09-11-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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« ^^Metropolitan Council Working for the Region, Planning for the Future r - \ For Immediate Release: Contact: Bonnie KoIIodge (651)602-1357 & ' f \ ‘ Or\\ qv MCPTING SEP 1 1 2000 Annual Metropolitan Connell Survey Afllrnu Ventura -Smart Growth” ^h2l^ tJHoivo Housing, transportation, urban sprawl are issues of growing regional concern St. PAUL—Aug. 9,2000—Metro and even neighboring-county residents give the region high marks for quality of life overall. Growing numbers of people cite development issues of housing, transportation and mban sprawl as issues of regional importance, while concern about social issues, including crime, has declined in recent years. Nearly three-quarters of area residents say more compact development should be encouraged in their communities to protect open space, promote transit and save tax dollars. A quarter of residents said they ’re familiar with the term, “Smart Growth.” And, respondents showed overwhelming support for: • neighborhoods that are walkable and transit-friendly with good access to goods and services • housing that meets the needs of people of all ages and incomes • community design that integrates housing, office space and retail, and • work conunutes of 20 minutes or less. These are among the findings of the most recent Twin Cities Area Survey, the longest-running annual survey in the region. The University of Minnesota has conducted the survey since 1982. The Metropolitan Council has been a regular participant since the survey began. “Survey findings tell us, first and foremost, thr* Governor Ventura’s “Big Plan’’ is in tune and in touch with what people want-and it’s not ‘business as usual,”’ said Council Chair Ted Mondale. “Issues of transportation and congestion, the need for housing for our diverse workforce, sprawling development that’s costly and inefficient and demand for better neighborhood design are emerging as the issues of the day. What people want is choice. This survey confirms what we hear from communities, businesses and citizens all over the region--that our Smart Growth priorities are on track. “This Council, more than ever, is committed to providing alternatives in the form of improved transit ser.'ice, more transportation choices, including light rail, commuter rail and busways, more (more) \ 230 East FlAhSUeet SI. P.iiit. Minnesota 55101-1626 (6511602 1000 Fi« (651) 602-1550 mO/TTY (651) 291-0904 Mclro Info Unc (651) 229-3780 An Equal Opportu/iity Cmptoytr u u-u oti«ctl.c>fg