Nottingham is now one of eight Core Cities, recognised by the Government as the most important potential drivers of the national economy outside London. The Government listens to us when it shapes its policy for cities. Our voice is getting a lot louder.
The Government is concerned about overcrowding and high costs in the south-east around London. Proposals to relocate large numbers of civil servants are part of this debate. If future policy is formulated along these lines, substantial regional economies could be created, spearheaded by the Core Cities.
Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Bristol, Liverpool - and Nottingham - could become as powerful as regional cities in Germany and France.
The English Core Cities are grappling with similar economic problems - Manchester and Liverpool have the highest rates of unemployment as well as the highest jobs growth; results in Bristol's schools are 20% below the English average. Yet Nottingham's difficulties are distinctive.
It is undoubtedly a successful city - Nottingham is among the UK's top five shopping centres, with two of the country's most popular universities, a thriving nightlife and a fast changing cityscape in which many millions of pounds is currently invested. Yet it is divided, both geographically and socially.
It has no shared vision for its future. Without a clear direction, endorsed by everyone, Nottingham will not be able to take full advantage of the opportunities it may be offered. And new opportunities will be vital for Nottingham. Jobs growth has slowed in recent years - and we are not creating the right jobs for real economic growth. Many graduates are keen to stay in the city, but they cannot find career opportunities. Low pay jobs in manufacturing have been replaced by low pay jobs in shops and behind bars.
Unless we take action our economy could become a vicious circle characterised by low skills and low investment. On that basis we would be unable to compete with the other Core Cities.
Drawing Together is the first attempt to sketch a shared vision. It is not intended as a finished work, rather it explores some possible approaches, it invites comment and it is very open to constructive criticism.
Following Government advice it draws from life, honestly appraising our weaknesses and seeking to build on our many strengths.
There is another sense, too, in which it is a work in progress. The Greater Nottingham Partnership has consulted all sectors - the public sector, companies, voluntary organisations and community groups - to produce a strategy for Nottingham's development. This is a summary of the work to date.
The issues that came out of that consultation are explored in this brochure. There is wide agreement that all city sectors must work together much more closely. Partners also acknowledge that we must learn to speak with one clear voice. We have to develop a strong, shared sense of the future. Our prosperity depends on us drawing together.