January 25, 2002

SMART GROWTH IN RURAL IDAHO TOWNS

Institutional and political factors that influence growth in Idaho’s rural towns oGenerally, few physical assets oLack of municipal capacity oOutdated or boilerplate policies and ordinances oAll growth is considered a good thing oLocal control is paramount

Other factors that influence growth rural towns in Idaho oSlow rural economy oLess concern about design, more concern about function oLack of understanding about how function and design interact oLess willingness to buck the system oThe highway runs through it

oTransportation system overloaded, especially during commute oAffordability for long time residents and service workers oProtecting their economic resource, usually a view shed Different needs for different rural towns The Resort Community

oLess likely to impose restrictions on development oWilling to put up with the consequences of new growth for jobs Different needs for different rural towns oResource economy very slow The Resource Dependent Town

oDisconnect between new residents expectations of services and what’s available oLoss of small town character Different needs for different rural towns oResidential growth dissipates the traditional tax base and erodes economic support of agriculture The Bedroom Sprawl Communities

WHAT WHO - Six Signatory Partners: Six benchmarks (or Primary Tasks) #5 WHAT A Regional Multi- Partner, Multi-Faceted TCSP Project WHO - Six Signatory Partners: Regional MPO Regional Partnership of Local Elected Officials Statewide Citizen-based Organization Two State Universities A Local Transportation Agency + 17 additional agencies and organizations Six benchmarks (or Primary Tasks) #5 Design solutions in real settings among diverse stakeholders through demonstration projects

Where is the Treasure Valley

Rural Growth the Treasure Valley 17,000 acres of agricultural land in valley will convert to “urban” residential use in next 20 years.

Demonstration Projects The Demonstration Projects were selected from community generated proposals and completed by Treasure Valley Futures partners lead by the IURDC with local public involvement. TVF team lead each community in a two to four month design process. Community issues and goals were discussed and incorporated with the goals of the TCSP Program. One to three day design workshops were held with hands-on activities to create alternative land use and transportation plans for the sites. Follow-up activities by the TVF team and communities have included Comprehensive Plan reviews and amendments, ordinance language proposals, developer contact, formation of action committees among others

Demonstration Project #1 Ustick Area, Boise, Fall 1999 What: Creation of a neighborhood “heart” at the original historic Townsite of Ustick with civic, retail, and residential elements in a pedestrian- supportive environment on what is planned as a major transit route.

Demonstration Project #1 Status: West Valley Neighborhood Association has drafted a Specific Area Plan for adoption by the City of Boise and has successfully worked with developers to integrate residential developments in the desired pattern. Highway District has approved alternative street section standards.

Demonstration Project #2 Kuna, Spring 2000 What: Reinvigorate Kuna's Central Business District with civic additions, i.e.; new high school, city hall complex, commuter bus center and museum. Integrate visitors center for the National Birds of Prey Conservation area south of railroad tracks. Keep activities centered on downtown, provide for a transit stop and allow balanced growth.

Demonstration Project #2 Status: Kuna Futures and the City of Kuna are working to find federal funding for the railroad bridge, and have committed to sites for the City Hall and visitors center.

Demonstration Project #4 Meridian, Spring 2000 What: Redevelopment of Old Town Meridian, as well as areas south of the rail tracks, including provisions for a transit station, new City Hall complex, convention center, close-in housing choices to support a vital city center and future rail corridor transportation.

Demonstration Project #4

Status: Meridian has formed an Urban Renewal District and Development Corporation to fund improvements through tax increment financing. Their redevelopment plan will be based on the TVF recommendations.

Demonstration Project #5 Star, Fall 2000 What: Visioning centered on the historic resources and downtown including a public plaza/commuter transit stop fronted by a future City Hall and surrounded by mixed-use retail/residential. Goal to protect future transportation choices (primarily ped/bike).

Demonstration Project #5 Important Resources: Stop on traditional trolley system

Demonstration Project #5 Star street patternsProposed pathway system for Star Making connections in Star:

Demonstration Project #5 Status: Comp Plan and ordinance review underway to incorporate principles for pedestrian supportive environments including neighborhood centers and housing developments with small blocks and alleys