Agenda - 08-18-2009 - 4q - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: August 18, 2009 Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: Proclamation Re ardin Quality Growth Initiative DEPARTMENT: BOCC PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft Proclamation Reality Check -One Page Summary Draft -Reality Check Action Plan Craig Benedict, Planning - 245-2592 Triangle Tomorrow's `Reality Check' Report PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation endorsing and adopting the Reality Check Report Guiding Principles for Quality Growth. BACKGROUND: On February 24, 2009, approximately 280 regional stakeholders and leaders gathered at the Raleigh Convention Center. The purpose was to take part in the Research Triangle Regional Reality Check exercise. The project was hosted by the Triangle District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Triangle Tomorrow, a community and business action organization. The Reality Check Project analyzed three growth scenarios fora 15 county region. The consensus amount participants during the reporting phase (i.e. results summit) was to support the following guiding principles: • TRANSIT Improve regional transit, matching land use decisions with transit investments • VIBRANT CENTERS Reinvest in city and town centers, promote compact development, density and mixed use, including a balance of jobs and housing • SUSTAINED GREEN SPACE Define appropriate growth and preservation areas to protect areas to protect open space, agricultural land and resources, especially water supply and quality. As the Triangle responds to the impending growth in the future, communities (i.e. cities, small towns, counties, rural areas) may address the challenges and opportunities in different ways but it was suggested that certain actions should be an integral part of the growth response including: / Maximizing existing infrastructure including open space Addressing community resistance to emerging types of development and transportation modes with education, workshops, and public awareness campaigns / Promoting effective regional cooperation and collaboration by adopting the Reality Check Guiding Principles. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None at this time. However, how a region grows affects the quality of life and cost of living, so growth decisions will ultimately have a fiscal impact. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Interim Manager recommends the Board approve the proclamation.