In light of recent events such as Hurricane Katrina and the looming threat of global climate change, PlaceMatters and David and Lucile Packard Foundation have identified a critical need for ways to effectively integrate ecosystem science and community planning in ways the public and decision-makers can readily understand and act on. 

By the time the 44th President takes office, the window of opportunity to prevent economic and environmental hardships and increasing global tensions due to climate change will be one-third gone. The people of the United States, as well as other nations, will be looking for an early indication of whether the President intends to lead the world’s largest energy-consuming and greenhouse-gas emitting nation on a responsible course of action.

PlaceMatters is working with partners to develop a comprehensive, innovative, community-scale model for energy efficiency and sustainable resource management for the 15,000-acre Otay Ranch development in Chula Vista, California. This transit-oriented development, just south of San Diego, includes 3-6 villages being built to accommodate 70,000 additional residents in 23,732 new dwelling units within the next 15 years.