Opinion

It'll take bold thinking to ensure first-rate future

Establish Arizona as the center of the Nuevo American Economy! Improve Arizona public education to the point it will rank among the top 10 states in the nation by 2020? This is exactly the kind of bold thinking the Center for the Future of Arizona believes we must engage in if we are to shape the Arizona we wish to have for our children and grandchildren. That is why we distilled the recommendations from more than 50 reports by a significant array of organizations - from gubernatorial commissions and public policy institutes to the Arizona Town Hall - over the past 15 years to create a one-page "Vision for Arizona" that can serve as a guide to our collective thinking and action as we prepare for the future. The vision emerges naturally, falling into five distinct categories. 1. Opportunities for all Provide substantial and sustained support for talent of all ages and backgrounds through a top-quality educational system. Provide greater access to affordable housing, health care, child care, education and improved employment opportunities. 2. Quality of life Preserve and enhance Arizona's physical and cultural environment. Provide adequate services and infrastructure, and improve our quality of life as the state grows. 3. Knowledge-based economy Vigorously pursue a knowledge-based economy that is among the strongest and most successful in the nation, and is supported by a world-class education system and an entrepreneurial environment that generates significant venture capital investment. 4. Leadership Engage citizens and appropriate leadership, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop and implement long- and short-term, measurable strategies for action. 5. Investment Establish a tradition of public and private investment to accomplish and sustain the goals contained in this vision. Seventy public and private organizations have already endorsed this vision, and we encourage others to do likewise. Presenting this vision statement is only the first step in shaping a successful future. There must be collective action statewide if the vision is to truly make a difference. We urge organizations throughout the state to use the Vision for Arizona as a stimulus and a guide to their own visioning and goal setting, and to work with other organizations as they do so. Our center would be happy to assist in this process. We also propose that coalitions of groups and individuals around the state identify a limited number of bold initiatives such as the Nuevo American Economy and quality public education issues discussed above. We call these bold initiatives BHAGs, Big Hairy Audacious Goals, and we believe Arizona could benefit from the identification and pursuit of a few of these bold initiatives. The Center for the Future of Arizona is committed to working with statewide coalitions throughout Arizona to implement the vision. We also plan to provide regular updates, through our Web site and through public reports on statewide progress toward that goal. Contact Lattie F. Coor through www.ArizonaFuture.org