Launch of 18-month "Blueprint Planning Process" brings together citizens and leaders from state's fastest growing region

Fresno Convention Center, 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., Wednesday June 28th FRESNO (June 1, 2006) - By 2050, the San Joaquin Valley's population is expected to grow by 139% - the equivalent of ten new Fresnos. How that growth could affect the people of the San Joaquin Valley in the future will be the subject of a first of its kind summit focused on developing regional transportation and land use strategies for the San Joaquin Valley region.

Slated for June 28th at the Fresno Convention Center, the all day event marks the public launch of the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process, a joint  ffort by the councils of governments from Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties to cooperatively plan for the future of California's fastest growing region. Speakers include leaders from government, agriculture, education, business, architecture and transportation. Residents throughout the eight-county area are encouraged to attend.

After the Blueprint Summit and through December 2007, planners in each county will begin an intense local public involvement effort. The final Blueprint project product will include a visual representation of a "Regional San Joaquin Valley Preferred Scenario" that will express goals for regional collaborative planning, economic development, efficient land use patterns, transportation infrastructure, and environmental planning. Funding for the Blueprint Project is provided by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the California Department of Transportation's California Regional Blueprint Planning Program under the direction of the California Department of Business, Transportation and Housing.

Registration is $30 and includes lunch. Scholarships are available for those who work or volunteer for community-based organizations. For scheduling or registration, contact Jami Westervelt by phone at (209) 522-5103, or by e-mail at jami@greatvalley.org or register online at www.valleyblueprint.org.

The San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Planning Process is a joint initiative of the Council of Fresno Governments, the Kern Council of Governments, the Kings County Council of Governments, Madera County Transportation Commission, the Merced County Association of Governments, San Joaquin Council of Governments, Stanislaus Council of Governments, the Tulare County Association of Governments and the Great Valley Center.