Welcome!

Before I explain the title of this blog (Tin Foil Hats) I'd like to share with you a bit of our philosophy here at Ascension Forward. Basically, we are a soon-to-be-incorporated non-profit organization headquartered in the fastest growing parish in Louisiana.

The mission of Ascension Forward is to promote sustainable development concepts in North Ascension Parish that would benefit the quality of life and health of its citizens. Our goal is to help make this part of Ascension Parish an attractive place for people to live, work, shop and play by helping to increase investment in amenities such as sidewalks, parks, trails and bike paths, while working to maintain the rural character and rich cultural heritage of our parish. Ascension Forward believes that through citizen education and careful planning, we will create a means for embracing our future as one of the fastest growing parishes in the country. Ascension Forward will:

• Work to maintain green spaces and improve outdoor recreation opportunities
• Educate the press, community and developers on sustainability and the principles of smart growth and how they can improve quality of life and increase property values, while attracting the right kind of businesses and investment
• Regularly meet with government and planning officials to educate them on proper land use practices and sustainability (including but not limited to storm water management, renewable energy and energy efficiency)
• Facilitate individual communities in the planning process by encouraging its citizens to work together to develop their own visions for future growth and development
• Foster better communication between the government and its citizens
• Promote the use of renewable energy and educate the community on available tax credits and practical applications of the different options available to them
• Promote and increase public participation in recycling programs while working with the parish to expand services with the ultimate goal of having curbside recycling throughout the parish
• Promote and support the development of a comprehensive transportation plan for the parish

So, what do you think? Want to help us bring Ascension Parish up into the 21st century? Tell me what your vision of an ideal Ascension Parish would be…
Ciao! ~ Ann