2013/05/15 Council Agenda Packet

p I Whereas the Partnership defines equitable transit communities as follows: Equitable transit communities are mixed-use, transit-served neighborhoods that provide housing and transportation choices and greater social and economic opportunity for current and future residents. Although defined by the half-mile walking distances around high-capacity transit stations, they exist within the context of larger neighborhoods with existing residents and businesses. These communities promote local community and economic development by providing housing types at a range of densities and affordability levels, commercial and retail spaces, community services and other amenities integrated into safe, walkable neighborhoods. Successful equitable transit communities are created through inclusive planning and decision- making processes, resulting in development outcomes that accommodate future residential and employment growth, increase opportunity and mobility for existing communities, and enhance public health for socially and economically diverse populations Whereas Growing Transit Communities Partners recognize that transit communities throughout the region will have unique roles, functions, and opportunities, and will develop with different uses at varying intensities;and Whereas creating vibrant transit-oriented communities can be substantially advanced through the development of additional tools and funding for infrastructure improvements in communities along transit corridors;and Whereas Growing Transit Communities Partners believe that progress toward creating equitable transit communities will depend on active participation from a full range of partners over the long term, including transit agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, as well as local jurisdictions and the Puget Sound Regional Council;and Whereas the Growing Transit Communities Partnership has developed Recommended Strategies and Actions that recommend adoption of specific actions and tools by regional and local governments, by both public and private stakeholders, in order to create,grow, and enhance equitable transit communities throughout the region;and Whereas updates to local comprehensive plans and development regulations and the refinement of regional growth and transportation plans present continuing opportunities to implement the Recommended Strategies and Actions; Now,therefore,the signatories to this Regional Compact: Agree that the region's long-range growth management, economic, environmental, and transportation goals depend heavily on continued investment in more and better public transportation services; and Acknowledge the acute need for additional resources and tools to create and preserve affordable housing throughout the region;and Recognize that cities and counties will require new resources to create the critical physical and social infrastructure that will support growth,including transportation, utilities,recreation,and public services;and Agree that progress toward equitable transit communities requires a cooperative, regional approach with diverse partners across governmental and nongovernmental sectors that supports and builds upon existing and ongoing planning efforts by regional and local governments and transit agencies;and 3 10