Globally, I envision us evolving toward not only a balance, but an integration between human culture and the natural world. Some aspects of this process are going well: as we move toward using current sunlight for our energy rather than ancient fossil sunlight, the benefits are spreading into our economic and political structures. A more complex transition is toward use of all materials in a circular “cradle-to-cradle” way, where as in nature everything is re-used. The hard work we are doing in these areas provides a framework for planning, for example the ambitious Zero Waste Goals for Fairfax and Marin, and our contracts with the world-class Marin Sanitary for waste hauling, recycling and composting.

“I endorse Bruce Ackerman for his deep knowledge and caring about Fairfax, from both his involvement in the development of our Town Plan and his commitment to the “greening” of our town. He is a forward thinker and cares to preserve our town character while reducing our Carbon footprint.”
— Phil Green, former Planning Commissioner

MCE Clean Energy, originally begun with only 8 jurisdictions including Fairfax, is the single greatest move we have collectively taken. We are rapidly rebuilding our energy structure from an antiquated extractive, dirty, and profit-driven model to one based on clean renewable energy driven by community involvement — and keeping prices below the alternative!

Marin is an important example of planning that preserves both stunning recreational spaces and family farming in close proximity to the vibrant urban corridor. I am well-suited to navigate the balance between the value of natural resources and human economic activity in part because of the deep connections my family has with organic agriculture in Marin and beyond through our daughter’s farming.

Addressing vehicle congestion is hugely linked with housing - tens of thousands of people, from teachers, police and firefighters to the workers who maintain our homes, commute into Marin daily and park while they’re working. In addition to the traffic and use of our land for parking cars, this is a brutal way for so many people to need to live. So affordable housing benefits us all.

For decades the approaches to decreasing auto use have been public transit, bicycling/walking, and traditional carpooling. There appear to be solutions on the horizon, with the “sharing economy” and Transportation-as-a-Service becoming common in urban settings. In San Francisco many young people already skip the trouble of owning a vehicle. I will do everything I can to communicate a sense of hope and agency toward creative solutions that improve both our lives and our footprints.