It’s not enough to be among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. In order for our region to reach its full potential, Greater Phoenix must also be among the most livable places in the nation.

Why≠ Because our leadership has committed to an economic development strategy that embraces cutting-edge science and technology, and in order to compete effectively in this arena, we must offer a living environment comparable or superior to the most appealing cities in the country. We must achieve a balance between economic development and environmental quality.

That means we must find ways to sustain growth into the future without overwhelming our natural resources — air, water, open space and desert vistas. It also means that we must create livable communities and neighborhoods, all of which are primary goals for Valley Forward Association.

Sustainability and livability to keep our region competitive in the new economy is Valley Forward’s two-part agenda. Our membership is uniquely positioned for the task. We represent a diverse mix of large and small companies, as well as various jurisdictions of government, working collaboratively. Together, we are facilitating public education and awareness of innovative technologies, sustainable development, resource conservation and environmental initiatives.

Valley Forward will take the process a step further by presenting a day-long event on April 13 designed to achieve consensus around tangible public policy options and recommendations, with a list of priorities and follow-up discussion that needs to take place.

Valley Forward’s Livability Summit will examine challenges and potential solutions facing communities in Maricopa County as they deal with exploding growth and its impact on natural resources and quality of life.

The summit will take place from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., April 13, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza & Convention Center. It is open to the public for $130 per person, inclusive of breakfast and lunch, and featuring a full slate of nationally recognized experts on smart growth and an Exhibit Hall showcasing more than 50 displays on water management, open space initiatives, transportation and energy alternatives plus more.

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon will deliver opening remarks. He will be followed by a morning keynote address by Amory Lovins, chief executive officer of the Rocky Mountain Institute in Snowmass, Colo., on how to foster the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous and life-sustaining.

Nationally syndicated columnist Neal Peirce, chairman of The Citistates Group and an expert on metropolitan regions, will deliver the afternoon keynote. He will comment on his 1987 Citistates Reports on Greater Phoenix and how he thinks we are performing today.

Following each of the keynote presentations, a panel of local experts will discuss livability problems and solutions specific to the Valley. Rob Melnick, director of the Morrison Institute for Public Policy and executive vice president for Economic Affairs at Arizona State University, will moderate the panel.

Featured panelists include: Neil Giuliano, former mayor of Tempe and president and chief executive officer of Valley Achievement; Rita Maguire, president and chief executive officer of ThinkAZ; and Luther Propst, executive director of the Sonoran Institute.

Topics to be addressed are the integration of transportation, air, water and land use; water management and conservation issues; and how land use patterns enhance livability.

Now in its 36th year of operation, Valley Forward is committed to advancing a work program on how to grow smarter. For more information or to reserve seating at Valley Forward’s Livability Summit call (602) 240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.—

Diane Brossart is president of Valley Forward Association