The Livability Summit 2025

The Livability Summit is Valley Vision’s annual collaborative conference for advancing equity, sustainability, and prosperity. Each year, the Summit brings together a diverse cross-section of community members and regional leaders to learn, engage, and act on issues that matter most in our region. In 2025, we are proud to partner with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) to align Summit content with the 2025 Blueprint for regional growth. Grounded in Valley Vision’s data-driven Livability Poll and fueled by lived experience, the Summit features thought-provoking presentations, panel conversations, and small-group dialogues that examine the state of our region’s livability. This year, we will also focus on transportation and land use for the next 20+ years through the launch of SACOG’s 2025 Blueprint.

At the Livability Summit, participants will explore the issues that matter most, build alignment around shared priorities, and identify clear, actionable steps to create lasting impact. Whether you’re a policymaker, community advocate, business leader, or resident, the Livability Summit is your opportunity to be part of a growing movement toward a healthier, more inclusive, and more livable region for all.

Summit Highlights

• Exclusive look – new polling data about the priorities of regional residents.
• Capital Caucus Conversation – hear from members of our region’s legislative delegation.
• “Radical Collaboration” – Katie McCleary on activating “The Third Way” to solve complex challenges
• Interactive breakout workshops on Federal policy changes, growing quality jobs, climate resilience, housing, and more.
• Networking opportunities – connect with peers, partners, and neighbors from across the region.

2025 Livability Summit: Breakout Sessions

At the Summit, participants will take part in breakout sessions designed to spark dialogue, share solutions, and highlight the work of community leaders across our region.

Citrus Heights: The Story of Sunrise Tomorrow

The community helped define the plan to transform a 50-year-old failing mall into a 21st-century vibrant “Main Street” which will be a premier regional destination and flourishing center of community life where residents and visitors can shop, live, work, and play. Hear from the Citrus Heights planners about how the plan came together and what’s next.

• Kacey Lizon, Deputy Executive Director of Planning & Programs, SACOG
• Meghan Huber, Economic Development and Community Engagement Director, City of Citrus Heights
• Casey Kempenaar, Community Development Director, City of Citrus Heights

Connected by Climate: Solutions for a Thriving Region

This session explores how climate change intersects with every aspect of our lives, from the economy and housing to public health, infrastructure, and natural systems. In this breakout session, speakers will discuss how the region is deploying innovative strategies to adapt to the increased frequency and intensity of natural hazards. Attendees will leave with an understanding of climate impacts in the Capital Region and how investing in climate action improves the economy, public health, and quality of life for all residents.

• Nailah Pope-Harden, Deputy Director, Equity and Tribal Affairs, Caltrans
• Gary Bardini, P.E., Director of Planning, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency
• Ryan Ojakian, Government Affairs Manager, Regional Water Authority
• Katren Tyler, MD, FACEP, Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis Health
• Kyle Tyson, Associate Environmental Planner, Climate & Flood Resilience Unit, CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Resilience Branch

Getting it Right: Building Effective Pathways to Quality Jobs

A good job can transform a life, but getting it right takes intention and strategy. This session will highlight successful initiatives that have connected community members to quality jobs, and explore what made those efforts work, including the importance of aligning with regional sector strategies, early and sustained employer engagement, and intentional collaboration.

• Willy Duncan, Superintendent/President, Sierra Community College District
• Scott Olsen, Director, Human Resources and Administration, Robert Bosch Semiconductor
• Chris Tillery, Training Director, Sacramento Electrical Training Academy IBEW JATC 340
• Kimberly Menzel, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Housing that Boosts Livability and Affordability

The Sacramento region continues to grow faster than almost any other place in California. But exactly how the region develops and what kind of quality of life its residents enjoy is up to us. Where new housing is built and what kind of homes they are helps to define the livability and vibrancy of our region. The City of Sacramento is leading the nation by planning for housing that boosts affordability and livability.

• Roshaun Davis, Executive Director, CLTRE
• Danielle Foster, Executive Director, Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA)
• Dov Kadin, Senior Housing Planner, SACOG
• Greta Soos, Senior Planner, City of Sacramento

Our Region’s Response to Federal Policy Changes

The Federal Administration has made significant policy changes in 2025 that impact our region’s residents. Learn more from multisectoral partners as we discuss their response to funding cuts, immigration policies, and opportunities for radical collaboration to support our diverse communities over the next several years.

• Karen Baker, CEO, Yolo Food Bank
• Jessie Mabry, CEO, Opening Doors
• Renetta G Tull, Vice Chancellor of Inclusive Excellence, UC Davis
• Kerry Wood, CEO, Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Many voices. One vision.

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REGISTER

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Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors

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Valley Vision is grateful for the many contributors who believe in the power of community collaboration, collective impact, prosperity, equity, and sustainability for all. Through their investments, these partners help make important change happen, and we thank them for their continued support.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available—join us in advancing a more livable, inclusive, and thriving region.

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Ready To Partner?