California Regional Blueprint Planning Program

1. California Regional Blueprint Planning Program Sharon Scherzinger, Marilee Mortenson, Jake Smith and Mahmoud Mahdavi California Department of Transportation

2. 2 Outline What is the genesis of this effort? What pioneering efforts did we consider? What are our goals, objectives and desired outcomes? How are we working to bring about the implementation of this approach? What have been the noted challenges? What have been the initial results?

3. 3 Genesis Increasing congestion Uncoordinated relationships � transportation, land use, jobs, housing, environment Need to protect and preserve sensitive habitats Limited financial resources Dwindling opportunities to make long-term sustainable planning decisions In effect, this is not unlike what the astronauts said from Apollo 13, �Houston (or Sacramento), we have a problem: Congestion � Is growing throughout the State. Relationships - For all our efforts, we plan in silos. As a result, the linkages between transportation, land use, jobs, housing and the environment are often weak. Sensitive habitats � This in about, in effect, preserving our green infrastructure. There is two aspects. One is the protection/conservation of natural resources; the other is the protection/conservation of agricultural lands. We are working to change the financial picture. But even if our Transportation Bond proposal passes, we are going to still be in a resource constrained environment, where needs will far exceed revenues. Thus, we have to manage our resources even more wisely, and by the same token, deliver the message on what we are facing.In effect, this is not unlike what the astronauts said from Apollo 13, �Houston (or Sacramento), we have a problem: Congestion � Is growing throughout the State. Relationships - For all our efforts, we plan in silos. As a result, the linkages between transportation, land use, jobs, housing and the environment are often weak. Sensitive habitats � This in about, in effect, preserving our green infrastructure. There is two aspects. One is the protection/conservation of natural resources; the other is the protection/conservation of agricultural lands. We are working to change the financial picture. But even if our Transportation Bond proposal passes, we are going to still be in a resource constrained environment, where needs will far exceed revenues. Thus, we have to manage our resources even more wisely, and by the same token, deliver the message on what we are facing.

4. 4 Pioneering Efforts Merced Partnership for Integrated Planning Riverside Integrated Planning Project SANDAG Regional Comprehensive Plan SACOG Regional Blueprint Other state and regional efforts � Florida, Portland, Boulder, Edmonton Merced � Stronger land use planning/regional transportation planning approach and linkage, that is GIS/model based, that supports stronger environmental and transportation alternatives analysis, and includes much greater community engagement (Latinos, Hmong) Riverside � three part effort including the development of a Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan, a Corridor-Level Transportation Plan (CETAP), and a County General Plan update SANDAG � Comprehensive, multifaceted planning process. Includes smart growth financial incentives. Other areas � Notable for comprehensive planning and community inclusion and involvement.Merced � Stronger land use planning/regional transportation planning approach and linkage, that is GIS/model based, that supports stronger environmental and transportation alternatives analysis, and includes much greater community engagement (Latinos, Hmong) Riverside � three part effort including the development of a Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan, a Corridor-Level Transportation Plan (CETAP), and a County General Plan update SANDAG � Comprehensive, multifaceted planning process. Includes smart growth financial incentives. Other areas � Notable for comprehensive planning and community inclusion and involvement.

5. 5 Riverside County�s Solution

6. 6 Merced PIP Outcomes Model process New tools - Better projects Better integrate land use, transportation & environmental planning Better understand agency goals & roles Investigate incentives for early involvement of stakeholders

7. 7 SANDAG  Regional Comprehensive Plan

8. 8 Sacramento Area Council of Governments - Blueprint The Blueprint will improve local planning and create a long-range regional context for local decision making� A comprehensive regional process integrating land use and transportation, air quality and other regional concerns Neighborhood workshops with real-time interactive state-of-the-art geographic information systems (Place3s) that create future scenarios used for decision making Outlines the future effects of the scenarios on housing, land consumption, environment and traffic impacts

9. 9 Each effort has tried to unite traditionally competing interests behind a single growth plan with benefits for all. Achieving overall support requires a keen understanding of the complex political process, including issues and participants. Effective communication and collaboration is key to properly frame the debate. That is, the project is not a reactionary approach to growth related problems; it�s a proactive solution that will improve quality of life now and in the future. For the Third Bullet: In addition to couching the plan in terms of quality of life improvements, it was essential to paint a vivid picture of potential consequences without this plan. They include: - Limited Infrastructure - Longer Building Process/No Building - Expensive Legal Battles - Inflated Housing Prices - Increased Traffic Congestion Most people have already experienced the negative impacts of these consequences - so they can visualize these conditions getting worse in the future. This strategy kept all participants focused on the collective benefits, preventing any major setbacks in the process.For the Third Bullet: In addition to couching the plan in terms of quality of life improvements, it was essential to paint a vivid picture of potential consequences without this plan. They include: - Limited Infrastructure - Longer Building Process/No Building - Expensive Legal Battles - Inflated Housing Prices - Increased Traffic Congestion Most people have already experienced the negative impacts of these consequences - so they can visualize these conditions getting worse in the future. This strategy kept all participants focused on the collective benefits, preventing any major setbacks in the process.

10. 10 Overview-California Regional Blueprint Planning Program Regional Framework for Collaboration Federal and State levels provide forums, funding and guidance Regions have transportation planning process, corridor and landscape scale vantage point, framework for convening stakeholders Local level makes land use decisions Community level provides public input on needs and desires

11. 11 Regional Blueprint Planning A State initiative to promote: Linking land use, transportation, housing, environment, economic development, equity Consensus on preferred growth scenario - �Blueprint� - for each region identifies transportation impacts of land use A more efficient and effective transportation system Sufficient housing supply to accommodate population growth in each region

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13. 13 Desired Outcomes Regional blueprint plans for land use patterns and transportation systems that: Improve mobility reduce auto dependency, congestion increase transit use, walking and bicycling Land use encourage infill development accommodate sufficient housing supply minimize impacts on farmland and habitat Establish a better process for public engagement in planning And fulfill SAFETEA-LU requirements for incorporating plans for growth and development in the RTP process as well as engagement of environmental resources protection agencies and identification of mitigation in the RTP. And fulfill SAFETEA-LU requirements for incorporating plans for growth and development in the RTP process as well as engagement of environmental resources protection agencies and identification of mitigation in the RTP.

14. 14 Regional Blueprint Planning Comprehensive, Collaborative, Integrated Regional Blueprint Planning Program $5m FY 05/06 with possibility of extension to 06/07. Ten applications have been received: *SACOG *SCAG *MTC/ABAG *SANDAG *San Joaquin Valleywide (8 MPOs: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Kern) *SLOCOG *AMBAG *BCAG (Butte) *Tulare (stand-alone plus valleywide) *TMPO (Tahoe) Applications are being reviewed now by Caltrans and HCD. Grant awards will be made by Secy. BTH and Resources. Projects to start Jan. 2006. Regional Blueprint Planning Program $5m FY 05/06 with possibility of extension to 06/07. Ten applications have been received: *SACOG *SCAG *MTC/ABAG *SANDAG *San Joaquin Valleywide (8 MPOs: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Kern) *SLOCOG *AMBAG *BCAG (Butte) *Tulare (stand-alone plus valleywide) *TMPO (Tahoe) Applications are being reviewed now by Caltrans and HCD. Grant awards will be made by Secy. BTH and Resources. Projects to start Jan. 2006.

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17. 17 Challenges Long-term planning horizon Labor (and cost) intensive Consideration of goods movement Need to build new expanded relationships with resource agencies, other planning agencies, and the public Traditional role of the MPO It is hard enough to get people to look out 20 years, let alone 40 or 45. Yet a demonstration can be made that such a process has short-term decision points, and can provide some certainty in planning for the development community. Riverside process to date, which includes revising their County General Plan, has cost at least $30 million. MPOs traditionally do not have any land use powers. However, they can be conveners and influencers of a dialogue. SANDAG (and maybe now SACOG) has also demonstrated that incentives, through transportation dollars, can be provided to encourage smart-growth and other decisions.It is hard enough to get people to look out 20 years, let alone 40 or 45. Yet a demonstration can be made that such a process has short-term decision points, and can provide some certainty in planning for the development community. Riverside process to date, which includes revising their County General Plan, has cost at least $30 million. MPOs traditionally do not have any land use powers. However, they can be conveners and influencers of a dialogue. SANDAG (and maybe now SACOG) has also demonstrated that incentives, through transportation dollars, can be provided to encourage smart-growth and other decisions.

18. 18 Initial Results Clearer articulation of long term visions Earlier consideration of alternatives for major projects Possible method to address cumulative impacts Greater opportunity to protect sensitive habitat and resources Earlier and more inclusive public involvement and buy-in Forum for sustained decision-making Helps satisfy new federal planning requirements Earlier consideration means expedited project delivery and lower costs for the Department.Earlier consideration means expedited project delivery and lower costs for the Department.

19. 19 Regional Blueprint Planning Grants Voluntary, discretionary, competitive FY 2005/06:$5 million awarded to 14 MPOs FY 2006/07:$5 million in budget for up to 18 MPOs Rural �Blueprint� pilot projectfunded separately: $280,000(SP&R funds)

20. 20 FY 2005-2006: Seven grants awarded (14 MPOs)

21. 21 FY 2006-2007: Seven continuing grantees (14 MPOs) eligible Approx. $4 million: BCAG SLOCOG SANDAG SACOG MTC/ABAG SCAG SJV: 8 MPOs

22. 22 FY 2006-2007: Four New Grantees (4 MPOs) Eligible Approx. $1 million: SCRTPA TMPO AMBAG SBCAG

23. 23 �all 18 MPOs in the Statemay be 2006-2007 Grantees $5 million �Seed� money MPO-driven

24. 24 Tri-County Partnership Three rural countiesin �blueprint� pilot ($280,000, SP&R funds): Amador Calaveras Alpine

25. 25 First-Time Grantees:Next Steps Application due by 10-2-06 Technical assistance from Caltrans and HCD Application to include: Discussion of preparation for blueprint planning (e.g., participation in networking meetings) Discussion of anticipated challenges and potential strategies to overcome them FY 2006-2007 proposed work plan, budget and timetable Draft OWP Work Element� Awards announced by 12-15-06

26. 26 Continuing Grantees:Next Steps Application due by 11-1-06 Application to include: Accomplishments to date (based on quarterly reports, work plan accomplishments, expenditures) Discussion of challenges and strategies to overcome obstacles FY 2006-2007 proposed work plan, budget and timetable Draft OWP Work Element� Awards announced by 12-15-06

27. 27 Networking and Peer Exchange Opportunities Blueprint Learning Network (BLN) workshops FHWA�s peer exchange Scenario Planning Workshops Thank the Districts for their support of the Scenario Planning workshops. ___ Crane, Tim Huckaby from D2. The one in Chico attracted elected officials, including a mayor, a City Council member, a County Supervisor � and they stayed for the entire day-long workshop. Tehama County attended and participated actively.Thank the Districts for their support of the Scenario Planning workshops. ___ Crane, Tim Huckaby from D2. The one in Chico attracted elected officials, including a mayor, a City Council member, a County Supervisor � and they stayed for the entire day-long workshop. Tehama County attended and participated actively.

28. 28 Blueprint Learning Network Networking, mentoring Series of three workshops May 12, 2006 - Sacramento Land use, housing, forecasting Sept 13-14, 2006 - Oakland Transportation planning,modeling, forecasting Nov 29-30, 2006 - Anaheim Environmental data, greeninfrastructure Thank the Districts for their support of the Scenario Planning workshops. ___ Crane, Tim Huckaby from D2. The one in Chico attracted elected officials, including a mayor, a City Council member, a County Supervisor � and they stayed for the entire day-long workshop. Tehama County attended and participated actively.Thank the Districts for their support of the Scenario Planning workshops. ___ Crane, Tim Huckaby from D2. The one in Chico attracted elected officials, including a mayor, a City Council member, a County Supervisor � and they stayed for the entire day-long workshop. Tehama County attended and participated actively.

29. 29 Scenario Planning Workshops FHWA-sponsored peer exchange Four held nationwide California held twoin 2006: 6/2/06 - Monterey 8/16/06 - Chico Thank the Districts for their support of the Scenario Planning workshops. ___ Crane, Tim Huckaby from D2. The one in Chico attracted elected officials, including a mayor, a City Council member, a County Supervisor � and they stayed for the entire day-long workshop. Tehama County attended and participated actively.Thank the Districts for their support of the Scenario Planning workshops. ___ Crane, Tim Huckaby from D2. The one in Chico attracted elected officials, including a mayor, a City Council member, a County Supervisor � and they stayed for the entire day-long workshop. Tehama County attended and participated actively.

30. 30 Consultant-led Blueprint Support

31. 31 Some Other State Efforts to Assist Regions: California Transportation Plan Regional Growth Dialogues Regional Blueprint Progress Indicators SPR Part I, Special Studies There are many State programs that benefit our regional partners. Today, we will focus on these specific efforts, all of which augment the Regional Blueprint Planning Program. There are many State programs that benefit our regional partners. Today, we will focus on these specific efforts, all of which augment the Regional Blueprint Planning Program.

32. 32 California Transportation Plan Approved for Distribution Vision for Sustainability � 3E�s Reflects State and Regional Priorities Framework for Future RTP�s http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/osp/ctp.htm BTH has recently made final approval on the CTP. This policy framework document has had significant public outreach across the State and reflects most regional priorities and goals. The document will be updated for SAFETEA-LU and the plan is to issue for coinciding with RTP cycles. BTH has recently made final approval on the CTP. This policy framework document has had significant public outreach across the State and reflects most regional priorities and goals. The document will be updated for SAFETEA-LU and the plan is to issue for coinciding with RTP cycles.

33. 33 Regional Growth Dialogues Forum for Discussion of Issues Education on Bond Initiatives Cover State Programs & Tools Available to Regions The Regional Growth Dialogues are being held Statewide with private and public stakeholders. Discussion items include regional challenges such as jobs/housing imbalances, environmental quality, infrastructure, projected growth, etc. The dialogues also provide a forum for a discussion/education session regarding the State Bond Initiatives for Education, Flood Control, Housing, and Transportation. Sessions include a general discussion of program and tools available from HCD, Resources, Transportation, Commerce, etc.The Regional Growth Dialogues are being held Statewide with private and public stakeholders. Discussion items include regional challenges such as jobs/housing imbalances, environmental quality, infrastructure, projected growth, etc. The dialogues also provide a forum for a discussion/education session regarding the State Bond Initiatives for Education, Flood Control, Housing, and Transportation. Sessions include a general discussion of program and tools available from HCD, Resources, Transportation, Commerce, etc.

34. 34 Regional Blueprint Progress Indicators Monitor Effectiveness of Blueprint Grants Can be Utilized for Other Programs Include Transportation, Education, Housing, Health Measures The Regional Blueprint Progress Indicators will support the Regional Blueprint Planning Program by providing various stakeholders with status reports. The indicators could be derived from areas such as health, housing, or employment that are linked to transportation and congestion relief. The indicators can be used for other programs in use by the regions as well. The Regional Blueprint Progress Indicators will support the Regional Blueprint Planning Program by providing various stakeholders with status reports. The indicators could be derived from areas such as health, housing, or employment that are linked to transportation and congestion relief. The indicators can be used for other programs in use by the regions as well.

35. 35 SPR, Part I, Special Studies Application Program - CT Staff Only Regional Collaboration and Partnership The SPR, Part I Special Studies Program provides Federal funding for the State and region planning projects. Several projects are collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders that have Federal or State significance. This program began in the 2004-2005 FY and participation with the Districts and regions has increased annually from marketing efforts.The SPR, Part I Special Studies Program provides Federal funding for the State and region planning projects. Several projects are collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders that have Federal or State significance. This program began in the 2004-2005 FY and participation with the Districts and regions has increased annually from marketing efforts.

36. 36 SPR, Part I, Special Studies 2006-2007 Examples: Richardson Grove Good Movement Study,Humboldt County I-5 Developer Fee Study,Shasta & Tehama Counties I-8 Transportation, Housing, Jobs, Corridor Study,San Diego andImperial Counties The SPR, Part I Special Studies Program provides Federal funding for the State and region planning projects. Several projects are collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders that have Federal or State significance. This program began in the 2004-2005 FY and participation with the Districts and regions has increased annually from marketing efforts.The SPR, Part I Special Studies Program provides Federal funding for the State and region planning projects. Several projects are collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders that have Federal or State significance. This program began in the 2004-2005 FY and participation with the Districts and regions has increased annually from marketing efforts.

37. 37 Regional Forecasts and Projections Planning RequiresForecasting the Future How much growth & where? Need a growth-forecasting model(to link jobs/housing/markets/travel)

38. 38 Regional Forecasts and Projections Improving Regional Projections Methodology Assumptions Data Sources State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)

39. 39 Regional Forecasts �. Caltrans� County Forecast Project County Economic Models: Link demographics,economic activity(transactions, jobs) & housing. Models/forecasts areannually updated & refined. County forecasts are posted on our web site. The SPR, Part I Special Studies Program provides Federal funding for the State and region planning projects. Several projects are collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders that have Federal or State significance. This program began in the 2004-2005 FY and participation with the Districts and regions has increased annually from marketing efforts.The SPR, Part I Special Studies Program provides Federal funding for the State and region planning projects. Several projects are collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders that have Federal or State significance. This program began in the 2004-2005 FY and participation with the Districts and regions has increased annually from marketing efforts.

40. 40 Contact Information For further information - Visit our program website at: http://calblueprint.dot.ca.gov/ Contact our Regional Blueprint project manager: Marilee Mortenson marilee.mortenson@dot.ca.gov (916) 653-3758

41. 41 In summary, what is Regional Blueprint?

42. 42 Questions