Agenda 360, the strategic action plan, has been named as one of five finalists for the Alliance for Regional Stewardship's (ARS) 2009 Organizational Championship Awards.

The award is presented to regions that have demonstrated progress in at least one of the four principles of regional stewardship: innovative economy, livable communities, social inclusion and a collaborative style of governance.

Unveiled in February, Agenda 360 is designed as a framework for transforming the metropolitan area into a leading region for talent, jobs, and opportunity by 2020.

The core of the plan includes the addition of 150,000 people ages 20 to 34 to the region's workforce, the addition of 200,000 net new jobs, and the elevation of incomes to a minimum of 250 percent above the federal poverty level for all households.

"It's an honor for Agenda 360 to be recognized as a national finalist for the Champion award," said Myrita Craig, executive director of Agenda 360. "This honor validates the outstanding work of our regional volunteer team and the comprehensive nature of the process. The real celebration, however, is reflected in the progress that our region is making implementing the plan."

Additional nominees for the ARS Organizational Champion Award include the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for the Live United this Winter program, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce for the Climate Protection Partnership, Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance for High School Inc., and MyRegion.org for its regional leadership organization in Central Florida.

The winner will be announced on July 29 at the ARS Regional Strategies Forum in Raleigh, N.C.

Previous reading on BC:
Agenda 360 in OTR tonight (2/7/08)