Title
Briefing on the Sustainable Thurston Task Force Draft Plan
Body
Issue:
The Draft Creating Places - Preserving Spaces, A Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region is the result of an extensive community conversation over the last two and half years. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to shape this region's future as well as the actions and responsibilities to achieve the Thurston Region's definition of sustainability: "A sustainable community will enhance quality of life, foster economic vitality, and protect the environment while balancing our needs today with those of future residents."
The draft Plan is undergoing public review through October 2nd.
Possible points of discussion include:
· Issues important to the City that are addressed in the Sustainable Thurston Plan,
· How the City can support moving forward on the Plan,
· What you think will be needed to achieve the Plan vision over time?
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570-5847
Presenters:
Veena Tabbut, Senior Planner, Thurston Regional Planning
Background and Analysis:
The Thurston region was awarded a Federal Sustainable Community Planning Grant in 2010. This was one of 45 awards made that year out of 1,000 applications submitted from throughout the nation.
Twenty nine partners - including the City of Olympia - signed on to the grant project, including public, private, and nonprofit groups and organizations. This partnership continued and expanded by attracting diverse participation through surveys; discussion and analysis of 10 quality of life topics by residents and leaders from throughout the region using the best information available; workshops throughout the region; targeted outreach to special needs residents; and use of on-line opportunities to share ideas and comment on others ideas.
The City of Olympia has been represented throughout the process on the Sustainable Thurston Task Force and by staff members, who have shared information, reviewed draft materials, participated in discussions, attended meetings and facilitated at workshops.
The draft Plan includes:
· Results of the community conversation
· Findings that continue to develop under current plans and trends into the future is not sustainable
· Actions, collaboration and cooperation that can change the current trajectory toward an unsustainable future
· Foundation principles that articulate this region's values, the bold vision, the priority goals, targets and first action steps, and the quality of life topic goals and actions to achieve over time.
The draft Sustainable Thurston Plan is the product of the beginning of the community conversation - not the end. The healthy environment, vital society, and robust economy described will depend on motivated, inspired and informed leaders and residents willing to take action and continue to expand the engagement and partnerships that began with Sustainable Thurston.
Next Steps:
Public comment on the draft Sustainable Thurston Plan and Regional Housing Plan will continue through October 2. The Sustainable Thurston Task Force will review and finalize the draft Plan and present it to the Thurston Regional Planning Council for their review and adoption.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
See the draft Plan
Options:
This is a briefing only. Commissioners are encouraged to ask questions or make comments following the presentation.
Financial Impact:
N/A