WQIO Ohio's Super Station
A new Sustainability Advisory Group is taking shape in Mount Vernon, created by Mayor Matt Starr to help guide the city toward stronger environmental practices and long‑term community well‑being. The initiative is designed to support both current needs and the quality of life future generations will inherit.
Assistant City Engineer Quentin Platt will lead the group. His background in sustainability principles and city infrastructure made him a natural fit to oversee the effort. The group’s focus will stretch well beyond energy use, touching on water and land management, recycling and composting, stormwater systems, tree stewardship, and the city’s ongoing participation in Bee City programs.
The advisory group will not draft legislation or set mandates. Instead, its role is to help the city evaluate its own practices and ensure it is modeling the same responsible behaviors it hopes to encourage among residents. City leaders say that if they expect the public to voluntarily participate in sustainability efforts, the city must demonstrate that commitment internally as well.
Several local initiatives already reflect this spirit of community‑driven sustainability. The quarterly Repair Café encourages residents to fix items rather than replace them, while Community Roots continues to expand a composting pilot program that diverts food waste from landfills. Discussions have also emerged around the potential for an adopt‑a‑sidewalk program, where volunteers help keep neighborhood walkways clear during winter months.
Starr often connects these ideas to the broader theme of neighborliness. He points to everyday acts, like helping clear snow or assisting residents who struggle with yard work, as examples of community engagement that naturally align with sustainable values. The city also works with local groups and churches that assist residents who need help maintaining their homes or accessing essential services.
Addressing blight remains another priority tied closely to sustainability. City officials note that neglected properties can hinder progress in other areas, making it essential to tackle blight alongside environmental initiatives. Improving neighborhoods, supporting volunteerism, and fostering a culture of responsibility all contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.
The Sustainability Advisory Group will help Mount Vernon coordinate these efforts and identify new opportunities to strengthen the city’s environmental and social foundations. The overarching goal is to build a community that residents are proud of today, and one the next generation will be eager to inherit.
