City launches Sustainable Neighborhoods Pilot Program

Sedona News – The city of Sedona’s Sustainability Department invites residents from neighborhoods, homeowner associations and neighborhood organizations to consider joining Sedona’s Sustainable Neighborhoods Pilot Program. Further, interested residents should attend an Open House to learn about the program and application process on Monday Feb. 5, 2024 at The Hub at Posse Grounds Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

This unique program empowers residents who are passionate about sustainability to work with their neighbors to design and lead sustainability projects that enhance the environmental and social strength of their neighborhoods. With residents taking the lead, the city then provides administrative support and the connection to resources to help make the projects a success. Examples of potential projects include home energy efficiency upgrades, educational and skill learning workshops, community gardens, neighborhood cleanup days and much more.

All neighborhood projects must fall under five key categories of Energy, Land, Air, Water and People. With applications available starting Feb. 6, 2024 after the Open House, city sustainability staff will pick two neighborhoods to support in this first round. With each successful project, a neighborhood will gain program credits. At the end of the calendar year, with enough credits, neighborhoods will receive in-person recognition by the City Council and recognition on the city website. The city may also construct and install a sign outside each respective neighborhood highlighting the efforts.

“We know there are a lot of interested and passionate residents in Sedona who care deeply about sustainability and climate action. This program offers a fantastic way for our residents to act on their passions while also building closer ties with their neighbors. Over the next month and half, we hope you’ll talk with your neighbors to see if they are interested in joining and discussing potential project ideas to put in your application,” said Zach Schwarz, sustainability coordinator for the city of Sedona.

Refreshments at the Open House will be provided and sustainability staff are working to make the event bilingual for Spanish speaking residents. Learn more by visiting the program website at www.sustainableneighborhoodnetwork.org/sedona or contacting the Sustainability Department at Sustainability@sedonaaz.gov or (928) 203-5123.