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Regional cooperation is citizens, governments and/or business people working across traditional political, city or county boundaries for the common good.
Due in large part to the work of Region 2020 and its partners, there has been a fundamental change in the conversation regarding regionalism, and how we approach issues. Decision-makers in both the public and private sectors, recognize that working in a larger geographic area translates to additional human resources, bringing a more broad-based expertise to local issues.
We are now much more likely, for instance, to see mayors or county commissioners calling one another to discuss local plans and develop joint initiatives. They recognize the value of shared experiences and resources, and are adopting the notion that they are parts of a much larger and interconnected puzzle.
Groups and individuals are talking with each other, fostering coordination of projects and resources and successful outcomes. They are maximizing their ability to make significant change and working together effectively.
In the 2002 book, “Wealth of Regions and the Challenges of Cities,” Henry G. Cisneros and Marc A. Weiss write that:
“… the future health of urban communities depends on regional thinking and action. We must act regionally because businesses do. When they make decisions, to locate or expand a facility, they look at the entire metropolitan area – its transportation and infrastructure, its workforce, its educational and cultural institutions, its environment and amenities and its existing industry networks. We must act regionally because workers and consumers do. People who commute to work and shop increasingly do so throughout their metropolitan regions. We must act regionally because all of our major institutions do. Universities, hospitals, museums, sports teams, media, performing arts groups, conventions centers, churches and synagogues, labor unions, civic groups, foundations and charities – all serve a metropolitan population rather than hiding behind neighborhood walls.”
Cisneros and Weiss go on to say that regionalism and building healthy communities is not about building another level of government, but about building relationships.
“The key to developing new strategies for dealing with the challenges that face our communities is to get people talking about working across boundary lines that traditionally divide and diminish a community. … Relationship building is the key to breaking political gridlock and being able to take action in the public interest.”
Region 2020 and other broad-based organizations such as area Regional Planning Commissions, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Auburn Center for Architecture and Urban Studies, the United Way of Central Alabama, and The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, are constantly looking at the big picture – searching for ways to collaborate and develop plans to help local communities.
The private sector also has donated significant time and resources to the Region 2020 effort, recognizing the value of a thriving region – a place where communities grow, businesses thrive and families enjoy our natural resources and one another.
But it truly is up to individuals to step up to the plate and take
responsibility for making change… Region 2020 believes strongly
that each person can make a difference. And working together, we will
achieve our vision for the region.
