We recently caught up with our new member, Kevin Meindl from Chemung County, New York. He is currently the Commissioner of Planning, Director of the Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council (ECTC). In our brief discussion we discussed what brought Kevin to bring Chemung to the Exchange and what he hopes to gain from this renewed membership.
Kevin Meindl was a former member of the Exchange when he was with the Buffalo Sewer Authority in New York. Because of his previous experience with the Exchange, he knew it would be important for Chemung to become a new member. In his new role at Chemung, he hopes to make positive changes for the Planning Department at Chemung County by bringing them in as a new Exchange member. His idea is to utilize funding for infrastructure projects throughout the community. The Planning Department leads strategic planning and technical research for Chemung County. Their mission is to support local communities, strengthen the economic vitality of the County, protect natural resources, and enhance the quality of life for all. Kevin understands how Chemung County can benefit from the Peer Network here at the Exchange.
He previously worked as a landscaper and found inspiration whenever he went camping outside of the city. It instilled interest in various natural/landscape systems. Kevin studied landscape architecture and realized GSI was a good overlap. He described it as a way to see it all and the processes needed. Kevin went further to discuss the goal of unification and improving the city by having practical utilities. He views it as an opportunity to revitalize communities where a neighborhood can be using funding in creative ways.
Before he joined The Exchange, he indicated that there were a few struggles in Chemung. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness in Green Infrastructure and climate change. It was easier in Buffalo to implement GSI because there was community support, whereas in Chemung, it is the opposite. Talk of Green Infrastructure is met with resistance from legislators as they are suspicious based on misinformation. They are also concerned about the investment and if it is worth it. Being part of the Exchange gives Kevin the opportunity to alter perceptions by sharing what he learns with the Exchange network.
Kevin hopes to raise awareness and educate his legislators. He wants to be able to implement what he learns and that it is well received in other communities and make a positive impact on the communities that will benefit the most. He mentioned hoping to network with peers and get shared collective knowledge. Ultimately, Kevin would like to help with reducing the hesitation received from others when it comes to discussions about GSI and to make this more common for people to benefit from.
We look forward to working with Kevin and we give him a warm welcome!
We recently caught up with our new member, Kevin Meindl from Chemung County, New York. He is currently the Commissioner of Planning, Director of the Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council (ECTC). In our brief discussion, we discussed what brought Kevin to bring Chemung to the Exchange and what he hopes to gain from this renewed membership.
Kevin Meindl was a former member of the Exchange when he was with the Buffalo Sewer Authority in New York. Because of his previous experience with the Exchange, he knew it would be important for Chemung to become a new member. In his new role at Chemung, he hopes to make positive changes for the Planning Department at Chemung County by bringing them in as a new Exchange member. His idea is to utilize funding for infrastructure projects throughout the community. The Planning Department leads strategic planning and technical research for Chemung County. Their mission is to support local communities, strengthen the economic vitality of the County, protect natural resources, and enhance the quality of life for all. Kevin understands how Chemung County can benefit from the Peer Network here at the Exchange.
He previously worked as a landscaper and found inspiration whenever he went camping outside of the city. It instilled interest in various natural/landscape systems. Kevin studied landscape architecture and realized GSI was a good overlap. He described it as a way to see it all and the processes needed. Kevin went further to discuss the goal of unification and improving the city by having practical utilities. He views it as an opportunity to revitalize communities where a neighborhood can be using funding in creative ways.
Before he joined The Exchange, he indicated that there were a few struggles in Chemung. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness in Green Infrastructure and climate change. It was easier in Buffalo to implement GSI because there was community support, whereas in Chemung, it is the opposite. Talk of Green Infrastructure is met with resistance from legislators as they are suspicious based on misinformation. They are also concerned about the investment and if it is worth it. Being part of the Exchange gives Kevin the opportunity to alter perceptions by sharing what he learns with the Exchange network.
Kevin hopes to raise awareness and educate his legislators. He wants to be able to implement what he learns and that it is well received in other communities and make a positive impact on the communities that will benefit the most. He mentioned hoping to network with peers and get shared collective knowledge. Ultimately, Kevin would like to help with reducing the hesitation received from others when it comes to discussions about GSI and to make this more common for people to benefit from.
We look forward to working with Kevin and we give him a warm welcome!
