The Central Sustainability Indicators Project (CTSIP) is intended to increase regional awareness and commitment to sustainability. This goal will be accomplished through an ongoing public discussion that defines Central Texas residents' vision of sustainability, creates quality of life indicators that allow us to track our progress and acts as a catalyst for increasing the effectiveness of community engagement.
Sustainability is often defined as providing for current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to provide for their needs. The Central Texas region - and the world - is at a crossroads. Stresses on the environment and society as well as the fragility of economic systems threaten local livability currently and into the future. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to create partnerships within the regional community that will help us achieve a high quality of life for all.
The CTSIP Board is a diverse group of residents who are committed to the sustainability of Central Texas (defined here as the five-county Austin-Round Rock MSA of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties). They recognize that business, environmental, and social interests are interrelated and need to be addressed as such in order to improve quality of life in a fair and sustainable manner. Creating sustainability indicators is a key part of an inclusive process based on community engagement.
The CTSIP did not publish a data report in 2005, taking the time to create a Strategic Plan for evolving the CTSIP to improve its value to the region.
For more information, schedule a presentation, or find out how you can participate, contact Jim Walker at tel.: 512-499-0526, fax: 512-475-7996, e-mail: director@centex-indicators.org.
