Planning in the West 2010

Pre-registration is required!
Join a small group of planners, architects, engineers, landscape designers, community members and more for an in-depth look at Boise and examples of planning that has shaped the community, streetscapes and city. Each tour will be limited to no more than 18 people. For more information: .

CHOOSE ONE:

1. Idaho Capital Building's Modern Make-over

A detailed and fun look at the Idaho Capitol historic renovation, expansion and geothermal capability with Jan Frew, the Executive Project Manager and Andy Erstad, the Chair of the Idaho Capitol Commission and Boise architect.



2. Downtown Housing Livability Tour

Infill is new development or redevelopment of vacant or underutilized land within existing developed areas. If done well, infill can help a region meet important goals to create vibrant, healthy communities, preserve air quality, reduce the miles we need to travel in our cars, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote economic vitality. On this walking tour, participants will tour a variety of commercial and residential infill projects and discuss the findings of a recent report by Idaho Smart Growth and ULI Idaho on how communities can encourage quality infill development. Vans will be available as an alternative to walking.



3. Public Art and Space in Downtown Boise

Take an information-packed tour of Boise's downtown public art and learn how art is a part of a strategy to economically revitalize the City while adding a strong sense-of-place to the civic environment. See over 30 pieces of art and hear the stories behind their creation. Walk away with a greater understanding of the role of public art in urban planning and public/private development.



4. The Interconnection of Green Spaces in Boise

Greenbelt: Impacts of the Boise River Greenbelt Pathway on the Boise Community: Presentation will address the economic, recreation, social, environmental, and aesthetic impacts. Additional information will be presented relating to the history, planning, development, rules/regulations and operations of the Greenbelt.
Open Space: Since the $10 million Foothills Levy was passed in 2001 by 59% of the voters 10,400 acres of land have been preserved as public open space in the Boise Foothills. The role of priority areas, Foothills Conservation Advisory Committee, willing landowners and a changing real estate market will be discussed.
Urban Farms: The northwest end of Boise traditionally supported livestock, fruit trees, berry, and vegetable production. These unusually large tracts of land near the city center now provide opportunities to support urban agriculture. Learn from neighborhood farmers and gardeners about the opportunities, challenges, and policy needs to better support urban food production.

The conference's opening reception social, held in the Linen Building in downtown Boise. Join us for lively networking with drinks and appetizers.

• Jonathan Weber, NewWest.Net
• Jill Kuraitis, NewWest.Net/Boise

What is happening at the regional and federal level that is going to affect planning in the West? What is the federal definition of “livability,” and how does that relate to the Rocky Mountain West? How do our local developers and communities define livability — and what challenges are faced with local planning? What livability initiatives are included that addresses air quality/greenhouse gas emissions, especially as they relate to growth, land use, and transportation in the West.

• Matt Dalbey | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Doug Fowler | LeNir Ltd., Project Manager for Harris Ranch
• Patricia Nilsson | Boise City Planning and Development Services
• Heather Wheeler | Community Transportation Association of Idaho

Self-help has made the Northern Rockies region a great place, but the sheer scale of the region’s challenges and opportunities means the region’s leaders cannot “go it alone.”  Instead, the region’s leaders need a new, more supportive, responsive, and empowering relationship with the federal government if they are going  renew the area’s prosperity and build a “civilization to match the scenery,” to paraphrase Wallace Stegner.

How can we plan for a future where all of our energy needs are met, both in our the backyard and on a regional level? What initiatives and projects have opened doors — and inhibited expansion. What new practices and infrastructure need to become connected in order for the Rockies to meet its full potential? Lets take a broader view than just a green building, and focus on the bigger issues and how to address our changing energy needs on the “big scale.”

• Susan Culp | Western Lands and Communities
• Ric Gale | Idaho Power
• Ken Miller | Snake River Alliance
• Don Reading | Ben Johnson Associates
• Moderator: John Gardner | Boise State University Associate Vice President for Energy Research

Having studied farm and food economies at the request of local partners in 49 regions in 22 states, and having helped each devise effective implementation plans, Ken Meter has played a key role in shaping this movement. At Planning in the West, he will present findings of a new study recently commissioned by Idaho and Oregon partners. This penetrating research will illuminate critical issues at work in the prevailing regional food system, and also show dynamic and innovative examples of how local groups are defining the new economy. This vision includes more integrated planning for sustainability, green energy, community investment, and strengthened business clusters.

• Ken Meter | Crossroads Resource Center, Local Foods Guru

Under the Local Employment Dynamics partnership, the Idaho Department of Labor and the Census Bureau have been developing an innovative labor market information system that has created new data and applications on the dynamics of employment, and location of jobs and workers. State and local authorities increasingly need detailed local information about their economies to make informed decisions - and yet are frustrated by the lack of timely local data. Learn about On The Map, a unique resource for mapping the travel patterns of workers and identifying small-area workforce characteristics.

• Bob Uhlenkott | Idaho Department of Labor

Networking and linking our regional transportation system - transit and roads - is essential to the region. Idaho doesn't have a dedicated funding source for transit at all, and our funding source for roads — the gas tax — isn't keeping up with needs. What are some examples of how to advance and endow regional transit? What are some innovative ways to finance transportation as a whole?

• Kim Billimoria | Yellowstone Business Partnership
• Chuck Chappell | Wasatch Front Regional Council
• additional panelist to be announced.

Learn what the Boise Mayor has planned regarding transportation, the economy and protecting Boise's livability.

Discover how a successful creative economy strategy can positively transform a geographic area.

• Michael Boardman | ACS Quantum Strategies

What examples are there from around the region that communities are doing to pull out of the economic slump? How will infrastructure investments affect how quickly an area will rebound after the recession? Are some areas more poised to compete than others? How does new communications and technology play a role? What about the creative class and small business entrepreneurs? What will the future of our region look like?

• Jenn Atkinson | Sage Community Resources
• Jana Chalfant | Boise Valley Economic Partnership
• Cece Gassner | City of Boise - Economic Development
• Mark Solon | Highway 12 Ventures
• Moderator: Jill Kuraitis | NewWest.Net/Boise