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Don't miss your chance to
Shape the Future of
Your Community
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We need your help to create a
vision for how the Thurston Region will look, function and feel over the next
20 - 30 years.
Your voice counts! |
What is "Sustainable Thurston"?
Simply put, Sustainable Thurston is a
community-wide conversation - with a goal to develop a vision for a vibrant, healthy and resilient future for the Thurston region, as well as the actions and responsibilities necessary to achieve it.
What is the challenge - and opportunity - this project will address?
- How we grow matters - Our region is expected to grow by 67% in the next 30 years. Where and how that growth happens will make a difference in the choices we'll enjoy as a community.
- Shape our future - This is a rare opportunity for community members and policy makers alike to have a voice in how we want our community to look, function and feel, as we add about 80,000 housing units and 84,000 jobs in our region over the next 30 years.
- Revitalize hopes - Our economic downturn has shown us that efficiency, collaboration and cooperation are key to a robust economy, a healthy environment and resilient communites and households.
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...did you know..... |
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....40% of the housing and commercial development that will exist in 2040 will be built between now and then. |
We're not starting from scratch...We'll build on existing plans and identify what's working - and where we can do better. But the first step is to check in with YOU!
What does "Sustainability" mean?
That's the exciting part - this is our opportunity to work together to define what "sustainability" means in the Thurston Region! Our definition will be shaped by this community conversation, supported by the best information available. By the end of the Sustainable Thurston project - December 2013 - this region's definition will be clear, and will be embodied in these Sustainable Thurston products:
- Regional Plan for Sustainable Development
- Regional Housing Plan
- Sustainable Economy Strategy
How will the plans and strategy be developed?
A three-phase community-wide conversation will shape our region's definition of sustainability, plans and strategies. That's why we need to hear from you! Workshops and online opportunities to participate are available throughout the process.
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To comment or share your ideas throughout the process send an email to sustainablethurston@trpc.org
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At Sustainable Thurston Task Force meetings there is an opportunity for public comment. Maker sure you are registered to receive notification of meetings and other updates.
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In mid to late 2012, we'll develop future scenarios based on the input we received in Phase 1 of the conversation - and we'll be seeking your feedback again as we refine those scenarios and work to identify a preferred community vision.
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During 2013 the preferred vision, plans and strategy will be developed, along with an action agenda and tracking mechanisms.
What is unique about this project and process?
All community members will have an opportunity to share ideas about:
- Challenges and opportunities growth will bring
- Possible future scenarios based on the best information available
- How to best leverage growth to get the future we want to see
- What needs to happen to achieve the future we envision; who will be responsible, and how to measure progress over time
How is this project different than those undertaken in the past?
- More diverse partners than ever before working together as a region to understand and make connections among topics that touch issues of economy, society and environment
- Panels of resident experts have explored the following:
- Jurisdictions have agreed to think broadly and work together to build a vibrant, healthy, resilient future and incorporate major goals and policies into local plans
- Regional partners agree that by the end of the process they will identify:
- priority projects and next steps
- a regional tracking process to ensure progress toward the identified desired future
- Sustainable Thurston is a regionally inclusive public/private process that:
- is built on trust, partnerships and the widest possible participation
- Is backed by community and jurisdiction involvement and high-level political commitment
- incorporates assessment mechanisms throughout the process
Who is already on the team - what work has been done so far?
Sustainable Thurston - By the Numbers
January 2011 - February 2012
29 partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (jurisdictions, agencies, organizations, community groups), agreeing to be actively involved in the process, development and implementation of plans
180 people participated on 12 topic panels related to economic, social and environmental sustainability. In over 3 dozen discussion sessions, local experts identified what's working well now, the challenges and opportunities, and the interrelationships among panel topics.
23 Sustainable Thurston Task Force members held 10 discussion sessions August 2011 through February 2012. The Task Force and members of the general public listened to panel presentations and discussed the information as a foundation for the 2012 community conversation.
104 jurisdictions, agencies, organizations, and community groups were represented on the Task Force and/or panels.
Over 730 unique email addresses are receiving Sustainable Thurston project updates, and that number is growing - click the button at the top right of this page to add your email to the list.
Who's Missing? YOU!
What are some common definitions of "sustainability"?
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...a sustainable community is... |
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....an urban, suburban or rural community that offers a variety of housing and transportation choices, opportunities to live close to jobs, shops and schools, is energy independent, and helps protect clean air, water and soil.... |
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...or... |
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...a vibrant, healthy and resilient community where jobs are generated, where housing and transportation choices meet the needs of the full range of households in the community and offer lower housing and transportation costs, and where public funds are used wisely... |
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...and... |
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...the most widely quoted definition of "sustainability" was presented in 1987.... |
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...Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.... |
What's YOUR definition of "sustainability"?
We'd like to know! |
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Hands-on Workshops
Click to find results of the workshop exercises. Thank you to all those who participated!
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Video: "Live Life Loud" joins Sustainable Thurston at the first of 7 community workshops. |
How can I make comments?
We'd love to hear from you.
We welcome your comments at any point during this process - have a look around this site, come to a meeting or send your thoughts via email to
SustainableThurston@trpc.org
or give us a call at (360) 956-7575.
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On January 31, the community participated in :
Creating Centers 2010-2040: Changing demographics and market demand in Thurston County cities and towns
(Click the link above to review the presentations and a list of TCTV viewing times) |
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Learn more:
Videos, Articles, Related Events and More Info on the
Resources
page |
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Livability Principles
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities has established six livability principles to keep in mind as we’re developing a local plan.
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