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January 25, 2002
SMART GROWTH
IN RURAL IDAHO TOWNS
Institutional and political factors that influence growth in Idaho’s rural towns
Generally, few physical assets
Lack of municipal capacity
Outdated or boilerplate policies and ordinances
All growth is considered a good thing
Local control is paramount
Other factors that influence growth rural towns in Idaho
Slow rural economy
Less concern about design, more concern about function
Lack of understanding about how function and design interact
Less willingness to buck the system
The highway runs through it
Transportation system overloaded, especially during commute
Affordability for long time residents and service workers
Protecting their economic resource, usually a view shed
Different needs for different rural towns
The Resort Community
Less likely to impose restrictions on development
Willing to put up with the consequences of new growth for jobs
Different needs for different rural towns
Resource economy very slow
The Resource Dependent Town
Disconnect between new residents expectations of services and what’s available
Loss of small town character
Different needs for different rural towns
Residential growth dissipates the traditional tax base and erodes economic support of agriculture
The Bedroom Sprawl Communities
WHATWHATA Regional Multi- Partner, Multi-Faceted TCSP Project
WHO - Six Signatory Partners:WHO - Six Signatory Partners:Regional MPO
Regional Partnership of Local Elected OfficialsStatewide Citizen-based Organization
Two State UniversitiesA Local Transportation Agency
+ 17 additional agencies and organizations
Six benchmarks (or Primary Tasks) Six benchmarks (or Primary Tasks) #5#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 1999What: 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 2000What: 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
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 2000What: 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 patterns
Proposed 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
