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<br /> The three federal agencies have made a commitment to use the integrated regional plans or visions that regions
<br /> adopt to guide their planning and funding decision-making.Funding to metropolitan regions would generally be
<br /> directed towards programs and projects identified as supporting a region's plan for sustainable development
<br /> aimed at increasing transportation choices,reducing combined housing and transportation costs, improving the
<br /> quality of life in all communities,and improving the natural and built environments.
<br /> In April 2008,the central Puget Sound region adopted one of the most detailed and far-reaching sustainability
<br /> strategies for an urban region in the United States.VISION 2040 is the long-range, integrated, environmental,
<br /> land use, economic development, and transportation strategy for the four-county region.VISION 2040 was
<br /> developed through a public scenario planning and evaluation process over a 3-1/2 year period.Under the state
<br /> growth management planning framework,VISION 2040's policies guide the development of regional
<br /> implementation plans, local comprehensive plans, and their implementing development regulations.This link
<br /> between regional and local plans is critical.VISION 2040 contains a regional vision statement and overarching
<br /> goals as a sustainable framework for each of six major categories of multicounty planning policies:
<br /> Our vision for the future advances the ideals of our people, our prosperity, and our planet.As we work
<br /> toward achieving the region's vision, we must protect the environment, support and create vibrant,
<br /> livable, and healthycommunities, offer economic opportunities for all,provide safe and efficient mobility,
<br /> and use our resources wisely and efficiently. Land use, economic, and transportation decisions will be
<br /> integrated in a manner that supports a healthy environment, addresses global climate change, achieves
<br /> social equity, and is attentive to the needs of future generations.
<br /> VISION 2040,p. xi
<br /> Despite this strong sustainable development planning framework,the region is challenged to effectively
<br /> implement many aspects of its vision. A fast growing region,the central Puget Sound metropolitan area expects
<br /> an additional 1.5 million residents over the next 30 years. With nearly 90 separate jurisdictions with land use and
<br /> transportation implementation authority,six different transit agencies,and a long, linear urban form constrained
<br /> by geography(water and land), it has been challenging to effectively coordinate decision-making about growth,
<br /> and identify immediate local priorities across jurisdictional lines. Consequently,there is work to do.Regional
<br /> researchers and institutions agree: to create the sustainable,equitable communities envisioned in its plans,barriers
<br /> to transit-oriented development and concentrated growth in regional transit station areas must be overcome.
<br /> SECTION 4: PRINCIPLES,TASKS,AND DESIRED OUTCOMES
<br /> Consistent with and in addition to federal policy, statutes, executive orders, and supplemental agency policies and
<br /> guidance,the Partners collaboratively seek to follow the common set of six Livability Principles embraced by the
<br /> Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
<br /> 1. Provide more transportation choices.
<br /> 2. Promote equitable, affordable housing.
<br /> 3. Enhance economic competitiveness.
<br /> 4. Support existing communities.
<br /> 5. Coordinate and leverage federal policies and investment.
<br /> 6.Value Communities and neighborhoods.
<br /> In pursuit of these principles, the purpose of the Growing Transit Communities program is to address some of the
<br /> greatest barriers to implementing VISION 2040. Unique roles and opportunities associated with transit
<br /> investments will be identified through the coordination and direct involvement of a wider array of stakeholders,
<br /> both public and private.Tools and templates will be developed and implemented to improve the region's capacity
<br /> to foster compact, equitable development in high capacity transit station areas, while providing affordable
<br /> housing, reduced transportation costs, better environmental outcomes, and access to jobs for low-income
<br /> households and communities of color in areas receiving major transit and housing investments.
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