Valley Forum: What Is Your Own Vision 2020? “Vision 2020: The San Fernando Valley” is a project recently completed by the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley with the intention of creating a unified and viable vision for the community over the next two decades. But everybody has their own ideas of what the Valley should be like in the future. So, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal asks: What change would you like to see in the San Fernando Valley over the next 20 years? Cathy Maguire Public Affairs Manager The Gas Company Chatsworth I would like to see the vision implemented in its entirety. You can’t institute and focus on one area to come up with the complete vision for the Valley without covering all areas. It’s like putting the pieces of a puzzle together to come up with the big picture. We need to continue for both the business community and residents to work together to obtain the objectives of the plan. Joe Hooven President Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce North Hollywood The biggest problem facing the San Fernando Valley is the tremendous increase expected in the population. The population is expected to increase by 40 percent in the next 20 years. Transportation is key. Light rail and subway need to be fully explored. Also freeway use and access. More schools will be needed, and city services, especially police, fire, and parks, will need to be greatly expanded. An increase in affordable housing is extremely important. A healthy business climate is essential. Business is the economic engine that pays for so many of the services that we enjoy. A business climate that works for the entrepreneur is paramount. Richard Leyner Senior Vice President NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. Encino As I’m an advocate for Valley independence, believing in the separation from the city of Los Angeles, this will be the springboard for the implementation of the vision. With new ideas from new leaders implemented by the business community, we will attain this vision and not be stymied by the retrogressive ideas on government and its role. Bob Pearlman Partner, Technology Industry Practice Grant Thornton LLP Woodland Hills I envision a variety of things Vision 2020 calls for, including better public transportation, less congested freeways, clean and safe public parks, more efficient and effective public education and a higher level of safety than we have now. Implementing these changes will be challenging, but will create a more positive community in which to live and work.