Future City of Highlands Ranch Energy Government Update
Provided by: Ashleigh Warntjes
Story Found At: http://denver.yourhub.com/HighlandsRanch/Stories/Community/Community-happenings/Story~261013.aspx
Future City of Highlands Ranch Energy Economy
A Strategic Plan to Reduce the Residents Reliance on 3 rd Party Energy Sources
BACKGROUND:
Each school year, the ThunderRidge High School (TRHS) seniors must complete a senior project research requirement in order to graduate. In October, 2006, five seniors joined together to develop a strategic business plan to incorporate Highlands Ranch based upon an alternative fuel and energy efficient economy.
PROGRESS MADE TO DATE:
Throughout the school year, the five seniors have met each Monday to gather research on the “Future City of Highlands Ranch” strategic business plan. Community stakeholders have been interviewed to gather more information in regards to incorporating under an energy municipality charter. Stakeholders that were interviewed: Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD), Douglas County Commissioner, Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce, Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), Gefinor Ventures (venture capital firm) and Shea Homes.
The TRHS research group also collaborated with the Burt Automotive Network senior executive team. Burt Automotive Network made a $5,000 contribution to the TRHS Science Club so that the Future City of Highlands Ranch research project will continue with each graduating senior class. All contributions to the Science Club are administered by TRHS’s Grizzly Bear Backers Club.
RECENT EVENTS:
The TRHS senior research team presented their Future City of Highlands Ranch Vision Statement to the HRCA Public Issues Committee and the HRMD board of directors in February. Both groups offered positive comments and HRMD has asked the senior project research team on what “clean tech” ideas can HRMD implement today.
We are hoping that sometime in the near future, a major automotive manufacturer will join in our efforts by offering concept alternative fuel autos for usage around Highlands Ranch. And we are hopeful that an energy fuel company will install an alternative fuel filling station in the heart of Highlands Ranch. So when the concept alternative fuel vehicles becomes mass produced, Highlands Ranch is poised to be first in line to take advantage of this new technology.
