Sustainability

Evelyn Tolbert began working behind the scenes a number of years ago to move the City of Tracy towards energy conservation through the use of green elements in its newly constructed and renovated buildings to incorporate more recycling, preservation of trees, and a number of other efforts to have the City of Tracy take the lead in lessening the harm to our environment.

Evelyn requested that our new City Hall be constructed green. She asked that our Grand Theatre be renovated to include green measures and materials. She specifically requested that our 9th Street Fire Station renovations include green products and energy efficient measures. Evelyn Tolbert also had the City Council pass a tree preservation ordinance designed to preserve the older, larger trees throughout our City. Many of Evelyn's proposals fell on deaf ears and did not receive the support of her City Council colleagues.

Evelyn did not given up. During the month of September, 2007, Evelyn Tolbert assembled a group of community members she referred to as the "Sustainability Project". This group of educators, students, developers and concerned citizens gathered together to discuss what they believe are methods that the city of Tracy residents will want to consider and adapt to "Take Tracy Green".

The Sustainability Project met for a three month period. The group decided not to incorporate as a non-profit entity, but to work directly with the City Council. On December 4, 2007, members of the Sustainability Project made a formal presentation to the City Council. The Tracy City Council approved the incoming report and in response instructed staff to issue a Request For Proposal to hire a Sustainability Consultant to work with the City of Tracy and the Sustainability Project members in formulating programs and activities to galvanize the community in becoming a leader in energy saving, conservation, and lowering our carbon footprint on the environment.

Thus the City of Tracy has begun accepting proposals from firms desiring to work with our City to fulfill the vision initially proposed by Evelyn Tolbert to "Take Tracy Green".