The Second Annual Livability Summit
Valley Vision is gearing up for our second annual Livability Summit to be held October 30th at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. We are truly excited for another year of bringing our region together to focus on the key issues that matter for quality of life and the health and well-being of the people, communities, and our environment. The Livability Summit is two-fold for us: it is a wellness check for the region centered in data and lived experience and it is a collaboration conference that builds bridges across diverse groups and individuals and provides a time for connection and exchange – catalyzing action for Valley Vision and for others across the region. Together – these elements speak exactly to Valley Vision’s DNA: we build bridges across diverse groups to collaboratively bring about solutions to pressing challenges in the region.
We are particularly excited about the program this year with a dual focus on transformation and building economic equity in the region. We believe that transformation starts with a welcoming, diverse, inclusive, interactive environment. We create that space by setting a diverse table, creating an expectation of respect and safety, and inviting a wide array of views to be shared. In this context, there are some key program content areas that I want to highlight.
- We will unveil the findings of the 2023 Livability Poll – an annual public opinion poll that Valley Vision conducts in partnership with Sacramento State’s Institute for Social Research. This will ground the event with data straight from residents in our region about their experiences and perceptions of quality of life. Check out last year’s Livability Poll Report.
- We will have sessions looking at examples of transformation when it comes to both commercial corridors and neighborhoods – this will provide on the ground looks at what it takes to transform our built environment and mobilize community action for change.
- We will feature Judith Taylor, HR&A Advisors, as our keynote speaker. Judith will bring her extensive experience in inclusive economic development to provide a values-driven and practical approach to implementing transformational, yet achievable change.
- The focus on building economic equity will be centered on a transformative opportunity for our region – the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) Program. We will dive in together to imagine an economy that works for all.
- Finally, we have a new program element that I am excited about – a Lead from Any Seat panel. As our tagline says, “Your voice belongs, your voice makes change.” We will bring this to life by asking you, the audience members, to join the stage and share your lived experiences on key topics that matter in your life and community.
This event rests on the belief that a healthy civic culture requires care and feeding – we must create experiences that bring diverse people and perspectives together. Every person has a valuable contribution to bring and every voice matters when it comes to building livable communities. For this reason – we can’t wait to come together on October 30th to work together to advance transformative change that supports livable, equitable, and prosperous communities.
We can’t wait for the event, and we hope to see you there! Click here to register.
