Part 2: Looking Forward Posted on April 6, 2017 by Grounded Strategies Share this post Read Part 1 of Andrew’s series highlighting GTECH’s 10 year anniversary. In Part 1, Andrew reflects back on GTECH’s past and evolution. Now, he’s looking forward and getting ready to celebrate! There have been several guiding principles embedded in GTECH’s theory of change and ethos over the last decade. Those principles have informed our strategy and evolution – and have manifested into some of our most exciting work underway now and paving the foundation for the next 10 years of growth and impact. Action begets Action: 2017 ReClaim Central Ambassador Cohort 2017 Ambassador cohorts are underway in Clairton and The Hill District. Six unique and amazing Green Playces have been designed, installed and are in use throughout the County in the last two years. It takes a village to reclaim a vacant lot: We are kicking of the FedEx Ground Sustainability Fund to ensure ongoing upgrades to former Ambassador project investments The URA’s LandCare program is in full swing as seven community-based businesses provide maintenance to vacant lots across Pittsburgh April 1, 2017. Jmar Bey and Betty Lane starting the workday. Betty was the first community member to use the Pgh Mobile Trailer! Bring the energy and share in the health This year we kick off the Pgh Mobile Toolbox with Neighborhood Allies to help distribute capacity to communities throughout the County. Register via www.lotstolove.org/reserve Partnering with GASP and the Allegheny County Health Department we will align land use with air quality awareness via Air Space. Work Smart and Wise A County-wide technical assistance program is underway to provide capacity, actions, knowledge and resources to communities via the Resilient Generation Resources. To prepare communities for an influx of green stormwater infrastructure investments, we launched the GTECH GSI initiative to align community based priorities, hydrological priorities, and land use access. Planning to link and connect unique neighborhood assets has yielded a sophisticated and innovative approach to a neighborhood trail system on The Northside. Celebrate!: Capping our executive transition process, celebrating 10 years of impact, kicking off our next 10 years of growth, and anchoring 2017’s Earth Day events – We are hosting a “Gritty Gala” – Grounded For Good on April 21st @ The Heinz History Center. We hope to see you there! Cheers!