The leadership committee of Thrive 2055 is announcing a call to action of key priorities for the tri-state 40-year regional planning initiative. The public is being asked to visit Thrive 2055’s website to fill out a survey which will help determine if the call to action accurately reflects the issues of most impact to our ability to thrive as a region.
“Over the past year, Thrive 2055 leaders have traveled over 3,500 miles across 79 towns and 16 counties to directly talk to 3,200 individuals thus far,” said Bridgett Massengill, project manager of Thrive 2055. “Additionally, nearly 300 volunteers have dedicated their time in committee activities researching issues they deal with on a daily basis to assist in shaping the proposed priorities for our region.”
The first year of Thrive 2055’s three-year planning process encompassed three major steps. First, identifying that which contributes to the regional vitality based upon multiple input opportunities from the residents and workers in the region; second, analyzing forces and trends shaping the region; and third, gaining an understanding of the region’s existing performance in areas such as education, workforce development, economic competitiveness, natural environment, health and wellness, transportation and infrastructure. The outcome reports of all three steps are posted online at www.thrive2055.com.
“Before we move into the next planning phase, we want to be certain we are focusing our efforts in the right place,” said Brian Anderson, chairman of Thrive 2055’s coordinating committee. “We want to know, did we get it right? Are we accurately reflecting our region’s values and are these the areas in which we can have the greatest influence to promote positive change for our region?”
The brief survey, which includes the proposed priorities, principles and values can be found at www.thrive2055.com.
Thrive 2055 is a public-private planning initiative for the tri-state region of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Counties included in the region are, in Alabama: Jackson and DeKalb; in Georgia: Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Murray and Whitfield; and in Tennessee: Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie.