When word leaked out last fall that a group of influential business leaders was working on big plans behind closed doors, a backlash of suspicion and irritation rolled through Lincoln and beyond.

Now the doors to planning are open.

Wide open.

Anyone can take advantage of the opportunity to learn more and offer their own ideas and opinions.

The leaders who are part of what is now called Vision 2015 are taking unprecedented steps to get in touch and in step with the public at large.

The first of four public meetings on the future of Lincoln is slated for Monday. See the list below this editorial for more details.

It’s almost impossible to imagine the famed “O Street Gang” of Capital City historical lore taking such a step.

But times change. Leadership and the nature of community involvement evolve. The public meetings hold potential to invigorate talk about the future of Lincoln.

This sort of energetic leadership from the private sector is something Lincoln needs.

People used to complain when the old O Street gang supposedly ran things. The gang didn’t always do the right thing, and it didn’t always do things in the right way.

But at least it got things done. People knew that if they could get the O Street gang behind a project, success was possible.

People missed it when the group faded into history. Without the O Street gang around, it was hard to know how to get the private sector in Lincoln mobilized.

Now a new generation of leaders has stepped forward. It’s to their credit and the community’s benefit that they are moving to a more inclusive and open style of private leadership than in the past.

During the past week, the Journal Star has explored potential Vision 2015 projects in some detail. The stories will remain accessible on the Journal Star’s Web site for the foreseeable future.

Think moving the Nebraska State Fair is a terrible idea?

The upcoming series of meetings offers you a chance to rank that project at the bottom.

Excited by the thought of a “sports triangle” anchored by Memorial Stadium, Haymarket Park and a new arena?

Here’s your chance to put it at the top of the list.

In order for Lincoln to move forward with creativity, energy and confidence, there must be community agreement on direction and priorities. Don’t pass up the opportunity to participate in shaping Lincoln’s future.