City Council Agenda and Packet 2010 08 03

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1. Augmenting Metro Vision to a) address the range of housing, economic development, environmental and other factors that are critical for successful transit - oriented and urban center development throughout the region, b) engage a wide variety of stakeholders and create broad support for the regional vision, and c) more fully integrate the federal Livability Principles and serve to direct federal funding toward regional priorities. 2. Focusing resources on local implementation efforts. Many local governments are struggling with "last mile" challenges associated with successful transit - oriented and urban center development, such as providing the urban infrastructure necessary to support compact development, preserving or creating affordable housing, and connecting residents with employment, shopping, recreation and other opportunities. Through the establishment of a stable and enduring "Metro Vision Implementation and Action Partnership," this grant would bring a wide variety of resources to bear on the overarching mission of helping local governments transform the vision into reality. Importance of partnerships • To be eligible to apply for the SCRPG, DRCOG must demonstrate a commitment of support from local jurisdictions representing at least 50% of the region's population. • A successful application will make the region more competitive for future funding opportunities emerging from the federal partnership, by earning the region "preferred status." The grant announcement makes it clear that future funding will be tied to the planning efforts and implementation programs completed under the SCRPG. • The SCRPG is part of a larger shift away from formula -based funds to a nationally- competitive funding process. This competitive focus requires greater regional coordination and prioritization of potential projects going forward. • Support and input from all of DRCOG's diverse membership will help ensure that grant- funded activities focus on the region's highest priorities and create widespread benefits for local communities throughout the region. • Strong partnerships are crucial not only to the development of a successful grant application, but also to successful completion of the work plan laid out in the application, and ultimately to the achievement of Metro Vision goals. What a commitment of support means • DRCOG is asking local governments to pass resolutions that 1. Support DRCOG's submittal of a comprehensive joint application for the SCRPG, and 2. Commit to continue working collaboratively with DRCOG and stakeholders from across the region to refine and implement Metro Vision to achieve the outcomes envisioned in the Federal Livability Principles. 49