Group calls for Northern Nevada regional planning

"Path to a regional vision" was the rallying cry Wednesday as the organization "One Region. One Vision." met to publicize its agenda of long-term planning for Northern Nevada development.

The evening meeting drew 31 community members and leaders - including mayoral candidates Tom Tatro and incumbent Ray Masayko - who talked about creating a multi-community plan for Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe development.

The group plans to take input from its more than 100 business, organization and resident members, and publish a report to be released in Reno in October.

"It's not going to be a static report," said Anne E. Cory, member of the health and human services subcommittee. She said the region is fragmented in its vision for the future of Northern Nevada as a whole.

"There has been lots of community planning efforts, but many of those efforts have failed," she said. "We don't have a clear identity."

The group claims to represent people who fear quality of life may suffer at the hands of "over-development, uncontrolled growth, lack of resources, and public safety, and the specter of local government that have yet to prove they possess the will or the skill to work together to tackle regional challengers," according to "One Region. One Vision." literature.

Participants were split into groups to discuss the goals for long-term development. Popular discussion points were environmental balance, quality of life and economic distribution.

"I like the sense of place that you get living in this community," said Carson City resident Joe McCarthy. "You can drive 15 minutes out of town and you are in one of the best areas of the world."

Organization member Brian Lahren said in a time of intense population and industrial growth, the group is helping "design a future that meets needs in a way that we will be more happy with.

"We've got to think how we can democratize and enfranchise people in the decision-making process," he said.

For more information on "One Region. One Vision." goals and membership visit www.OneRegion.com.

"One Region. One Vision." was started last year and includes Carson City Supervisor Robin Williamson as a member of the steering committee. The concept was developed by Washoe County community and business leaders. The steering committee is chaired by Reno Gazette-Journal Publisher Sue Clark-Johnson.