Title
Special Presentation: Visualizing Density
Body
Issue:
This visual presentation will explore what various land use densities may look like, and how design and other factors can influence the 'look and feel' of our community. A panel discussion will follow, with representatives from the planning and development sectors along with citizen representatives from the Planning Commission.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development abuckler@ci.olympia.wa.us, 360.570.5847
Presenter/Panel(s):
Bob Bengford, MAKERS Architecture (Presenting)
Walker John, local developer (Panelist)
Fred Evander, Planner with Thurston Regional Planning (Panelist)
Background and Analysis:
Since the 1970s, the population and economy of the Puget Sound region has been growing. According to the Thurston County Profile, the county's population more than doubled between 1980 and 2010. Forecasters expect Olympia's population and employment will continue to increase over the next 20 years. In 2010, the estimated population of Olympia and its Urban Growth Area was 58,310 residents. Forecasters expect our population will increase to 84,400 by 2035, a rate of approximately 2% per year.
In the early 1990s, the Washington State Growth Management Act was passed in response to rapid and sprawling growth in many parts of the state that was causing a decrease in quality of life, negative effects on the environment, and increased costs for municipal infrastructure and maintenance. Under the Act, urban areas (like Olympia) are to absorb more of the state's population growth than rural areas, thereby preserving forests, animal habitat, farms, and other important lands. Focusing growth in urban areas also reduces traffic, pollution, and the costs of providing city services that protect the health, safety and quality of life of citizens.
Olympia's long-range Comprehensive Plan and regulations establish various minimum and maximum densities within va...
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