Let me just start out by saying: I don’t know a ton about this particular subject.  I’m sorta new to this whole econdev game.  But maybe that’s ok…I’m learning, and hopefully it gives me a “fresh” perspective.

Still, being an diehard enviro-nerd with a flare for the dramatic, when I read my friend and colleague Tommy Linstroth’s op-ed, it kinda made me think: “Mmm, dreams really do come true.”

Head of Sustainable Initiatives for Melaver Inc., Linstroth is one of Savannah’s most learned Champions of the Green.  (Plus, he rocks earrings in both ears, Wisconsin style.  What’s not to love?)

In the Savannah Morning News this week, Tommy Boy throws out the idea that the solution to this whole mega-site problem is – the New American City.

The mega-site, for those of you who aren’t that familiar (present company included), is the big ole’ hunk of land out on I-16 that the old Gubn’a prophesied would bring the German automotive manufacturing powerhouse (Chrysler) to our sleepy southern town.  Only thing is, it turns out he was wrong.

At any rate, this unfulfilled prediction left a one-of-a-kind sweet-spot of a site (1,500 acres to be exact) ripe for the taking.

Short-story-long disclaimer: I am a 4×4 voter (someone who has voted in all four of the last four elections – including primaries and off-years). As a political science undergrad, voting is a moral imperative. It isn’t something that I take, or do, lightly. But almost more important than electing a given candidate of my choice is the simple exercise of voting.

Those of us here at TCCa, though completely politically asexual and nonpartisan, care about “the issues.” We work through political avenues locally (and at the Capitol) to create a more friendly environment for creative, knowledge-based businesses in the region and the state. That’s politics baby. And it’s clear to us as individuals that voting is one means by which to affect the change we so desire.

In addition to creative issues, I also can’t help but care about the political perspective on environmental issues. Many people in this community are concerned about poverty, school systems and crime. Many people around the state are concerned about losing their homes, gas prices and health care. I heard today that GM is laying off thousands of auto workers across the country. Those people will be pointedly concerned about unemployment. These issues are all inextricably linked to politics, politicians and who we vote for.

I’m a happy camper.  Last week two of our greatest passions, the environment and the creative economy, were merged.  An all day session of the Chatham Environmental Forum (CEF) produced ten priorities to guide the organization as they draft a plan for the County Commission on how Chatham can become the “Greenest County in Georgia.”  One of those ten priorities was “Building Creative Infrastructure.”  You heard me right.  The CEF thinks a creative community is part of the green community equation.  We couldn’t agree more.   And here’s why.

The two are mutually beneficial.  The workforce of knowledge- and culture-based industry tend to migrate to communities with a good quality of life, meaning clean air and water, expanses of greenspace, recreational opportunities, good transportation, etc.  We want ”creatives” in Savannah because of a) the way they will positively impact our community’s economy and b) the way they will positively impact our community’s environment.  And they will be more likely to relocate to Savannah if we embrace initiatives to maintain the resources that make this a healthy, beautiful place to live.

Going further, brain-based industry is the way of the future.  And that’s alright with Mother Nature.  Brain-based business consume less natural resources than more traditional industries.  A recent Savannah Morning News article quotes Commissioner Pat Shay:

In honor of Earth Day 2008, the newly-formed Savannah Bicycle Campaign (SBC) is sponsoring the Savannah Wheelie Earth Day Ride.  It will depart from Earth Day festivity-hub, Forsyth Park, at 3 p.m, on Saturday, April 19.

And…drumroll please…

Mayor Otis Johnson and County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis are leading the ride!  That alone will have me cheering front and center (especially should they sport padded bike shorts). What can I say, I’m a sucker for politicians in spandex.

The SBC was unveiled by representatives from the cycling community on Monday in Johnson Square.  The group will work through the political, public policy and citizen advocacy processes to develop more and better bicycle facilities in Savannah, such as improved bike lanes, racks, and signage, and to develop a public campaign to educate bicyclists and drivers about safe practices on and off the roadways (thanks to John Bennett with SustainableSavannah.com for sharing).

Looks like SBC may even advance my personal cycling complaints.  For one, why is there no southbound bike lane downtown?  I, do-di-do, bike safely and easily to work but risk my life heading back (southbound on Lincoln, a northbound one-way street and the only one with a bike lane).  I’m sure to get yelled at for admitting that.  My other complaint – why bike helmets are so fugly – is something I doubt they’ll address.  Oh well, one at a time.