About the same time as the Lane County Moving Forward Together conference, the somewhat analogous 2008 Regional Livability Summit was held in Portland. Read what the co-directors had to say about that event and possible next steps.

“If people thrive, in the way we should thrive, we should be able to do that in a way that the planet thrives”¦ but yet we’ve created this narrow view of sustainability that actually excludes people from the equation. The trick is now to figure out the entry points that get working together, building our infrastructure in communities so that we can start working on this collectively across race, but without ignoring the salience of race.”
— Maya Wiley from the 2008 Regional Livability Summit

The 2008 Regional Livability Summit was an inspiring, insightful, fabulous success. More than 300 leaders from across the metropolitan region gathered for the day to build relationships, learn from one another, discuss policy and strategy, and broaden understanding around how to advance equity as part of our region’s sustainability agenda. Highlights from the Summit, some of the presentations shared that day, a proceedings report, and more can be found online here.

What’s next?

We’re using the results gathered from the Summit breakouts and caucuses, as well as the community outreach process that led up to the Summit, to prepare the Regional Equity Action Agenda. The agenda will contain recommendations—specific public policy changes, investment strategies, public education strategies and more—for expanding opportunity in our communities. And, just like we needed your help in creating the agenda, we’ll need your help in moving it forward. Over the next couple of months, we’ll be in touch about getting involved in this effort. So, please stay tuned.

In the meantime, keep sharing your ideas online through our feedback forums at www.equityatlas.org, and send us notices about regional equity events, news, reports and more to post on our Regional Equity Listserve (To join the Regional Equity Listserve click here and look for the sign-up form on the lower left hand column).

The Summit may be over, but the hard work of advancing equity in our communities continues. It is an honor to share this work with all of you.

Thank you,
Jill Fuglister and Ron Carley, Co-Directors

P.S. In the next six months, the Coalition for a Livable Future is working to create a stable foundation for the Regional Equity Atlas Project, upon which CLF will help build a movement for equitable development. This foundation will solidify the Atlas and CLF’s role in making equity, equality, and opportunity for all a reality in our region. If you value the work of the Coalition and projects such as the Regional Equity Atlas and our annual Livability Summit please join us in this effort and consider supporting us by becoming a member or offering a donation in support of this important effort. Thank you!

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