Why is doing the same thing not working?
Jennifer supports the idea that the expanse of solutions already exist… they are already in the mind’s and heart’s of the residents. With grounded research, we’ll definitely achieve solutions!
Jennifer has ALREADY launched into action. In March, she brought together a group of 8 other resident presenters at the Performing Arts Center to share some of their innovative ideas. Afterward, she listened to the enthusiastic response of some of the audience, inviting their ideas, then together building even more of a participatory working model. Innovation comes from not one person, but many.
Massage therapist and plastic-free visionary, Rachel Dellinger, has the idea to unite all Airbnb’s to create both community solidarity and economic development. What would it look like if all the Airbnb’s came together as one and started purchasing local products from entrepreneurs? Sedona shampoo! Sedona conditioner! Sedona laundry detergent! Plus, they are all filled in non-plastic containers.
The philosophy behind Rachel’s vision is simple. She believes Sedona is a teaching and spiritual hub. Part of this mission is to help educate tourists about the awareness of product ingredients we are putting on our skin as well as down the drain to waterways to Mother Earth. All the while also creating economic development for residents to thrive.
Founder and permaculture visionary of Sedona Greenhouse Project, Shams Teh, has the idea to turn the Dells or similar property into both a food forest and greenhouse. What would it look like if residents ate nutrient-dense fresh food that was not trucked in 1000’s miles away losing vitality? How much would tourists love to learn and take classes? Flower essence painting? Tending to the ducks and chickens?
The philosophy behind Shams’s vision is that gardening solves the problem of community disconnect. He believes that when residents both work alongside one another putting their hands in the dirt and then breaking bread around the dinner table, that is where true community trust, resiliency, and cooperation comes from.
Salesman at Red Rock Resale, Larry has a strong desire to turn 89A from a commercial strip into a more resident-friendly environment. What would it like if there were picnic benches all along 89A? How more enjoyable would work lunches be if you could relax in the fresh air and recharge in the beauty of Sedona’s majestic mountains.
Currently, there are some hotels and business buying up a lot of residential homes and turning them into profitable Airbnb and or time shares. What if these businesses adopted Conscious Economics and did the right thing to support its people? They could assign some homes to workforce housing? Don’t believe me? In part of Aspen’s development requirements, if a hotel wants permit to build, they are also require to independently fund and build workforce housing to accommodate balance within the community.
Artist and tech entrepreneur, Zenka Caro, has a vision to help solve the housing crisis.
After much analysis, she realized other cities around the world are creating solutions by combining technology with innovation. The biggest advantage to 3D-printing is cost savings. Small-scale homes average around $10,000-50,000 per unit. Now, more than ever residents seeking to own, would be more likely to get a loan approval at this affordable amount. Even better, Sedona City Council might be able to help fund this dream. Currently, City Council is working out a program to provide residents around $20,000 toward downpayment as part of a plan to support homeownership. To also get this vision rolling, Zenka has started the Dream Machine, a website connecting resources and dreams together so the community can thrive.
Imagine a large community center which provided space for elders and youth to enjoy together? A Repair Cafe to fix your broken items? A Builders Cafe to craft a new project? A restaurant that offered fresh items from our food-sovereign greenhouse? A lounge to serve as co-op work space?
Community coordinator, Sarah Christiansen, has a vision to bring elders and youth together in a mentorship program. What would it look like if youth could learn from elders? What would it look like if elders had youth to help with handy tasks? What problem would it solve if youth could live in a spare bedroom in an elder’s home and their relationship actually became one of trust, love, and balance?
Imagine if 8000 residents were able to cast vote on hot button issues instead of just 7 members on City Council? Jennifer believes that in order to build balance within a community, all voices need to be heard. Also, dynamic group environments show that better solutions emerge when an entire group is able to participate than just a single few.
Long-time resident and cyclist enthusiast, Brian Cleary, has the phenomenal idea to keep drivers and cyclist safe. With the simple addition of indents onto the shoulder of the road, bikers will be more likely to experience smooth and enjoyable rides. Also, by adding safety, it provides the opportunity for Sedona to become more of a bike friendly city. This means the potential for less cars on the road and more bikes.
Artist and long-time resident, Mallory Carlton, loves walking the neighborhood with her 3 dogs and getting to know her neighbors. Coming from the Bay Area in San Francisco, she always enjoyed having fun things to do and great places to walk to. Her vision is for street fests to pop-up all throughout Sedona. What would it look like if local restaurants had a tent to sell food? What would it look like if neighbors made a pot luck? How much more would we get to know one another and feel connected with community? Do we charge a small fee or keep it free?… Donations could go to Sedona Greenhouse Project to grow more food to create more street fests. Ultimately, we’d enjoy an afternoon of music to come together and have fun!
One way to help residents is to issue a resident card and or app. This form of identification would allow residents to receive a reduced price. Yet, this discount does not have to hurt the businesses wallet. In fact, prices raise for the tourist to help offset the resident discount. The goal is to help residents living in a tourist-centered town where home rental prices are continually being increased. This is one way, we as a community can help one another.
Did you know, according to the 422 page Fiscal Plan 2021-22, Posse Grounds is aimed to tear down some of the grounds to replace it with more event space. This means less space for locals, and more space for tourists to rent out. Long-time resident and business owner of Sedona Estate Jewelry, Rafael Jelozian, believes Posse Grounds should feel like home to the resident. Also as a DJ owner, Rafael has seen a drastic increase in prices to rent out the pavilion, raising from $270 to $600. The solution? Set a lower price for residents. We want Sedona to be run like a community not a corporation.
As a research student, one of Jennifer’s best qualities is her ability to problem solve. Her approach is toward a deep dive in research. Her mission is to understand and grasp what other cities around the world are doing then see how these strategies might apply to Sedona’s highest good. She takes into account a holistic view. This means the past, present, and future are mindfully integrated into the equation. Through sound research, how might Sedona be re-imagined in the most efficient, economical, and vibrant way?
As for being community-driven, Jennifer comes from a very large family where her grandmother had 11 children. Being in community is in her blood. As such, Jennifer naturally gravitates toward community settings to strengthen bonds. While in Sedona, she has been a part of the following:
As a devote Christian, Jennifer is guided to serve. This means helping people along their path in life. With love and kindness, Jennifer has opened her home to those seeking fresh shower, clean laundry, full kitchen, spare bedroom. The relationships that have blossomed in Sedona from these divine connections have been grounding and beautiful.