BIRMINGHAM -- After a yearlong review of environmental issues in communities across the 7^th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Artur Davis (D-Birmingham) is set to host The Sustainable Development Summit: Building the Dream – Keeping the Promise, April 1-2 at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa. 

Congressman Davis believes that our efforts in community development should be based on mutual, working relationships designed to remove the false choice between quality communities and economic growth.

“The truth is that we can build livable, sustainable communities through thoughtful strategic planning.  That will only happen if we have everyone at the table working towards that goal,” Davis said.

The unprecedented two-day event will include speakers and breakout sessions designed to open dialogue and build bridges between industry, government and community in the ongoing effort to build sustainable, livable communities. 

Recently appointed ADEM Director Onis “Trey” Glenn, in his first major address, is scheduled to present a framework for new innovative operations at the state environmental agency.  In addition to his keynote address, Glenn will lead a plenary session including a panel of experts featuring ADEM staff answering questions and discussing the challenges facing the agency as it revamps in the coming months.

Others scheduled to address the summit include ACIPCO CEO Van Richey, Montgomery-area State Senator Quinton Ross, and Congressman Davis. 

More than 15 breakout sessions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday covering a full range of topics in the sustainable development movement from the impact of poverty on public health to refurbishing brownfields.  The goal is for participants to leave each breakout session with tools and information they can use in their communities. 

This event is free to the public.  Friday doors open for registration at 10:00 a.m. with Glenn and Ross addressing the summit and breakout sessions scheduled from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Saturday registration is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast served followed by speakers and breakout sessions.  Richey will serve as the mid-morning speaker while Davis is scheduled to deliver the closing keynote address. 

For more information on this event, please contact the Tuscaloosa office at 205-752-5380.