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Transit Update

Proposition Two defeated

2007 Grow Smart Award Winners

Idaho Smart Growth Scorecards

Save the Date!
Idaho Smart Growth and ULI Idaho present:

Infill Forum

Thursday May 29, 7:00 p.m.
Boise High School Auditorium

Reporting on the conclusions of a research project conducted by Idaho Smart Growth and ULI Idaho “The Consequences of Residential Infill Development in the Treasure Valley”
Receive a free copy of the 40 page report by attending

Including two panels:
• What is infill and why do we need to consider it?
Featuring planners and policymakers
• What opportunities does infill present and how can we overcome the challenges?
Featuring neighborhood leaders and developers/builders

Ada County Open Space Task Force
Report Finalized

For a copy of the report Click Here

2008 Legislative Session Wrap-up

The 2008 legislative session finally wrapped up on April 2, 2008.  Even though many of you contacted your legislators, wrote letters to the editor, and educated your friends and neighbors, the draft legislation supported by Moving Idaho Forward creating local option sales tax authority for transportation including public transportation never received even a public hearing. 

In the waning days of the session, a Constitutional amendment, HJR4, was proposed.  The amendment was unnecessary and unduly burdensome and it would not provide local communities the tools they need to address critical transportation issues.  While the House passed HJR4, the Senate returned it to the Senate State Affairs committee on the last day of the session.

 While we are disappointed the legislature did not address the critical transportation funding needs of local communities this year, we will continue to prioritize this issue and work with local communities, businesses, elected officials, and transportation agencies to find solutions. 

If you would like additional information about the coalition check out the Valley Regional Transit website

How to stay involved on public transportation funding issues:

Idaho Smart Growth has developed an email list focused on transit.  As you may know, Idaho is one of only four states that does not have a local or state dedicated source of funding for public transportation. Without enough funding, we simply cannot create a transportation system that gets people where they need to go.

During the legislative session, brief updates are sent weekly. During the rest of the year, periodic emails are sent.

If you would like to be added to the list, please email Rachel at rachel at idahosmartgrowth.org.

2008 Call for Entries: U.S. EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce
that applications are now being accepted for the seventh annual National
Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to
public-sector entities that have used smart growth principles to improve
communities environmentally, socially, and economically. For the first
time, private-sector entities may apply this year in two of the five
categories.

Applications are due on April 7, 2008. Up to five winners will be
recognized at a ceremony in

Washington, DC, in November 2008.

For more details about the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement,
including application forms for each category, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm.

Idaho Smart Growth Announces Winners

2007 Grow Smart Awards held Novermber 15
As more people call Idaho home, Idaho Smart Growth is pleased to present our 2007 Grow Smart award winners who are making sure we keep our communities vibrant and our landscapes healthy.
Bown Crossing, Presidents Award
CitySide Lofts, Attached Residential Award
Harris Ranch, Mixed Use Award
Latah Street Houses, Single Family Residential Award
Linen District, Commercial Award
City of Greenleaf Comprehensive Plan, Policy and Planning Award
Ten Mile Interchange City of Meridian, Policy and Planning Award
Blaine County 2035 Comprehensive Plan, Public Advocacy Award
Fireside Homes La Casita, Other Award
Rural Canyon County Partnership, Other Award

Special thanks to the 2007 Grow Smart Jury: Steve Benner, Rob Hopper, Dave Kangas, Julie Lynn, Susan Mason, Renee Magee, Sue Sullivan, and Barry Teppola

Report Links Vehicle Miles Traveled to Land Use Patterns

Less Auto-Dependent Development Key to Mitigating Climate Change

A study just released shows that Idaho's growth patterns are fueling an increase in vehicle emissions. The report, released in Idaho on September 20 by Idaho Smart Growth, the Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association, and the Idaho District Council of the Urban Land Institute, warns that if sprawling development continues to fuel growth in driving, the projected 59 percent increase in the total miles driven between 2005 and 2030 will overwhelm expected gains from vehicle efficiency and low-carbon fuels. Even with those technological improvements, vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide would be 41 percent above today’s levels, well over the goal of reducing CO 2 emissions to 1990 levels by 2050, according to Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change.

Welcome to Idaho Smart Growth!

Idaho is growing. Residents in one place throw up their arms saying “Growth just happens, we're stuck with whatever we get”. Smarter communities shape growth by considering all the options, looking at the big picture, and supporting the type of growth with the greatest long term benefits.

Before long, the first community is Anyplace, USA with time-wasting traffic congestion, vacant buildings, and one cookie cutter subdivision after the next. The second community uses smart growth principles to:

1. Create a range of housing opportunities & choices;

2. Create walkable mixed use neighborhoods with daily needs close at hand;

3. Provide a variety of transportation options;

4. Strengthen existing communities and direct development toward them;

5. Foster distinctive communities with a strong sense of place;

6. Use public investments in infrastructure, schools and services efficiently;

7. Preserve open space, parks, farmland and environmentally critical areas;

8. Put jobs and schools within reach of those who need them;

9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.

Communities like these get better with age. Idaho Smart Growth can help your community become one of them.