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The Economic Mobility Poll (April 2026)

Valley Vision’s 16th public opinion poll was developed in partnership with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and Sacramento State’s Institute for Social Research (ISR), and captures attitudes on economic mobility in California’s Capital Region. The poll provides a snapshot of the public’s priorities and concerns with respect to housing affordability, transportation, access to quality child care, and use of new artificial intelligence (A.I.) tools in the workplace.

The Economic Mobility Poll (2026)Download

An informational webinar exploring the findings of the poll and inviting discussion among local subject matter experts was recorded on Thursday, April 30th, 2026. You can view the recording below or on Valley Vision’s YouTube channel:

The poll was administered to residents in the six-county Sacramento Region, including Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties, between September and October 2025. A total of 1,118 residents responded, with results demographically representative of each county in our region. Results were weighted using demographic and geographic benchmarks (including county, age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, and homeownership status) to produce estimates that are representative of the region’s population. The ±2.9% margin of error applies to topline regional results only; subgroup and county‑level findings may have higher uncertainty depending on sample size.

The survey was conducted in alignment with We Prosper Together, a long-term, community-driven regional initiative advancing inclusive economic growth, climate innovation, and high-quality job creation across the Capital Region. Through cross-sector collaboration and strategic investment, the initiative is working to ensure communities, industries, and workers benefit from the transition to a sustainable, climate-smart economy. To date, We Prosper Together has established a data-driven roadmap for sector-based economic development, the award of $9 Million for 22 high-impact workforce projects across the region, and more.

Webinar: Childcare as an Inclusive Economic Development Strategy

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CZbYKBPlS3-NK_594HeCQw

Join this Zoom webinar featuring a panel of private sector partners to hear directly from employers on how they’ve built solutions with the public sector to address the child care barrier for employees.

Agenda:

  • Introduction and Framing [15 minutes]
  • Panel Discussion [40 minutes]
  • Q&A [15 minutes]
  • Closing and Next Steps [5 minutes]

About the CJF ECE Sector Cohort: In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom launched the state’s California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative with the goal of creating, attracting, and increasing access to good-paying jobs. The Initiative’s 10-year Economic Blueprint identified regional anchor sectors as being critical for supporting industry activities while providing quality jobs within local communities. These anchors include childcare, education and skilled workforce, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure. Valley Vision in the Capital Region has taken the lead in recruiting, organizing, and facilitating monthly meetings for statewide economic development and ECE experts to discuss strategies for reducing childcare-related barriers to accessing high-quality jobs.

Confirmed Panelists:

  • Emily McGowan, Director of Instructional Design, Lakeshore Learning Materials
  • Sheryl Shushan, Director of Global Family Services, Patagonia
  • Savannah Johnson, Director of Human Resources, March and Ash

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CZbYKBPlS3-NK_594HeCQw

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. 

Employer Panelists

Shannon Yourkvitch – Marshall Medical Center

Josh San Souci – Accenture

Hayley Figeroid – Clutch

John SanBorn – CalHR

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!

Register Here

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.

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 2025 Livability PollDownload

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.

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.

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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Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Los Rios Community College District

Sacramento Employment and Training Agency

Comcast

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)

MADE Studio

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce

Republic Services

The Sacramento Observer

City of Citrus Heights

Canon

Sutter Health

Ready To Partner?

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:

Valley Vision 2024 Impact ReportDownload

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.

WPT-Inclusive-Economy-Poll-Report-v4.29.24Download

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

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.

Farsi-Capital-Region-Community-Survey-2023Download

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.