What is a “livable community?”

At the 15th Annual St. Louis Symposium on June 3rd, that is EXACTLY the question we asked. Over 120 people joined us in search of the answer.

We heard speakers present about transportation, pollination, population and recreation. We laughed, we cried…and we learned how so many factors contribute to the idea of livable communities.  Several of the presentations are available on our website. The full day’s agenda is also available online.

Don Roe, the Director of Planning & Urban Design Agency for the City of St. Louis, opened with a presentation on the City’s participation in the 100 Resilient Cities Challenge. St. Louis is just one of three US Cities accepted to the Challenge. Roe was followed by Robert Garcia, Founding Director of the City Project, who gave a keynote presentation on the role of parks in the transformation of communities. Many of his examples were from his home town, Los Angeles, California.

The lunch plenary session paired Amelia Pape, an experienced social entrepreneur, with Jeremy Goss, a St. Louis local who is embarking on a similar project. Pape delivered an inspiring keynote about her work in the food deserts of Portland, Oregon, while Goss shown a light on St. Louis’ own food access challenges. Stay tuned – St. Louis Metro Market is launching this summer!

Listening to the presentations at the 2015 Symposium: Livable Communities, the electricity in the room was evident as ideas were shared and imaginations ignited. Attendees were encouraged to keep the momentum going by reaching out to inspiring presenters or to collaborate on a project with those they met at one of the networking sessions.

All were reminded to let the experience inspire them to implement changes throughout their sphere of influence, and to address the obstacles that prevent or slow progress toward a thriving community and healthy environment. Livable communities bring people together to tackle issues like environmental health, social justice, affordable housing, safety, and quality schools. Communities can become a catalyst for positive change!

After the Symposium we were pleased to introduce keynote speaker, Robert Garcia, to business and community members at a reception on Cherokee Street, a diverse and vibrant community in South St. Louis City. This was a wonderful way to introduce Mr. Garcia to a community with vision and engaged citizens working hard to make their community more livable.

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“The St. Louis Earth Day Symposium lived up to my expectations and then some. As an AmeriCorps VISTA serving with the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group, I’ve been exposed to many ideas of sustainability and creative community development. The topics discussed at the symposium furthered this exposure and introduced me to even more ways to incorporate green initiatives into the work we’re doing in Old North. Amelia Pape with My Street Grocery was inspiring to listen to as I also manage the North City Farmers’ Market. My discussions with her and the Whole Foods Representatives have lead to new relationships and support of the mission of the farmers’ market. Being able to share our successes and spread the word about my work to others who weren’t aware was a definite highlight as well.”

Jessica Payne
AmeriCorps VISTA – Health Initiatives Coordinator
North City Farmers’ Market Manager
Old North St. Louis Restoration Group

“Attending the St. Louis Earth Day Symposium was a great experience! Having the opportunity to meet the movers and shakers of St. Louis’ sustainable and environment community was really meaningful because I got to see all of the important work going on to make St. Louis a more sustainable and connected city. I was able to meet people and organizations College Summit could work with in the future to provide opportunities for students we serve to experience and learn about their community and environment. I will make sure to tell other AmeriCorps VISTAs in the Greater St. Louis Area about St. Louis Earth Day and the great opportunities and events to get involved in!”

Chris Ahrens
AmeriCorps VISTA – Marketing and Development Coordinator
College Summit Missouri