Imagine living in a place that was settled by people who held such strong beliefs that they were willing to fight and sometimes die for them. Imagine living in a place where settlers valued diversity to the extent that they participated as “conductors” in the Underground Railroad and risked their lives by harboring fugitive slaves. Imagine living in a place where education has such value that settlers, before their town matured, established an institution of higher education.

Citizens of Lawrence don’t have to imagine. They’re living it. It’s no wonder that Lawrence has such a strong sense of place. Those who live here today are beneficiaries of those that came before us whether it was at our founding in 1854 or any of the years since. In 2004, we celebrate a city that is vibrant and interactive with debate and discussion about what will continue to make Lawrence a great place to live.

Lawrence is a special place because its residents care actively about it. No, we do not always agree on issues, but it is not because we don’t care about this place. Author Richard Florida makes the point that the “U.S. has moved through the industrial age to the service age; and now we are moving into the age of creativity.” Many cities across the country are trying to re-create the ambience that the new generation of creative people demands. Lawrence more than any other city in our region has many of the elements needed to attract visitors and new residents.

Our downtown has the authenticity that creative thinkers are looking for. We have interesting coffee houses, music venues, art galleries, performance spaces and theaters. We have nigh tlife and the street-level culture that could be described as one where it is hard to draw the line between performers and spectators. We might not have mountains or an ocean, but we have outdoor opportunities such as cycling and off-road trails for running that attracts many in this emerging age.

I believe we must nurture what we have and continue to build on our creativity in order to prosper in this emerging age. Remaining open to diversity and actively working to cultivate it and investing in the lifestyle amenities that attract visitors, retirees, business owners and other types of residents to our community will continue to make it a very special place for generations to come.

– Judy Billings is director of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau.