VISION 2020 TO CONTINUE WORK IN VISION 2000

Cape Girardeau is a city of vision, said members of the Vision 2000 Community Relations Council during an annual report at Monday's City Council meeting.

"This is a wonderful thing you have created," said Nancy Jernigan, 1999 chairman of the committee. "It's a means for people to get involved in their city and what it's going to become."

When Vision 2000 began in 1987, its members created four vision areas:

-- Business, industry and jobs.

This area deals with new and existing businesses and trying to meet changing labor demands. The committee assesses business needs every two years and has tried to increase employment opportunities for college-educated and skilled laborers.

Another goal was to show a 5 percent growth in employment rates over five years. With a 1.25 percent average annual growth, the goal has been exceeded, said Buz Sutherland.

And as the city grows and expands its utility services, "those utilities are being expanded into the industrial growth, which is key for the future," Sutherland said.

-- Education.

"We are trying to make education start at birth and continue through life," said Ann Gifford.

Programs like Educare and Caring Communities help younger children prepare for school and the world of learning. Other programs offer help to teachers and day-care providers.

A literacy program, America Reads, has begun to make sure that every student is able to read by third grade. "If they read early, then they will be better readers," Gifford said of the children targeted in the program.

The addition of an arts council and gallery exhibits has also expanded learning opportunities for all ages, she said.

-- Planning and zoning.

The city has seen vast improvements in planning and zoning issues, with the flood-buyout program and Project Impact, said Walter Denton, assistant city manager.

With a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the city has tried to become disaster resistant. "There is a partnership of leaders who are trying to minimize the risks," Denton said.

Transportation and traffic issues also have been addressed. The Transportation Trust Fund has helped fund improvements to Perryville Road and other projects throughout the city.

Developing a historic district and creating a development plan for the downtown area, primarily through a Main Street Program, is also part of the project's goals.

-- Community spirit.

Increasing voter registration and participation are still strong goals for the city, said Councilman Melvin Gateley.

But other projects like beautification and highlighting the city's flags have been successful. "As we approach the year 2000, it's really exciting to see things as they culminate for Vision 2000," Gateley said.

And planning for the new millenium will be the task for Vision 2020, a group that begins its work in earnest once Jan. 1, 2000 hits. The group will address six areas: tourism, economic development, quality of life, transportation, community involvement and education.

A report outlining the group's goals and work should be ready by December, said Chairman Kathy Swan.

Copies of the Vision 2000 annual report are available at City Hall and the Cape Girardeau Public Library.