In a few days, my city will have an opportunity to make history and set us on a path toward a more resilient future. Our Tempe City Council will decide whether to adopt a 100% renewable energy goal for city operations by 2035; this aspirational goal will replace the city’s modest goal of 20% by 2025.

This is huge.

Approving this measure will signal that the City of Tempe is a statewide leader in sustainable development and set an example for all municipalities to follow.

Investing in renewable energy is a no-brainer. The sooner we can put these policies in place, the better. It’s encouraging that our local government is taking serious action to create a better future for our community, and I feel fortunate to have progressive and visionary leaders such as Lauren Kuby, who is leading us to a solar future, representing our values on the City Council.

I’ve lived in Tempe for over seven years, and I’m so proud to call Tempe home because of innovative initiatives like the new Renewable Energy goal. As a business sustainability professional working in environmental nonprofit development, I believe it is imperative that we take immediate and decisive action on policy relating to energy production, water use, waste, and so much more.

At the end of the day, we all want to live happy and healthy lives, and Tempe is working to make that a reality. The future will be bright, if we choose to make it so!