Comments on PSRC’s 2040 Transportation Plan due March 9
PSRC’s draft Transportation 2040 plan is ready for review and comment. It is an action plan for transportation in the central Puget Sound region for the next 30 years. The comment period will run from January 22 to March 9, 2010. PSRC's Transportation Policy Board will go over comments that they received on March 11, 2010.
By the year 2040, the region is expected to grow by roughly 1.5 million people and support more than 1.2 million new jobs. All of these new people and new jobs are expected to boost demand for travel within and through the region by about 40%. Knowing that some fears exist regarding the economy, transportation funding, energy supply, technology and climate change; Transportation 2040 outlines a long-term template for how this region should invest in transportation to accommodate rising travel demand. At the same time it embraces the need to be flexible and open to the ways people – and the world — will in fact change.
Transportation 2040 looks for investments to support our expected growth and improve the service transportation provides to people and businesses, lays out a financing plan that suggests a long-term shift in how we fund transportation improvements, with more reliance on users paying for transportation improvements, and proposes a strategy for reducing transportation’s contribution to climate change and its impact on important regional concerns such as air pollution and the health of Puget Sound.
By being clear about this regional long-term vision, the Puget Sound region will be better able to influence the shorter term decisions that will be made at the state and federal levels on finance, environmental protection, and the future direction of the nation’s transportation programs.
For more information about Transportation 2040, check out PSRC’s website at –
Portland State University Climate Change Adaptation Planner Survey
The Portland State University Intelligent Transportation Laboratory, in cooperation the Northwest Transportation Consortium and the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC), is currently conducting research on climate change impacts on surface transportation in the Pacific Northwest. As part of this research, the research team are contacting planners with a brief (5-10 minutes) survey to determine what, if any, activities are being done in regards to climate change adaptation and to identify the tools and resources planners need to effectively plan for climate change adaptation.
Survey Link: https://survey.oit.pdx.edu/ss/wsb.dll/s/2bfg11d2
Additional information about this research project and the research team, visit: http://its.pdx.edu/climatechange/index.php
Brown Bag Series: Planning and Food Policy
Presented by Andrea Petzel and Laura Raymond - City of Seattle, Branden Born - University of Washington and Kara Martin - Martin and Sanders Consulting
February 17, 12:00-1:30 PM
Mercer Island City Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th St.
This session will focus on how to incorporate food systems policy into local planning processes. The panel presentation will include background on food security and access issues in King County and the city of Seattle, as well as research and case studies for neighborhood development programs that have increased the supply of healthy food in traditionally underserved neighborhoods.
Visit washington-apa.org/sections/pugetsound/ for more information.
Brown Bag Series: Greening of Non-profits
Presented by Kate Stineback - Capitol Hill Housing, Tom Gaylord, Jonathon Wright and Kelly Morgan - Habitat for Humanity
February 24, 12:00-1:30 PM
Mercer Island City Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th St.
A view through the lens of the State of Washington Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard. Discussion will include ways that City and County jurisdictions can encourage sustainable development in affordable housing through the use of various incentives, waivers in the development and permitting process and the philosophy for choosing green products and house features.
Visit washington-apa.org/sections/pugetsound/ for more information.
Brown Bag Series: Planning in the Vicinity of Transmission Pipelines
Presented by Jim Doherty, MRSC and Carl Weimer, Pipeline Safety Trust
February 17, 12:00-1:30 PM
Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady, 7th floor
This session will present information concerning a broad range of “recommended practices” for land development near major energy pipelines, including zoning, permitting procedures and the need to adopt a risk informed approach that reflects the unique risks of transmission pipelines.
Visit washington-apa.org/sections/pugetsound/ for more information.
Join the Communication Committee!
The Chapter’s Communication Committee is meeting at Burien City Hall on Friday March 19th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will be discussing communication ideas and strategies as well as the development of a communication plan. New volunteers are welcome to join!
AICP CM Credits Approved for Winter 2010 Brown Bag Series
AICP CM credits have been approved for four of the five sessions in the Winter 2010 Brown Bag Series. Here are the four sessions that have been approved:
- Jan 27, 2010 – Manufactured housing community preservation: the tight-wire act
- Feb 17, 2010 – Planning in the Vicinity of Transmission Pipelines
- Feb 24, 2010 – Greening of Non-profits
- Mar 3, 2010 – Planning and Food Policy
The Hearing Examiner session held on Feb 3, should be approved shortly.
Add your Brown Bag Session credits to your “My CM Log” at http://www.planning.org/cm/log/
The easiest way to find them is to click on “Add credits from calendar”, then under “Browse” select “Activities by Provider”. Scroll down to and click on APA Washington Chapter and choose the “Past Events” tab. Events are sorted by date, newest first. Look for sessions with a PSS Brownbag prefix and then click on the sessions you attended. Each session will have Credits, Program Details and Instructors.
Smarter development and green building are key for climate change results
Congressman Inslee and other leaders discuss climate change solutions at national conference in Seattle, February 6. More than 70 percent of U.S. carbon emissions comes from buildings and transportation combined, so it's clear that both how and where we build must be part of the solution to reducing the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
This challenge for new development practices and transportation alternatives is particularly critical in the Puget Sound region, which will grow by 1.5 million people in 20 years. Federal, state and local governments here and around the country are proposing and implementing plans to address climate change mitigation, but how often do these plans include smart-growth development and green-building solutions?
To help make this case, U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (WA, 1st District) will speak on Saturday, Feb. 6, at a plenary session entitled "Cutting Greenhouse Gases: Getting There with Smart Growth and Green Building" at the nation's premier smart growth conference being held in Seattle this week. The 9th annual New Partners for Smart Growth conference, running February 4-6 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, welcomes more than 1,600 participants who are creating more livable, sustainable communities around the country. [For agenda: ]http://www.NewPartners.org]
"The United States should be leading the world in the new clean energy economy," said Inslee. "Not only is clean energy technology good for the environment, it is the best way to create new, well paying jobs and grow the economy. That is why we passed comprehensive energy legislation in the House and that is why the President committed to clean energy in his State of the Union address. And I believe the President is exactly right, we shouldn't be trying to finished second place."
The plenary on climate change (8:40-10:00 a.m.) will provide a multi-government perspective about how smart growth approaches to development and green building can both serve as an important component of our nation's efforts to combat climate change. The panelists will focus on implementation strategies, partnerships and resources available to help implement smart-growth and green-building practices.
Inslee will be joined by Lisa Heinzerling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation; James Goldstene, Exectuive Director of the California Air Resources Board, which guides implementation of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster climate-friendly transportation planning; and Supervisor Paul Kelley, who will talk about innovative efforts in Sonoma County (CA) to implement green-building and smart-growth practices to achieve emission reductions at the county and regional levels.
"Both smart growth and green building must be part of the comprehensive solution to climate change," said Judy Corbett, Executive Director of the Local Government Commission, which is organizing the conference. "As these panelists will demonstrate, all levels of government can partner together to implement effective, climate-friendly policies and practices in a collaborative way."
Housing and transportation decisions can play a big part in solving the nation's environmental and social issues. According to a "Growing Cooler" study by the Center for Clean Air Policy, two-thirds of development expected to be on the ground in 2050 is not yet built, meaning that the potential for change is profound. Shifting 60% of new growth to compact patterns would save 85 million metric tons of CO2 annually by 2030.
Representing the 1st Congressional District of Washington since 1999, Inslee has worked to protect the environment of Washington and address the problem of global warming. Since 2005, he has served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, pushing for a clean energy future and legislation that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He is also a member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.
Other Saturday Sessions of Interest
During a keynote luncheon on Saturday (12:15-1:45 p.m.), Gene Duvernoy from the Cascade Land Conservancy and Peter Orser from Quadrant Homes will discuss how the conservation community and developers in the Puget Sound region have worked together to create better environmental outcomes and healthier, more livable communities.
Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and former King County Executive, will deliver the conference's closing keynote address (3:15-4:00 p.m.), sharing stories from the trenches of smart growth implementation in King County as well as his perspective on his most recent efforts to change federal policies to build sustainable, equitable housing.
Several other sessions will also feature a wide range of success stories from the Seattle/Puget Sound area.
About the conference: The New Partners for Smart Growth conference, hosted at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center by the Local Government Commission, spans three days, covering cutting-edge smart growth issues, the latest research, implementation tools and strategies, successful case studies and new policies. The conference will feature 400 speakers, 100 sessions and 14 tours of local model projects.
Conference sponsors include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kaiser Permanente, the National Association of REALTORSR, HDR, Inc., the Smart Growth Network, and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Several foundations are providing support for a diversity scholarship fund to allow more participants from lower-income and underrepresented communities to attend the conference. Sound Transit, one of the sponsors, is providing free transit passes for conference participants. For more details about the agenda, speakers, sponsors and tours: http://www.newpartners.org
The Local Government Commission is a 30-year-old nonprofit membership organization of locally elected officials, city and county staff, and other interested individuals. It helps local officials address the problems facing their communities and maximize their civic, environmental and economic resources. The Ahwahnee Principles for Livable Communities, developed by the LGC in 1991, helped pave the way for the smart growth movement.
PSS News: January – March 2010
As Puget Sound municipalities confront deep budget cuts heading into 2010, this issue features some adaptations planners have taken to move forward. The APA Legislative Committee will advocate for the passage of a few smart growth bills, for example. The City of Tukwila is “recalibrating” its efforts to redevelop one of the region’s major commercial centers. Pierce County is in the midst of major permitting system overhauls. Though far from an ideal setting to start the new year, these examples highlight steps Puget Sound Planners are taking to maintain resiliency in 2010.
NCI Charrette Training discounts for APA Washington members
Register for the NCI Charrette System™ Certificate and/or the NCI Charrette Management and Facilitation™ Certificate training before 2/12/10 and save. Additional discounts are available for non-profits, CNU members, APA Washington members and others. Earn up to 27 AICP, AIA and ASLA continuing education credits.
Adding a NCI certificate to your credentials can improve your competitive advantage. Become a member of the select group of only 300 people who will earn a NCI certificate this year. As a participant in a NCI course you will join 31 other experienced professionals working intensively on hands-on case study exercises.
This March in Portland is one of only three opportunities this year to attend both of these valuable trainings. Sign up for these intensive, hands-on workshops and learn how to plan and manage projects using the proven NCI Charrette System™. With an uncertain economy and abounding political conflicts, the NCI Charrette System™ is more relevant and needed than ever. Learn more and register now to save.
2009 APA/PAW Planning Awards
The American Planning Association and the Planning Association of Washington are proud to announce the 2009 Planning Awards recipients that were just presented at the APA Fall Conference in Vancouver, Washington, on November 13, 2009.
Project Winners were announced in seven different categories, and Honorable Mention project selections were also presented in 4 of the same categories. Winning and Honorable Mention projects came from large and small cities, a Native American Tribe, as well as urban, suburban, and rural settings, both east and west of the Cascades. Jury members were Hiller West of the City of Monroe, Pete Dickinson of the City of Pullman, Amy Tousley of Puget Sound Energy, Ted Gage of the Samish Tribe, Steve Lancaster of the City of Mercer Island, Ken Kuhn of the Planning Association of Washington Board, Lloyd Skinner of ESA & Associates, and Crilly Ritz of Snohomish County. Thanks to all jury members for their hard work and dedication.
Call for Submittals: Design Competition in Historic Downtown Vancouver
Each year, the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission hosts outreach and educational events intended to raise awareness of preservation issues. In 2010, the Commission is holding a design competition with a historic preservation twist.
For this competition, the Historic Preservation Commission has been awarded grant funds, and has partnered with the City of Vancouver, the AIA, and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. The competition will generate inspired ideas for new development in historic, downtown Vancouver.
This design competition asks participants to submit designs for new construction that will complement and incorporate aspects of adjacent historic buildings. The Competition is open to everyone. Submissions will present designs for new development on the site of the parking lot adjacent to the Elks Building at Evergreen Boulevard and Washington Street. Designs should utilize the rich ornamentation of the Elks Building, built in 1911, and its architectural elements – polychromatic brick patterns, marble-based sconces, iron balconies – and approaches.
Planners, are you tired of seeing plans, designs, and renderings by architects; and thinking to yourself: "I could do better than that." Planners have training in urban design, historic preservation, and relating buildings to the street and surrounding context. Yet seldom do planners have creative outlets. Now is your chance. The Competition is open to architecture firms, other professionals, local artists, high school and college students, and any adult with a great idea and the willingness to share it.
For more information, please visit the Competition website: www.cityofvancouver.us/HistoricDesign or contacts: Derek Chisholm at 971-322-7942
$10 Million in Puget Sound Watershed Funding - EPA Accepting Proposals Until 1/5/2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency yesterday announced that it is now accepting proposals for $10 million in grant dollars targeted specifically to protect and restore Puget Sound watersheds.
Tribes, local governments and special purpose districts are eligible to apply directly for funding. Proposals must be submitted by January 5, 2010. EPA is holding a workshop to answer questions about the solicitation and grant program criteria on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 1:00 pm.
For a copy of the request for proposals, information about the public meeting, and other information about how to apply, please go to EPA's web page at the following link:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/water.nsf/Office+of+Water/WEI09RFP
For questions about the RFP, please contact Dan Steinborn at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Sustainable Washington 2009: Planning for Climate Change
We are very pleased to announce the completion of a year-long effort to provide a resource for planners in Washington on sustainability and climate change. The centerpiece of that effort, Sustainable Washington 2009 is now posted on the Chapter website at:
http://www.washington-apa.org/sustainable_washington.
This document consists of over 90 pages of text and appendices that serve to:
- Explain the basic concepts of sustainability and climate change;
- Highlight predicted climate change impacts in Washington;
- Introduce planners to the need for planning that responds to climate uncertainty with a flexible, holistic, and long-term approach;
- Describe specific actions that planners can take in local, regional, and state jurisdictions to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the effects of climate change; and
- Define how planners can use existing planning tools, particularly GMA, to address these challenges.
This centerpiece document is designed to grow and evolve through updated hotlinks to provide examples of successful actions and a wide range of Internet resources for planners to use in working towards a sustainable future.
This effort has also generated four other resources for planners:
- A printed 8-page Executive Summary, designed to inform planners about the web-based materials and to encourage allied professionals, legislators, elected officials, and the public to join us in this effort. Look for this to arrive in your mailbox soon.
- The 2008 Survey of Planners, including the responses of over 500 planners in Washington and their efforts toward addressing climate change and sustainability issues. http://washington-apa.org/news/article/2008_member_survey_results/
- An open-architecture web-based set of Sustainability Stories, describing the successes and challenges encountered by local jurisdictions in developing climate action plans and sustainability strategies. The Sustainability Stories are created in a wiki format to allow local planners to add their own accounts and to update existing listings as new efforts get underway. This document is expected to be posted in later in November.
- The 2009 Sustainability Policy Sampler includes example policies from local comprehensive plans and other documents from cities around the state. This document is expected to be posted in December.
We hope that this information suite is not only useful to planners in their day-to-day work, but that it also inspires them to include climate change issues in their long-term planning efforts. In particular, the next round of GMA comprehensive plan updates is coming soon for many jurisdictions. We believe it is essential that the challenges of climate change be considered in every comprehensive plan update and implementing regulations. We can make a difference in this major issue — read, learn, TAKE ACTION!