Hosted by the City of Dubuque and Sustainable City Network, the 5th annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference – Midwestern Region  was a one-day educational opportunity for municipal professionals, elected officials and business leaders who have a common interest in sustainability. The general conference held on Oct. 3, 2012 was preceded by several optional half-day workshops, mobile tours and a networking reception on Oct. 2.

Workshops covered four main tracks. I was surprised that food and agriculture was not included. Maybe next year we can add such a track! (Do any of you readers have a contact at Sustainable Cities?)

• Energy & Resource Management – This track focuses on sustainable building practices, energy conservation and waste management.

• Water – This track looks at the vital natural resource from rain to drain, from waterway to kitchen faucet and from wastewater to energy source.

• Transportation and Mobility – This track features the latest trends in infrastructure, alternative fuels and reducing vehicle miles traveled.

• Community Knowledge – This track looks at several examples of citizen and stakeholder engagement, education and team building.