Community Vision Report Cover Final · Community Vision Report | 1 I. Introduction 2014 Petpalooza Dog Trot In the winter of 2014, the City of Auburn began a citywide community engagement

FINALJULY 2014

C I T Y O F A U B U R N

communityvision report

prepared by

Table of Contents

I. Introduction.................................................................................. 1

II. Community Planning Context ................................................. 3

III. The Planning Process ............................................................... 9

IV. A Vision for the Future........................................................... 15

V. Goals, Issues and Opportunities........................................... 17

1. Where We Live, Work and Shop ................................................... 18

2. Our Unique Character ................................................................... 20

3. How We Get Around ...................................................................... 22

4. Our Local Economy ........................................................................ 24

5. Our Parks, Services and Facilities ................................................. 26

6. Our Natural Environment.............................................................. 29

VI. The Comprehensive Plan Update ......................................... 31

Tables and Figures

Figure 2-1. Race and Ethnicity Identity of Auburn Residents ............... 4

Figure 2-2. Percent of Auburn Residents that Identify as Hispanic or Latino ............................................................. 5

Figure 2-3. Languages Auburn Residents Speak at Home.................... 5

CommunityVisionReport|1

I. Introduction

2014PetpaloozaDogTrotInthewinterof2014,theCityofAuburnbeganacitywidecommunityengagementprocesstoactivelyinvolvethecommunityinenvisioningandshapingthefutureofAuburn.TheImagineAuburnVisioningprocessisafirststeptowardupdatingAuburn’sComprehensivePlandocumenttobetterreflecttheneedsanddesiresofitsresidentsandbusinesscommunityandtheCity’sroleandsignificanceintheregion.Aspartofthiscomprehensiveoutreachprocess,theCityengagedapproximately800residents(1.09%ofthepopulation)fromwinter2013throughspring2014.AuburnresidentscontributedtheirideasandopinionsregardingtheCity’sassets,challenges,corevaluesandvisionforthefuture.ThenextphaseoftheComprehensivePlanupdatewillincludeacompletereviewandoverhauloftheexistingComprehensivePlantobringitslanguageinlinewiththenewvisionandthecommunityinputreceived.ThisCommunityVisionReportpresentsasynthesisoftheinputreceivedduringtheImagineAuburncommunityengagementprocess.ThisreportprovidesinitialguidanceforfuturepolicyandplanningdecisionsaboutkeytopicsrelatedtotheCity’sgrowthanddevelopment.Visiontopicsincludeneighborhoodsandhousing,thelocaleconomy,commercialdevelopment,transportation,parksandCityservices,naturalenvironmentandcommunityhealth.

I. INTRODUCTION

2|July2014

Thegoals,issuesandopportunitiespresentedinthisreportwillbethefoundationforthenextphaseoftheComprehensivePlanupdateprocessandwillhelpfacilitatethedevelopmentofthegoals,policiesandimplementingactionsthatwillcomprisetheelementsoftheComprehensivePlan.Afterthisintroduction,theCommunityVisionReportincludesthefollowingsections:

II. PlanningContext.AdescriptionoftheCityofAuburnanditssurroundingcontext.

III. ThePlanningProcess.AdescriptionoftheImagineAuburnprocessandthecommunityengagementmethodsused.

IV. VisionThemes.AnexpandedvisionstatementoutliningaseriesofthemesthatrepresentacollectivevisionfortheCity.ThesethemesreflectacomprehensivesynthesisandevaluationofallImagineAuburnfindings.

V. Goals,IssuesandOpportunities.AdetailedsummaryofkeyoutreachfindingsthatestablishaframeworktohelpsetthedirectionoftheComprehensivePlanUpdate.Includesasetofbroadpreliminarygoalsreflectiveofcommunityneedsanddesires,aswellasissuesandopportunitiesidentifiedbythecommunity.

VI. TheComprehensivePlanUpdate.AnoverviewoftheupcomingComprehensivePlanupdateprocessandtimeline.


II. Community Planning Context

2012InternationalFestivalThischapterprovideslocalandregionalcommunitycontextfortheCityofAuburnplanningarea.KeyinformationpresentedincludesAuburn’sphysicallocation,itsuniqueneighborhoodsandsurroundingregionalcontext;keystatisticsandfactsaboutAuburnresidents,includingraceandethnicitydemographics,languagesspokenandeconomicstatus;andabriefsummaryoftheCity’sfacilitiesandassets.

Regional Location and Neighborhoods TheCityofAuburnislocatedontheboundarybetweenKingandPierceCountiesinwesternWashington,approximatelytenmilessouthofSeattleandfivemilesnortheastofTacoma.TheCitycoversapproximately30squaremilesoflandarea,andisborderedbythecitiesofFederalWay,Pacific,andAlgonatothewest,Kenttothenorth,Sumnertothesouth,andunincorporatedKingCountytotheeast.TheMuckleshootIndianReservationispartiallylocatedwithinthesouthernCitylimits.Historicallyanagriculturalarea,Auburn’spopulationandhousingdensityhaveincreasedinrecentdecadesduetoitsproximitytotheregionalurbancentersofSeattleandTacoma.Anumberofnaturalfeaturescontributetotheplanningarea’slandscape.BoththeGreenandWhiteRiversrunthroughAuburn.LakeTappsisjust

II. COMMUNITY PLANNING CONTEXT

4|July2014

tothesouthofthecitylimits,andPugetSoundisapproximatelyfivemilestothewest.Forthepurposesofthiseffort,Auburniscomprisedofeightneighborhoodareas1:WestHill,NorthAuburn,Downtown,LeaHill,SouthAuburn,Plateau,SEAuburnandLakeland.Auburn’scommercialareasincludeDowntown,AuburnWayNorthCorridor,theOutletConnection,AuburnWaySouthCorridorandLakelandTownCenter.

Community Profile Auburn’sestimatedtotalpopulationis74,860.2Auburn’smedianageis33.5,3morethan10%youngerthantheStateaverageof37.5.4

Figure2‐1.RaceandEthnicityIdentityofAuburnResidentsApproximately30%ofAuburnresidentsidentifyasaraceorethnicityotherthanwhiteorCaucasian.5Morethanathirdofminorityresidents(10.5%overall)identifyasAsianandPacificIslander.6

1These neighborhood designations are for planning purposes only and not an official division of neighborhoods by the City. 2 City of Auburn, Office of Financial Management 3 U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 American Community Survey 4 Ibid. 5 U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census 6 Ibid.

IMAGINE AUBURN COMMUNITY VISIONING PROCESS


Figure2‐2.PercentofAuburnResidentsthatIdentifyasHispanicorLatinoAtotalof13%ofAuburnresidentsidentifyasHispanicorLatino.7Onequarter(25%)ofAuburn’sresidentsspeakalanguageotherthanEnglishathome.8Ofthoseresidents,aboutonethird(8%overall)speakSpanish.9

Figure2‐3.LanguagesAuburnResidentsSpeakatHomeAuburn’smedianhouseholdincomeis$54,329.10Thisisabout8.5%lowerthanthestatemedian($59,374)andapproximately24%(23.7%)lowerthanthatofKing

7 U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid.

II. COMMUNITY PLANNING CONTEXT

6|July2014

County($71,175).11ThetoptwoareasofoccupationforAuburnresidentsaremanagement,business,scienceandarts(28.5%),andsalesandoffice(28.5%).12Thecommunity’smajoremployersincludeindustrial,educational,governmentalandserviceentitiessuchasMultiCareAuburnMedicalCenter,AuburnSchoolDistrict,Boeing,CertainteedCorporation,EmeraldDownsRaceTrack,FederalAviationAdministration,FederalExpress,GeneralServicesAdministration,GreenRiverCommunityCollege,MuckleshootCasinoEnterprises,SafewayDistributionCenter,TheOutletCollection(regionalshoppingcenter),andUnitedParcelService.13TheunemploymentrateinAuburnis10.6%.14Approximatelyfifteenpercent(14.9%)ofAuburnfamiliesliveonincomesbelowthefederalpovertylevel.15

Facilities and Assets MajortravelcorridorsStateRoute167(north‐south),andStateRoute18(east‐west)connectAuburntothesurroundingregion.AuburnisalsohometoaSoundTransitcommutertrainstation,aserviceconnectingthePugetSoundareafromEveretttoLakewood.Auburnhas28,405totalhousingunits.Approximately60%ofhousingunitsareowneroccupied,and40%arerenteroccupied.16TheCity’spubliceducationsystemincludesfourschooldistricts—Auburn,Dieringer,FederalWayandKent—whichinclude15elementaryschools,fourmiddleschoolsandfourpublichighschools.GreenRiverCommunityCollegeprovideslocalopportunitiesforhighereducation.TheKingCountyLibrarysystemoperatesonepubliclibraryinAuburnatLesGovePark.TheCityofAuburnmaintainsadiversesetofrecreational,cultural,educationalandnaturalspacesandfacilities.Systemhighlightsinclude:thelibrary,fitnessandrecreationfacilitiesatLesGoveParkandCommunityCampusincludingsenior‐orientedsocialandrecreationopportunities,10 U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 City of Auburn website: http://www.auburnwa.gov 14 U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid.

CityofAuburnInfrastructure

Milesofroadway:216

Milesofwaterpipeline:250

Milesofsewerpipelineandforcemains:210

Milesofstormpipeline:197

Milesofstormditches:27

Developedparks:28

Milesofrecreationaltrails:23

(Source:CityofAuburnstaff)



educationprograms,andhealthandwellnessservicesattheSeniorActivityCenter;sportsandplayfacilitiesattheGameFarmPark;120acresofwetlandhabitatatAuburnEnvironmentalPark;an18holefacility,proshop,restaurantandcommunityballroomattheAuburnGolfCourse;andlocalculturalheritageexperiencesattheWhiteRiverValleyMuseumandMaryOlsonFarm.17

17 City of auburn website: www.auburnwa.gov


III. The Planning Process

2010CleanSweepEvent

The“ImagineAuburn”ComprehensivePlanVisioningprocessemployedavarietyofcommunicationandoutreachmethodstoensurebroad,inclusivecommunityengagementandparticipation.Thischapterdescribesthesemethods,andthewaysinwhichtheyengagedresidentsandstakeholdersinenvisioningthefutureofAuburnandstrivedtobuildmomentumforlong‐termcommunityinvolvement.Thisvisioningprocessemphasizedathree‐prongedapproachtocommunicationsandoutreachthatfocusedoneducation,promotionandengagement.TheapproachwasdesignedtoensurethatAuburnresidents,businessowners,propertyowners,organizations,andcommunitymembersare:

Well‐informedabouttheAuburnComprehensivePlan,theroleandimportanceofcomprehensiveplanning,andthecommunityplanningprocessleadinguptodevelopmentofthePlan;

Encouragedtoparticipateinarangeofinteractiveeventsandoutreachactivities;and

EngagedinprovidingfeedbackonapreferredvisionandgoalsforthefutureofAuburn.

III. THE PLANNING PROCESS

10|July2014

Stakeholder Interviews Inwinter2013‐2014,MIG,Inc.(MIG)conductedtelephoneinterviewswith13stakeholdersaspartoftheImagineAuburnvisioningprocess.TheCityprovidedaselectionofinterviewees.MIGstaffscheduledtheinterviewsandprovidedaconsistentsetofinterviewquestionstoparticipantsinadvancetohelpfacilitatediscussion.Theinterviewsweredesignedtoexplorecommunityvaluesandkeyandemergingtrends,aswellasassets,opportunitiesandchallengesintheCityofAuburn.Interviewedstakeholdersincluded:membersoftheAuburnCityCouncil,JuniorCityCouncilandPlanningCommission;AuburnDowntownAssociation;AuburnSchoolDistrict;Boeing;MuckleshootIndianTribe;WhiteRiverEstatesHomeownersAssociation;YMCA;aswellasacommunityreligiousleader,propertymanagerandcommunityorganizer,andalocalarchitect.

Community and Committee Meetings InFebruarythroughApril2014,AuburnCitystafffacilitated13meetingswithresidentsandcommunityleadersthroughoutAuburn.ThesemeetingsweredesignedtoinformparticipantsabouttheComprehensivePlanandtogatherinformationaboutthecommunity’sdesiredfutureforAuburn.Inadditiontoconductingmeetingsineachoftheeightneighborhoodareas,theCitymetwiththefollowinggroups:

AuburnFoodBankBoardofDirectors

AuburnNoonLionsClub

AuburnYouthResourcesBoardofDirectors

JointParksBoard,ArtsCommission,andTreeBoard

JointPlanningCommission/PlanningandCommunityDevelopmentCommittee

JuniorCityCouncil

MunicipalServicesCommittee(CityCouncilsub‐committee)

SeniorCenterAdvisoryBoard

YMCABoardofDirectors

EachmeetingincludedabriefprocessoverviewandfacilitateddiscussionofAuburn’sassetsandbestqualities,issuesandchallenges,aswellasfutureopportunitiesandparticipants’visionforAuburn’sfuture.Theformatofeachmeetingwasadjustedbasedonthenumberofparticipants.Approximately120peopleparticipatedintheneighborhoodandcommunitymeetings.Participantswereencouragedtousetheonlinequestionnaire(describedbelow)toprovideadditionalinformation.



Community Questionnaire Inspringof2014,MIGadministeredanonlinequestionnairetargetingAuburnresidents.Thequestionnairewasadministeredintheformatofamultiplechoicesurveywithopportunitiesforopenanswercomments.ThequestionnairewasavailableontheCityofAuburn’swebsiteforapproximatelytwomonths(February–March).Inaddition,theCitydevelopedahardcopyversionofthequestionnairetranslatedintoSpanish,RussianandVietnamese.ProjectstaffworkedcollaborativelywithcommunityleadersandpartneragenciessuchasKingCountyPublicHealthDepartmentandtheYMCAtodistributetranslatedcopiesofthequestionnaireintothecommunity.ThegoalofthequestionnairewastocollectqualitativeinformationtoinformtheCity’sunderstandingofresidents’20yearvisionforthefutureofAuburn.Specificquestionsfocusedonprioritiesaroundthefollowingsubjectareas:

Wherewelive:housingtypes,neighborhoodsandresidentialcharacter

Ouruniquecharacterandsenseofplace:thecity’sphysicalcharacterandcommunityvalues

Whereweworkandshop:thecity’scommercialcharacter,employmentandeconomicdevelopment

Howwegetaround:walkingandbiking,transitandfreight,automobiletravel,andstreetfunctionandcharacter

Ourparks,servicesandfacilities:parks,recreation,communityfacilities,andcityservices

Ournaturalenvironment:thecity’snaturalresourcesandecologicalhealth

Ahealthycommunity:overallcommunityandenvironmentalhealth

Atotalof551peoplecompletedthequestionnaire.

Social Media Campaign MIGandCitystaffdesignedandmanagedasocialmediacampaigntoengagethepubliconlineandbuildenthusiasmfortheComprehensivePlan.Projectstaffcreatedpostsandtweetstogenerate“buzz”aboutthevisioningprocessanddisburseinformation,asusersrepostedcontenttotheirownnetworksoffriendsonFacebookandTwitter.Communitymemberswereencouragedtorespondtopostsandtweets,creatinganonlineforumforpublicdiscussionofcriticalcommunityissuesandfutureopportunities.InadditiontopromotingImagineAuburnoutreachevents,MIGandtheCityalsousedsocialmediato“shareback”resultsandfindingsfromneighborhoodmeetingsandtheonlinequestionnaire.

III. THE PLANNING PROCESS

12|July2014

Grocery Store Tabling CitystaffsetuptablesatthreegrocerystoresaroundAuburntoprovideopportunitiesforpassersbytosharetheirperspectiveonAuburn’sfuturevisionandpriorities.Thisoutreachmethodwasemployedtoreachbeyondconventionalmeetingformatsandincorporatetruegrassrootsmeansofengagingpeoplewholive,workandplayinAuburn.Approximately35peoplesharedtheirthoughtsanddesiresforAuburn’sfutureviagrocerystoretabling.

City Council Retreat TheAuburnCityCouncilholdsanannualretreattodiscusspertinenttopics.Thisyear’sretreat,heldApril3rdand4th2014,wasfocusedonCitygovernmentrelationsandthefuturevisionofAuburn.TheCouncildiscussedtheCity’sCoreValues,VisionandMissionStatement.ThisretreatworkwasdoneinparallelwiththeImagineAuburnvisionprocesssothatthisreportcouldcombinetheinputgainedthroughcommunityoutreachactivitieswiththeCouncil’sgovernmentalinsight.TheCityCouncilagreedtoembracethesecorevalues:

Innovative Respectful Dedicated Hard‐working Ethical Fair Responsive SupportiveoftheArts SupportiveofLife‐Long

Learning

EnvironmentallySensitive Trustworthy FinanciallyResponsible Charitable Safe Transparent Engaged EmbraceDiversity(Pluralistic)

Vision Open House OnMay21,2014,theCityofAuburnCityCouncilhostedatownhallsessionintheAuburnGolfCourseBanquetRoomaspartoftheImagineAuburncommunityvisioningprocess.Communitymembersparticipatedbothinpersonandonlineviawebcast.Buildingonearlierpublicoutreachefforts,theVisionOpenHousewasdesignedtogatherpublicinputonbroadvisionthemes,communityprioritiesandpreferencesaroundthecharacteroffuturedevelopment,lookingforwardtwentyyearsintoAuburn’sfuture.Theeventbeganinanopenhouseformat,withopportunitytoreviewandcommentonaseriesofdisplayboardspresentingkeyfactsandprocessfindings.Thiswasfollowedbyafacilitatedpollingexercise.MayorNancyBackusprovidedopeningandclosingremarksandansweredquestionsposedbycommunitymembers.MIG,Inc.facilitatedtheelectronicpollingactivityandrelateddiscussion.



Approximately40communitymembersparticipatedintheeventinpersonandbywebcast.Atotalof31peopleparticipatedinthepollingexerciseinpersonandfourpeopleparticipatedonline.


IV. A Vision for the Future

2014VolunteerLuncheonatSeniorCenterThefollowingvisionstatementwasdevelopedbyCityCouncilduringtheir2014retreatinanefforttocaptureandreflectthecommunity’sneedsanddesiresforAuburn’sfuture.Theextensiveinputsharedbyparticipatingcommunitymembersduringthefive‐monthImagineAuburnvisioningprocessrevealedgeneralcommunityalignmentwiththeCityCouncil’swork.

In 2035, Auburn is…

Your premiere community with vibrant opportunities.


V. Goals, Issues and Opportunities

2009CleanSweepEventThischapterprovidesadetailedpresentationofcurrentissuesandopportunitiesfacingtheAuburncommunity,aswellaspreliminarygoalstatementstohelpsetthegeneraldirectionoftheComprehensivePlanupdate.AllfindingsreflectcommunityinputreceivedoverthecourseoftheImagineAuburnvisioningprocessandrepresentcommunitymembers’expressedneedsanddesiresforAuburn.MIGdevelopedthefollowingstatementsthroughasystematicreviewandsynthesisofwritteninput,notesandsummariesofeachcommunityengagementactivity.Issuesandopportunitiesarenotintendedtoreflectconsensusopinion.Goals,issuesandopportunitiesareorganizedunderfivecategories:

Wherewelive,workandshop

Ouruniquecommunity

Howwegetaround

Ourlocaleconomy

Ourparks,servicesandfacilities

Ournaturalenvironment

V. GOALS, ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

18|July2014

1. Where We Live, Work and Shop

A. Goals

1.1 ManageAuburn’sgrowthinamannerthatencouragescommunityandbusinessdevelopmentwhilealsopreservingtheCity’svaluedassetsandqualities.

1.2 Provideavarietyofhousingtypesthatsupportahighqualityoflifefor

currentresidentsandattractnewresidentstoAuburnneighborhoods. 1.3 PromoteandrevitalizeDowntownasheartandsouloftheAuburn

community,withthrivingliving,arts,cultureandentertainmentoptions.1.4 Buildonthedistinctivecharacterofeachneighborhoodtocreatea

patchworkofuniqueplaces.1.5 Ensuresafe,wellconnectedandaccessibleneighborhoodswithhealthy

food,parksandlocalservicesincloseproximity.

B. Issues and Opportunities

1.A Controlled,wellplannedgrowth:ActivelymanageAuburn’sprogressionfromasuburbantoanurbancommunity,focusingonplannedgrowthandexpansion.Givecarefulconsiderationtoappropriatelimitsondensityandbuildingheight,seekingcommunityinputalongtheway.

1.B Diversehousingtypes:Encourageadiversemixofhousingtypes

throughoutAuburn,includingsinglefamilyhomes,multi‐familyhousingandmixed‐usedevelopment.Varyhousingbasedonneighborhoodcontext.

1.C Walkableneighborhoods:Createwalkableneighborhoodswithsafe,

continuoussidewalksandaccessibleshopping,parks,amenitiesandcentersofcommunityactivitynearby.

1.D Downtownliving:SupportthedevelopmentofhousingDowntownin

correlationwitheffortstoenhancelivabilityinthearea.Encouragesafeandcomfortablepedestrianwalkways,cafesandrestaurants,avarietyofbusinesses,accesstorecreation/openspace,andhealthyfoodoptions.

1.E Seniorhousing:Encouragequalityseniorhousingintownsoresidentsare

abletostayinthecommunity.1.F Homesforthemiddleclass:Createopportunityforthedevelopmentof

homesformiddleincomefamiliesandindividuals.



1.G Propertymaintenance:ImprovetheconditionoftheCity’saginghousingstock.Encouragemaintenanceofprivatepropertiesandthereliablerepair,maintenanceandimprovementofmulti‐familyhousing.Considertoolssuchaslow‐interestloans,incentivesandcodeenforcement.

1.H Neighborhoodengagementandsafety:Increasecommunityengagement

attheneighborhoodlevel.Improveneighborhoodsafetybyengenderingstrongerresidentparticipationinneighborhoodassociations,blockwatchgroups,etc.

1.I Neighborhoodgrocers:Facilitatetheequitabledistributionofquality

grocerystoresinAuburn.Bringgrocerystorestoneighborhoods,improvingaccesstohealthyfoods,andseekoutdesiredgrocerstoestablishlocationsinthecity(i.e.,TraderJoesandWholeFoods).

1.J Farmersmarkets:Explorepossibilitiesforneworexpandedfarmers

marketsheldindifferentlocationsand/orondifferentdaysoftheweek,andyear‐round(indoor).

1.K Diningoptions:AttractmorediningoptionstoAuburn,including

restaurantsofferinghealthy,mid‐pricedmealsforresidentsanddestinationdining,withrestaurantsappropriateforspecialoccasionsandoutoftownvisitors.RestaurantvarietyinAuburnislimited.

1.L Entertainment:Supporttheestablishmentofentertainmentbusinesses.

Targetbothyouthandadults(examples:movietheater,bowlingalley,musicvenues,nightlife).

1.M Retailcharacter:Focusonattractingsmall,independentandfamilyfriendly

businesses.SupportAuburn’slong‐time“established”businesses,includingsmallandlocalbusiness,whichhelpmakeAuburnauniqueplace.Discouragetheproliferationof“vapeshops”,pawnshops,andchainbusinesses.

1.N Sidewalkculture:SupportopportunitiesforDowntownandneighborhood

businessestoengagewiththestreet(example:outdoorcafés/restaurantseating).

1.O Transit‐orienteddevelopment:Encourageandprovideretailandservice

usesproximatetocentersoftransit.


20|July2014

2. Our Unique Character

A. Goals

2.1 PreserveAuburn’shistoricassets,honorcommunitytraditions,andnurturevaluesoffamilyandcommunity.

2.2 ContinuetoembraceandcelebrateAuburn’sdiversemulti‐cultural,multi‐

generationalcommunityandcontinuouslystriveforinclusiveleadershipanddecision‐making.

2.3 BuildastrongbrandandidentityfortheCitythatresidentsandthebusiness

communityrelatetoandtakepridein.2.4 EnhancethevisualqualityofAuburn’sbuiltenvironmentandrightsofway,

encouragingattractive,high‐quality,environmentallysustainabledevelopmentandlandscapedesign.


2.A Familyorientedcommunity:Prioritizefacilitiesandservicesimportanttofamilies,includingqualityeducation,affordablechildcare,accessiblehealthyfood,safewalkingandbikingroutestoschools,socialservices,parksandplaygrounds,andrecreationopportunitiesforchildren,youthandseniors.

2.B Cultureofcaring:Preservethecity’spersonablesmall‐towncharacterand

cultureofservicetoothers.ContinuetosupportAuburn’straditionofvolunteerismandprotectCityinvestmentsinsocialandfamilyservices.

2.C Communitypartnerships:Workcollaborativelyacrossorganizationsto

addressandrespondtochallengesandimplementsolutionstocommunityissues,andcreatecontinuityintheefforttoempowerandengagetheentirecommunity.

2.D Communityplanningandleadership:Encouragediversevoicesin

leadershiprolesandcommunityplanningprocesses.ProvideampleopportunitiesforresidentstoengageandparticipateinCitydecision‐makingprocesses.Takestepstoensurethatalllocalpopulationsandneighborhoodsarerepresented.Includeperspectivesofthetribalcommunity,long‐timeresidents,newresidentsandAuburn’smanyethnicandculturalcommunities.

2.E Communityevents:ContinueandbuilduponAuburn’straditionof

gatheringforlargecommunityevents,suchasparades,holidaycelebrationsandculturalevents(examples:4thofJuly,VeteransDay).



2.F TheAuburnbrandandimage:Explorepossibilitiesforestablishingacultural“niche”inAuburntoenhancecommunitycharacter,prideandpurpose,todrawtouristsandnewresidentsfromtheregion,andtocatalyzenewbusiness.Re‐brandtheCityincooperationwiththelocalbusinesscommunityandresidents(examples:Edmondsartscommunity,Kent’ssportsevents).

2.G Regionalsignificance:Explorewaystotakebetteradvantageof

opportunitiesprovidedthroughAuburn’slocation,standingasaregionaltransportationhubandconnectionstoregionalurbancenters.

2.H Designstandardsandvisualquality:Establishstandardstoensurehigh

qualitydesignofnewdevelopment,particularlyfornewhousingandbusinessstorefronts.

2.I “Mid‐city”scale:Encouragehigherdensitydevelopmentthatsupports

familylivingandmixeduses.MaintainheightlimitationsthatkeepDowntownandotherdevelopmenttoanappropriatescale.

2.J Artsandculture:Continuetosupportandexpandartsprogramsand

culturalorganizationssuchastheAuburnSymphony,AuburnValleyCreativeArts,AuburnAvenueTheater,PerformingArtsCenter,WhiteRiverValleyMuseumandothers.

2.K Historicpreservation:HonorAuburn’shistoryandheritageindecision

makingprocesses.PreservehistoricassetsandencourageopportunitiesforthepublictoshareandlearnaboutAuburn’spast.Treatfoundartifacts,archeologicalsitesandpaleontologicalsiteswithrespectandproperlegalprocess.

2.L Agriculturalheritage:Exploreopportunitiestocelebrateandshowcase

Auburn’sagriculturalheritage,includingsupportforlocalfarmer’smarketsandrestaurantsthatsupportlocalgrowersandproducers.ShowcaseagriculturalheritagethroughcontinualsupportoftheMaryOlsonFarm.

2.M Streettreesandlandscaping:Improveneighborhoodandarterial

streetscapevisualcharacter,particularlywithtreesandlandscaping.Improvethecareofstreettrees;plantmoretreesandreducepavedandimpervioussurfaces.

2.N Ahealthycommunity:Combatobesity,asthma,diabetesandother

increasinglycommonhealthissuesthroughenvironmentaldesign.


22|July2014

3. How We Get Around

A. Goals

3.1 Developanefficient,well‐connectedtransportationsystemtosupportavarietyoftravelmodes,includingautomobile,publictransit,walkingandbiking.

3.2 Striveforefficient,wellmaintainedanduncongestedstreetsfortravel

withinAuburn.3.3 Improvethesafety,connectivityandqualityofthebicycleandpedestrian

networksandrelatedfacilities. 3.4 Createamorewalkableenvironmentandpedestrian‐friendlystreetscapes. 3.5 ImprovepublictransitservicethroughouttheCityandbetterconnectthe

Citytotheregionforresidents,visitorsandbusinesses.


3.A Inter‐neighborhoodconnectivity:Implementsolutionstoovercomethelossofconnectivitycausedbyphysicalbarriersthatdivideneighborhoods,suchastraintracksandmajorthoroughfares.

3.B Roadwayrepairs:RepairandimprovetheconditionofAuburnroadways.

RoadwaydevelopmentandimprovementshavenotkeptpacewiththeCity’sexpansion.Getcreativeabouthowtofundroadwayimprovementsandotherneededinfrastructureimprovements.

3.C Sidewalks:Developandmaintainacompletenetworkofwide,protected

sidewalkstoincreaseneighborhoodconnectivityandensurepedestriansafety.Repairsidewalksinolderneighborhoodsandbuildsidewalksandfillgapswhereneeded(LeaHillexample).

3.D Streetlights:Ensurestreetlightingisadequateandingoodrepair,

particularlyinareasservedbytransitandfrequentlytraveledbyfootorbicycle(examples:4thStNE,21stinSouthAuburn).

3.E Safecrossings:Extendcrosswalkcountdowntimersatmajorroadstoallow

adequatecrossingtimeforseniorsandothers(example:AuburnWay).3.F Bicyclenetwork:Addressthegapsandbarriersinthebicyclenetwork.

Createanexpandednetworkofsafe,connectedbicyclefacilitiestoimprovetravelbetweenneighborhoodsandtoandfromschoolsandcommercialareas.Wherepossible,separatebikelanesandpathsfromroads.



3.G Trailandparkconnections:ImproveAuburn’ssystemoftrailsandbetterconnectexistingparksandrecreationareasandamenities.BuildapedestrianbridgeacrosstheWhiteRivertoprovidegreateraccesstoGameFarmWildernessPark.

3.H Arterialsandcorridors:Revitalizeandimprovethequalityofexperience

fordrivers,bicyclistsandpedestriansalongcorridorsincludingAuburnWayNorth(includingAutoRow),AuburnWaySouth,andEastMainStreet;focusonvisualcharacter,qualitylandscaping,multi‐modaltransportationandaccess,andadiversityoflocalservingbusinesses.

3.I Regionalaccess:WorkwithSoundTransitandotherstoincreasethehours

andfrequencyoftransitservicesthatconnectAuburntoothercitiesintheregiontobetterserveresidentsandvisitors(look“beyondthecommuter”).

3.J Localtransit:Expandandincreaseaccesstolocaltransitthatconnects

neighborhoodstoeducation,jobsandcommercialcenters,particularlyforthebenefitoftransit‐dependentpopulationssuchaslowincomecommunities,youthandseniors.Increasethefrequencyofexistingtransitservice.

3.K Alleviatingtraffic:Reducetrafficcongestionandimprovetheflowoftraffic

byinstallingleftturnlanesandsignalswhereneededandbybettersynchronizingtrafficlights(examples:AandCStreets,WestValleyHighway).

3.L Speeding:Implementsolutionstoreducespeedinginhighertraffic

neighborhoodsandalongneighborhoodstreetscommonlyusedasshortcutstofreewaysandmajorarterials.

3.M Parking:ExploreoptionsformanagementofDowntownparkingand

encouragemoreparkingattheSoundertrainandbusstationforcommuters.

3.N Wayfinding:Developaconsistentsystemofsignsandinterpretiveelements

tohelppeoplenavigatethecommunityandfindkeydestinations.3.O Goodsmovement:Maintainandimprovethetransportationsystemin

supportoflocalandregionalindustryandcommerce(e.g.,railconnectionsforBoeingandotherlargebusinesses,extensionofHighway167tothePortofTacoma).

3.P Railroadcrossings:Addresssafetyandtrafficflowissuesandconcernsat

railroadcrossings.3.Q Collaborativeplanning:Expandthecollaborativerelationshipwiththe

MuckleshootTribe;focusinpartontransportationplanningaroundAuburnWaySouth(SR164)corridorandtheHighway18/SR164interchange.ContinuecoordinationwiththeStateDepartmentofTransportation.


24|July2014

4. Our Local Economy

A. Goals

4.1 ActivateDowntownasthebusinesscoreofAuburnwhileprovidingneededgoodsandservicestoallAuburnneighborhoods.

4.2 ProtectAuburn’sindustrialandmanufacturingjobbasewhileattractinga

diversityofnewjobsandbusinessestothecity.4.3 Createastronglocaleconomythatwelcomes,encouragesandpromotes

small,independentbusinesses.4.4 Becomeamodelforthenationaroundhowtorespondtoandalleviate

povertyinthesuburbs.


4.A Downtownbusinesses:FocusbusinessdevelopmenteffortsDowntown.Facilitateadiversemixofbusinesstypes,includinglocallyownedshopsandhigh‐qualityregionalbrandsandpotentialanchorbusinesses.Support“communitytrademark”businessesandlong‐timebusinessowners(example:RainbowCafé).

4.B Neighborhoodbusinesses:Supportanequitabledistributionofcommunity

servingbusinesseswithinwalkingdistanceorclosedrivingdistanceofAuburn’sresidentialneighborhoods(examples:grocers,pharmacies,coffeeshops).

4.C Businessvariety:Encourageadiversemixofbusinesstypes,including

locallyownedand“non‐chain”shopsandhigh‐qualityregionalbrands.FocusonbusinessesthatwillprovidelocalemploymentopportunitiesandbusinessesthatwillprovideresourcesandactivitiesthatAuburncurrentlylacks.

4.D Localjobsandwages:Attractandretainmorebusinessesandprofessional

jobs,bothtogenerateneededcityrevenueandtocreatemorelivingandfamilywagejobopportunities.

4.E Smallbusinesssupport:Encouragemoresupportandassistanceforsmall

businessesandretainsmallbusinessesDowntown.Exploreoptionssuchassmallbusinessgrantsandstorefrontimprovementgrants.

4.F Industryincentives:Continuetoinvestininfrastructureandservicesthat

supportAuburn’smajoremployers.CreateincentivesforlargercorporationsandemployerstoestablishofficesinAuburn.



4.G Privateinvestments:WorktoensurethatAuburn’slargebusinessespaytheir“fairshare”inneededinfrastructureandimprovements,includingbutnotlimitedtostreetmaintenanceandrepairs.

4.H Economyofinnovationandcreativity:Fosteraneconomyofinnovation

andencouragetheestablishmentofcreativeandtechnologyfocusedbusinessesinAuburn,attractingyoungerpeopletothecity.

4.I Poverty:AddresspovertyinAuburnandrelatedissuessuchas

homelessness,unemploymentandhunger.4.J Crimeandpublicsafety:Addresscrimeandpublicsafetyissuesincluding

truancyanddruguse.4.K Adultmentorshipandtraining:Encouragemoreadulteducation,job

assistance,mentorshipandtrainingtoeliminatepovertyandremovebarrierstoopportunity.

4.L Cityinvestments:FocustheuseoflimitedCityresourcestowards

significantsocialandeconomicchallengesaffectingthecommunitysuchaspovertyandjobs.

4.M Vacantandunderutilizedproperties:Convertvacantandunderutilized

landstoproductiveuses.UsevacantlandDowntowntocatalyzepositivechange,focusingontransit‐orienteddevelopmentopportunitiesaroundtheSounderstation.BetterutilizetheareasurroundingtheAuburnMunicipalAirport.Convertvacantorunderutilizedwarehousestoactiveandproductiveuses.

4.N Homevacancies:Reducehomevacanciesinordertoincreasethe

residentialtaxbase.


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5. Our Parks, Services and Facilities

A. Goals

5.1 Strivetobecomea“fullservicecity,”withafocusonplaces,spacesandservicesthatsupportpositivecommunityinteraction,communityhealthandsafety,andthesocialandeconomicsustainabilityoffamilies.

5.2 ExpandinfrastructureandCityservicestoallneighborhoods,including

recentlyannexedareas.5.3 MaintainAuburn’shighqualityparksandrecreationfacilitiesandensure

accessibilityofparksandfacilitiestoallAuburnresidentsasthecommunitygrowsandexpands.

5.4 CollaboratewiththeCounty,regionalgovernments,andprivate

organizationstoprovidehighqualityhealthandsocialservicesandtoaddressissuesofpovertyandneed.

5.5 Workwithneighborhoodgroups,emergencyservicesstaff,lawenforcement

andcommunity‐basedorganizationstoimprovecommunitysafetyanddisasterreadinessandtopreventcrime.

5.6 ContinueAuburn’straditionofaccessiblegovernmentandexpandAuburn’s

leadershipmodeltoreflectitsdiverseculturesandcommunities.


5.A Libraries:WorkwiththeKingCountyLibrarySystem(KCLS)tokeeplibrariesopenandactiveandmaintainfacilitiesandhoursofoperation,ensuringcommunity‐wideaccess.Auburn’slibrariesareacriticalresourceandvaluedcommunityasset.

5.B Neighborhoodparks:EstablishparksineveryAuburnneighborhoodand

ensurethatneighborhoodparksareclean,safeandcaredfor(example:LeaHill).

5.C Communitycenter:Buildacommunitycenterwithgatheringspaces,

activitiesforallages,andfitnessclassesandequipment.5.D Dogparks:Developdogparksorestablishdesignatedoff‐leashareas.5.E Parkandtrailsconnectivity:Enhanceaccessibilitytoparksandopen

spaces(suchasthegreenbelt)throughhikingandbikingtrailsthatproviderecreationopportunitiesandconnecttoschoolsandneighborhoods.ClosetrailgapsandcompletetheGreenRiverTrail.



5.F Peapatches:Providemoreopportunitiesforcommunitygardeningforthoseresidentswhodonothaveroomtogardenathome(example:inneighborhoodswithmulti‐familyhousing).

5.G Programsandrecreation:Expandrecreationandoutdooreducation

programsthroughcollaborativeeffortswithlocalschoolsandorganizations.Partnerwithregionalorganizationstoincreaseopportunitiesforintramuralsports.

5.H Summerevents:ExpandtheofferingoffreesummereventsinAuburn’s

parksandexpandeveningspecialeventofferingstoincludeentertainment,localvendorsandotherattractionsthatdrawacrowd.

5.I Placesandactivitiesforyouth:Createopportunitiesthatengageyouth

year‐roundinsafe,supportiveandactiveenvironments(examples:summeryouthemploymentprogram,clubs,publicserviceopportunities).MaintainandexpandplacesandspacesforAuburnyouth(examples:skateparks,peapatchesforkids,bowlingalley,skatingrink).

5.J Youthempowermentandengagement:Encourageyouthparticipationin

communityplanninganddecisionmaking(example:Jr.CityCouncil).Expandyouthservicesandresources(example:AuburnYouthresources).

5.K Qualitypubliceducation:Encourageandsupportincreasedinvestmentin

thepublicschoolsystem.Continuetoaddressissuesthataffectstudentlearningandaccesstoopportunityincludingpoverty,safetyandlanguagebarriers.FocusonconnectingkidstothecommunitytoencouragethosewhogrowupinAuburntostayinAuburn.

5.L Highereducation:Encourageandsupportcontinuedinvestmentin

programsandofferingsatGreenRiverCommunityCollege.Explorewaystoexpandhighereducationopportunitieslocally,suchasextensionprogramsorsatellitecampusesofestablisheduniversitiesintheregion.Considerfocusingeffortsinareasofnewscienceandtechnology,

5.M Accessiblegovernment:ContinuetheAuburntraditionofhighlyaccessible,

responsivegovernment.Continuetofosterrelationshipwithcommunityandfaithleaders.Increaseaccessibilitythroughmulti‐lingualcommunicationsandnewtechnologies.

5.N Wi‐fiaccess:Improvewi‐fiaccessDowntownandcommunity‐wide.5.O Socialservices:Continuetosupportandexpandsocialservicesprovidedby

theCityandnon‐profitorganizationssuchasaddictionandmentalhealthservices,transitionalhousingandemergencysheltersforpeoplewithouthomesandsurvivorsofdomesticviolence.

5.P Rehabilitationservices:Facilitatetheprovisionofsupportservicesfor

residentsinneedofdrugandalcoholrehabilitation.


28|July2014

5.Q Homelessness:Addressthebroaderscopeofneedsforhomelessresidents(examples:fooddistribution,shelters,mentalhealthservices,jobassistance,etc.).

5.R Policeandemergencyservices:MaintainAuburn’shighlevelofservice

andprofessionalismandincreasepolicepresenceandresponsiveness,particularlyinareassubjecttotrespassanddrug‐relatedactivity.Continuetoincreaselawenforcementincorrelationwithfuturepopulationgrowth.

5.S Physicalaccesstoservices:Improveaccesstofamilyandsocialservices

andincreaselocationsforhealthcareaccesswithinAuburn.Considercreatinga“one‐stop”centerforcommunity,healthandsocialserviceresources.



6. Our Natural Environment

A. Goals

6.1 MaintainahighdegreeofstewardshipforAuburn’snaturalassetsandresources.

6.2 Protect,preserveandrestorenaturalhabitatandbiodiversity,including

protectedspeciesandtheirhabitats.6.3 Promotestewardshipofwaterresourcesbyimprovingwaterqualityand

encouragingnaturalstormwatermanagement.6.4 StrengthencommunityconnectionstotheWhiteandGreenrivers.6.5 Createacomprehensivecommunityplanfordisasterpreparednessand

hazardmitigation.


6.A Trailsandgreenbelts:Preserveandprotectgreenbeltsandcompletetrailsforregionalaccess.

6.B Openspaces:ProtectAuburn’snaturalandopenspaces,balancingthe

importanceofaccesstonaturewithwildlifehabitatandresourceprotection.6.C Riverandwetlandhealth:Givemoreattentiontoriverwaterqualityand

thehealthofAuburn’swetlandsandriparianareas.6.D Connectionstotheriver:Createstrongerconnectionstotheriversthrough

parksandpublicriveraccess/boatlaunches.6.E Rurallandscapes:Protectrurallandscapes,whichareimportantaspectsof

thecity’shistoriccharacter,andsupportprotectionofrurallandscapessurroundingthecity.

6.F Urbanforest:Restore,enhanceandmaintainAuburn’streecanopytoslow

stormwaterrunoff,provideshadeandimprovecommunitycharacter.6.G Waterquality:Protectthequalityofgroundwateranddrinkingwater

throughcarefulmanagementandmonitoring.6.H Nativelandscaping:Usenativetreesandplantswherepossibleinparks,

openlandsandbeautificationareastoconservewaterandenhancehabitatvalue.


30|July2014

6.I Greenbuilding:Encouragetheuseofsustainablematerialsandbuildingpracticesinallrenovationandnewdevelopment.

6.J Alternativeenergysources:Reduceenergyuseandpromotetheuseof

renewableenergysources.6.K Airquality:Reducegreenhousegasemissionsfromcommunityand

municipalsourcesforacleanerandhealthiercommunity. 6.L Emergencyandnaturaldisasterpreparedness:Plan,trainand

collaboratewithcommunitygroupssuchasnon‐profitorganizationsandchurchestoplan,prepareandrespondtoscenariosincludingearthquake,volcaniceruption(laharflow),flood,wildfireandtsunami.


VI. The Comprehensive Plan Update

2014CleanSweepEventTheImagineAuburnvisioningprocesswasthefirstphaseinAuburn’sComprehensivePlanupdateprocess.Theprocesswasacriticalstepindevelopingacommunity‐drivenvisiontoguideAuburn’sfuturegrowthandprogressoverthenext20years.ThenextphaseoftheComprehensivePlanupdatewillincludeacompletereviewandoverhauloftheexistingComprehensivePlantobringitslanguageinlinewiththenewvisionandthecommunityinputreceived.DraftComprehensivePlandevelopmentwillbeginJuly2014andwillcontinuethroughDecember2014,withreviewbythePlanningCommissionandthepublicatkeypointsduringtheprocess.TheupdatedComprehensivePlanwilladdressurbandesign,landuse,transportation,capitalfacilities,economicdevelopment,environmentalresources,parks,recreation,arts,utilitiesandhousing.AfulldraftofthePlanwillbeavailableforpublicreviewduringthefirstquarterof2015incorrelationwithPlanningCommissionpublichearingsinMarchandApril.CityCouncilreviewandactionwilltakeplaceMaythroughJune2015.AuburnisrequiredtosubmititscompletedComprehensivePlantotheStateofWashingtonbyJune30,2015.

Documents

Community Vision Report Cover Final · Community Vision Report | 1 I. Introduction 2014 Petpalooza Dog Trot In the winter of 2014, the City of Auburn began a citywide community engagement