In today's front-page story by Tim Sheehan on the dramatic population growth taking place in the Valley, Richard Cummings, director of research and communication for the Great Valley Center, asks the $64 question:

"Will this increased population translate into increased political participation statewide, or better-paying jobs?" Cummings asked. "How do we make sure the education system prepares the young people here in the Valley to be entrepreneurs, taxpayers and productive members of society?"

"If we're successful," he added, "we'll be able to create a region that attracts and retains highly educated people, and that's critical to quality of life."

We can use the growth to leverage a better life for Valley residents, but it will take political will and economic commitment on a regional basis. Is it there?

Posted by Russ Minick at 10:51 AM | Permalink

SustainLane, a nonpartisdan online site promoting healthy and sustainable living, reported earlier this month on a survey of America's 50 most populous cities. The group measures the self-sufficiency of cities' economies, as well as their quality of life and their ability to create livable conditions in a fashion that can be maintained from generation to generation.

Fresno came in at No. 33, as The Bee reported June 1. We lost big points for bad air quality and poor public transit. The study also wondered aloud why there are so few farmers' markets in an area dominated by the nation's most productive agriculture. And it noted the irony of a city so close to majestic natural wonders that has so little park space of its own. See the full report here.

Posted by Russ Minick at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)