Laura's Goals
As the City of Upper Arlington prepares for its next Master Plan process, we have the opportunity to put community, connection and climate resilience at the forefront of our planning.
Increase the sharing economy in Upper Arlington
We have an active, generous community filled with people who care deeply about helping others. I’d like to build upon that sharing economy through ideas like a Library of Things. By creating a system that allows residents to share items ranging everywhere from cupcake carriers you only need once a decade to circular saws that otherwise take up way too much space, we can be leaders in sustainability while building connections and strengthening our community. Similarly, improving infrastructure to support multi-modal transportation and shared spaces and places improves health, both mental and physical, as well as a stronger sense of community pride.
Encourage and empower residents to prioritize sustainable choices
I firmly believe that most people are good. I trust that most people make decisions that benefit their community, especially when it comes to making sustainable choices that can benefit their own budget and their family’s future. I’d love to collaborate with local organizations already doing fantastic work to educate and empower residents such as Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, Columbus GreenSpot and FLOW as well as gather inspiration from national organizations like Homegrown National Park and Pollinator Pathways. I’d like to explore opportunities for community gardens, too, that allow interested residents to learn about growing their own food while visiting with their neighbors.
Foster and increase third spaces
As life goes more and more online, we continue losing spaces where we can casually gather outside of work and home to grow a stronger sense of community and belonging. I want every member of the Upper Arlington community, regardless of age, race, sexuality, gender, education level or income bracket, to have a comfortable place where they feel like they belong. For some people that’s church, for some it’s a euchre league or the library, for others it’s hanging out at local breweries or restaurants. Regardless of interest and demographic, everyone should have comfortable places where they can freely gather, build relationships and grow their community pride.
