greenbelt

www.greenbelt.org

Planning for Change: How to be an Effective Advocate

How to Use an EIR as an Advocacy Tool

Elements of Livable CommunitiesA Mix of Uses

• Walk to shops and services

• Support local businesses

• Access daily needs without driving

• Link trips to community uses such as schools and libraries

Elements of Livable CommunitiesConnectivity and Mobility

* Transit can’t do it alone

* Walkable places are essential

* Lower parking standards in TOD,

unbundled parking costs

* Car sharing and shared parking

* Bike and pedestrian connections

* Bus connectivity and high quality

transit service

Transportation for Walkable and Healthy Communities

* In the Bay Area, Transit Zone Households are:* 30% Car-Free* Driving 50% less* 4 times more likely to

walk* 10 times more likely to

use transit

MTC 2007, New Places, New Choices

Rising Energy Costs

Unsafe CommunitiesHow to cross the street on foot…and survive?

Climate Change

What is an EIR?

Where is an EIR in an approval process?

When to comment on an EIR?

EIRs: How to comment effectively

• Decide on your concerns/goals and read relevant sections first; think through questions as you analyze• Emphasize your local expertize but base

comments on data not emotion• Be specific, succinct and professional• Use standard intro, body conclusion format• Cite sections directly; focus on facts; quote

professionals• Focus on content not grammatical errors• Make sure your take home message is clear

Other resources:Planning and Conservation League FoundationOffice of the Attorney General

EIRs: Mountain View

Break out groups

Land UseTransportation

Population Housing and EmploymentGlobal Climate Change

Alternatives

What are you looking for?What are your goals?

How would you comment?If it is difficult, tell us why

http://www.mountainview2030.com/

Environmental Planning Commission will hold an information session Jan. 11, 2012.

EIR comments are due January 13

Ellie Cassonecasson@greenbelt.org

agarcia@greenbelt.orgabornstein@greenbelt.org

Thank you