With the population of Central Florida projected to more than double, from 3.5 million in 2005 to 7.2 million by 2050, a key question facing the region is “How Shall We Grow?”

One of several venues that myregion.org will be using in 2006 to discuss that important question is through the first-ever Central Florida Regional Leadership Academy. The five-day “emersion” into the issues associated with “How Shall We Grow?” is also sponsored by the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Alliance for Regional Stewardship.

The 55 senior level participants in the first-ever Academy have been selected to ensure senior-level representation of key leaders from throughout the region.

The RLA will utilize cutting-edge research commissioned by myregion.org to create a strategy for ensuring that our citizens, community leaders and elected officials are thoughtfully engaged in conversations about our collective future. National and international “best practice” speakers and faculty members will provide insight into how other regions throughout the world are addressing the issue of growth and change.

Orientation for the Regional Leadership Academy will be held January 20-21 with a three-day strategy session to be held March 29-31.