The Heartland 2060 Regional Vision will guide our region’s future.

Through a collaborative and creative process, we will develop a regional blueprint to guide our growth and development over the next 50 years. We will establish priorities for protecting and enhancing conservation areas, natural resources, recreational areas, and open spaces; enhancing regional education and healthcare opportunities; guiding transportation and infrastructure investment and planning future land use; and building healthy communities through economic development.

Residents will be able to actively participate in envisioning the future of the Heartland.The Central Florida Regional Planning Council will convene, develop, and implement the Heartland 2060 vision, in association with community and business leaders and local and state leaders.  This multi-year effort will result in a vision statement expressing common values, a regional future growth plan, and an action plan to address regional priorities.

1) To ensure the best possible future for our children and retain our communities’ values and independence
2) To protect our water supply, critical ecosystems, recreational areas, and open spaces for future generations
3) To determine economic opportunities that will provide quality jobs and meet the needs of all residents
4) To determine educational advantages that are needed to ensure our economic strength and our children’s future
5) To plan for transportation infrastructure to allow residents the mobility and choices to link regional centers and connect to other areas
6) To plan for growth in the Heartland
7) To determine private initiatives and government investments that are required to achieve our vision for the future

Stewardship of natural resurces:

We desire to be responsible stewards by protecting and enhancing our open spaces, conservation lands, and recreational areas so that these regional assets may be enjoyed by future generations

Our water resources:

We will ensure that fresh water remains available for the region’s immediate needs and future growth by reducing our reliance on groundwater and planning for alternative water sources.

Future for our children:

We will expand educational and economic opportunities so that each successive generation may live in the region, because great schools, jobs, and opportunities are available. Educational opportunities are vital for advancement of adult residents and the region’s youth. Economic opportunities include the chance to grow our small businesses, diversify our economy, and provide self-sufficient jobs with benefits

Our communities:

We appreciate that the strength of our communities and values is linked to our physical surroundings and we will maintain those connections. Our accessible communities provide urban amenities while preserving rural lifestyles. Heartland communities embody family, ethicla, moral, and faith-based values, and our residents honor fairness, honesty, and sincerity, while continuing to display hard work and entrepreneurship

Sustainable growth:

We will anticipate development and grow in a sustainable manner that is appropriate for our region and that reinforces the spirit of the Heartland. We will engage in growth leadership so that new development sustains the Heartland’s values.

1) Residents will come together and participate in interactive workshops to imagine future growth possibilities
2) Civic, business, and government leaders will dedicate time to confront regional challenges with innovative solutions
3) Population, economic, and land use forecasts will be developed to depict alternative paths the region may pursue
4) Governments at all levels will work together with business and civic leaders to adopt and implement policies