"For defining characteristics a thriving city, I would start with: are the Black children thriving? If Black children are thriving, everyone else is, because much of their well-being depends on the economics of the situation."

— Eileen Cooper Reed

“A thriving city is a place where BIPOCs can feel safe to dream. A city thrives based on the success of its most disadvantaged populations. My role as a planner is to seek out solutions and work to bring the people needed to make them work.”

—Luis Roldan

“A thriving city would address and alleviate communities of being in food deserts and bring groceries back into communities without them.”

— Lonnie Jennings

“A city where everyone is on an equal and equitable playing field.”

— LaVonda Stewart

“As someone who is trying to be a white advocate, my hope is that every BIPOC person can feel safe. Where the wellbeing of every BIPOC resident is centered in every decision.”

— Carrie Norton

“A city where education is more creative, passion to career co-ops. Where kids are empowered to collaborate with each and strengths are highlighted and weakness covered by peers strengths.”

— Jared Wilson

“A dream of not having a nightmare. A dream of peace.”

— Omar

“A city with a palpable energy that invigorates exponential creativity.”

— Camille Jones

“For a city to truly thrive it must have strong communities. How do we strengthen and bring back strong communities?”

— Kira Swann

“I dream of a city where all people can see the All Power and find Peace together in resonance with that Power.”

— John Bilal