2005 Regional Policy Guidance Document

(Click here for a list of Endorsing Partners)

Southwestern Pennsylvania is at a critical juncture.  Recent reports such as Brooking's "Back To Prosperity" and Sustainable Pittsburgh's "Citizens' Vision for Smart Growth" and "SWPA Regional Indicators" shed light on our region's challenges and opportunities.  Before us is establishing our competitive niche in the emerging global economy.  Moving forward as a center of innovation requires vision and regional resolve.  Addressing challenges of the present holds promise for the region to again be a talent magnet and gateway in the new economy through strengthened urban cores, narrowing social inequities and regional cooperation for sustainable development.

2005 marks significant opportunity to participate in planning and programming initiatives at the county, regional, and state levels.  Responding to this opportunity, Transportation for Livable Communities (a project of Sustainable Pittsburgh and the national Surface Transportation Policy Project) has developed partnerships with stakeholders throughout the region and is now collaborating with these stakeholders to prepare a Regional Policy Guidance Document.  The Document will be submitted to the respective government agencies for use in guiding the region's public investments and planning at the county, region, and state levels toward creating sustainable communities.  The Document is comprised of nine interrelated policy papers in areas such as Transit Oriented Development and Land Use, Transportation Equity, etc.  The Document reflects many of the recommendations of the aforementioned reports as well as those of other organizations with which Sustainable Pittsburgh collaborates to steer Southwestern Pennsylvania a prosperous future.

Purpose:

Your organization is invited to collaborate with us in developing the Regional Policy Guidance Document.  Your input to and endorsement of the Document will enhance and strengthen the ability of us collectively to influence regional investment and planning. 

Please click here to review the draft policy papers.

To endorse, call 412/258-6642. Even if you are not able to endorse, please indicate if your organization may be listed as a participant.

Common Themes:

The nine topic papers are interrelated and have common themes such as:

• Accountability and transparency in the planning, programming and funding of regional infrastructure, including transportation and water and sewer.

• Enhanced public participation that ensures equity in programming and funding of regional infrastructure, including a prioritization process.  The public participation process should ensure representation of low-income, minority, disabled, and elderly populations.

• An integrated transportation system developed with a balanced investment approach for each mode (roadway, public transportation, bicycle/pedestrian, aviation, and rail).

• Fix-It-First: A regional infrastructure system that promotes investment in existing communities, including transportation and water and sewer facilities.

• Regional economic development strategies that are established with public participation and through a prioritization process aligned to advance sustainable development.