Innovative Cities Putting Sustainability into Practice
On Thursday, September 10th, from 6-7:30 pm, Join us as we explore what’s possible when we put sustainability into practice. Discussion following the presentation will be facilitated by Chris Read, Sustainability Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo. Join us as we explore what’s possible when we put sustainability into practice.
Tickets are $15 and include local appetizers as well as local wine and beer.
WHAT
Missy Stults, Director of Sustainability and Innovations for Ann Arbor and Alelia Parenteau, Director of Sustainability and Resilience for Santa Barbara, are leading their communities toward carbon neutrality through implementation of focused projects, plans, and programs. Their work centers on expanding access to affordable clean energy, improving low-cost and practical mobility options, and reducing air and water pollution. Representing progressive, university-centered cities in smaller semi-rural regions, they will share lessons from advancing some of the country’s most ambitious clean energy and transportation initiatives that are directly relevant to the Central Coast context.
WHO
Missy Stults, PhD.
Sustainability and Innovations Director
Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
Dr. Missy Stults works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. Prior to joining the City, Missy worked with local governments and indigenous communities around the nation to advance their climate and sustainability goals, including during her time as the Climate Director at ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability and as a consultant to philanthropic organizations. Missy has a PhD in urban resilience from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and undergraduate degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science from the University of New England.
Alelia Parenteau
Sustainability & Resilience Director
Director, Santa Barbara Clean Energy
City of Santa Barbara
As Sustainability & Resilience Director, Alelia oversees the Adaptation & Resilience Division, Clean Community Division, Community Engagement Division, Creeks Division, and Energy & Climate Division. These divisions are responsible for implementing many of the City’s sustainability policies and initiatives, particularly in the areas of energy, climate planning, materials management, creek restoration, and water quality improvement, while working across the City organization to build resilience and ensure environmental stewardship. Prior to her appointment, Alelia was the Manager of the Energy & Climate Division, founded in 2020, overseeing the City’s renewable energy projects, community-wide energy strategy, climate action planning processes and the City’s new Community Choice Energy entity, Santa Barbara Clean Energy. Ms. Parenteau previously spent 11 years with the City’s Public Works Department managing the City’s energy use and resources. Alelia received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from McGill University and is a Certified Energy Manager and LEED Green Associate.
DETAILS
September 10th, 2026
Doors open at 5:45 p.m. event starts at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets include snacks and drinks
The Penny
664 Marsh St, Downtown San Luis Obispo
Bike parking available on site, Marsh St. garage is recommended for car parking
Scholarships are available. Please email buildingabetterslo@gmail.com for more information.
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