Smart?

FUNDERS NETWORK FOR SMART GROWTH

http://www.fundersnetwork.org/

"The mission of the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities is to inform and strengthen philanthropic funders' individual and collective abilities to support and connect organizations working to advance social equity, create better economies, build livable communities, and protect and preserve natural resources. The Network operates based on the following values:

--Collaboration: a commitment to inclusiveness, diversity of participation, interdependence, multi-disciplinary approaches, and a focus on the common good of the “whole” community, including children and families
--Equity: a belief in equal access to opportunity across race, gender, and generational lines, a commitment to social justice, and a focus on inter-generational fairness
--Optimism: a belief that leadership, sustained commitment, and bringing together diverse individuals in holistic approaches can make a difference
--Integration: a recognition that achieving sustainable, more livable communities requires equal commitment to the economy, equity and the environment
--Environmental Stewardship: fostering environmental protection, creating effective partnerships, and making sound land use decisions
--A Focus on Place: connecting and valuing neighborhoods and regions, striving for livable communities, and focusing on people as well as communities."

Some Cool Things they've Done:

--Gone around the Country on "Listening Sessions" to assess challenges and opportunities facing smart growth and liveable communities movements. Places they did assessment: Mid-Atlantic, Pennsylvania (yea alison and jen), Cali, Southeast, Chicago, Central Vally Cali, NY/NJ/Conn., Southwest, Ohio, Pacific, Twin Cities (yea Jamie).

to see what is up in your area check out the report: http://www.fundersnetwork.org/info-url_nocat2778/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=100775

For example, my future town of D.C. had the following "Impediments":

--In the Washington, DC region, working across multiple state, county, and city jurisdictions is a challenge. There are different policies, procedures, and politics.

--Northern Virginia officials often have difficulties obtaining what they believe to be their fair share of resources from Richmond. In terms of funding, income taxes collected in Northern Virginia counties are transferred directly to the general fund in Richmond. Currently, politicians would like to retain more tax revenue in Northern Virginia predominantly to fund road projects (I LOVE ROADS, I LOVE ROADS, LOVELOVELOVELOVE, LOVELOVELOVELOVE, I LOVE ROADS - sung to the tune of "hot cross buns), but mass transit and other transportation projects could also benefit from increased revenue.

--The disparity between land use and transportation planning in Virginia makes integrated Smart Growth planning difficult. Additionally, the disparity between planning an zoning further hampers Smart Growth planning (WTF, how can their be a disparity between PLANNING and ZONING???? isn't one supposed to be the tool of the other????? WTF!!!).

--Virginia business leaders, the BoT, and AAA Mid-Atlantic are proponents of widening and adding roads and often have the ears of politicians (DUDE, SWEET, Transit peeps should just hire MIKE TYSON, then we'd all be set. problem solved.), especially at the state level. However, if business leaders took the cue from leaders in other parts of the countrpotential for being progressive could also provide economic benefits.

--Some Maryland counties have Smart Growth approaches that differ from those of the state planning office.

--Washington, DC officials often become frustrated by the effect the federal government’s budget oversight has on District planning (poor district).

--VDOT is such a proponent of building roads in Virginia and is such a large organization, that it is difficult for the 30-person (WTFFFF.. THIRTY PEEPS??? Note to self: order more mike tysons) Department of Rail and Public Transportation to receive adequate funding and resources to pursue mass transit options.

--VDOT does not communicate well with the Maryland DOT, making plans for improving the Beltway and adding mass transit options difficult (Damn folks who don't serve sweet tea don't communicate with peeps that are sane enough to...f-in elitists!).


MAJOR CONCLUSIONS FROM STUDY:

**PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON DON'T LIKE TO COMMUNICATE ACROSS LINES**