Vision 1.x of an EMERALD CITY

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What is your perspective and vision for the greater Austin area?

What possbilities can we create for Austin as The Emerald City? 

What does this term Emerald City convey to you?  How would we define it?

This session would be an open dialogue from long-term residents, short-term residents, and non-residents [if we have some out of town folks].  As a a launch point, here is a personal perspective:

My vision and perspective have been shaped as an Austin resident over a 33 year period. My perspective has also been shaped by how I have chosen define and express my life as an: artist, poet, entrepreneur, business consultant, technologist, father, and active community participant.

The geographical area defined by the term "greater Austin area" is a confluence of topography, climate zones, cultures, artistic expression, organizational models, industries, and ideologies. It has a history characterized by rapid urbanization and yet has sustained a high degree of expressed individualism by its residents. It is a place of tremendous untapped possibility and potential.

Over the years, I have heard Austin described by: "high quality of life"; "keep Austin weird"; "technolopolis"; "entrepreneur friendly"; "highly educated population"; "one of the most wired cities"; "youthful population" and more.

It is my desire to contribute to manifesting greater Austin area as an Emerald City where all its citizens enjoy an ecosystem that fosters: economic equality, individualistic and artistic expression, innovation, cultural diversity, ideological diversity, communities of affinity, green technologies, humane architecture, and a love of the natural world.

Herein our geographical zone lies a meta possibility. It is the real possibility of manifesting a sustainable and vital ecosystem of humans, nature, culture, and industry. It is the possibility of a joyful place where the pursuit of happiness is available to everyone.

What is your perspective and vision for Austin?