EARLY LESSONS FROM THEMETRO BOSTON CONSORTIUM FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Presentation by Jennifer M. Raitt, Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program The SCRPG will advance

MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region, the region’s comprehensive plan for sustainable and equitable development that was adopted by MAPC in December 2008 after an intensive, multi-year process involving 5,000 individuals and organizations throughout the region.

Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program

The Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities includes municipalities, state agencies, community based organizations, advocacy groups, academic institutions, trade associations, foundations, public housing authorities, and many other partners committed to building a livable, sustainable, and equitable region.

The Consortium’s work is funded primarily by the three-year, $4 million SCRPG grant. Various local funders have also contributed to fund the Consortium’s activities, as has MAPC.

SCRPG Addressing Plan GapsRegional Housing/ Fair Housing + Equity - Plan ElementsBoth projects will collect and analyze data about

housing needs in the region and the constraints and opportunities that enable or prevent attainment of local and regional housing goals.• The RHP will recommend policies to encourage

housing development and preservation that meets current and projected needs in an equitable manner.

• The RAI will recommend policies that influence housing development and preservation at all levels of the housing market, identifying specific activities and entities to address identified impediments.

SCRPG Illustrative Work Fairmount Corridor

Transit improvements (new stations, increased frequency of service, and transit-oriented development) will help transform the Fairmount Corridor, an isolated, opportunity-poor and highly segregated section of Boston, into a diverse, healthy, and economically-vibrant neighborhood.

Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant for Metro Boston

Grant Summary and Status Sustainable Consortium for Metro Boston Regional Housing Plan Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

SCRPG Illustrative Work The Consortium will conduct the following activities to help achieve this vision and prevent displacement of existing residents:

CDC planning and predevelopment assistance Creation of a TOD capital fund to advance affordable housing, commercial, and mixed use development projects to construction; and Advance open space and green infrastructure planning to move the community-driven Fairmount Greenway design concept to an advanced design and implementation strategy.

Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant for Metro Boston

Grant Summary and Status Sustainable Consortium for Metro Boston Regional Housing Plan Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

SCRPG Illustrative Work -Strategies

Urban neighborhoods face unique constraints Solutions include:

Education and Advocacy Expedited Permitting Economic Development analysis Inclusionary Zoning Redevelopment/ reuse bylaws Focus on preservation Anti-displacement strategies

SCRPG Illustrative Work -Strategies

Suburban neighborhoods face unique constraints

Solutions include: Education and Advocacy Expedited Permitting Economic Development analysis Inclusionary Zoning Redevelopment/ reuse bylaws Focus on preservation Anti-displacement strategies

SCRPG Opportunities

Gaining new partners (foundations, academics, npos)

Designing new strategies and tools Building capacity at MAPC, for CDCs and allies, for

the MAPC “family” Advancing smart growth development and

preservation ideals with research, models, techniques, practice, expertise

Increased leverage in local and regional dialogues Increased collaboration Broader positive implications for regional planning

in MA