[H+T--Friends] Announcing Call for Expressions of Interest in STAR Pilot Community Program

FYI... Subject: Announcing Call for Expressions of Interest in STAR Pilot Community Program ***************************************** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC -- STAR Communities has announced a Call for Expressions of Interest in the STAR Pilot Community Program. STAR Pilot Communities will be the first cities and counties rated in the STAR Community Index(tm) Version 1.0 and will have access to the STAR Online Reporting Tool. The STAR Community Index(tm) is the nation's first framework for evaluating, quantifying, and improving the livability and sustainability of U.S. communities. STAR uniquely combines: * A framework for sustainability encompassing the social, economic and environmental dimensions of community; * A rating system that drives continuous improvement and fosters competition; and * An online system that gathers, organizes, analyzes, and presents information required to meet sustainability goals. Focal areas in the Index include (but are not limited to): * Compact and Complete Communities * Housing * Transportation Choices * Active Living * Community Empowerment * Food Access & Nutrition * Environmental Justice * Human Services * Health System Capacity * Safe Communities * Water for Human Use * Air Quality * Waste Minimization * Climate Adaptation * Educational Opportunities * Natural Resources For those interested, STAR Communities will hold an informational meeting next Tuesday July 31st at 2:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP to info@starcommunities.org<mailto:info@starcommunities.org>; meeting materials will be forwarded in advance. To view the Expressions of Interest form, STAR Pilot Program FAQs and other resources, please visit our website<http://www.starcommunities.org/>g/>. <http://www.starcommunities.org/> -- Hilari B. Varnadore, Director