“Our local economy and on-going localization of community life have long been supported by Sustainable Tucson as key to building a sustainable city and region. Lately, however, it often seems that those efforts are under direct threat from federal and even some state policies.
As such, this seems like a good time for a “refresher” review of what a strong local economy needs to look like in Tucson/SAZ and why it is so important to our region’s resilience. Please join us for our September Sustainability Spotlight, when we are excited to present a conversation with Kimber Lanning, founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona. Kimber will explore those issues with us, along with a look at some impacts of recent policy changes and how our community can push back and work to protect our local, sustainable future. There will then be ample time for your questions and ideas on how we can each support localization efforts.
Kimber Lanning is Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies for new models of economic development that create vibrant local economies. An entrepreneur, business leader, and community development specialist, Lanning has grown Local First Arizona into a widely respected organization that is leading the nation in implementing systems and policies to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurial endeavors of all sizes.
With over 3,000 business members and four statewide offices, Lanning leads a team of 60 staff who work on a diverse array of programs ranging from healthy local food access, entrepreneurial development in under resourced communities, and rural community development, each of which plays a part in building sustainable and resilient local economies. Her passions, which are seen throughout her work, include fostering cultural diversity and inclusion, economic resilience, and responsible growth for Arizona.”
