The Elephant in the Room Posted on October 19, 2016 by Grounded Strategies This post has been authored by Tacumba Turner, GTECH's newest Project Coordinator! Remembering the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference : “The Elephant in the room” By Tacumba Turner During the three day Reclaiming Vacant Properties conference I got the chance to observe an array of innovative strategies that have been implemented in recent years across the country. In reflecting on what was my first time attending the conference, there was one break-out session in particular that resonated with me. The topic was…Read More
“Growth” v. Growth – Remembering the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, 2016 Posted on October 11, 2016 by wpengine GTECH stands for Growth Through Energy and Community Health. It goes without saying that we think growth is important. But we should clarify what we mean by growth, because not all growth is positive. In fact, when growth becomes synonymous with success and excludes other metrics, it can be downright detrimental. At the Reclaiming Vacant Properties conference (Baltimore, September 28-30), Congressman Dan Kildee referred to this phenomenon by insisting that we live in “a culture based entirely on the conflation…Read More
What’s in a name? Posted on October 10, 2016 by Grounded Strategies This blog was authored by GTECH Project Associate Kate Hancock. Email Kate at k.hancock@gtechstrategies.org. The basics of SuROI Sustainable Return On Investment social + environmental = SuROI You may be familiar with the term “ROI” or “return on investment” (a measure of the amount of return on an investment relative to the investment’s cost) but have you heard of SuROI? Sustainable return on investment, or SuROI for short, measures -- you got it -- the sustainable return on an investment.…Read More
Build places people will love Posted on October 7, 2016 by Grounded Strategies Kaid Benfield, author of the new book, People Habitat: 25 Ways to Think About Greener, Healthier Cities, and one of the the "most influential people in sustainable planning and development" (Partnership for Sustainable Communities), came to Pittsburgh to tell us about ways that we can make cities healthier. Here are 4 of my favorites: It's not just about 'cities' Kaid stressed the importance of thinking bigger - and smaller - than cities. Regions are the way we live. Neighborhoods are where we encounter our environment…Read More
Blight Bootcamp T-Shirt Raffle Posted on October 3, 2016 by Tom Mulholland Blight is like a bad, stinking and torn t-shirt. It’s a pain to look at. It costs you in money and close social relationships, as well as attracting unwanted trouble. But, while blight takes the right knowledge, resources, attitude and ability to combat, replacing that shirt is easy! All you need to do is register now for our Blight Bootcamp Conference, taking place in Hazelwood on October 7-8th, and you will be entered into a raffle for a free…Read More
Opening Green Playces: Hilltop Posted on September 30, 2016 by wpengine Last week in partnership with The Brashear Association's Allentown Learning and Engagement Center, we successfully opened our third Green Playce! Every Green Playce is unique, and Green Playces: Hilltop is no exception. Nestled between two buildings, the site included a strip of pavement and a overgrown sloped hillside. We started to help design the Playce about six months ago, based on the input from the kids in ALEC's after school program. Their ideas for the space included pizza shops, roller coasters, and…Read More
10 Years & 10 Reasons for 10 Gallons of Apples Posted on September 26, 2016 by wpengine Got Apples? We need 'em! We need help from you - our amazing GTECH community! As we approach our 10 year anniversary, we are busy planning how to expand the reach and impact of our programming, continue to work with communities across Allegheny County to shape how land is used for shared benefit, and of course celebrate this important milestone. But also, for our 10 year celebration, A Few Bad Apples has offered to create a special anniversary edition GTECH cider ----…Read More
What Fun We Had! Posted on September 22, 2016 by Grounded Strategies GTECH's 2016 Fall Fundraiser was a success! Thanks to all who attended Entrepreneurial Spirits 2016 on September 17th. We had a phenomenal time - and hope you did too. We shared highlights from our 2016 programming - including Green Playces, Lots to Love, and ReClaim Ambassadors. We highlighted some awesome work being done by our friends and partners - Barley & Bines, Grassroots Green Homes, and the URA LandCare Program We learned about some innovative, delicious endeavors - A Few…Read More
4 Steps to Get your Garden Ready for Fall! Posted on September 14, 2016 by wpengine As much as we don't want to admit it, summer is coming to a close. But, that does not mean that you gardening needs to come to a screeching halt, there is still plenty to do before winter arrives! Whether you fancy flowers, vegetables, or both, the principles are the same! Below, I have outlined some important fall tasks to ensure that you garden doesn't stop when summer ends. If you haven't already, start a compost pile! There are many benefits…Read More
Help Wanted: Must Have Gumption Posted on September 13, 2016 by wpengine Edward Abbey wrote that “Language makes a mighty loose net with which to go fishing.” Well, I believe we are all in the business of fishing - for that reason “gumption” is perhaps the closest thing to a verbal harpoon that I can think of when describing the qualities I aspire for and consider necessary for effective leadership. After 10 years of start-up, organizational growth, and evolution filled with countless moments of inspiration, joy, and gratitude, I am proud to…Read More
Innovation and Beer! Come Try Something New. Posted on September 7, 2016 by wpengine We are so excited for our 2016 Entrepreneurial Spirits Fundraiser, on September 17th! This event is intended to celebrate a good season of successful project implementation, building community. Come join us while we kick back, relax, and enjoy some innovative libations. Here's what the event features: Jonathan Chamberlain, of Delicious Pastries, playing a LIVE acoustic set! The famous Franktuary food truck, serving up hot dogs all night A full size Wigle Whiskey cocktail A fabulous sample of a barrel-ages beer from…Read More
9 vacant lot projects around the world that inspire us Posted on September 6, 2016 by Grounded Strategies Pittsburgh isn't the only city trying to figure out what to do with its vacant lots and vacant spaces. People around the world have been thinking about this issue in their neighborhoods for decades. We decided to take a virtual trip around the world to check out how other cities are turning forgotten spaces into well-loved places! And... just a heads up... there are a few Pittsburgh examples in here too because, well, we're a little biased! 1. Magic Gardens: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…Read More