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Beyond Sustainable Communities. A Transitional Moment for Regions Jacob Lieb Sustainability Manager For California Planning Roundtable November 9, 2013. Regionalism?. Regions are the critical unit for most issues Growth Economy Environment Transportation
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Beyond Sustainable Communities A Transitional Moment for Regions Jacob Lieb Sustainability Manager For California Planning Roundtable November 9, 2013
Regionalism? • Regions are the critical unit for most issues • Growth • Economy • Environment • Transportation • Regional government is another story • MPOs, COGs, special districts
Recent Past • Blueprint Plans • Popular Member Programs • Regional Comprehensive Plans • Changes in Transportation Planning • SB 375!
What regional agencies are good at • Data • Technical analysis and tools • Coordination • Consensus building • Member service
What regions struggle with • Top down policy and mandates • Mediating differences and disputes • Balancing planning requirements and member orientation
SB 375 in Retrospect • Started out as CEQA reform • Regional agencies as instrument of state growth policy • GHG or other outcomes? • Procedural or high level policy instrument? • Big deal or not a big deal?
SB 375 to Date SCSs complete in 4 large regions • GHG targets met • Viewed as success BUT . . .
SB 375 to Date, Cont. • 50% lawsuit rate in large regions • What’s up with CEQA streamlining? • Follow through(a mixed bag)
A Little Bit About the Plans • Continuing progress on land use efficiency • Transit and active transportation investment • SCAG major push on transportation finance/pricing • Lots of public involvement and meaningful input • Other key policies • TDM • Vehicle Technology
3 Overarching Strategies focus over 50% growth within 3% land area FROM7:3 single- vs. multi- family units TO 3:7 allocate ONLY13% capital investmentto highways 13
Outcomes of the RTP/SCS A More Sustainable Region HQTAs (2035) focus over 50% growth within 3% land area • Exceeded requirements • Reduced GHG and VMT • Improved health outcomes • Economic growth and jobs • Fresh outlook on transportation finance • Many other co-benefits • -Energy, water, open space conservation State Mandate SB 375 GHG Reduction 14
Major issues to be worked out • Scoping Plan Update • Cap and Trade Investments • ZEV Action Plan • SB 743 and further CEQA tinkering • Strategic Growth Council post-Prop 84
What happens next • More questions than answers • Integration of AB 32 • Effective CEQA changes • Real investment • Conclusion of legal challenges
What regions are doing to follow up • Implementing plans • Local assistance programs • Joint work with County Transportation Commissions • Looking for money