About Us

Sustainable Walla Walla was formed in March 2008, following a conference on Global Change-Local Challenge sponsored by our three area colleges, as well as a ten-week study group on Global Changes & Local Responses sponsored by Walla Walla 2020.

The initial goal of our group was to provide community education on sustainability issues leading to the preparation of a community-wide sustainability plan. To accomplish that, we sponsored a well-attended community forum called "The Road Ahead", circulated a petition signed by over 1100 people to the Walla Walla City Council calling for the formation of a city sustainability committee, sponsored a Victory Garden tour, promoted reskilling classes, offered a 12 week radio show called FutureWalla, presented a weekly Community Conversation Cafe on sustainability issues at Merchants Delicatessen, and issued a number of weekly Sustainability Bulletins. SuWW members have also been instrumental in the formation of Walla Walla Valley Faith Communities for Sustainability to pursue education and action on sustainability issues among local religious congregations.

On August 27, 2008, the Walla Walla City Council agreed to establish an Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee to make recommendations to it regarding the possibility of a permanent committee. That report has now been made, and on February 10, 2010 the city council adopted an ordinance providing for a permanent sustainability committee to do scenario planning for the community, and to advise city government on sustainability issues. As the permanent committee members are being appointed, SuWW members recently met to consider their own role in future sustainability planning and actions.

Sustainable Walla Walla will continue to provide advocacy, education, coordination, and networking on sustainability issues for the Walla Walla area, to supplement and integrate the work of the new city committee within the Walla Walla region. New officers are Marti Buck, President, Jenny Romine, Vice-President, and Dan Clark, Secretary-Treasurer. For more information, including meeting notices, send an email to sustainableww@charter.net, or call 509-522-0399.