Build a Greener Block- April 28 & 29, 2012

This past weekend was the first, of hopefully many, Build a Greener Block events. Simply put, we're a group of Las Vegans who are aiming to change our neighborhoods, our cities, and show that joining our skills, talens, experiences, and resources together and create a Las Vegas that we all appreciate and take care of. We transformed a block downtown- at Main St. & Charleston, to be exact- from empty storefronts to be small, sustainable restaurants, boutiques, a cafe, a flower shop, dog park, obstacle course, and food stands from loacl farmers. There was a classroom where people shared their knowledge on canning, gardening, and learning how to make your own instruments. Bike lanes were created. The empty, desolate block turned into a safe, enjoyable, loving, living place for residents living, working, and playing downtown. While I don't have the numbers of people in attendance, I know it was a huge success. I'm honored to have been a part of it (I created a digital & physical map of recycling locations throughout the valley, which can be seen here) and I can't wait to see what other projects are developed after this one. Oh, and I should mention that we raised the neccesary funds to make it happen using a new crowdfunding platform, IndieGogo. We raised about $5000 in just a month to cover expenses, city permits, and some advertising. The power of WE for sure. Some of my photos from the event art below. More can be seen at my flickr set. Find out more about the Greener Blocks movement by visiting their website. 

The main block

An amazing strawberry-tomato (& avocado, carrot, & spinach) sorbet made by Raw Fusion

Local farmers brought their produce to sell at reasonable prices

Bike lines were created for those who would ride to the event without an automobile

Again it was a great success. And I just wanted to take a second to point out something that wasn't necessarily part of the event, but is still notable. The photo below looks like a parking meter- and it is. But it isn't used for paid parking anymore- it's been upcycled by the city leadership as a way to collect donations for people who are less fortunate. Las Vegas has a huge homelessness problem that is tied in with the immense foreclosure crisis. The funds collected go towards helping with shelter & transportation costs, and other life essentials to get them back on their feet. There are a few of these "Donation Stations" around downtown, and while I don't know if they're very effective, I think they're a really interesting and creative approach to donations. Their placement makes it possible for both locals and tourists to donate their spare change, something that is valued less and less as debit cards and digital currencies become more widely accepted. 

A parking meter upcycled into a "Donation Station" by the city for collecting funds for the homeless population

Community Revitalization...in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Thanks to the vision of Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, a whole new wave of community development & interest is piquing, especially in the downtown districts otherwise known as 18b or The Arts District and Fremont East. As someone who has a community development/college leadership background, this is exactly the type of revival that I was looking for when I moved here last August. Everything kind of fell into place. I enjoyed the tight-knit campus community that I experience for my 3 1/2 years in college. I participated a lot- serving on multiple committees, working for a variety of organizations, founding a magazine, working as an RA, going to campus events practically daily, and of course taking classes. I immersed myself in it. And then I got an internship that changed my life, which happened to be in the bustling commercial/residential district right next door that was once awarded one of the top 10 neighborhoods to live in! It was a brilliant experience.

Anyway, this time in my life felt exciting because I was so connected to the community. I had an active role in it and I was part of the decision-making process for certain events, changes, and improvements that the community would face. And that made me elated!

So, back to Las Vegas. The same type of community vibe is slowly but surely emerging here as an alternative to the sprawl of Las Vegas suburbs. It's only in it's infancy (literally- the #VegasTech movement just yesterday celebrated it's 1st birthday!), but shows serious promise for reawakening a group of passionate people who want to better the city in their own unique way. I'm loving it. Anyways there are a few important organizations/links I'd like to share for anyone who is interested in learning more about the project. I'll try not to include press here because it's exhaustive- you'll have to do a quick google search to read up on all the amazing positive press we've received. Anyway here goes!

• Greener Blocks...aka #BAGB; Making downtown more sustainable one block at a time
• Downtown Project; Tony Hsieh's hub for spreading the movement
• Ayloo.net; A local startup connecting passionate people & timely projects 
• Downtown3rd; A once-weekly farmers market embracing local farmers & produce
• Springs Preserve; an amazing nature preserve that promotes science, nature, learning & sustainability
• /usr/lib; A tech library & meeting place for #VegasTech and community minded individuals
• The Beat; offers coffee, beer, wine, food, vinyl & a casual meeting spot for locals

So those are the most mainstream organizations & ideas floating around downtown right now. Their span and influence is only going to increase as more and more people start getting empowered by the message. I highly suggest taking a look at any one of these to see how each branch is working together to weave together a common culture in the city.