A Vision for the District: Perspectives from the City

1. A Vision for the District: Perspectives from the City Presentation at Alliance workshop December 6, 2008

2. Accommodating Growth The city needs to grow in order to thrive To maintain quality of life and level of public services To be a more sustainable center for the region Growth is best when directed to designated areas To create walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly places To minimize impacts on neighborhood character City policies and investments will support this vision Through zoning and other land use regulations Through investments in infrastructure and public facilities

3. Sustainability The city plans to become more sustainable Environmentally – as good stewards of natural resources Socially – strengthening a healthy social fabric Economically – with high quality jobs and solid finances Growth and sustainability aren’t contradictory The city as a sustainable alternative to suburban/rural areas Decreasing overall reliance on driving alone Enabling and showcasing sustainable innovations Sustainability is a moving target Flexible policy to respond to emerging best practices Commitment to pursuing cutting edge strategy Moving from voluntary to incentivized to mandatory to given

4. Land Use Corridors, nodes and centers will accommodate growth Growth centers – major employment areas with supporting services, homes University of Minnesota area Activity centers – lively, day-to-night activity with variety of uses Stadium Village Dinkytown Cedar Ave/Seven Corners East Hennepin Commercial corridors – major transit-oriented commercial destinations Cedar Ave Riverside Ave University Ave (part) Community corridors – connecting roads accommodating residential density Como Ave 4th Ave University Ave (part) Industrial employment districts – preserved for industrial development - SEMI Transit station areas – prioritized for transit-friendly development Commercial nodes – small commercial centers in neighborhoods

5. Housing Desire to provide a diverse range of housing options Life-cycle housing for range of household types Affordable to people at variety of levels of income City intervention mainly for affordability De-concentrating distribution of low income housing Interest in ensuring all development is good quality Commitment to maintaining quality housing stock Through development review process Through inspections and licensing Though heritage preservation and related conservation efforts

6. Transportation Investment in Primary Transit Network Central Corridor LRT Improved bus system, including high frequency service Part of overall citywide and regional plan Support for transit-friendly development Pedestrian oriented development and design Incorporating transit-friendly design elements into building Bicycle and pedestrian networks Citywide plans underway, integrating throughout city Significant investments planned in District area Connections with land use, density, transit facilities,major destinations, open space, etc.

7. Summary From a broad perspective, the District is The intersection of a number of features which suggest a relatively high level of density and activity within certain areas A sustainable place that preserves valued resources, while planning and adapting in light of future needs A transit hub that can built upon existing assets to further reduce car dependence A major employment hub that will power the area’s economy and help support needed community services A unique and special home for its residents that needs to be preserved while accommodating future growth