MAYORAL DISCUSSION

CHICAGO MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY has earned a national reputation for his innovative, community-based programs to address education, public safety, neighborhood development and other challenges facing American cities. Daley's focus on quality of life concerns has led to greater emphasis on the delivery of basic services, from removing graffiti and deteriorating buildings to creating more green space and a citywide recycling plan. Since he became mayor, the city has planted more than 500,000 trees, created 100 school campus parks, built 70 miles of landscaped street medians and spurred the construction of rooftop gardens on major buildings, including City Hall.

PHOENIX MAYOR PHIL GORDON serves as mayor of one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and is an avid supporter of building healthy, sustainable communities. Gordon's record to date is impressive with the Light Rail Transit project nearing completion, partnerships with Arizona State University Downtown and the University of Arizona Medical campus; two new downtown hotels; expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center and the passage of a $878 million bond.

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES

RICHARD H. CARMONA, M.D., M.P.H, FACS served as 17th Surgeon General of the United States 2002 to 2006. An internationally renowned health expert, Carmona has extensive experience in prevention, preparedness, health disparities, health literacy, global health and health diplomacy. During his tenure as Surgeon General, he issued many landmark communications that continue to have significant positive health impact in the United States and the world. Dr. Carmona has also served as a paramedic, registered nurse, physician's assistant, trauma surgeon, hospital and health system CEO, medical director of police and fire departments, and SWAT team leader. He is vice chairman of Canyon Ranch, president of the non-profit Canyon Ranch Institute and Distinguished Professor at the Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona.

STEVE CURWOOD is Host and Executive Producer of "Living on Earth" on National Public Radio. This award-winning weekly environmental news program is broadcast on over 260 stations nationwide and is heard in Pacific nations over the Armed Forces Radio Network. The president of the World Media Foundation, Inc., he is also a lecturer in Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard University. Prior to NPR, Curwood worked as a print and television journalist and is the recipient of a shared Pulitzer Prize for his work while at The Boston Globe.

WELLINGTON REITER is Dean of the College of Design at Arizona State University. In addition to his academic role at the University, Reiter is also responsible for shaping the future of the Downtown Phoenix campus and is orchestrating a new relationship with the city of Phoenix that unites academic and civic agendas and will be a model of first-rate urban design. Reiter's experience ranges from built works to museum installations and drawings. His renderings of speculative urban conditions are in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, and have been published widely throughout the U.S. and Europe.

RESOURCE AREA SPOTLIGHTS LOCAL INITIATIVES: Valley Forward's Resource Area will spotlight innovative solutions to environmental concerns and sustainability issues.

MENTORING FUTURE STEWARDS: Valley Forward is proud to once again partner with the 2008 Future City Competition for 7th and 8th grade students throughout Maricopa County. Award winning entries will be featured at the Summit.

ABOUT VALLEY FORWARD: Valley Forward Association is a 39-year-old organization that brings business and civic leaders together to advocate a balance between economic development and environmental quality. It offers a unique forum for convening public dialogue, study and advocacy of such issues as air quality, energy, land use planning, transportation and water management. The Association's basic agenda is sustainability and livability aimed at keeping our rapidly growing region competitive in the new economy.

CONTACT:

Valley Forward Association
3800 N. Central Avenue, Suite 220
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 240-2408 Fax: (602) 240-2407
E-mail: info@valleyforward.org