The committee’s findings for Rio Verde’s Vision 2035 long-range planning effort were presented to residents in an open meeting on Tuesday, March 26.
Co-Chair for the effort, Barbara Baker, lauded the community effort involving five separate work groups focusing on different aspects of community living. Baker noted there were nearly 700 respondents to a community survey, 50 individuals participated in focus groups with 21 involved with work group observations.
Baker introduced Michelle Mace, founder of M3B consultancy who participated in the development and analysis of the survey results. Mace said her efforts were to help identify who chooses Rio Verde, what are their values and lifestyle and what are the feeder markets for the community.
Residents are collaborative, inclusive and independent thinkers, according to Mace. They participate in governance through voting and volunteerism. Rio Verde residents have an active lifestyle, and the natural setting of the community is the number one attraction for them. Community amenities and culture are close behind in bringing residents to the community.
Protection of that natural environment is a key to the issues important to Rio Verde residents. Mace cited survey results showing water quality, traffic and wildfire as concerns for residents. One resident is quoted by Mace as saying, “our physical separation from the city is valuable isolation, and it is important to protect that cocoon.”
A panel discussion by leaders of the five workgroups followed Mace’s description of the survey results.
Lisa Teraji led the infrastructure group and reported that technology is important to residents and should be a focus for the future. Teraji noted that by 2035 the entirety of Generation X will be 55 and older, describing future residents of the community with a lifestyle that relies on technology.
Teraji also talked about sustainability – meeting the needs of the present and preserving the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs.
The Vision 2035 effort presented the core principles of community values including a community of fellowship, respect for others, the Rio Verde experience, continual improvement and sustainability.
“The overall Rio Verde experience enriches each of us,” the principles state. “It is at the core of living life imagined. Focusing on providing satisfying experiences to members and visitors. Offering learning opportunities, amenities and activities for an active lifestyle and overall well-being.”
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