The Changing Landscape of Work: Keeping up with Emerging Technologies
Work is changing faster than many organizations and individuals can keep up with. This regional panel brings together employers, public agencies, education, and workforce partners for a practical conversation about how roles, hiring, and day-to-day work are changing in 2026.
The discussion will focus on real examples of how AI, automation, and evolving expectations are showing up in organizations today, what challenges employers and workforce partners are encountering, and what to pay attention to as these shifts continue. Business services has traditionally been a strong point for the region and was identified by the We Prosper Together process as a priority sector. This webinar is informed by We Prosper Together’s sector advancement work, a collaborative made up of regional organizations, community groups, and employers.
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what is changing, examples from peer organizations, and practical ideas they can take back to their teams and organizations.
Click below to register for the webinar!
Livability Summit 2025 Post-Event Materials
The 2025 Livability Summit, presented by Valley Vision & SACOG, took place on Wednesday, October 1st (California Clean Air Day) at the Citrus Heights Event Center. Nearly 350 leaders attended the event. See below for meeting resources, slides, photos, and more.
Links to Key Event Resources:
Presentation Slides: 2025 Livability Summit
“Impact Story” Videos by KJ2 Productions
Valley Vision and SACOG worked with KJ2 Productions to produce 4 videos highlighting 7 high-impact projects from around the region. These projects encompass awards from the We Prosper Together program as well as SACOG’s work to invest in community-led planning for more livable communities.
- Future Fire Academy & Downtown Yuba City: https://youtu.be/S7VIKBUgNZk
- Roseville & Rancho Cordova Chambers Digital Tools Initiative: https://youtu.be/zjEX0iL6UPc
- UC Davis Bioinnovation Lab & West Sac Greens Go: https://youtu.be/xlhENQcUBIs
- Marysville Chinatown & Yuba City Playzeum: https://youtu.be/P59-KwYAffA
Photos by Tia Gemmell (link to website):
The Livability Poll (October 2025)
The Livability Poll is a broad-based quality of life poll, tracking residents’ experiences with issues such as affordability of necessities, access to services, job and career satisfaction, safety and belonging, as well as perspectives of the six-county Capital Region that includes El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. Since 2017, Valley Vision has fielded 14 scientifically sound regional polls on topics of importance to ensure that decision-makers take data into account when advancing policy and action.
Valley Vision’s public opinion polling is conducted in partnership with the Institute for Social Research at Sacramento State. The 2025 Livability Poll was in the field from mid-June to mid-July of 2025, reaching 1,273 respondents, and it is demographically representative of the 6-county Capital Region. This year’s poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.7%. Our analysis methodology, as well as a detailed breakdown of respondents’ age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, language, urbanicity, education level, and other indicators can be accessed in the full report.
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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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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Valley Vision 2024 Impact Report
Valley Vision’s 30th year was one for the books! Read our 2024 Impact Report for a sampling of the year’s impact and accomplishments:
Catalyst Pre-Development Project RFP Proposers’ Conference
Webinar: Catalyst Pre-Development Project RFP Proposers’ Conference
Join We Prosper Together for one of two informative webinars designed to address questions about the Catalyst Pre-Development Project Request for Proposals (RFP). Each session will provide an overview of the funding purpose, application requirements, and key timelines, along with a dedicated Q&A segment to support your application process.
📅 Date: December 4th
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Click here to register for the December 4th webinar.
We look forward to your participation!
Catalyst Pre-Development Project RFP Proposers’ Conference
Webinar: Catalyst Pre-Development Project RFP Proposers’ Conference
Join We Prosper Together for one of two informative webinars designed to address questions about the Catalyst Pre-Development Project Request for Proposals (RFP). Each session will provide an overview of the funding purpose, application requirements, and key timelines, along with a dedicated Q&A segment to support your application process.
📅 Date: December 10th
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Click here to register for the December 10th webinar.
We look forward to your participation!
The Inclusive Economy Poll (May 2024)
The Inclusive Economy Poll provides a snapshot of experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints related to economic opportunity, access, well-being, and awareness in the eight-county Capital Region.
Each year Valley Vision fields 2-3 public opinion polls in partnership with Sacramento State’s Institute for Social Research to generate greater understanding of the most pressing issues facing our region. The Inclusive Economy Poll was fielded in 2023 and is Valley Vision’s first public opinion poll solely focused on the economic well-being of our eight-county region.
The Poll was created to support the efforts of We Prosper Together, our region’s initiative bridging together the eight counties of Colusa, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba to build a stronger regional economy. Building on the California Jobs First program, we are working to uplift our communities, encourage investment in the region, and create living-wage jobs. Valley Vision is the backbone support to We Prosper Together’s Collaborative of 150+ organizations.
Interested in diving a bit deeper into the data? Check out the full question summary.
CA Jobs First Community Survey
Survey Purpose
The Capital Region Community Survey 2023 is part of the CA Jobs First (CERF) efforts. The goal of CA Jobs First (CERF) is to determine how we can increase the number of and access to high quality jobs. “High quality jobs” are those that offer a living wage, health benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. These jobs also should not cause harm to our bodies or our planet.
By taking this survey, you’ll help us understand what works well in your community, areas of improvement or opportunity, and ways we can make sure these jobs are available to those who need them most.
Survey Options
- ENGLISH: https://bit.ly/CERFCommunity2023
- VIETNAMESE:http://bit.ly/VietnameseCapitalRegionCERF2023
- TAGALOG: https://bit.ly/TagalogCapitalRegionCERF2023
- PUNJABI: https://bit.ly/PunjabiCapitalRegionCERF2023
- RUSSIAN: https://bit.ly/RussianCaptialRegionCERF2023
- KOREAN: https://bit.ly/KoreanCapitalRegionCERF2023
- HMONG: http://bit.ly/HmongCapitalRegionCERF2023
- SPANISH: https://bit.ly/SpanishCapRegCERF2023
- CHINESE: https://bit.ly/ChineseCapitalRegionCERF2023
Farsi Survey
Due to formatting issues the Farsi survey is a physical form that you can download from this webpage. After the survey has been filled out please email it to cerf@valleyvision.org.
Gift Card Information
We appreciate you for your participation and help! When completing the survey, you will have the option to enter a raffle to win one of five $100 gift cards. Additionally, the first 50 respondents will receive a $25 gift card. Providing additional information will be required to be eligible. Gift cards will be sent in early/mid December after the survey closes.
California Jobs First (CERF) Collaborative Meeting: Research Presentation – November 13, 2023
On November 13 2023 from 3:30pm – 5:30pm Valley Vision’s research partner Cities GPS presented their updated research findings to the Capital Region’s Collaborative for the CA Jobs First project formerly known as CERF. In addition to viewing the recording below, you may also download the VV slides and meeting minutes.
Livability Summit 2023 Panelists & Speakers
The Livability Poll: A Wellness Check of the Sacramento Region
by Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision
Valley Vision fields a quality of life poll, the Livability Poll, that tracks residents’ experiences with issues such as affordability of necessities, access to services, job and career satisfaction, safety and belonging, as well as residents’ perspectives of the Sacramento Region. The Livability Poll’s findings were revealed at the Livability Summit and served as the basis for presentations, speakers, and discussions that followed throughout the day. Evan presents some of the more notable findings from The Livability Poll fielded in the summer of 2023.
You can read the full poll report here.
View the PowerPoint here.
Evan Schmidt is the CEO of Valley Vision, a nonprofit organization that leads regional and statewide initiatives to advance livability by supporting social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. She oversees the organization’s six impact areas of Workforce Development, Clean Economy, Food and Agriculture, Broadband and Digital Equity, Healthy Communities and Leadership and Civic Engagement. She is committed to building communities that are vibrant and sustainable and where every person has the opportunity to meet their potential. Under her leadership, Valley Vision creates the foundation for collaboration, research, and vision that enables us to meet those goals.
Keynote: Transformative Economic Development
Judith Taylor, Partner at Hr&A Advisors
View the PowerPoint here.
Judith Taylor is a Partner at HR&A Advisors, in her role, she focuses on creating vibrant, equitable, and resilient communities with over two decades of experience in real estate and inclusive economic development. Her expertise combines technical economic knowledge with a profound understanding of community values to drive transformative yet practical change for public and private clients.
Transforming Corridors
Spotlight on the Built Environment
Presented by Kacey Lizon and Aaron Laurel
The Sacramento region is full of corridors and industrial areas that are skeletons of the functions they once served. Many of them are right in the heart of our communities, ready for something new. Many of our region’s commercial corridors struggle today with vacant or underutilized lots and lack the density or mix of residential and commercial uses that support a sense of place that can attract more people. Learn about what it takes to transform these corridors and bring back the energy and vibrancy that once filled these spaces.
View the PowerPoint here.
Kacey Lizon, Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Programs, Sacramento Area Council of Governments
In her role as Deputy Executive Director for Planning & Programs, Kacey serves the 22 cities and six counties of the Sacramento region. During her 20-year tenure at SACOG, Kacey has played an instrumental role in innovations in regional planning and smart growth planning processes. She has led initiatives in land use, housing, transportation, transit-oriented development, environmental and rural planning. She has played a critical role in SACOG’s sustainable communities strategy work since the enactment of SB 375. Kacey is a board member of the California Chapter of the American Planning Association and member of the California Planning Roundtable.
Aaron Laurel, City Manager, City of West Sacramento
Aaron was appointed by the City Council to serve as West Sacramento’s City Manager and the Port of West Sacramento’s Chief Executive Officer in July 2018. He has nearly 20 years of experience in local government, including over 16 with the City of West Sacramento. Before becoming City Manager, he served as the City’s Economic Development and Housing Director, overseeing investments in infrastructure and real estate, business attraction, affordable housing, and management of the Port of West Sacramento.
Community Economic Resiliency
An Action Plan for Inclusive Economic Growth
Presented by Renee John and Ebony Joy Benzing
A thriving regional economy and equitable communities depend on inclusive economic opportunities. Valley Vision is proud to lead the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) program, fostering collaboration to create a vision for an inclusive and prosperous regional economy. In this segment, we’ll explore Valley Vision’s work on CERF, introduce communication resources, and encourage conversations about shifting our culture towards more collaborative, equity-centered efforts.
View the Powerpoint here.
Renee John oversees Valley Vision’s 21st Century Workforce, Health Communities, and Clean Economy impact areas. She came to Valley Vision with ten years of experience initiating and leading projects for community-based nonprofit organizations. Renee has also worked in the region supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. She is a proud graduate of California State University Sacramento (Go Hornets!) and California’s community college system (Sierra College). Her driving force is working to ensure all community members have access to opportunity to live a healthy, fruitful life.
Ebony Joy Benzing is the interim Director for the North Far North Center of Excellence (NFN COE) for Labor Market Research, hosted by Los Rios Community College District. Ebony is committed to using data to connect students and adult learners to good jobs. Ebony joined the NFN COE in 2019 as the research manager. Prior to these roles, she taught mathematics to middle and high school students in Sacramento. Ebony graduated from UC Davis with dual bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology and holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Neighborhood Transformation
A Spotlight on Del Paso Boulevard
Moderated by Daniel Kaufman
Daniel Kaufman (Moderator), Co-Founder and Principal at Third Plateau Social Impact Strategies.
Daniel helps design and lead the strategic direction of Third Plateau, a Sacramento-based agency driving social change. He enthusiastically works to ensure the firm is ever-evolving, learning, and growing to best meet the needs of changemaking leaders and organizations. An entrepreneur-at-heart, Daniel serves as a mentor, advisor, and strategist for an array of nonprofit executives, philanthropists, and civic leaders.
Gina Warren, Co-Founder and CEO of Sacramento’s Neighborhood Wellness Foundation
With a mission to navigate and disrupt intergenerational trauma and poverty in Del Paso Heights (DPH) and surrounding neighborhoods, Dr. Warren leads an interdisciplinary, multigenerational team that includes fourteen Peer Support Specialists generationally rooted in DPH. Dr. Warren offers both clinical and grassroots perspectives while operating with a strategic vision, innovative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to raise ACEs awareness to mitigate human suffering and help build a healthy community.
Janet Rice, President of DAD partners
Janet Rice is President of DAD Partners, Inc a premier consulting company located in Del Paso Heights dedicated to the mission of providing extraordinary service and value to a variety of clients in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. She has served on numerous boards and committees and is a visionary leader and executive professional with a proven track record of spearheading major real estate development projects that revitalized communities to help ensure sustained economic growth.
Erica Taylor, Vice President, Communications & Community Relations at Golden 1 Credit Union
Erica’s background includes work in radio and television promotions and marketing, as well as a broadcast journalist. She joined Golden 1 in 2015, overseeing the organization’s external communications, government relations, community partnerships, corporate giving, and financial education. Erica has led numerous initiatives for Golden 1 aimed at addressing local needs, volunteering, charitable partnerships, and social programs. In addition to currently serving as Valley Vision’s board chair, she also holds board positions with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Sacramento Covered. In 2015, Erica was named the “Young Professional of the Year” by the Sacramento Metro Chamber. She was also named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2012. She also won the “Best Posture” award at St. Joseph’s Elementary School in the third grade.