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Show Overview The San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process seeks to address the challenges and opportunities facing the San Joaquin Valley within the next 40 to 50 years, taking into account the considerable growth that has taken place in the region and is forecast to continue and expand. City and town council members and supervisors from the eight San Joaquin Counties make the ultimate land use decisions for the region, and their participation in the Blueprint process will make the difference as to whether the recommendations which result from the Blueprint planning process will be implemented in the future. This forum updated elected offi cials and planning managers on the Blueprint process to date, and legislation proposed that could reward regions with regional land use and transportation plans. The Forum On April 25, 2008 at Grand Occasions in Fresno, local elected offi cials from all eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley came together for the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process Executive Forum. The forum provided elected offi cials with an update on the regional progress, an opportunity to gather information, and the opportunity to share concerns and seek answers to questions they face from the community. The event was a rare opportunity for policy makers to engage in a full discussion about some of the most critical issues in the San Joaquin Valley and to share their visions of the future for the region. The forum was open for the public to attend, though staff members and the general public were seated separately from elected offi cials. The format used encouraged direct participation between elected offi cials, as these leaders will cast the votes that determine the region's futue. The agenda for the day provided elected offi cials with an understanding about the need for the blueprint planning processes and the continued importance that such long-term planning efforts will and should play to the future of the San Joaquin Valley. 1 |
