Action must be taken soon to improve Long Island's sustainability and slow the exodus of young people or the region will face serious consequences.

Nancy Rauch Douzinas, president of the Rauch Foundation, says the LI Index will work hard to spread its message and impact policy.That was among the sobering conclusions of this year's Long Island Index study, which was published by the Rauch Foundation.

Titled "Places to Grow: An analysis of the potential for transit-accessible housing and jobs in Long Island's downtowns and station areas," the study outlines the challenges to growth near train stations and in existing downtown areas. The study found that the proportion of rental properties on Long Island is far below the U.S. average and the percentage of families with kids on Long Island has decreased sharply over the last 60 years.

Regional Plan Association, which prepared the report, concludes that the way to address these and other problems is with downtown revitalization.

Speaking at an event to launch the index last week, Nancy Rauch Douzinas -- president of the Rauch Foundation -- issued a renewed call to action for Long Island's future. Douzinas encouraged the audience to "get an attitude" about these issues, and pledged that the Index would work harder than ever to spread its message and impact policy.

Click here for more coverage of the report (with thanks to our friends at Vision Long Island).