A number of jurisdictions and organizations from the Grand Valley have come together to guide a community-based vision process for the future. Partners in this effort include the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, Mesa State College, School District 51, the Grand Junction and Palisade Chambers of Commerce, and representatives from Fruita and other communities. In announcing the project, Brian Mahoney, chair of Valley Vision 20/20, said that the effort is born out of a shared concern for the Grand Valley's future and is aimed at producing a common unified vision of what the Grand Valley community can become. "We are all in this together," said Mahoney, "and it is essential that broad-based citizen issues are reflected and addressed through this process."

The entire Vision 20/20 document is available as a PDF file.

Valley Vision 20/20 has hired James Kent Associates of Basalt, Colorado to conduct the visioning process, which is expected to take about six months. Beginning in March 2001, its team will be in the communities of Palisade, Fruitvale, Clifton, Fruita, and the neighborhoods of Grand Junction, talking to residents about their experiences in the Grand Valley and ideas they have for creating a better future. From informal discussions throughout the valley, the process will build to neighborhood chat sessions, village workshops, and valley-wide gatherings to confirm results. The visioning process is based on face-to-face contact with citizens, organizations, and governments of the Grand Valley.

"A vision built in this manner ensures that the twin aims of economic development and quality of life can be realized," said Denise Mytty, project coordinator. "Citizens directly guide this process and build the final product. It is important to have a future that all residents can claim as theirs."

It is anticipated that the vision statement will be utilized in the policies and plans of the various governmental entities, foster their greater coordination, and provide focus for individuals, families, and organizations in achieving a sustainable future.

For more information, contact Denise Mytty or Luis Ibanez at 970-241-5825.