The Interstate 5 of the future, high speed rail promises to reshape transportation in the Central Valley, in effect bringing us closer to the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Healthy agriculture can mean thriving communities, better health and well-being for Californians and a healthier state and world. However, it will take a vision that addresses the "working" landscape - keeping it working to steward natural resources, improve economics in rural communities, provide healthy food, and be a tool to address climate change.

Transformation of nonprofit operations and services will continue. Technological advances will allow organizations to interact with clients and funders in new ways, sometimes altering the way services are delivered, and increase access to information.

Scenarios are stories which project current conditions, facts and perceptions onto future times in an ‘if . . . then’ construct. Stories can be inspiring and make a compelling case for communities, organizations and individuals to alter behavior and incentives.

Looking for a campsite for this weekend? A major park expansion in the Central Valley is planned to help address over crowding and over use in neighboring areas. Parallel actions by state, federal and regional agencies are in motion to expand the public landscape.

Renewable energy sources are diverse and available in the Great Valley. We can overcome the barriers and provide secure, non-polluting and economical sources for 33 percent of our power in 2020.

As technology advances and the globalization of businesses continues, what will the Valley need to do to compete? As leaders and workers, what should we do to improve out communities and ourselves?

Over the past 20 years, technology has done a great deal to help clean pollutants and micro-particles out of our Valley air. Public opinion, and public health, demand that more be done.

Through a facilitated process, a panel of key stakeholders assembles to develop a collaborative research agenda that can produce the knowledge necessary to assess and improve regional planning efforts such as that required under SB 375 and the regional Blueprints. The outcome will address immediate and longer-term research on regional planning in California, preliminary partnerships and funding plans to support this work. Join this discussion as experts explore what we need to know.

Scenario planning for the next four decades will provide a rode map for future generations. Come learn about blueprints and how decisions made today will affect generations to come.

Energy from self-renewing, non-fossil sources, provides hope in the counter attack on global warming and dirty air. Capital funding can bring the best ideas to the market place.

The arts play a major role in California Valley culture, but it seems that even in the best economic times, the arts struggle for funding. Advocates paint a compelling picture of the funding needed for a sustainable arts community in the Valley.

Intrigue, metaphor, passion, making the world better one family at a time: The subjects for our stories resonate down the highway and the byways that meander east and west off highways 99 and I5. Central Valley authors share excerpts of their current titles and give a glimpse into what they might offer in the future.

Korea, Cozumel, Kenya, Kentucky: "Where are you from?" is the perfect Central Valley conversation starter. Whether from other parts of California, the US or elsewhere in the world, we are truly a Valley of immigrants. Different economic stresses or opportunities have encouraged diverse groups to settle here. Who will come here in the next ten years?

The session resumes with the second of two segments.

Six San Joaquin Valley communities are part of a 10 year longitudinal study being conducted for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley on progress on certain indicators and general community well-being. Those conducting the study report on findings to date. The study is in its third year and continues through 2016.

Technology can be used to improve economic, educational, social and cultural opportunities. In this lively discussion participants will learn about information that communities can use to overcome the digital divide.

How will the Valley move its products and produce in 10 years? Infrastructure, fuel, air quality requirements will all play a role in the movement of goods over the next decade.

Siting and staffing local health care facilities are important if we want access to care where and when we need it.

Nutritious, accessible, sustainably grown, healthy food for all Valley residents - what can each of us do to get there?

In the mid-2000’s, parts of the Central Valley experienced a meteoric rise in home values. Now those same parts are among the most impacted nationally by falling home values and the foreclosure crisis. How will this crisis play out in ten years? What are the long-term impacts? Who will benefit?

Business leaders, economists and public officials across the San Joaquin are increasingly convinced that effective pre-kindergarten and a smart investment in our valley's future. Effective preschool strengthens our economy and builds a quality workforce. Roll-out of a report on the Packard Foundation's San Joaquin Valley preschool outreach efforts will be distributed.

How will ten years in California change recent immigrants? How will life in the Valley change them? What assets will they bring to our lives?

Water becomes a more precious resource everyday. Advances in technology and changes in thinking will make water delivery more efficient.

Snow, rain, heat and the threat of drought are key questions when considering water policy. Whatever the weather, the next ten years will bring increased demand from urban and rural users.

The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32 of 2006) requires that Californians cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Can we get there?

Merced County, UC and consulting planners share UC Merced lessons-learned and cooperative strategies that can help jumpstart your 2020 sustainability planning.

With the tremendous pressures put upon our young people today, what leadership prospects are going to be available to at-risk and rural youth? Discussion of new and novel youth leadership programs for the year 2020.

The Valley has changed its land use patterns since 2010 and with denser growth patterns has saved money on roads and infrastructure, preserved ag lands, improved lifestyles and reduced pollution.

Last chance for networking.
Get a soda and snack for the road.