MORPC 2023 Annual Summit on Sustainability

You can view the MORPC Summit on Sustainability sessions here

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) held its annual Summit on Sustainability (Summit) this past month on October 26th. A sold-out conference of more than 600 attendees enjoyed 15 substantive breakout sessions and two dynamic, speaker-led plenary sessions promoting this year’s theme of “Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.”

The City of Hilliard was well represented by City Council members, department heads and members of the Environmental Sustainability Commission (ESC), joining other attendees from around the region, including the cities of Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City and Columbus, as well as The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Franklin County Public Health, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC).

After an opportunity for attendees to visit and engage with exhibitors, the Summit began with recognition of three awards for sustainability work through 2023. Awards were presented to Aryeh Alex, Sustainability Manager with the City of Columbus, recipient of the 2023 Leadership in Sustainability Award; the City of Columbus & IMPACT Community Action for their Solar Workforce Development Programs, recipient of the 2023 Collaborative Achievement in Sustainability Award; and Geno Tucker, founder of Remember US Urban Scout, recipient of the 2023 Leadership in Mobility Award.

The morning keynote speaker was Todd Brady, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Global Public Affairs for Intel Corporation. Brady discussed Intel’s global sustainability initiatives, including climate, energy, water, green buildings, and circular economy. The luncheon speaker Mitchell Silver, who serves as the Principal, Vice President of Urban Planning at McAdams, discussed urban planning, land use, parks, and public space planning with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

During the day-long summit, Officials from the City of Hilliard divided up to participate in various breakout sessions, with opportunities to listen, learn and engage with regional sustainability players and experts. One session highlighted the concept of “Safeguarding Our Water: Exploring Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Development” where representatives from the City of Columbus and the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District discussed their programs to implement “green infrastructure” to reduce contaminant loads in stormwater runoff.

In another breakout, members of COSI and Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District shared efforts to provide all members of their communities with information on environmental sustainability.

Recycling, or the “circular economy,” was the subject of another well-attended breakout session. The speakers presented opportunities and future recycling trends for different types of plastic, as well as how Ohio compares to the rest of the country.

Additionally, those at the Summit were treated to an engaging group session on inclusive leadership, led by Gahanna’s Mayor Laurie Jadwin, and a fascinating panel of “PechaKucha” speakers.

Those from the City of Hilliard were grateful to attend and are excited to return with ideas, information and a new network of regional contacts to help them move the City of Hilliard into a more sustainable future.