“Cities like ours are encouraged to plan for growth in a way that honors local priorities, preserves existing neighborhoods, yet makes room for future generations.”

Julie Pierce, Mayor
Clayton, California
http://www.contracostatimes.com/pleasant-hill/ci_22525322/viewpoints-plan-bay-area-2040-and-beyond

“We are committed to making our city a great place to live, work, play and raise a family - and we believe that ought to include a commitment to promoting a healthy and sustainable community by increasing access to fresh, healthy local foods and reconnecting residents with their food sources.”

Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor
Somerville, Massachusetts

“Every day eaters have the opportunity to vote with their forks and support small-scale farmers, investing resources in their communities, stimulating their local economies, and keeping ag land in sustainable production.”

Dave Stockdale, Executive Director
Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture

“Without daily interactions, neighbors are less likely to call on one another to look after a child while out for groceries, or check in on an elderly neighbor when the curtains haven’t opened by 10am. When the links among neighbors are weak, the vitality and resilience of a community is diminished.”

Ross Chapin, author, Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small-Scale Community in a Large-Scale World