Many voices.

One vision.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Citrus Heights Event Center
6300 Fountain Square Drive Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Valley Vision is Thrilled to Host the Livability Summit on October 1, 2025.

The Livability Summit is Valley Vision's annual collaborative conference for advancing equity, sustainability, and prosperity. Each year, the Summit brings together a diverse cross-section of community members and regional leaders to learn, engage, and act on issues that matter most in our region.  In 2025, we are proud to partner with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) to align Summit content with the 2025 Blueprint for regional growth. Grounded in Valley Vision’s data-driven Livability Poll and fueled by lived experience, the Summit features thought-provoking presentations, panel conversations, and small-group dialogues that examine the state of our region’s livability. This year, we will also focus on transportation and land use for the next 20+ years through the launch of SACOG’s 2025 Blueprint.

At the Livability Summit, participants will explore the issues that matter most, build alignment around shared priorities, and identify clear, actionable steps to create lasting impact. Whether you're a policymaker, community advocate, business leader, or resident, the Livability Summit is your opportunity to be part of a growing movement toward a healthier, more inclusive, and more livable region for all.

Meet our 2025 Speakers!

Summit Highlights

Exclusive Look: New polling data on the priorities of regional residents.

Capital Caucus Conversation: Hear from members of our region’s legislative delegation.

Radical Collaboration: Katie McCleary on activating “The Third Way” to solve complex challenges.

The 2025 Blueprint: Learn about the region’s long-range plan and how the built environment impacts quality of life.

Interactive Breakout Workshops: Explore topics including federal policy changes, growing quality jobs, climate resilience, housing, and more.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, partners, and neighbors from across the region.

Share your voice

Breakout Sessions: A First for the Summit

For the first time, the Livability Summit will feature breakout sessions that give participants the chance to dive deeper into the issues that matter most. These interactive sessions are designed to spark dialogue, share insights, and build alignment around regional priorities — from housing and climate resilience to workforce pathways and federal policy shifts. Attendees can select the conversations most relevant to their work and interests, connect directly with leaders and peers, and return with actionable ideas to enhance their own efforts and communities.

  • A good job can transform a life, but getting it right takes intention and strategy. This session will highlight successful initiatives that have connected community members to quality jobs, and explore what made those efforts work including the importance of aligning with regional sector strategies, early and sustained employer engagement, and intentional collaboration.

    • Willy Duncan, Superintendent/President, Sierra Community College District

    • Scott Olsen, Director, Human Resources and Administration, Robert Bosch Semiconductor

    • Chris Tillery, Training Director, Sacramento Electrical Training Academy IBEW JATC 340

    • Kimberly Menzel, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente

  • The Federal Administration has made significant policy changes in 2025 that impact our region’s residents. Learn more from multisectoral partners as we discuss their response to funding cuts, immigration policies, and opportunities for radical collaboration to support our diverse communities over the next several years.

  • The community helped define the plan to transform a 50-year-old failing mall into a 21st-century vibrant “Main Street” which will be a premier regional destination and flourishing center of community life where residents and visitors can shop, live, work, and play. Hear from the Citrus Heights planners about how the plan came together and what’s next.

    • Kacey Lizon, Deputy Executive Director of Planning & Programs, SACOG

    • Meghan Huber, Economic Development and Community Engagement Director, City of Citrus Heights

    • Casey Kempenaar, Community Development Director, City of Citrus Heights

  • This session explores how climate change intersects with every aspect of our lives, from the economy and housing to public health, infrastructure, and natural systems.  In this breakout session, speakers will discuss how the region is deploying innovative strategies to adapt to the increased frequency and intensity of natural hazards. Attendees will leave with an understanding of climate impacts in the Capital Region and how investing in climate action improves the economy, public health, and quality of life for all residents.

    • Nailah Pope-Harden, Deputy Director, Equity and Tribal Affairs, Caltrans

    • Gary Bardini, P.E., Director of Planning, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency

    • Ryan Ojakian, Government Affairs Manager, Regional Water Authority

    • Katren Tyler, MD, FACEP, Health Sciences Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis Health

    • Kyle Tyson, Associate Environmental Planner, Climate & Flood Resilience Unit, CA Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Resilience Branch

  • The Sacramento region continues to grow faster than almost any other place in California. But exactly how the region develops and what kind of quality of life its residents enjoy is up to us. Where new housing is built and what kind of homes they are helps to define the livability and vibrancy of our region. The City of Sacramento is leading the nation by planning for housing that boosts affordability and livability.

2025 Livability Summit: Breakout Sessions

At the Summit, participants will take part in breakout sessions designed to spark dialogue, share solutions, and highlight the work of community leaders across our region.

  • A good job can transform a life—but it requires intention and strategy. This session will highlight successful models connecting people to quality jobs and explore what makes them work.

  • With the region’s population expected to grow by 580,000 in the next 25 years, housing is central to livability. SACOG will share performance data on Blueprint infill goals and invite the City of Citrus Heights to showcase bold local plans.

  • The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative will guide participants through the realities of climate impacts and showcase how local governments and partners are working together on resilience and climate action.

  • With significant policy shifts at the federal level in 2025, regional leaders are mobilizing. This session will highlight responses to funding cuts, immigration policies, and opportunities for radical collaboration that center the needs of our diverse communities.

  • What does it take to build real trust between governments and communities? This session lifts up examples of new engagement practices, as well as the struggles and successes of community-based organizations leading efforts on the ground.

2025 Event Pass Options

The Livability Summit is an inclusive event, open to all. We believe that cost should not be a barrier that prevents individuals and small organizations from participating in community-focused events. For this reason, our pricing structure has been designed with these considerations in mind.

  • There is no cost for students to attend with a valid student ID. Registration is required.

  • Nonprofit, educational, government, community, and tribal organizations can purchase individual tickets at $75 each

  • Individual tickets are available to private sector businesses at a price of $150

  • Sponsorship packages include table seating, including matched tickets for the community. See sponsor packages for pricing and benefits.

Learn More

Data-Driven Solutions

Valley Vision routinely conducts research on priority issues to gather and understand the perspectives of the community.

At the 2025 Livability Summit, we’re proud to align our work with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments’ (SACOG) 2025 Blueprint—a bold, data-driven vision for regional growth. SACOG’s research and planning will help guide Summit content and conversations about housing, climate resilience, economic opportunity, and mobility. We will also feature the economic initiatives and research from Valley Vision’s economic growth initiative, We Prosper Together.

The Livability Poll—our annual “Wellness Check” on quality of life in the Sacramento Capital Region—remains a cornerstone of this work. Insights from the 2024 poll helped center conversations around critical issues such as housing, affordability, and access to opportunity. The 2025 Livability Poll will be released in August, providing fresh data to inform this year’s Summit and shape regional priorities moving forward.

Valley Vision routinely conducts actionable research to shape action. Recent initiatives include the Inclusive Economy Poll, which highlights the barriers and opportunities residents face in achieving economic security; the regional Broadband for Business Report that advances digital equity across underserved communities, and the Coordinated Rural Opportunities Plan, which identified policies and infrastructure investments that support the region’s agricultural sustainability and long-term economic health and resiliency.

Explore the research and planning efforts that are helping create a bold, shared vision for a more equitable, sustainable, and connected region.

We Prosper Together
2025 Blueprint

Livability Summit Highlight:

Shared Prosperity

Watch Valley Vision's 2023 Livability Summit video highlighting the opportunities and challenges surrounding quality of life in the Sacramento region, and elevating the people moving the needle in big ways.

Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors

Valley Vision is grateful for the many contributors who believe in the power of community collaboration, collective impact, prosperity, equity, and sustainability for all. Through their investments, these partners help make important change happen, and we thank them for their continued support.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available—join us in advancing a more livable, inclusive, and thriving region.
Ready to Partner?

FAQs

  • Planning of the event requires advance preparation in order to ensure the best experience for attendees. Therefore, all tickets to the Livability Summit must be purchased in advance.

  • If circumstances arise that preclude you from attending, we would be happy to donate your ticket to another community member. Please contact Tiffany Fraser at tiffany.fraser@valleyvision.org to coordinate donating your ticket.

    If unforeseen events require us to cancel the event, we will attempt to reschedule the event to another date or a refund will be provided.

  • Morning beverages and lunch are included in your ticket price. The menu will accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets. If you have specialty dietary requirements or allergies, please notify Tiffany Fraser at tiffany.fraser@valleyvision.org

  • Yes, the Citrus Heights Event Center is fully compliant with all ADA requirements.

  • There is no specific dress code, but we recommend business comfortable.

  • Sacramento Regional Transit, rideshare services, and carpooling are encouraged. Adjacent to the Citrus Heights Event Center are several public parking garages.

  • The best experience for attendees requires in-person attendance and a virtual option is not available. Presentations, reports, and event materials will be publicly available following the event.