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<br />8e <br />Page 1 <br /> <br />,. <br />...... . <br />..., -- <br />- <br />~ <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORT OF CONFERENCElMEETING ATTENDANCE <br /> <br />Name: Barbara Pierce <br /> <br />Vendor No.: <br /> <br />Department: City Council <br /> <br />V oueher No.: <br /> <br />Conference or meeting: Building Livable Communities: Livable Communities Meet the Global Warming <br />Challenge, March 13-16, 2008. Presented by the Local Government Commission, sponsored by the <br />California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); and the California Energy Commission (CEC). <br /> <br />Summary of conference or meeting: <br />The Local Government Commission brought together concerned local officials statewide, planning staff <br />and commissioners, county supervisors, experts in water supply, development and the environment to <br />learn and discuss global warming. The challenge of global warming, its implications for communities and <br />developing a means for local jurisdictions to protect their communities is of major concern throughout the <br />state. A number of key concepts discussed at the conference will be of interest and value to our <br />community and are described below. <br /> <br />Mr. Will Fleissig, former community development director for Boulder Colorado and currently a <br />developer of sustainable developments spoke about the concept of Restorative Growth. Restorative <br />Growth provides the opportunity for growth to be managed in a way that cleans up toxic areas; creates <br />open lands and habitat areas; improves watersheds, stimulates economic opportunity; reduces vehicle <br />miles traveled (vrnt); generates energy; cuts co2 emissions; and addresses housing needs for all <br />generations. ' <br /> <br />Key elements in Restorative Growth include: <br />. Revenues must be linked to provide public facilities, such as schools, street pedestrian upgrades, and <br />frequent transit service. <br />· Districts that create development that link with other districts and amenities will be favored by the <br />market place, possess a distinctive identity; and will create greater long-term value for their investors. <br />· There is a demand for "green" products and the zero emission developments are earning investor <br />interest. <br /> <br />Mr. Fleissig targeted 3 location strategies where housing growth like this can be focused: ou suburban <br />arterials where there are strip mall sites such as on Et Camino Real; where there are big box stores or <br />shopping centers in decline; or where there are classy office sites ready for redevelopment. Keys to <br />making investments in this type of growth included: transit associated inftastructure will have greatest <br />return on investment (roi) and biggest redUction on vrnt; appropriate location and efficient zoning are <br />vital; mobility incentive zones and increasing core transit capacity should be a central focus of <br />investment. <br /> <br />Mr. Fleissig recommended using catalytic projects to demonstrate and engage people. Communities and <br />developers have a need to achieve benefits quickly, to see the changes in use, and develop comfort with <br />the process and product. In working with your community, he encouraged setting some things off limit, <br />