Resident urges Englewood planners to consider Indigenous 'ridge-to-reef' water management

During public comment at the Feb. 3 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, resident Joseph Bedford Lee Lujan Trujillo introduced himself and urged the commission to incorporate indigenous and systems-based approaches to the city's waterways.

"I wanted to bring this ridge to reef hybrid model…from the Hawaiian ahupua'a system," Joseph said, recommending that Englewood consider holistic management from watershed headwaters downstream and explore living filtration techniques such as floating gardens. He expressed concern about paved-over waterways and suggested convening a discussion group to blend indigenous knowledge with modern engineering.

Staff acknowledged the comment and pointed Joseph to other city opportunities for follow-up, including Inglewood Renew (the city's water and wastewater management board) and upcoming public meetings. "The water and sewer board is meeting next week," staff said, and encouraged Joseph to continue engaging on city platforms.

The commission did not act on the suggestion during the meeting; staff advised that the public forum is for sharing information and suggested Joseph could pursue further engagement with specific boards that oversee utilities.