Just what those improvements will be and exactly how they will be carried out remains a mystery. Which ones will be first on the agenda is also another important question but, as expected, everyone participating had their favorites. Themes for education included creating a passion for excellence, building strong school leadership, improving student achievement and supporting excellent professional development of teachers. To oversee these themes, a public education foundation was proposed to provide seed money for innovation. The use of school facilities as community centers was also discussed.
Environment is also a hot issue.
Harmoniously blending urban sprawl into the natural beauty of the Great Smokies is a great concern. The vision for the region ranges from conserving and restoring an ecologically sustainable natural environment to developing a system of greenspace, hiking trails, walkways, bike lanes, and parks that are safe and accessible for recreation. Better air and water quality and a litter-free landscape were also deemed important. Even a futuristic elevated monorail, rivaling Disney's own, has been discussed. Whatever is decided, the 9C1V group projects it will take 20 to 25 years and possibly a billion dollars.