major learnings

Our governance systems are “place-based”, with fixed geographic boundaries. At one time they were quite adequate. However, we are now faced with concerns that flow across the landscape and “over-top” these fixed lines. They include, e.g., air quality (and greenhouse gases), energy, freight movement, water, population and demographic change. These boundaries tend to be cloud-like, amorphous, and are often characterized as “sheds”.

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major learnings

In addressing these concerns, predictably, these silo-like governance structures will not change. Therefore, we must look to collaboration in order to successfully address these concerns. An example of this approach is the successful use of “habitat conservation plans” which:

• utilize “generic scoping processes” in support of horizontal and vertical collaboration among the affected constituencies of agencies and interests to address the concerns at hand; and,

• the flexibility and assurances of a large-scale, multi-agency/interest agreement.

As one observer of this process observed: it brings to light what is “hidden in plain sight”, allowing us to share a common base of knowledge, establish “common ground” and creatively solve the problems.

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major learnings

Energy is the common denominator. With sufficient energy, we can provide food, water and other support that will sustain us.

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major learnings

As demonstrated by our global supply chains, our information technology has allowed us to model and manage systems that transcend government boundaries and extend broadly through time and space. Such information systems are a critical strategic component for addressing these concerns.

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major learnings

At the same time, we need to appreciate that technological information systems supplement and do not replace the depth of human sensing and judgment. “Place” is an extremely important ordering function of our minds and thought processes. Also important are the senses of touch, sight and sound. It is extremely important in planning for and addressing these concerns that we further evolve and utilize both our information technology and our human sensibilities.

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major learnings

While China has focused on growing its infrastructure and knowledge base and keeping its personal income and the value of its currency low, we have focused on the consumption of houses, things and stuff. We now need to turn and focus on building our “capital” for future economic and environmental sustainability. This capital includes:

• infrastructure (transportation, energy, food, water); • education and health systems; • economic drivers (manufacturing, transportation and freight

movement); and,• the conservation of “place”: environment (habitat and open

space, agricultural lands, air quality and quality of life).

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major learnings

Within the region, there are three foci for the change anticipated by the strategic effort outlined above:

• Concentrated in-fill within all urbanized areas of the region;

• The urbanizing tier of the region, reaching from portionsof Orange County up through Western Riverside and San Bernardino Counties; and,

• The Southern California National Freight Gateway area (from the Ports through the Cajon Pass and Indio, to the California border).

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next steps

A report/book that further refines what we have learned.

Ideas that could be further explored:

a. Pilot for EEE (economic/environmental/socially equitable) sub-regional development/redevelopment clusters, perhaps focusing on the San Bernardino (east valley) sub-region;

b. Approaches to more efficiently address environmental concerns (e.g., generic scoping process; executive orders; multi-agency review processes; a more “common currency”; mitigation banks; etc.);

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next steps

Ideas that could be further explored:

c. Southern California National Freight Gateway Collaboration as an early, possibly national, pilot effort;

d. Reconvening to review progress; and,

e. Establishment of a regional facilitated dialogue process, perhaps staffed by the coalition of the assembled universities, SCAG and others.

Further understanding of the energy picture – the common denominator;

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next steps

Further exploration of approaches to funding and related institutions, e.g.:

a. Infrastructure bank(s); and,

b. User, fees, charges and taxes (etc.).

Further exploration and support for development of IT in support of regional planning and decision-making.

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