2. major learnings
Our governance systems are “place-based”, with fixed
1 geographic boundaries. At one time they were quite
adequate. However, we are now faced with concerns that
flow across the landscape and “over-top” these fixed lines.
They include, e.g., air quality (and greenhouse gases),
energy, freight movement, water, population and
demographic change. These boundaries tend to be cloud-
like, amorphous, and are often characterized as “sheds”.

3. major learnings
In addressing these concerns, predictably, these silo-like
2 governance structures will not change. Therefore, we must
look to collaboration in order to successfully address these
concerns. An example of this approach is the successful use of
“habitat conservation plans” which:
• utilize “generic scoping processes” in support of horizontal and vertical
collaboration among the affected constituencies of agencies and interests to
address the concerns at hand; and,
• the flexibility and assurances of a large-scale, multi-agency/interest agreement.
As one observer of this process observed: it brings to light
what is “hidden in plain sight”, allowing us to share a common
base of knowledge, establish “common ground” and creatively
solve the problems.

4. major learnings
Energy is the common denominator. With sufficient energy,
3 we can provide food, water and other support that will
sustain us.

5. major learnings
As demonstrated by our global supply chains, our information
4 technology has allowed us to model and manage systems that
transcend government boundaries and extend broadly
through time and space. Such information systems are a
critical strategic component for addressing these concerns.

6. major learnings
At the same time, we need to appreciate that technological
5 information systems supplement and do not replace the
depth of human sensing and judgment. “Place” is an
extremely important ordering function of our minds and
thought processes. Also important are the senses of touch,
sight and sound. It is extremely important in planning for
and addressing these concerns that we further evolve and
utilize both our information technology and our human
sensibilities.

7. major learnings
While China has focused on growing its infrastructure and
6 knowledge base and keeping its personal income and the
value of its currency low, we have focused on the
consumption of houses, things and stuff. We now need to
turn and focus on building our “capital” for future economic
and environmental sustainability. This capital includes:
• infrastructure (transportation, energy, food, water);
• education and health systems;
• economic drivers (manufacturing, transportation and freight
movement); and,
• the conservation of “place”: environment (habitat and open
space, agricultural lands, air quality and quality of life).

8. major learnings
Within the region, there are three foci for the change
7 anticipated by the strategic effort outlined above:
• Concentrated in-fill within all urbanized areas of the
region;
• The urbanizing tier of the region, reaching from portions
of Orange County up through Western Riverside and San
Bernardino Counties; and,
• The Southern California National Freight Gateway area
(from the Ports through the Cajon Pass and Indio, to the
California border).

10. next steps
A report/book that further refines what we have
1 learned.
Ideas that could be further explored:
2
a. Pilot for EEE (economic/environmental/socially equitable)
sub-regional development/redevelopment clusters, perhaps
focusing on the San Bernardino (east valley) sub-region;
b. Approaches to more efficiently address environmental
concerns (e.g., generic scoping process; executive orders;
multi-agency review processes; a more “common currency”;
mitigation banks; etc.);

11. next steps
Ideas that could be further explored:
2
c. Southern California National Freight Gateway Collaboration
as an early, possibly national, pilot effort;
d. Reconvening to review progress; and,
e. Establishment of a regional facilitated dialogue process,
perhaps staffed by the coalition of the assembled
universities, SCAG and others.
Further understanding of the energy picture – the
3 common denominator;

12. next steps
Further exploration of approaches to funding and
4 related institutions, e.g.:
a. Infrastructure bank(s); and,
b. User, fees, charges and taxes (etc.).
Further exploration and support for development of
5 IT in support of regional planning and decision-
making.