bi-annual Leon County Sustainable Communities Summit (Summit) brings hundreds of stakeholders together to promote sustainability in the Leon County community. Through the Summit program, Leon County educates its citizens on sustainability issues and promotes sustainable practices. The Summit also serves as a catalyst in bringing community stakeholders together to form cooperative partnerships and launch new sustainability initiatives. From these partnerships, Leon County has fostered stronger relationships with local civic groups and other governmental entities. Planning for each Summit starts with forming an advisory committee comprised of local sustainability stakeholders who are essential in developing the Summit’s program, promoting the event, and securing sponsorships to offset the expenses of hosting the Summit. Summit expenses typically include fees for nationally recognized keynote speakers, venue rental, promotional costs, and locally sourced and organic food for participant meals. Each Summit also features presentations by local experts on the theme for the year and public engagement activities. For the past five years, the Summit program has been important in developing new sustainability initiatives and promoting Leon County’s existing sustainability-related programs and services, conveying greater relevance of Leon County government to the community.