I just finished a meeting at a downtown coffee shop with the Planning Director from the City of Tucson Department of Urban Planning and Design. I came away greatly encouraged and excited about the future of Tucson, especially the downtown area. I know there have been a number of naysayers and skeptics regarding seeing our core revitalized but I think we’re on the cusp of some amazing changes … and yes, it will take time and patience.
Here’s what I came away with today.
- A new church plant downtown can be the very social glue to pull together this community. With the several big downtown residential developments coming it is time to plant a church here soon, really soon.
- The incoming modern electric streetcar will change things more than simply offering a fun way to travel from the U of A to downtown.
- We’re at the brink of the tipping point to see things really get rolling here downtown … things will be significantly different even in 5 years.
- Tucson is a young city maturity-wise and we’re still growing up and changing. Our best days lie ahead.
How exciting is it to think of how the chuch can be part of this process? How the church can not only redeem lives, but strengthen families, and make our city a better place. As one of my heros Ray Bakke said, “Christians are the only people on this earth who have the integrated worldview of matter and spirit that enables us to tackle sewer system development and the salvation of souls with equal gusto.” Rightly said Ray …. rightly said.
Will you dream with me?
