Wasatch FrontRegional Planning Grant

Wilf SommerkornPlanning Director

Salt Lake City

Challenge: Maintaining high quality of life with huge population growth

65% increase by 2040 (1.4 Million new residents)

2010 20400

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

4,000,000

2010 20400

10,000,000

20,000,000

30,000,000

40,000,000

50,000,000

60,000,000

70,000,000

80,000,000

90,000,000

100,000,000

WFRC and MAG

49 Million

90 Million

Traffic Congestion…Miles driven daily will almost double by 2040

“Business as usual”

=Congestion

You can’t build your way out of

congestion

Envision UtahQuality Growth Strategy

Wasatch Choice for 2040 Process

The Wasatch Choice for 2040:Regional Vision for Land Use and Transportation

There is a Better Way to Grow…

Growth in Centers responds to market demand

Demographic trends: First wave of baby boomers will be 65 in 2011 Largest number of millenials reaches 22 in 2012

One-third of future households will prefer to live in new “walkable” developments: smaller homes, townhomes, condos, with access to transit, jobs and amenities. We are far short of meeting this demand.

The Vision puts more new homes and jobs in walkable developments near transit stations. This preserves the character of existing suburban neighborhoods.

Envision Utah Quality Growth Strategy; 1999

Saves 17% or $4.5 billion over 20 years

$21.5 billion

$26 billion

Lower Taxes:Infrastructure savings in the billions

Enhanced Mobility and Economic GrowthThe Vision reduces traffic congestion by 18%

Less driving and more transportation choices will lead to cleaner air

Better Air Quality

Implementing the Wasatch Choice for 2040?

Lead Members andInstitutional Operations

Capital Participants

Consortium Participants

Group I

Group II

Group III

and more…

1) Develop dynamic computer-based planning tools

2) Create housing choices3) Study and create scenarios for six diverse

sites4) Implement Regional Transportation Plan5) Identify barriers and develop a Financial

Toolbox6) Create innovative zoning techniques7) Institute an outreach program for

stakeholders

Programs

Utah’s First Regional Housing Analysis

Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Utah

Help communities make individual decisions

Tools for decision-making: The “Envision Tomorrow +” Model (ET+)

Scenario Development Evaluation

Transportation EffectsBuilding Energy ConsumptionWater ConsumptionAir QualityReturn on InvestmentTax CollectionsFiscal ImpactPublic HealthEmployment GrowthDevelopment CapitalTransportation SafetyWorkforce HousingPublic Assets

Regional Collaborati

on

Local Implementation

2040 Regional Transportation Plan

Roads: capacity, safety and maintenance

Transit: comprehensive system of commuter rail, light rail, streetcar, bus rapid transit, bus

Active: Bike and pedestrian

Housing :

•- Choices•- Market driven

1) Educating the public2) Helping to identify stakeholders3) Forging relationships with stakeholders4) Creating development scenarios with ET+5) Analyzing development scenarios 6) Suggesting zoning techniques for

adoption7) Assisting with identifying financing

opportunities & strategies

Consortium supports the local process

Urban Example:

Salt Lake City Intermodal Huband Downtown Streetcar

Downtown connection to regional transit

Infill planning and revitalization