Transportation and Economic Development

This is my seventh and final post in a series of blogs discussing Communities in Motion 2040 and the relationship between transportation and other elements addressed in the plan. You can find the previous blogs below. Today I am discussing transportation and economic development.

The concept that the transportation system and the economic vitality of an area are linked is not new. From rivers to railroads to Interstates, the proximity of a community to a high quality transportation system is key to a community’s prosperity or demise.

While we don’t anticipate a “new” type of transportation system to change the modern transportation landscape and affect the prosperity of the Treasure Valley, as happened with the advent of the transcontinental railroad and later automobiles, changes that we make to our existing transportation system have the potential to generate significant economic consequences. And, on the flip side, a changing economy can have significant consequences on our transportation system.

First, let’s talk about the effect of changes to our transportation system on our economy. COMPASS has purchased software called “TREDIS,” that allows us to calculate the long-term costs and benefits of building specific transportation projects. We recently ran this model on four road widening projects that could potentially be funded through Communities in Motion 2040: widening State Highway 44 west of the City of Middleton to State Highway 16, widening Interstate 84 from northwest of the City of Caldwell to the City of Nampa, widening State Highway 55 from the Marsing to the City of Nampa, and widening US Highway 20/26 from the City of Caldwell to the City of Meridian.*

The costs of these projects are staggering – they range from an estimated $95 million to widen State Highway 55 to an estimated $200 million to widen US Highway 20/26. However, the economic benefits are even more staggering. The model predicts that if built, these roadway improvements could generate an additional 9,500 jobs. These are new, long-term jobs; the figure does not include jobs generated by the construction itself. In addition, these projects would generate millions of dollars of cost savings to local businesses and the traveling public– mainly by reducing the time needed to get from Point A to Point B.*

Second, let’s look at the impact of economic development on our transportation system. If you’ve lived here long enough, you remember a time when Eagle Road was the quickest way to get from Eagle to Interstate-84. It would be an understatement to say there has since been significant economic development along that corridor.

I don’t want to get into a discussion of what was done “right” or “wrong” on Eagle Road; I only mention it as a prime example of how development can affect our transportation system and how things have changed in how this is addressed. For example, the Meridian Town Center, a large new commercial development, is being constructed at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Eagle Road. The new development has the potential to increase traffic volumes on Eagle Road. The Idaho Transportation Department is working closely with the developer to improve Eagle Road to accommodate the anticipated increased traffic.

As COMPASS continues to develop CIM 2040, we are constantly reminded of the extent to which impacts of decisions made concerning our transportation system reach far beyond impacts to roads and buses, but touch all facets of life in the Treasure Valley, now and into the future.

*For this discussion, I've greatly simplified the descriptions of both the projects and the results. If you’d like more information on the proposed road widening projects or the TREDIS results, contact info@compassidaho.org.

Communities in Motion: Why Do You Care? Part VII

This is my seventh installment in the series of blogs about why people care, or should care, about long-range transportation planning in general and Communities in Motion in particular.

We have been asking people – Treasure Valley residents, such as you  –  this question. I have committed to sharing those reasons with you each quarter in my blog. Below is the newest list. 

Why people care about Communities in Motion 2040, as submitted by you:

·         So when you’re walking down the sidewalk you don’t step on a crack and break your mother’s back!

·         Because if we don’t plan, someone else will make the decisions for us.

·         Believe it or not, today’s roads haven’t always been there. Someone had to plan for them. Now it’s our turn.

·         When gas prices go up (and they will!), what will you do?

·         Idaho ranks last in income and first in people with second jobs. Let’s plan so our economic future is brighter.

·         Because they don’t make SPF 5,000 sunblock!

·         My wife said, “let’s go out… and take me to someplace expensive.” So, I took her to the gas station.

·         Because when I turn 85, I want the ambulance to be able to get to me!

·         Have you ever waited for the bus that didn't come? Let’s fix that!

To share why you think Communities in Motion 2040 is important and why people should get involved ― why you care ― email aluft@compassidaho.org and we’ll post your ideas here. The next installment will be posted the beginning of October. 

Transportation and Health

This is my sixth in a series of blogs discussing Communities in Motion 2040 and the relationship between transportation and other elements addressed in the plan. You can find the previous blogs below. Today I am discussing transportation and health.

Transportation and health connect in many different ways, from providing transportation options for low income individuals to access healthy foods to environmental health and its impact on human health. However, in this blog, I’m just focusing on one aspect of the transportation/health nexus: active transportation.

As we were waiting for a staff meeting to start at the COMPASS office the other day, the conversation turned to working out. One of our staff members mentioned that as a child, she thought “exercise” was pronounced “extra-cise” – basically something you did “extra” to be healthy. 

While this got a chuckle from our staff, it occurred to me that too often that is the case – we view being active as something “extra” we do as a part of our day to lose weight or be healthy. Unfortunately, many of us fail to do this “extra” thing, which has lead to high levels of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other ailments.

Through CIM 2040 we are striving to create a transportation system that encourages active transportation – walking and biking to get from “Point A” to “Point B” – by providing the appropriate infrastructure to do so, such as safe, high quality sidewalks, bike lanes, and pathways. If we can design our communities to be places where exercise is simply how you get to work or to the store, instead of something “extra” to try fit into our busy days, we end up with healthier communities and citizens.

This concept reaches beyond a simple “feel good” message. The adult obesity rate in Idaho in 2011 was 27% -- more than one quarter of our adult population! That obesity epidemic comes with a cost, not only in lives and quality of life, but in dollars and cents. In 2010, the obesity epidemic cost Idahoans $320 million in health care, health insurance, lost productivity, and more. While that cost is staggering, it is nothing compared to future projections -- the cost of obesity in Idaho is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2018.*

An active population can reduce those costs by helping curb obesity. While active transportation supported in CIM 2040 is not the “silver bullet” to cure the obesity epidemic, it is a tool available to transportation professionals to provide additional transportation options, improve our overall transportation system, and help Idahoans lead more active lives.

*Statistics courtesy of the Idaho Department of Transportation.

Transportation and Farmland

This is my fifth in a series of blogs discussing Communities in Motion 2040 and the relationship between transportation and other elements addressed in the plan. You can find the previous blogs below. Today I am discussing transportation and farmland.

Our rich agricultural heritage is part of what makes our valley the “Treasure Valley.” Yet, as Ada and Canyon Counties become more urbanized, it can be easy to forget how important farming is to our economy and way of life. Studies show that over 6,000 people are employed in the agricultural sector in Ada and Canyon Counties and that farmland encompasses 28% of all private land in the two-county area.*

The COMPASS Board of Directors has identified protecting agricultural land as one of the goals of Communities in Motion 2040. For that to happen, farming must continue to be a vital segment of our economy. But, as with any other industry, farming must be profitable, or the business owners – the farmers – will pursue other livelihoods.

Quality transportation facilities play a key role in ensuring that farming remains locally profitable and viable. Farmers rely on “farm to market” roads to transport their commodities to markets, distributors, and processing facilities. However, as our population grows, there is increasing pressure on these same roads from commuters. In addition, due to growth in urban areas, some traditionally rural roads have been incorporated into surrounding cities, but their function as a farm to market road has not changed, leading to large farm vehicles needing to move through congested urban areas to get from farm to market.

As we plan for a transportation system that meets our needs in the future, it is important to ensure farmers can safely and efficiently transport their products from farms to markets or processing facilities. We need to plan for preservation, and improvement, of these “farm to market” roads to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the agricultural community.

COMPASS has taken a first step toward this by considering agriculture’s needs in the long-range transportation planning process, but it is truly just a first step. We must continue to include these needs in our long-range planning to ensure agriculture remains a key and vibrant element of our region’s economy,

*Statistics from “Sustainable Agriculture: Measuring Success” study by the Urban Land Institute-Idaho.

http://idaho.uli.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Sustainable-Agriculture-Brochure.pdf

Transportation and Community Infrastructure

This is my fourth in a series of blogs discussing Communities in Motion 2040 and the relationship between transportation and other elements discussed in the plan. You can find the previous blogs below (transportation/land use, transportation/housing, and transportation/open space). Today I am discussing transportation and community infrastructure.

First we need to tackle the issue of defining “community infrastructure.”  Dictionary.com defines infrastructure as “the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area, such as transportation and communication systems, power plants, and schools.” In the context of developing Communities in Motion 2040, “community infrastructure” primarily refers to utilities such as sewer, water, and power.

So, what is the relationship between transportation infrastructure and “community” infrastructure? Quite often, these types of infrastructure are built, and work, in concert – or at least they should.

One practical example of the intersection (yes, pun intended) of these types of infrastructure involves construction and maintenance. We've all experienced what appears to be a lack of coordination when a road is torn up for a road construction project, only to be torn up again a few months later for a utility project. Coordination of construction and maintenance of transportation with other infrastructure can minimize impacts on citizens and potentially reduces costs.

A second example of how these types of infrastructure interconnect relates to development. New development depends on available infrastructure capacity, and in some cases may bring about the need for completely new infrastructure -- new roads, new sewer and power lines, etc. Or, the advent of one of these types of infrastructure may lead to the need for the others – the “if you build it, they will come” phenomenon. For example, construction of a new road can open an area for development, which then leads to the need for additional new infrastructure to accommodate growth in the area.

Communities in Motion 2040 goals highlight the desire of community leaders to “maximize the use of existing infrastructure” and to “encourage infill development,” to better manage the need for new infrastructure.

Why does that matter? Relying on existing infrastructure and minimizing the addition of new infrastructure can…

·         Preserve undeveloped areas. Using existing infrastructure, even for new development, generally means that new development will be occurring in or near a community or other development, as opposed to in an area that is currently farmland or open space. This, in turn, helps support Communities in Motion 2040 goals of preserving farmland and open space by discouraging development in those areas.

·         Make the most of existing investments. Encouraging growth in areas with existing infrastructure helps communities use any excess infrastructure capacity, and thus make the most of the investment.

·         Save money. Not only is building new infrastructure expensive in the short-term, maintaining that additional infrastructure is also expensive in the long-term.

I certainly do not mean to imply that growth should rely solely on existing infrastructure or that new infrastructure is “bad.” New infrastructure will be needed to support the growth forecast between now and 2040. However, as new developments and new infrastructure projects are planned, consideration should be given to how existing infrastructure can be used to its fullest potential before new infrastructure is built.

Communities in Motion: Why Do You Care? Part VI

This is my sixth installment in the series of blogs about why people care, or should care, about long-range transportation planning in general and Communities in Motion 2040 in particular.

We have been asking people – Treasure Valley residents, such as you  –  this question. I have committed to sharing those reasons with you each quarter in my blog. Below is the newest list.  

Why people care about Communities in Motion 2040, as submitted by you:

• New projects may be coming to your neck of the woods…you’ll want to know!
• Do you really want someone else planning your future?
• So it’s still relevant to teach your kid how to ride a bike.
• Because gas is expensive!
• Because we all breathe the same air.
• So “the journey” is as enjoyable as the destination.
• Hindsight may be 20/20, but isn’t having foresight even better?
• Because I don’t want to rely on a holster to carry my inhalers.
• It’s your money!
• It’s the citizens who know best what is needed.

 To share why you think Communities in Motion 2040 is important and why people should get involved ― why you care ― email aluft@compassidaho.org and we’ll post your ideas here. The next installment will be posted the beginning of July.

Also – just a reminder to submit your photos for the “Your Treasure Valley Future Photo Challenge.” Visit http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/cim2040_photos.htm to see what your friends and neighbors have submitted so far, then upload your photos.

Transportation and Open Space

This is my third in a series of blogs discussing Communities in Motion 2040 and the relationship between transportation and other issues discussed in the plan. You can find the previous two blogs below (transportation/land use and transportation/housing). Today I am discussing transportation and open space.

Transportation planning has slowly evolved from a focus strictly on moving people and goods in the most efficient manner to a broader focus that encompasses moving people and goods, but also integrates transportation solutions with land use policies to support broader societal goals, such as quality of life and a healthy environment.

As shown through the passage of the Foothills levy in Boise in 2001, the COMPASS scenario planning process in 2012, and the popularity of local parks, hiking trails, and the Boise River Greenbelt, preservation of, and access to, open space are key factors in the quality of life in the Treasure Valley.

What is the relationship between transportation and open space? How can planning for future transportation have a positive impact on open space in the Treasure Valley?

On the surface, these answers seem fairly straightforward.  The future transportation network can be designed to provide access to open space, especially for those who may not have easy access to open space today.

In addition, preservation of open space should be considered as new roads, bridges, etc. are designed and built. Are there places to augment the transportation network without infringing on existing open space?

However, is there more beyond that? Today I’m turning this blog around to you.

How do you view the relationship between transportation and open space? What connections exist, or should exist, from your perspective? Above we discuss how transportation can impact open space. How should or could open space impact transportation? Comment below and share your thoughts on this relationship.   

Transportation and Housing

This is my second in a series of blogs discussing Communities in Motion 2040 and the relationship between transportation and other issues discussed in the plan. I posted my first blog in this series (transportation and land use) on January 14, 2013, (see below). Today I am discussing transportation and housing.

Linking transportation and housing planning together is essential, since home is either the origin or destination for most personal trips. Also, transportation and housing are two of the largest household expenses. When the first national household expenditure surveys were conducted in 1901, transportation accounted for less than 2% of the family budget. Now it is 18% and rising.*  As families spend more on getting around, they have less money available to save for a down payment on a house and can also have more debt that will hurt their chances for mortgage approval.

The transportation system also affects where housing is built and where people are able to live. People need to locate where they can get from place to place and access jobs and services. Further, public investments in transportation guide developers in where they choose to build housing. An investment in a new road or rail line encourages housing developments along that route, particularly if surrounding land is inexpensive.

Similarly, development patterns can impact the need for, and viability of, transit services. Higher density housing, such as apartments, condos, or homes on small lots, lends itself to transit services, while dispersed housing does not. Additionally, lower income neighborhoods can have greater need for transit than higher income ones.

One of the biggest planning challenges local officials and the region face is how to make the best land use decisions with regard to transportation and housing. Being able to look at housing and transportation development together can help improve decisions that will create communities that meet current needs and are flexible enough to adapt for future growth.

When transportation and housing are coordinated, communities benefit from less traffic congestion and air pollution, lower costs for housing and transportation, lower labor costs, preservation of open space and community character, more efficient and environmentally-friendly land uses, and greater choices in development patterns, housing types, and transportation options. Through Communities in Motion 2040, COMPASS is striving to facilitate this coordination to achieve these benefits as the Treasure Valley prepares for the future.

*Better Coordination of Transportation and Housing Programs to Promote Affordable Housing Near Transit. US DOT-FTA and HUD, August 2008. http://huduser.org/portal/publications/better_coordination.pdf

Transportation and Land Use

If you’ve been following what COMPASS is up to, then you likely know that we are in the midst of updating the regional long-range transportation plan, Communities in Motion. This next plan will look to the year 2040 (“Communities in Motion 2040”) and will expand beyond a traditional transportation plan to include additional issues related to planning for a sustainable future: land use, housing, health, economic development, farmland, open space, and community infrastructure.

Over the next months, I’ll use this space to discuss how each of these issues relates to the transportation elements of the plan, and vice versa. This is the first of those discussions. Today I’ll focus on land use.

Simply put, “land use” describes how people use land. Land uses can include everything from housing to farming to recreation. Land use decisions directly affect our transportation system by creating (or not) a need to move from one type of land use to another, such as commuting from home in a residential neighborhood to work in shopping center.

Likewise, planning, design, and construction of roads, highways, and other transportation facilities affect both existing land uses and plans and proposals for future land uses.  For example, a new or improved roadway can open a previously inaccessible area for development. 

The combination of land uses and transportation facilities affects the safety and efficiency of travel, whether by walking, car, bus, bike, or other transportation modes.

In Idaho, local governments prepare comprehensive plans, determine local transportation choices, and make local land use decisions, such as zoning changes. Private interests propose development and develop land, such as building housing subdivisions. The Idaho Transportation Department and local highway districts plan, design, and construct transportation facilities to support state and regional travel needs of the public and commerce. In addition, Valley Regional Transit plans for and operates transit services.

Because the link between land use and transportation is critically important to economic health and livability in Treasure Valley communities, COMPASS is working to find ways to improve coordination at all levels. Coordinating land use and transportation planning and development can increase viable options for people to access goods, services, and other resources to improve the quality of their lives and can help prevent traffic congestion, improve safety, and increase opportunities for alternative forms of transportation, such as bicycling, walking, and using transit. For example, coordinating transit services with the location of low income housing can provide transportation to jobs for individuals who may not own a car.

Coordination can also create a balance of mixed uses, including housing, education, employment, recreational, retail, and service opportunities, all in one area. When land uses are mixed, it can decrease the burden on the transportation system, as individuals can easily access jobs or shopping near their homes, instead of having to drive from one part of town to another.

Ultimately, cooperation and coordination among regional interests leads to consideration of long term, broad impacts of land use and transportation decisions on our natural and built environments and our quality of life.  

Communities in Motion: Why Do You Care? Part V

This is my fifth installment in the series of blogs about why people care, or should care, about long-range transportation planning in general and Communities in Motion in particular.

We have been asking people – Treasure Valley residents, such as you  –  this question. I have committed to sharing those reasons with you each quarter in my blog. Below is the newest list.  

Why people care about Communities in Motion 2040, as submitted by you:

-          I work to live; not work to be stuck in traffic.

-          The Mayans were wrong!  It looks like 2040 really will come!

-          Will it help me lose weight?  (Note: It actually might! One of the goals is to encourage walking and biking.)

-          I’d rather be fishin’ (…than sitting in traffic).

-          People always complain that no one is planning for the future…COMPASS is!

To share why you think Communities in Motion 2040 is important and why people should get involved ― why you care ― email aluft@compassidaho.org and we’ll post your ideas here. The next installment will be posted the beginning of April.

Also – just a reminder that we’re currently soliciting comment on some of the key issues in the plan. Visit http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/cim2040.htm to learn more and submit your comments. Comments will be accepted through noon, Tuesday, January 15, 2013.