Salutes to Scott Bernstein and Jacky Grimshaw!
Two of CNT’s leaders are being recognized this Spring for their work in changing the urban landscape in Chicago and around the world.
CNT’s President and Founder Scott Bernstein is being recognized as Chicago region’s public interest hero for making a significant positive change to the region over the last 30 years. On May 1, 2009, Scott will receive a “BPI’s 40 Who’ve Made a Difference Award.” Scott has been a true champion of cities. His vision that “place matters” has made change happen, from the formation of the city of Chicago’s energy code, to piloting Location Efficient Mortgages, to putting forth an urban agenda that stresses that housing and transportation affordability as the key to developing sustainable and livable cities. From his early days as an organizer on Chicago’s west side to testifying in front of Congressional committees, Scott has worked to improve the quality of life for all urban dwellers. For over 30 years, Scott has led the charge in demonstrating that cities and their people are assets in addressing economic and environmental challenges.
“It’s the Chicago’s of the world in which people use energy and materials most efficiently, and therefore getting it right in cities is the only way to actually meet such daunting challenges as reducing energy demand 80 percent by 2050. And perhaps uniquely, CNT has demonstrated that being resource-efficient can actually lower the cost of living and increase community wealth. Streets that come with mass transit, communities that catch raindrops where they fall instead of wasting them, regions that pay communities to save energy rather than the other way around—making this work for all Chicagoans is what makes it worth living here.”
CNT’s Vice President for Policy Jacky Grimshaw is also being honored – by the Midwest Academy. On April 24, 2009 Jacky will receive the first Annual Leon M. Despres Award. Jacky is being recognized for her long-time community advocacy and her leadership in smart growth and low-income community development. Since joining CNT in 1992, Jacky has been a tireless advocate for transportation choices and public transit investments. Thanks to Jacky’s leadership, the Chicago region now has one organization (CMAP) working on integrated transportation and land use policies. Jacky has fought for transportation reform and optimizing the location efficiency of cities. In 2002, Jacky introduced car sharing to Chicago with the launching of I-GOTM car sharing. Jacky has a holistic view of transportation and land use planning. “By developing compact developments near transit, cities can offer more transportation choices and even help residents live without cars. Making cities more friendly to walking and biking, and investing in mass transit and car sharing are the keys to a more sustainable and healthy urban environment.”
Congratulations to Scott and Jacky! For more information about these award ceremonies, please contact:
Midwest Academy: http://www.midwestacademy.com/RSVP09.html
BPI: http://www.bpichicago.org/news.php
