Published 1/5/2016
More than a year ago, a group of community leaders began talking about Lincoln’s vital signs, from its low unemployment and low crime rates to the high number of children in poverty – one in five. Then the forward thinking question of, “How can we make our city even better?” arose.
From this discussion, the group agreed that we needed to create a shared agenda for the community and an action plan that would guide our efforts to become an even more vibrant and equitable city. Hence, the Prosper Lincoln initiative began.
Since then we’ve been busy. The Prosper Lincoln Engagement Team invited hundreds of representatives from all sectors of our city –businesses, nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods, government, faith communities, philanthropies and individuals – to answer, “What should our community do to ensure youth are successful, our economy grows and our community is strong and vibrant?”
Input and feedback was gathered from as many community leaders and citizens as possible. As a result of the tireless efforts and dedication of our representatives and fellow Lincolnites, more than 2,100 ideas were gathered and synthesized by the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.
The Prosper Lincoln Steering Committee used the streamlined information to engage Work Groups in creating a community agenda that focuses on three key areas: early childhood, employment skills and innovation.
While we have made great strides in the creation of the community agenda – setting goals, objectives and action steps – we know there is still more work to do. It is great that Lincoln is full of people who, together with great intent, can create opportunities for everyone – reducing the opportunity gap – so that our community can truly prosper.
As we move forward, it is important to remember that no single institution or individual can achieve the ambitious agenda we have set for our community. It will take all of us working together and supporting each other to create a thriving community where people want to live, work and play.
Thank you to everyone who has already supported the work of Prosper Lincoln and to those who will join our efforts to Lift Lincoln Higher.
#ProsperLincoln Steering Committee