Holding the Line – Local Courage for Climate Progress

This event spotlights local leaders and their work to advance cleaner energy, smarter development, and healthier neighborhoods. RSVP

• Hear a keynote from Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and author of ‘The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate and Hope on One American Street’
• Learn from a panel of local leaders, including Rob McGinnis, Senior Land Use Field Representative for the Piedmont Environmental Council, Cathy Boyd, Executive Director of ReLeaf, and John Oprandy, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Charlottesville
• Join interactive small-group breakout discussions—bring your ideas, questions, and a collaborative mindset
• Meet people working on climate, land use, health, and energy across the region

Breakout discussion tracks:

• Track 1: Data Centers & Clean Energy – Addressing the growing energy demand of data infrastructure through sustainable solutions
• Track 2: Climate Resilience – Reducing local climate risks, improving emergency preparedness, and protecting vulnerable communities from heat, flooding, and other impacts
• Track 3: Urban Forestry & Health – Protecting green spaces and improving air quality for community well-being
  
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