Editor - Jan Weaver
208 Tucker Hall, MU 65211
by Jan Weaver
After a year of monthly and sometimes weekly meetings, approximately 200 city residents have outlined over 200 strategies to help shape Columbia's future over the next couple of decades. On Thursday September 13, from noon to 8 pm, these ideas will be available for anyone in the community to review and rank in importance at the Lela Raney Wood Hall at Broadway and College. The complete Visions, Goals and Strategies are at www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Visioning/update.php.
For the strategies in a nutshell, see the outline below. This version is edited to fit the space and is NOT OFFICIAL. However, it does make it a little easier to see where the overlaps and gaps in the plans may fall, which should help in developing a comprehensive Vision for the City and surrounding area. If a particular strategy interests (or alarms) you, you should check out the city's website and read the complete vision statement for a group in case their goals and strategies have been (inadvertently!) misrepresented.
Arts & Culture - set up art alliance, identify and expand funding opportunities, cultivate outreach, education, aesthetic and environmentally friendly community design, expanded programming and venues
Community Character - landscape/tree board to promote sustainable native/edible plantings, streetscape plan, foster distinctive neighborhood character, develop incentives for historic preservation, seek federal funds, educate neighborhoods about their historic importance, hold absentee landlords accountable, focus on renewable energy for building and retrofitting, encourage mixed-use zoning for walkability, food production, services & crafts
Community Facilities & Services - additional resources for high crime areas, enforce ordinances (incl against landlords), educate public about community policing, increase traffic law enforcement, add facilities and service points to library system, use technology to improve services (wireless internet, graphic interface for community information), comprehensive, efficient snow removal (incl sidewalks), increase communication about services, administer law enforcement fairly to all citizens, allocate police service equitably
Community Pride and Human Relations - reorganize, expand Human Rights Commission, expand study circles, implement training for new and existing employees, form Intercultural Council, create comprehensive centralized community calendar, replicate events that bring in a cross-section of community, create a "trading places" project, leverage study circles to build consensus/vision amoung youth organizations, promote existing opportunities with webpage and booklet for kids and parents (incl transportation and scholarship opportunities), shared youth facility with safe travel, inclusive environment
Development/Plan & Manage Growth - inventory natural and cultural resources, implement growth management plan incorporating form-based zoning, create list of potential in-fill sites and developer incentives, prepare annual report on pattern, pace, costs, benefits of growth, educate about zoning, involve all political subdivisions and taxing districts (city, county, schools) in planning, streamline review and approval process, publish monthly list of plan submissions, formalize joint planning process, incentivize LEED standards, provide comprehensive transportation planning to direct, support growth, and interconnect neighborhoods, ensure preservation of heritage and uniqueness as Columbia grows
Development/Land Preservation - establish city-county land preservation authority to develop/administer publicly supported land preservation plan, strengthen, enforce, create laws/regulations to preserve land, acquire property or development rights from willing sellers at fair market value (no condemnation), evaluate land based on ag use/potential, ecol/geol/hydro significance, scenic beauty, historical significance, protection of native wildlife (plant/animal), develop funding mechanisms (sales tax, land transaction tax, donations, grants, bonds, property tax incentives)
Development/Neighborhoods - use planning to promote socio-economically diverse, mixed-use neighborhoods supported by pedestrian/bike/transit networks, strengthen environmentally and neighborhood friendly ordinances, community resources to encourage maintenance/rehabilitation of declining housing stock
Development/Infrastructure - stakeholder task force to develop comprehensive plan for existing/future infrastructure - coordination, streamlining, education, planning and zoning to ensure infrastructure aligned with growth plan, representative task force to determine fair and balanced cost allocations/funding sources for new infrastructure
Downtown - new management organization through public-private partnerships > downtown center to live, work, play, shop, study & invest, link city prosperity with central city (Columbia as cultural, business, entertainment, educational center for region), climate for catalyzing projects, follow up on Sasaki Opportunity Study, survey realtors, retailers, developers, financial sources to identify barriers and opportunities to downtown housing development, baseline traffic information for pedestrians, transit, delivery, parking, research similar cities for use of transportation assets
Economic Development - promote positive attitudes toward economic development, more consistent enforcement of business regulations, incentives to support new businesses, alternatives to sales taxes for public amenities like trails and parks, support of TIFs, TDDs for economic development, fast track for new economic development projects, promote natural advantages: MU, I-70 corridor, environment, people - to outside groups, facilitate joint efforts with other communities, promote climate conducive to growth and success of locally owned and grown businesses (micro-loans, high-tech startups, life sciences business incubator), improve appearance and function of airport, connect to major airline hubs, add other airlines, establish regional airport authority, collect data on living wage and benefits, offer targeted training, establish clearinghouse to track and promote training, create Regional Science and Technology Network, infrastructure to support emerging tech industries (business parks, community internet, workforce - Hi Tech Hi School), attract venture capital
Education - inventory public/private education facility needs, costs, options, shared usage for next 25 years, resources allocated to ensure support and success of all students at all levels of education (id gaps, duplication, family support needed, collaboration), increase quantity & quality of 0-5 education (recruit/retain hi risk families, coordinate to minimize effects of moving, "front door" for early ed, coordinate with state efforts), research based effective education, comprehensive education (Parents As Teachers, health & safety, diversity, Title 1, Early Childhood Special Ed, K-12 English as 2nd Language, Gifted Ed, Career Ctr, Underrepresented students, Post-Secondary, Continuing Ed, Communiversity), network for educational providers, service learning
Environment - community environmental protection plan, open space, farmland, natural and critical area preservation strategies (EPA - "Getting to Smart Growth"), form Natural Resources Committee, develop age-appropriate, audience-specific education on low-impact environmental practices, climate change & energy use, aim for zero waste through reduced consumption, increased recycling, encourage environmentally based businesses & business practices, use ordinances to increase energy efficiency & renewable energy standards, create incentives for businesses to be more efficient, implement Public Benefits Fund, incentivise local home performance standards, work with builders on Model Green Home Guidelines, weatherization for low-income homes, create Department of Energy Eff and Env Quality, adhere to LEED, create ordinances to support efficiency, adopt 2006 Int Energy Cons Code, adopt minimum stds for rental housing, use life-cycle cost analysis
Governance - clear access points for inquiries, suggestions, complaints, implement tracking system for same, enhance collaboration among city departments, enhance neighborhood associations, establish ongoing reviews of boards, commissions, task forces, increase size of city council and provide compensation and other support for council, determine needs and revenue for infrastructure over next 25 years, establish P.D. review board, encourage council to take control of agenda, work flow, work load, implement diversity plan for city admin, establish storm water utility commission, increase collaboration and coordination between city and county
Health, Social Services & Affordable Housing - analyze gaps in health care (incl Mental Health) and impacts of changes in Medicaid, develop strategic plan for Assertive Community Treatment, educate people about appropriate health care (esp. Diabetes), foster health literacy, establish privately funded community foundation to fund social services & other needs, raise performance standards and accountability, establish Housing Trust Fund with dedicated public revenues, incentivize affordable units in new neighborhoods, create non-profit to develop, purchase & manage affordable housing units,
Parks, Recreation and Greenways - identify gaps in park system, ensure gaps filled without duplication, incentivize public/private collaboration to acquire and develop parks/facilities, investigate land dedication ordinance, be proactive, use easements and development rights to preserve green space/greenways, identify & acquire green space and greenways, keep part of Fairgrounds natural, coordinate groups on multi-use trail network, achieve trail connectivity
Transportation - set up Transportation Advisory Board, provide public education on road rules, safety, provide funding, priority & support for sidewalk system (speed it up), encourage non-motorized transport habits & skills (use traffic calming, safe sidewalks), coordinate transportation and utility development, maintenance to minimize conflicts & manage land use, id large traffic generators (> additional seats on CATSO), develop & adopt clear area-wide major roadway plan, establish city-county partnership for planning, funding & construction, maximize existing capacity using signals, intersection improvements, turn lanes, access management, tie transit into permit process for new developments, expand transit to fill gaps (hours, frequency, coverage)
Stream Extravaganza: Sept 6, 18:00-20:00, Flat Branch Park. 573-817-6447 / mona.menezes@gocolumbiamo.com Conservation Clown, Critters & Streams, Raptor Rehab, Tattletale Critters, Crawdads, Stormwater, Float Yr Boat, Turtles', Fishing Kids
Columbia Bioblitz: Sept 7-8, 17:00, MLK Park http://bioblitz.missouri.edu/ 24 hour race to id the species in Flat Branch area
Tour of Missouri Pro Cycling Race: Sept 11-16, KC >> StL, tourofmissouri.com
Imagine Columbia's Future Visioning Open House: September 13, 12:00 -20:00, Lela Raney Wood Ballroom, Stephens Coll
Sustainable Living Fair: Sept 15, 10:00-18:00, Unity Center 1600 Bway. http://www.slfcolumbia.org. workshops, booths, free
Cooper's Cleanup & Flying Carp Canoe Race: Sept 15, 15:00-18:00, Cooper's Landing. 573-443-0292 / riverrelief@riverrelief.org / www.riverrelief.org. Morning clean up 9:00-14:00, no shuttle race 15:00-18:00 $5
Ozark Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Expo: Sept 22-23, Le BourgoisWinery. 314-727-06000 / enoble@moenviron.org / http://www.ozarkre.org/
MoRiv CC EcoArt Fest: Sept 22-23, Cooper's Landing. 573-443-0292 / riverrelief@riverrelief.org / www.riverrelief.org/
Youzeum Starlight Bike Ramble: Sept 29, 20:00, Youzeum. www.youzeum.org. The District, MU, Stephens and Columbia Coll , "After Ramble" family street party , fundraiser for Youzeum
Big Muddy Wildlife Float: Sept 29, Franklin Island (near Boonville 573-256-2602 / bjh427@gmail.com / http://www.moriver.orgwildlife themed guided canoe trip - registr $30 incl shuttle; canoe & meals extra
Endangered Species Walk/Run Race: Oct 13, 9:00, North Jeff C Pavilion @ 63/54. http://www.mdc.mo.gov/programs/es_walkrun. Fund raiser for endangered species & US Track & Field certified
Orienteering Meet and EcoMarch: Oct 14, 9:00-14:00, Rock Bridge Mem St Park. 573-815-9255 / mjdonlsn@aol.com / http://rockbridge.missouri.org. Teams $15, individuals $10, free white trail, fundraiser for outdoor education programs.
AUDUBON SOCIETY: 874-3904 / columbia-audubon.missouri.org Meet 3rd Wed 7:30 pm, Unitarian Church, 2615 Shepard Blvd.
BIG CANOE: 573-875-8590 / bryce_crispies@yahoo.com / http://www.bigcanoemo.org/ - Saturday workdays 10-1 at 406 Sanford
BOONE COUNTY SMART GROWTH COALITION: http://smartgrowth.missouri.org/, 1st Weds 7:15 Boone Co Govt Ctr.
CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING: 875-0539 or http://www.midmopeaceworks.org/sustainableliving.php
CHOUTEAU GROTTO: http://chouteau.missouri.org/, Meet 1st Wed, 7 pm, The Casteel Building, 1518 Business Loop 70 East
COLUMBIA CLIMATE CHANGE COALITION: 573-529-9273, http://www.columbiaclimatechangecoalition.org/
COLUMBIA FOOD CIRCLE: 882-7463 or http://foodcircles.missouri.edu/sources.htm
COLUMBIA PUBLIC WORKS VOL. PROGRAMS: 874-6271 or http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Volunteer/Opportunities/#PW
CITIZENS WATERSHED COMMITTEE: (573) 526-8916, Third Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, Daniel Boone Bldg
COMMUNITY GARDEN COALITION: 875-5995 or cgardenc@yahoo.com or http://cgc.missouri.org
ENV EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/teacher/workshops/
FRIENDS OF BIG MUDDY: friends@friendsofbigmuddy.org or www.friendsofbigmuddy.org
FRIENDS OF ROCK BRIDGE M. S. P.: 815-9255 or http://rockbridge.missouri.org/ Outdoors Bldg, 200 Old 63 S.
GREENBELT LAND TRUST OF MID-MISSOURI: 442-4789, greenbelt.land.trust @gmail.com or http://greenbelt.missouri.org
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE: 815-9836, drop off/ buy 1906 Monroe St. Columbia Mon to Fri 8:30 to 3:30, Sat 8-1 1pm,
MISSOURI ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION: www.meea.org
MO NATIVE PLANT SOC.: http://columbianativeplants.missouri.org/, 2nd Mon, odd months, 7 p.m., UU Church, 2615 Shepard
MISSOURI RIVER COMMUNITIES NETWORK: 573-256-2602 or www.moriver.org or moriver@coin.org
PEDNET COALITION: email: pednet@pednet.org or http://www.pednet.org
RIVER RELIEF: http://www.riverrelief.org/
ROCK BRIDGE MEMORIAL STATE PARK: 449-7402 or http://rockbridge.missouri.org
SHOW ME CLEAN STREAMS COALITION: (573) 751-4115 ext 3169 or www.mostreamteam.org
SIERRA CLUB: 875-2916, http://missouri.sierraclub.org/osage/index.htm 3rd Tuesdays 7:30 pm Hillel Found., 1107 University Ave
WILD ONES: 573 882-9909, ext 3257 or email wildonesmo@yahoo.com, http://wildones.missouri.org Meetings 2nd Saturdays.
Feedback - Got an opinion? If we have space, we will consider publishing it. Submit it by email (envstudy@missouri.edu), snail mail (Environmental Studies, 211 Lowry , MU, Columbia MO 65211), or call Jan Weaver to talk about it (882-7116). MU Environmental Network News is published by MU's Environmental Studies Initiative. All opinions expressed are the responsibility of the editor. Any part of this newsletter may be copied for distribution but please give us credit.
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