Goal: A community that has a mix of housing with services, recreation, and shopping nearby, where all residents have equal educational and recreational opportunities, and are engaged in Highland Park’s sustainability initiatives.
Fairness and equity are essential components of social sustainability in Highland Park. A sustainable community, in turn, encourages us to work collectively to safeguard the natural environment for future generations. In order for us to fully participate in Highland Park’s Green Community plan, we must first be aware of and engaged in our local government, feel that we are part of the local decision making process, have a sense of pride and belonging in our community, and be physically healthy enough to engage in sustainable practices such as walking and biking to everyday destinations or participating in community clean-up or restoration activities. A sustainable community is one that is educated about environmental, social, and economic impacts on the world, engaged in the political process, aware and supportive of diversity within the community, has a sense of identity and cohesiveness, works together to safeguard natural and man-made resources, and makes lifestyle choices which are healthy for both humans and the planet.