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The solution to fit all categories, UrbanGrid

Unemployment, Low funding for public education, Creating energy independence, Economic Development, Environment and Heath concerns, Technology, Public policy. These are all integrated as one whole problem. Fixing one will not help overcome all the other problems. It may sound ambitious but I believe that there can be one solution to help move us in the right direction.

Solar power is considered the answer to our problem by many. In cooperation with local power companies we install solar panels on school roofs, turning our schools into little power plants. The idea would be that power companies would help cover the cost of installation in trade for the extra power that the school does not use. Money that is used to pay the schools power bill could be diverted to Education. This idea would create jobs from beginning to end, from installation to maintenance. Help support local Tec companies and address Environment and Heath concerns. It would spur Economic development by making Portland a solar hub.

This is only the beginning. Why stop at schools? How about all Government buildings, tax dollars used to power them could be used toward Education, Community development or Social Services the list goes on. Businesses and home owners would be next to jump onboard making Portland an Urban power Grid.

UrbanGrid would help schools, power companies and solar installers come together. By brokering the deal on a large scale the usually high upfront cost of solar panel installation could be controlled, reducing the initial investment. This in turn would make the profit margin higher, and the investing party’s more interested.

This is a long term solution that involves everyone in the community. It is not unreachable and it’s in everyone’s best interests. Imagine the top of every **** Myer covered in solar panels.

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    Dallas HaynesDallas Haynes shared this idea  ·   ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →

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      • Nature's TreasuresNature's Treasures commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

        The UrbanGrid is so close to the idea I was going to submit that I simply want to endorse this plan put forth by Dallas Haynes. In addition to the points already made this is an idea that would attract national attention leading to potential investment in Oregon.

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      Oregon was once known as a place where new, creative thinking flourished and people weren’t afraid to face hard truths and take bold steps. But lately Oregon conversations are full of pessimism and cynicism. We all know Oregon is in a world of hurt. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing what’s wrong here.

      Meyer Memorial Trust wants to help change the tone of the conversations and jumpstart action that again makes our state a place where ideas begin and grow. But we need your help. Tell us what you think is the most pressing issue facing Oregon that an investment of up to $1 million from MMT could provide meaningful support and leverage over the next two years. Give us your best ideas about the form that support and leverage might take.

      This is not a time for faint hearted suggestions. We're looking for bold and innovative approaches. And while the nonprofit sector is proving itself to be resilient, innovative and inspired in these times, we need to move beyond categorical thinking and invite all sectors to work together to address the issues we face before it's too late. This is not the place for an organization to make a pitch for funds on its own behalf. We’re looking for ideas that rise above individual organizations and constituencies.

      Asking for public input in this kind of forum is new for us. Frankly, we don’t quite know what to expect. But we have faith that Oregonians will take this process seriously and contribute their best thinking. We believe Oregonians are ready to reengage and stay engaged and work together to find solutions. But awarding the million dollars depends on the quality of ideas—if we don’t have sufficient participation or we don’t find a good match with MMT’s mission and values, we reserve the right to find another route to helping create a better future for Oregon.

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