At the October 1994 community meeting, additional volunteers from the community were asked to join the stakeholders on the Task Forces. For over a year (November 1994 - April 1996), the Task Forces met regularly. They researched issues thoroughly, inviting experts to assist them in becoming thoroughly informed about the issues involved.

Although each Task Force worked largely independently of the others to create its individual implementation plan, the ten Task Forces had overlapping responsibilities and worked to ensure that their recommendations were compatible and mutually supportive. Several common themes emerged. These included:

• refocus on neighborhoods as an essential social unit
• develope and champion programs that guide and support youth
• enhance communication with the community
• expand the use of new technology

Highlights from the Vision 2000 Implementation Plan follow ( Home ). The entire plan (almost 300 pages) is available for reference at every public library in Nueces County. This plan represents the work of over 1,500 people, community trustees who have spent thousands of hours on behalf of the common good. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this rewarding process.

"Like oarsmen, we generally move forward while looking backward, but not until we truly se the past - truly understand it - can we truly move forward and upward."