The LORETO 2050 Program was born of the desire to ensure a healthy sustainable future for the City of Loreto and its citizens. Designed to engage and seek input from every aspect of our community, the program takes a forward-looking approach. What do we collectively want to see as a future for Loreto? How can we best plan support systems for sufficient clean water resources? How do we manage our infrastructure for transportation, waste management, zoning concerns, and an expanding tourism economy? Can we bring together all the voices of Loreto and make sure that everyone is heard?
Built upon the foundations of an original study from 2005, LORETO 2050 held its first stakeholder meeting this past October. The event drew a large, diverse and representative audience. The suggestions, opinions, and participation were superior and interesting. Several of the community’s ongoing needs were addressed and important insights obtained, creating the possibility of reaching consensus of the priority of needs.
One specific question guided the exchanges: “How do you prioritize the quality-of-life characteristics that you enjoy and value in Loreto?
Ten top priorities were defined:
- Safety – a safe place to live
- Access to water
- Healthy City Environment
- Good state of terrestrial and marine Environments
- Access to recreational and natural areas
- Education
- Access to decent housing
- Mobility
- Local small-town scale
- Participation in decision making