Jennifer Francis is being honored with the Special Recognition Award by the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District. The award recognizes individuals who have made a difference in planning in the region.
Francis served on the Planning Board since 2015 and is active on the Energy Management Committee and the Transportation and Circulation Task Force. Francis played a key role in the Marion Master Plan, completed in 2017, and she is spearheading the Master Plan Implementation Committee. SRPEDD recognizes Francis’ efforts for advancing green energy and advocating for climate resiliency strategies in Town planning.
Francis has made a significant difference in sustainability for the Town of Marion. She has taken a leadership role in the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, and helping the Town adopt solar and wind energy – all of which yield economic benefit and contribute to Marion’s public health, wildlife and habitat preservation, water supply, land use, and decreasing carbon dioxide emissions. In the Marion Master Plan, Francis was instrumental in adding a Climate Resiliency section, which advocates for the Town to adopt sustainable and hazard mitigation strategies.
The award will be presented at the 2018 SRPEDD Annual Meeting on May 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Rachel’s Lakeside, 950 State Road, Dartmouth, MA. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell is the event’s keynote speaker.
Marion friends wishing to join Jennifer are welcome to contact Stacy Royer (ssousa@srpedd.org or 508-824-1367) to reserve a seat.