I am finding that things in my community are moving very slowly and there is a lot of resistance to change -- and the excuse is that "green costs too much".  We certainly have our work cut out for us.  The zoning laws need to be changed and there is little enthusiasm about doing so.  It is going to be challenging.

Here in Albuquerque we have a very enthusiastic green mayor and an abundance of wind and sun. We are also blessed with multiple Native American cultures that have always been nature oriented. Adobe homes, deep set windows, passive solar orientation and xeriscaping are the way that things have been done for centuries. The challenge s to update them and combat urban sprawl.

Joan, if you need information about how affordable green is and how it can SAVE money, the department of energy EnergyStar website has great information on simple steps that give major payback right away--from the simplicity of changing your lightbulbs to CFL and weatherstripping and making sure your ceiling fan blades are turning in the right direction to distribute the heat or cooling where you want it to go. 

I was just talking to a builder friend who is having problems with a developer with townhouses. These townhouses have the capability of having an elevator installed in them.

Hi janeAnne! Love the ideas that are being developed in your neck of the woods. Our primary is tomorrow and I am trying to help a friendrun for city commissioner that is all about downtown change. Ashville reminds me of Richmond KY where I live. I know she would like the idea of a community garden. Love your blog!(and your pic!)