As a member of a small group that meets to cope with the deep adaptation to climate change, we invited Tonya Graham in order to learn how she would respond and lead the city of Ashland to become climate- and socially resilient.
After listening to our complex, heavy-hearted questions, I was profoundly touched to receive a clearly defined vision and road map addressing Ashland’s social resilience and deep climate adaptation to our changing social and economic landscape in which we find ourselves. Tonya demonstrated compassionate leadership and empathy, and described strategies to harness the talent of our motivated citizens to promote social resilience together.
Her methodical ideas to face issues of housing, city budget, water, rising temperatures and fire were creative and collaborative. Her demeanor and presence were grounded and connective, while her thinking was strategic and innovative.
