Our region, in 2040, could be like this...View the Scenarios 2040 trailer:
For more information on these public response workshops, clickHERE.
Scenarios 2040
More vivid and dynamic than forecasting or visioning, scenarios are stories that describe plausible futures. Research based, scenarios rely on a comprehensive analysis of data and community perspectives to understand how the powerful driving forces that affect our world and the choices we make right now could affect our region’s future. In 2009, the Center for Houston’s Future embarked upon Scenarios 2040, the largest public-interest, business-led, regional scenario project in the country.
Two scenarios were developed. They describe different worlds we might face in the year 2040, and will be used to generate wide public discussion to help individuals,organizations, businesses and government entities identify relevant opportunities and potential risks while exploring their options and responses to different potential futures. These scenarios will help us learn how to protect and nurture what we value, and achieve a workable balance between competitiveness and sustainability.
The Journey
Through retreats, learning journeys, interviews, workshops and meetings, our 30-member all-volunteerScenario Building Team developed a thorough understanding of our region as it presently exists. Based on this “Picture of Now,” and an exploration of the factors that will have the greatest impact on the future, the team constructed two plausible stories - Playing to Win and Learning to Live. These scenarios describe distinctly different realities in which we might someday find ourselves living and working.
The scenarios were first introduced to a group of about 300 at our Scenarios 2040 Gala in October, 2011. Since then, we have presented to various groups in the region at public response workshops.
The scenarios were also shared with the region's media on March 22,2012 as we build greater awareness around the Scenarios and the issues they raise. An interactive web platform that allows and encourages a full range of stakeholders to engage with the scenarios will be developed later this year.
The Scenario Building Team
The Scenario Building Team was a diverse volunteer group from across the region comprised of architects, teachers, doctors, bankers, lawyers, social workers, students, artists, small business owners, scientists and planners, representing businesses, governments, universities and non-profit agencies. Over the last two years, they have steadily contributed more than 2000 hours of work.
The Scenario Building Team
Ovidio Barillas, HCC student Carolyn Bates-Jackson, U.S. Vets Initiative James Calaway, Calaway Interests Sheryl Dacso, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP Sasha Dela, Artist & co-owner of Skydive Irma Diaz-Gonzalez, Employment & Training Centers, Inc. LeTosha Gale, M.D., Zoe Life Wellness Center Ayesha Ganguly, Center for the Healing of Racism Robert Harriss, Houston Advanced Research Center, HARC Lynne Humphries, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP Guy Robert Jackson, Chambers County Representative Laura Jaramillo, Wells Fargo Bank Michael Jhin, St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System Harris ‘Shrub’ Kempner, Kempner Capital Management, Inc. Raymond Lewis, UTMB School for Health Professions Emily Smith Llinas, Montgomery County Health Department Charles Mbacha, IQPlus Services LLC Tracye McDaniel, formerly with the Greater Houston Partnership Bill Neuhaus, Studio Red Architects Neena Newberry, Newberry Executive Coaching & Consulting, LLC Dennis Odell, Community Development, Liberty County Immy Papadopoulos, Attorney Mary Ruth Rhodenbaugh, former County Commissioner, Brazoria County Graciela Saenz, Saenz & Associates, P.L.L.C Jesse Saldivar, Shell Oil Company Sr. Damien Marie Savino, University of St. Thomas Scott Van Beck, Houston A+ Challenge Margaret V. Robinson, MCV Consulting Arti Vir, Appliance Desk Chuck Wemple, Houston Galveston Area Council
Professional Assistance
Barbara Heinzen, a London-based strategist and scenario planner, facilitated the work of the scenario team. Todd Gentzel, Chief Strategist and scenario planner at Houston-based Yaffe Deutser, developed, designed and produced the scenarios.
