Sustainable Resilient Longmont
NONPROFIT
ultimate aim of minimizing the footprint of the city’s operation, Gregerson built
The city of Longmont is on the brink of a fundamental change, one that could have a profound impact for generations to come. That’s the outlook of Abby Driscoll, chair of the Board of Directors for Sustainable Resilient Longmont (SRL). Since taking over the position in October, Driscoll has worked hard to support a clear vision for the future of Longmont. Driscoll, along with the rest of her colleagues, isn’t imposed by the prospect of the kind of transformation that would make Longmont’s municipal operations fully sustainable and minimally intrusive. “I feel that Longmont is truly at a crossroads right now, with our city leadership and our decision making,” Driscoll said. “Are we going to keep doing the same thing that we’ve been doing for years, or are we going to try to prioritize more smart-growth and development and opportunities to invest in clean energy and renewable March/April 2017
an organization dedicated to addressing large-scale environmental issues locally. Epic change begins at a grassroots level for the members of SRL. “I feel like Longmont is becoming more and more aware of environmental issues. I think we have a huge opportunity to harness that awareness and empower people through informing
BY ADAM GOLDSTEIN for LONGMONT MAGAZINE
them,” said Driscoll, whose environmental advocacy work started with a gig canvassing for the Sierra Club in
energy?” That question lies at the heart of SRL, an organization with a mission statement that, appropriately, follows the acronym LEAF: “To Link, Empower, Advocate and Facilitate sustainable solutions in Longmont and beyond.” In 2014, founder Joan Gregerson, brought together Longmont residents who shared similar concerns about environmental issues on a local and global level. With an LongmontMagazine.com
1995. “We have an opportunity to make an impact now for the health of future generations.” That’s a pretty ambitious task, considering the fact that as a nonprofit, SRL is largely dependent on the work, investment and efficacy of a group composed largely of volunteers. Still, SRL’s members pride themselves on their earnestness and passion, effective qualities in spreading a message. LONGMONT MAGAZINE 65