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Regional Cooperation in the Treasure Valley, Idaho Region
Session: Metropolitan Planning Innovations March 31, 10:15 AM AbstractBooming growth in Ada and Canyon Counties in Idaho (Treasure Valley Region) during the 1990’s lead to concerns about sprawl, agricultural land loss, and rapid increase in congestion along major roads. The low density and disconnected patterns typical of sprawl development were highlighted during a two-year project called “Treasure Valley Futures” or TVF. A U.S. Department of Transportation grant funded this project under the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program. The TVF project has helped focus attention on the need to change not only the planning process, but to consider the implementation process, which often conflicts with the plans’ goals. Several positive changes have occurred as a result of the TVF project: a downtown renewal district, new urbanism goals in comprehensive plans, and awareness of design issues on the part of elected officials. Many challenges remain, including a lack of state laws regarding regional planning, limited funding for public transportation, and frequent public opposition to higher density development. Regional Cooperation in the Treasure Valley, Idaho RegionAuthor and Copyright Information Copyright 2003 by author Charles Trainor Mr. Trainor has been with Community Planning Association (COMPASS) since 1987 doing transit and roadway planning and special projects. Some of the projects he has accomplished include:
He is a board member of the Community Transportation Association of Idaho, an organization promoting public transportation services in the Idaho. Mr. Trainor had worked as a transportation planner in Colorado for two metropolitan planning organizations, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Denver Regional Transportation District. |