One of the things that we could do in Joliet is a green inventory. The city and the sierra club have some type of measuring stick or standards definition but for the purposes of educating us the 10 points outlined in this blog is simple enough. I have not read the details, I've only looked at the outline. We're sure to point out needs, goals and progress in Joliet with these 10 points.

Below, I'm looking at these points in terms of what will lend itself to building resilience for Joliet neighborhoods. I write of resilience rather than of being sustainable. Resilience is obtainable in our lifetimes, sustainability is a goal for our nation and indeed, planet. Having a sustainable Joliet is achievable but probably not in our lifetime. What we may be sure of is that we will be putting the cornerstones in place for building sustainability.

Gini

Plentiful Parks
We have parks in Joliet. Some are great, some not so much. I think 2 fruit or nut trees in each park, where appropriate, will do much for carbon sink, respiration and food. Do you remember how happy you were as a kid to happen upon a pear tree to bite into one of those succulent "just exactly right" pears? Of course nuts will bring the squirrels but haven't you tasted squirrel stew? Yummy stuff.

Efficient Public Transportation
The bus companies are doing as much as they can given the price of oil and other economic factors. Understand that I'm coming from the peak oil school of thought (peaked). I don't see how the companies can do much more unless they have a new source of fuel. I do not think that bio-fuels are the way to go because of many factors; global negative effect on air, water, soil (food), not to mention it does NOT meet our (u.s.) current demands, nor will it ever.
There is green jobs opportunity in meeting the transportation needs of our community. Zipcar or Igocars come to mind, or even a new type of company to fill in, especially during the times when there is no bus service, for those who don't drive. Conversion of garbage to fuel is promising for Joliet. This would take care of several issues; landfill toxins and size, providing fuel for trucks to pick up compostable garbage with excess fuel sold to Jo-Cars :-).

Quality Public Space
I believe this is already in the planning by an outside developer though because of the economy it is on hold (if understanding is correct). A ped mall in downtown Joliet is the bomb! Awesome. Joliet is a hub for sure. But we need sub-hubs - Joliet is very large.

Bike Lanes
Bike lanes and secure bikes racks. Also share-a-bike -- another nice green job opportunity.

High-profile Green Buildings
This is already in the works with Centerpoint and other organizations (like Will County Forest Preserve, for example). I believe the green roof concept needs to be incorporated into flat top warehouses. These flat topped buildings impede rainwater instead of allowing all the rain to recharge water tables. I believe designing to mitigate this side effect of flat topped warehouses is a wonderful, proactive very high profile selling point for a green job opportunity. A young creative architect could become the Frank Lloyd Wright of green designed warehouses.

Comprehensive recycling and composting programs
Will County Land Use is already well ahead on recycling but a green job can be developed as the go-between of businesses/homes and services provided by WCLU. I touched on my hopes for composting above. There are 3 new food composting facilities planned to be built on the south side of chicago that will require yard wastes. I hope that Joliet is not too lured by the money that will be offered to take away our yard wastes. We can develop our own yard waste composting for our own community gardens. The data needs to be collected within the next 2 years for planning.
As a side note: Retrofit for diesel trucks in the Region (CMAP Region) is a must because of increased truck traffic due to the intermodal developments, composting facilities developments and the 355 route.

Mixed-use and Infill Development
I believe that each neighborhood having within walking distance a food forest (including kitchen garden) and play area is the route to go. Conversion of existing Joliet parks perhaps? I'm sure there are many other ideas that people have.

Green Leadership
Create multi-party environmentally awake politicians by educating Jolieteans.

Smart Energy Policies
Development of hydropower and using flat-topped buildings to hold solar panels are two things that Joliet (and Will County) can easily consider developing. This is what will create not only a resilient but a sustainable Joliet. It is this that will show that Joliet is The City that Leads the Midwest into the 21st century.

Good Green Fun
Local food sold at the hub and sub-hub farmer's markets. Food Forests with swings and hammocks and poets and folksingers. Community gardens with tool lending sheds. Restaurants growing their own organic food and composting the food wastes. Herbs, edible flowers in planters on street corners. Statues and other public art for winter. Winter vegetable growing huts. Warming shelters for those who're walking/biking throughout winter. Games, exhibits, outdoor "walk to movies". A children's space outside where the air quality is no longer a factor for those with asthma.

And a measurable decrease in incidence of asthma, cancer, obesity, and stress as a result of our actions.