Through a series of town hall meetings and other community forums, and later through the work of the RAP/2000+ Action Teams (see below), hundreds of regional stakeholders offered suggestions, expressed concerns, and shared their dreams for the future of the region. As a result of the work of the RAP/2000+ participants, steering committee, and staff, there are many exciting initiatives developing in the region. They include:

• The establishment of the South Metropolitan Regional Leadership Center to carry on the work of RAP/2000+ by providing organizational support.

• The development of a regional network to serve as a location for the gathering and sharing of information, and to provide community members with an environment in which cooperation and problem-solving can be fostered. This network, made up of LincolnNet (computer access) and Lincoln InfoLine (telephone access), is designed to be as inclusive as possible, believing that emerging information and communication technology should be available to everyone.

• The continuation of the work initiated by the RAP/2000+ Action Teams. Progress is reported on the LincolnNet in the following RAP/2000+ Action Team areas:
  
  Education & Training
  Health & Well-Being
  Jobs & Economic Development
  Communication, Partnership & Image
  Environment & Resource Use
  Economic and Social Diversity
  Transportation, Land Use & Regional Planning
  

• The publishing of a quarterly newsletter PARTNERS IN PROGRESS and the RAP/2000+ report "Shaping the Future Together: The First Annual Report to the South Metropolitan Region" (March, '96).

The south metropolitan region is a remarkable place with remarkable people, and the potential for a truly bright future is limited only by our own vision and willingness to do the hard work necessary to make it happen. We hope you will join us by adding your name to the South Metropolitan Regional Leadership Center (RAP/2000+) mailing list. (Send an email to the address below.)