February 9, 2006

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EVENTS (Click on Links)

·        OnQ Presents Our Region's Next Renaissance

·        How To Deal With The Challenges of Overabundant Deer In Your Community

·        Lecture: “Learning from Leaders: The Rise of the Cleveland Housing Network”

·        "Economic Agenda for the Great Lakes Region" featuring John Austin, Brookings Institution Sr. Fellow

·        Public Ethics, Legal Accountability and the New Governance

·        Save the Date: 2006 NonProfit Summit

·        Save the Date: 6th Annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Smart Growth Conference

·        Save the Date: Sustainable Sweden Tour

TRANSPORTATION FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES

·        Understanding the Planning and Implementation of Act 238 of 2004

·        TLC Rescission Letter

·        Proposed budget boosts PennDOT spending 5.1 percent

·        Competition begins for West End Bridge addition

·        Rogers’ Motion Moves Stalled Transit Debate

·        Presentations from the 11th Annual Transportation and Engineering Safety Conference Online

LAND USE NEWS AROUND THE REGION

·        Mayor says eastern communities forgotten

RESOURCES

·        PennFuture Unveils Policy Agenda for Pennsylvania

·        Growth Gamble

·        Dow-Jones Sustainability Indexes

·        World has 7 years for key climate decisions: Blair

·        Bayer, BASF Among First Companies to Sign Responsible Care Global Charter

·        DJSI launches two new European indexes

·        PolicyLink Report Hails Programs in Five Cities for Innovative Contributions to the Renewal of America’s Cities

EVENTS

OnQ Presents Our Region's Next Renaissance

Tune in Tonight!

7:30 pm on WQED tv13

Nonprofits are a vital part of the fabric of western Pennsylvania , and their efforts lead many local initiatives. Tune in for a special one-hour episode of OnQ on February 9, when OnQ looks at what local nonprofits are doing to encourage civic engagement. Whether through volunteerism, leadership training or political activism, local nonprofits are making a difference. You will want to hear more about what's going on, and how you can get involved.

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How To Deal With The Challenges of Overabundant Deer In Your Community

Thursday, February 16

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Regional Learning Alliance , Cranberry

850 Cranberry Woods Drive

Cranberry 16066

Contact: 724-741-1000

An overabundance of white-tailed deer in many communities can bring with it, Lyme disease, deer/vehicle collisions and vegetation destruction. The “Deer in Your Backyard” seminar is designed for the general public to provide pro-active information on how to manage the white-tailed deer population in their communities. Community representatives, homeowners, elected officials and others who are experiencing challenges from “overabundant” deer are encouraged to attend. Issues, concerns and ideas brought to light during this seminar will be presented to the Pennsylvania Game Commission which has requested public input on deer management. Topics to be discussed include Lyme disease, methods for managing deer populations within communities, examples of local management experiences and what an individual community can do to address deer management challenges.

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"Economic Agenda for the Great Lakes Region" featuring John Austin, Brookings Institution Sr. Fellow

Wednesday, February 22

11:45 am - 1:15 pm

$30 members, $40 non-members, $15 students (Please pay at the door by cash or by check made payable to: The Economic Club of Pittsburgh )

Pre-registration soon via http://www.econclubpgh.org/index.html

Presented by The Economic Club of Pittsburgh in collaboration with: Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Sustainable Pittsburgh ; British-American Business Council; and Canada Forum.

John Austin, Brookings Sr. Fellow share insights to this initiative to improve the economic vitality of the Great Lakes region.  The region, with Pittsburgh a key force, led the transformation from an agricultural to an industrial economy, which afforded several generations of prosperity. Today we face significant challenges in remaking the region to compete in a global, knowledge economy. An emerging reality that we've only begun to explore is that macro-economic regions are increasingly the locus of economic might, exemplified by the world's strongest economic regions:  North Central Europe, the West Coast, and the Northeast Corridor in the U.S. In recognition of the increasing importance of meta-regions in the global economy, this initiative will develop a competitive vision for the Great Lakes region and identify strategic actions.  

To this end, Brookings is assessing the economic and social challenges faced by the region, and working with a wide range of leaders in the political, corporate, civic, and academic sectors, to develop a pan-regional strategic vision and action plan for how the meta-region can leverage its assets to successfully pursue a high-road economic strategy. The analysis will be widely disseminated to inform the region's business, political and opinion leadership, and public policies among the states within the region.  In addition this analysis and recommendations will inform the debate leading up to the 2008 Presidential campaign, which will hinge on the swing states within the region, as well as the thinking and agendas of our current and future federal officials.

Please join the Pittsburgh Economics Club in learning more about this important effort, considering how this complements existing planning efforts, and what's at stake in broadening our definition of 'region'.

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Lecture: “Learning from Leaders: The Rise of the Cleveland Housing Network”

Wednesday, February 22

12 pm – 1:30 pm

2500 Posvar Hall

University of Pittsburgh

RSVP: hirth@gro.pitt.edu

Info: www.pitt.edu/~copc

The University of Pittsburgh Community Outreach Partnership Center presents Norman Krumholz, Professor, Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University .  He served as Planning Director of the City of Cleveland from 1969-1979 under Mayors Carl B. Stokes, Ralph J. Perk, and Dennis Kucinich. Professor Krumholz has published in many professional journals, including the Journal of the American Planning Association, the Journal of Planning Education and Research, and the Journal of Urban Affairs. He has written or edited five books on urban planning and neighborhoods, as well as chapters for many books. His book (with John Forester) Making Equity Planning Work won the Paul Davidoff book of the year award of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.

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Public Ethics, Legal Accountability and the New Governance

Thursday February 23

4:30 pm to 6 pm

Pittsburgh Athletic Association

4215 5th Avenue

Bigelow Room

Register at www.johnsoninstitute-gspia.org/events.asp

Free

Featuring Professor Laura S. Jensen, this lecture will ask: What happens to government accountability when public functions are contracted out to nonprofit and for-profit groups?  Privatization, in the form of contracting out, is often praised for its cost-effectiveness but poses thorny practical and theoretical dilemmas. Is the government ethically and legally responsible for the behavior of the non- and quasi-governmental actors it employs to implement public policy? Is the very nature of public authority under challenge because of this new governance, and if so, what are the consequences for democratic politics and accountability? Given the current context of contracting of government services to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, the careful examination of accountability of these functions is crucial.

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Save the Date!  2006 NonProfit Summit

Tuesday, March 7

8 am – 4 pm

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh

Cost $60; $50 for each additional member from your organization

Registration will begin Monday, January 30

www.pittsburghnonprofitsummit.org

Participate in a 21^st Century community decision-making process that is being used in New York , Washington , and other regions.  Gain new skills, network, and contribute ideas.  Join to set priorities for the future of the region and learn about strategies to engage constituents.

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Save the Date!  6th Annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Smart Growth Conference

Coming Together to Revitalize Our Communities: RenewSWPA Cross-Community and Cross County Collaboration

Friday, May 19

7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Omni William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh

Keynote: David Soule, Associate Director

Center for Urban & Regional Policy, Northeastern University

Cost: Early Registration: $30.  Registration after May 12: $40 (free to elected officials)

Call (412) 258-6642 for early registration

The 2006 SWPA Smart Growth Conference will address strategies to revitalize the region's core communities and seek to identify a set of policy opportunities around which there is consensus for collaboration. 

Leading up to the conference, a series of community forums will be orchestrated around the region to identify common barriers and opportunities to redevelopment.  Common needs and policy options identified through the forums will be presented at the annual conference toward developing consensus on policies to renew Southwestern Pennsylvania .  Also considered will be ideas and next steps for coordinated technical assistance and sharing of best practices.  

Please mark your calendars for May 19 and register early.

The annual Smart Growth conference and regional forums are hosted by the Regional Coalition of Community Builders, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission,  Sustainable Pittsburgh , and the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics.

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Save the Date! Sustainable Sweden Tour

Saturday, June 3- Sunday, June 11 (extended tour to June 14 also available)

Sponsored by Sustainable Sweden and hosted by ESAM AB

Description: http://www.sustainablesweden.org/tours/sustour2006.pdf

Description and photographs of 2004 tour: http://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/NewFrontPage/EcoMunicipalities/Eco_Municipalities_Sweden.html#Projects

Contact:

Lisa MacKinnon—608-259-1000 EXT 107.

Susanne Erickson+46 (0) 8-618 06 10

susanne@esam.se

Mona Pettersson Lahti +46 (0) 90-786 13 90

mona@esam.se

Sustainable community development is this year's tour theme of one of the world's most progressive and committed sustainable countries. Cities and communities to be visited during the tour include:

Helsingborg, Falkenberg, Eskilstuna , Kungsor, Stockholm , and Robertsfors.  Join English speaking professionals from around the globe to learn about practices and visit projects about:

·Eco-Municipalities

·Energy

·Sustainable Business

·Bio-Diversity

·Sustainable Planning

·Sustainable Construction and many more topics 

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TRANSPORTATION FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES

Understanding the Planning and Implementation of Act 238 of 2004

Thursday, February 23

12:30 pm – 4 pm

Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport

8256 University Blvd.

Coraopolis

$25

www.psats.org

It’s no secret that local government officials, transportation and land use planners, and private developers are working more closely these days to get the most out of available funds for transportation improvements and new construction….Act 238 of 2004 offers municipal officials, transportation agencies and the development community a “how-to-do-it” approach to implement transit oriented development through a new administrative and funding mechanism dubbed “Transit Revitalization Investment Districts” (TRIDs)….This workshop will discuss the benefits of transit-oriented development, what it is and what it is not, and a summary of Act 28….This training program has been developed for transportation professionals, land use planners, elected and appointed officials, municipal consultants, private developers, community and economic development organizations, and others interested in the health and well-being of their community and who see a need for increased information on TRIDs.

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TLC Rescission Letter

Read a letter to Allen Biehler, Secretary of Transportation of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, asking for the rescission of funds, as it may result in an inequitable division of limited funds. 

http://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/TLC/TLC_Recission_Letter_Biehler_1_31_06.htm

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Proposed budget boosts PennDOT spending 5.1 percent

If the Legislature adopts Gov. Ed Rendell's proposed budget, PennDOT would be able to pave an extra 550 miles of roads, repair 250 additional bridges and award more than $1.5 billion in contracts for major road and bridge work, state Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler said.   PennDOT's overall budget would grow 5.1 percent, to $5.2 billion

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06040/652496.stm

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Competition begins for West End Bridge addition

"The project itself will define the strategy for funding, which we assume will include both public and private funds, as well as the schedule for engineering design and construction," Ms. Schroeder said. "We would like to have the entire shoreline of Three Rivers Park fully developed by 2020."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06037/650800.stm

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Rogers ’ Motion Moves Stalled Transit Debate

Oakland County Miscellaneous Resolution 05245 called for an abrupt change in public investment and transportation policy that nearly 30 other United States metropolitan regions have already accomplished since the late 1980s: “a solid investment in quality transit in Southeast Michigan as a proven and powerful tool to alter current development patterns and build vitality in our existing communities.”..That last point is what has eluded southeast Michigan political leaders for more than a generation, even as the economic benefits of rapid transit became unmistakable elsewhere around the country. Fast and convenient transit has proven in other metropolitan regions, including Washington D.C. , Portland , San Francisco , Chicago , and Dallas , to be a powerful catalyst for new housing, business construction, and jobs. Transit stations emerged as nodes of economic activity...“Our belief as economic developers is that the lack of a functioning regional system has impacted and will continue to impact our ability to attract businesses and people,” he said in an interview, “particularly young people that want other transportation options besides just having to drive a car all the time. The Oakland County Commission vote is a positive step.”..“The important thing,” he concluded, “is developing a consensus that you need to do something. That was the purpose of the resolution, to make a public statement that Oakland County thinks an improvement of some kind is necessary to help out our region.”

http://mlui.org/transportation/fullarticle.asp?fileid=17001

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Presentations from the 11th Annual Transportation and Engineering Safety Conference Online

Presentations from the 11th Annual Transportation and Engineering Safety Conference are now available online. This conference brought together a diverse group of people in the transportation field, from advocates to scholars.  

http://www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/tesc2005/default_D56CCADF27D244DBB22950A4C104203B.htm

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LAND USE NEWS AROUND THE REGION

Mayor says eastern communities forgotten

Allegheny County tends to forget about its eastern communities when it comes to recruiting new businesses to the areas, Monroeville Mayor James Lomeo says in his annual state of the municipality address.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/tribeast/s_419044.html

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RESOURCES

PennFuture Unveils Policy Agenda for Pennsylvania

John Hanger, President and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania ’s Future (PennFuture), and Jan Jarrett, PennFuture’s Vice-President, today released PennFuture’s Policy Agenda for Pennsylvania , “Every Environmental Victory Grows the Economy.” PennFuture releases a policy agenda each election cycle and briefs all candidates on the specific proposals for growing Pennsylvania ’s economy and environment. Since last election cycle, two major initiatives from the PennFuture proposals – the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Act, which launched a green energy revolution in Pennsylvania , and the $625 million Growing Greener Bond Referendum – have been signed into law.

http://www.pennfuture.org/docs/2006policyagenda.pdf

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Growth Gamble

Neil Pierce, Citistates Group's six successive reports in the New England Futures Project  It’s the worst possible combination: New England’s evil twins of aging, slow or no growth population and land-gobbling, spread-out development. The six states are allowing their signature asset – their picturesque towns, rolling hills, small farms and verdant forests – to be carved into just another bunch of manufactured subdivisions and strip malls stuck here or there. They’re fast losing their seed corn – their youth – to other sections of America . Town resistance and ferocious housing inflation are closing off housing options for residents and newcomers alike. The spirit, the very character of New England seems in peril. .....

http://www.newenglandfutures.org/d/growth.pdf

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Dow-Jones Sustainability Indexes

Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the first global indexes tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Based on the cooperation of Dow Jones Indexes, STOXX Limited and SAM they provide asset managers with reliable and objective benchmarks to manage sustainability portfolios. Currently 56 DJSI licenses are held by asset managers in 14 countries to manage a variety of financial products including active and passive funds, certificates and segregated accounts. In total, these licensees presently manage 3.6 billion EUR based on the DJSI.

http://www.sustainability-index.com/

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World has 7 years for key climate decisions: Blair

The world has seven years to take vital decisions and implement measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions or it could be too late, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday. Blair said the battle against global warming would only be won if the United States , India and China were part of a framework that included targets and that succeeded the 1992 Kyoto Protocol climate pact. "If we don't get the right agreement internationally for the period after which the Kyoto protocol will expire -- that's in 2012 -- if we don't do that then I think we are in serious trouble," he told a parliamentary committee. Asked if the world had seven years to implement measures on climate change before the problem reached "tipping point," Blair answered: "Yes."

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyID=2006-02-07T124844Z_01_L07697839_RTRIDST_0_SCIENCE-ENVIRONMENT-BRITAIN-BLAIR-DC.XML

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Bayer, BASF Among First Companies to Sign Responsible Care Global Charter

The global chemical association ICCA presented its Responsible Care Global Charter at the recent United Nations' International Conference on Chemicals Management in Dubai . The charter contains several principles geared toward the long-term improvement of risk assessment, risk management, and information on products and their safe handling. In the area of social responsibility, the charter calls for increased dialogue with chemical industry stakeholders. "Our commitment to sustainable development is an integral part of our corporate strategy," said Eggert Voscherau, vice chairman of the board of executive directors and chairman of the sustainability council of BASF.

http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=30334

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DJSI launches two new European indexes

The firms behind the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) series have launched two new indexes of European 'blue-chip' stocks, weighted according to their sustainability score rather than market capitalisation. "Over the last years, we have not only seen growing interest in sustainability, but also rising demand for indexes that use other weighting factors than market cap," says Lars Hamich, managing director of European index specialist STOXX. "This alternative weighting scheme ensures that the leading companies in the context of sustainability will always have the highest weighting in the index, regardless of size," he adds.

http://www.environmental-finance.com/onlinews/02febdjs.htm

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PolicyLink Report Hails Programs in Five Cities for Innovative Contributions to the Renewal of America’s Cities

Many of America ’s urban cities are struggling.  These older core cities, a.k.a., rust belt, weak market, slow growth, or undercapitalized cities, are struggling as a result of a changing economy, the movement of people and resources out of urban centers to other parts of the region or country, and far fewer supports from the federal government.

A new PolicyLink report, Shared Prosperity, Stronger Regions: An Agenda for Rebuilding America ’s Older Core Cities, demonstrates that, despite significant challenges, older core cities can become economically competitive places where all residents can participate and prosper.  Shared Prosperity, Stronger Regions looks closely at five cities:  Baltimore , Cleveland , Detroit , Philadelphia , and Pittsburgh , and examines how innovative economic development, land use, transportation, neighborhood revitalization, and housing policies are bringing about significant economic and social revitalization.

http://www.policylink.org/Research/OlderCoreCities/default.html

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Sustainable Pittsburgh is a public-policy advocacy group that links economic prosperity, ecological health, and social equity.

Please review SP's regional assessments and vision/policies for the future: SWPA Regional Indicators Report, Citizens' Vision for Smart Growth, and Regional Policy Guidance Document by clicking on the links to our website.