Coming together for the benefit of community, children

You have the power to shape the future. And your children need you to use it.

For generations, this region has been an incredible place to live, raise a family, earn a living and retire. That is what has attracted new residents, driving population growth. But that is changing; tomorrow’s growth will be mostly our own children and grandchildren.

With more growth being inevitable, you have to wonder if this place that many see as paradise will slip through our fingers.

Making ends meet is already a challenge for many families. Housing costs too much and jobs pay too little. Would you believe that New York City is more affordable than here?

Forty years from now, we’ll need more homes and more jobs for another 1.3 million people. That’s the current population of the city of San Diego. Imagine adding another large city to our population!

Tomorrow’s residents will be thirsty and need more water. They’ll have children and need more schools. They’ll have places to go and need efficient transportation. They’ll want to enjoy time with family and friends and need theaters, parks, ball fields, beaches and clean air.

With our leadership bogged down by short-term problems, taking the long view is up to people like you, me and our neighbors.

I am asking you to show your love for the San Diego region, join together with people from every part of our community and create a vision for the future. How? Through Our Greater San Diego Vision, a process to give everyone a powerful voice in shaping our region’s future.

What types of transportation, education, housing, jobs, recreational opportunities, cultural experiences and natural spaces do we need to guarantee for the future? Today, through Our Greater San Diego Vision, you can answer those questions and help ensure that the next generation inherits the best possible region.

Between now and the end of the year, tens of thousands of us will generate a vision for the next 25, 50 and even 100 years, driven by shared values and priorities. To get to tens of thousands, we need you! We need your family, your neighbors, your friends, your coworkers. We need everyone!

Lofty? Yes. Can we do it? Absolutely! With your help.

As one of the nearly 150 Our Greater San Diego Vision Ambassadors representing the entire region, I’m asking you to get involved. Share your voice in creating a better tomorrow.

Start at ShowYourLoveSD.org, where you can find our Facebook link, sign up for our newsletter, receive invitations to our public workshops and be notified when it’s time for public choosing.

Join the conversation today and make tomorrow better. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.

Reynoso is the president and CEO of the National City Chamber of Commerce and an “Our Greater San Diego Vision” ambassador.