SPRING NEWSLETTER 2015
IN THIS ISSUE: _01 Letter from the President Allison Mouch, AICP _03 Executive Board Introduction _05 Changing Times for Suburban Counties – Best Practices to Help Ease Transitions _07 Best 2014 Complete Streets Policy - Smart Growth America; Dawson County Montana _09 Rapid City, South Dakota; A Small Town Doing Big Things _12 The Dramatic Change in US Street Design: Wider, Faster, and More Deadly _15 State Conferences _16 Conference Season - WYOPASS/Western Planner For those who do not know me, I came to the planning profession (and Montana) in a Letter from the rather circuitous route. As a child growing up in northwest Ohio, I always knew I was living in the wrong part of the country - I President spent most of my formative years devising Written by: Allison Mouch, AICP elaborate plans to move west. After completing my undergraduate work at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where I majored in architecture, I spent six months decompressing in Jackson, WY, spending my days wrangling horses - and tourists - in Grand Teton National Park. I returned briefly to Ohio, working as a consultant for the Toledo Area Metroparks, developing the framework for the Northwest Ohio Greenways Initiative. After nearly a year in the consulting world, I packed up and headed to Charlottesville, Virginia, where I obtained my graduate degree in urban and environmental planning from the University of Virginia. During my time in the mid-Atlantic, I worked as a land planner WCC APA Executive Board Spring is in the air in Montana, and it for a private developer specializing in President: seems only appropriate to be releasing Allison Mouch, AICP our ‘first edition’ of the Western Central equestrian community and trail design (I rode horses competitively from the Past President: Chapter’s updated newsletter. I am so Ken Markert, AICP happy we are able to reintroduce this time I was 8; it seemed like a dream job!). During that same timeframe I also Vice President: forum for communication, collaboration, Allyson B. Brekke, AICP professional development, chapter worked for the Institute for Environmental Negotiation in Charlottesville, helping Treasurer: announcements and more to our Jeff Bollman, AICP membership, and hope the format facilitate collaboration between local governments, community leaders, Secretary: and content will promote dialogue and Megan Nelms, AICP continue to highlight the great work that’s business organizations and key being done in the West. A big thanks to stakeholders on environmental policy and planning decisions. As I approached North Dakota State Director: our newsletter editor Ashley Kaisershot Donna Bye and to all of our contributors on this first the completion of my graduate degree, I began to put my grand plan to head west in South Dakota State Director: edition – I look forward to many more! Lysann Zeller motion, applying for planning jobs up and down the West coast… fortunately, a small Wyoming State Director: Since our last newsletter was published, Megan Nelms, AICP membership on the Western Central advertisement for a planning position in Flathead County caught my eye, and, after Montana State Director: Chapter Executive Board has changed Jeff Bollman, AICP considerably; it therefore seemed important traveling to northwest Montana I never looked back. I spent four challenging and Professional Development Officer: that each of our Board members have an Randy Johnson, AICP opportunity to introduce themselves, their rewarding years working as a planner in Flathead County, focusing on long range Western Planner Representative: background and professional interests. Brandon Cammarata, AICP planning efforts including the update of the County’s Growth Policy and various Newslette Editor: We hope this will help you get to know Ashley Kaisershot each of us better, and have a sense of who neighborhood plans. In March of 2012, I accepted the position of Planning Bureau Webmaster: is representing your interests as member Allyson B. Brekke, AICP of APA. Chief with the Community Development (continued on next page)
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA Division of the Montana Department of Maintenance (CM) registration and Commerce, where I currently manage the reporting process for events and speakers; Community Technical Assistance Program establishing a new platform for legislative (CTAP), the Montana Main Street program, issues, as well as coordinating legislative and administer a variety of planning liaisons for each Chapters to utilize when grant programs throughout the state. I working on policy issues at the state level; currently sit on the Board of the Montana and the introduction of the new Hazard Association of Planners, and serve on the Mitigation and Disaster Recovery Division City of Helena Zoning Commission. In my (est. in February 2015). free time (when I have any), I enjoy running Newsletter Information excessively long distances throughout the Finally, the Western Central Chapter will intermountain west – often with my English be participating in the consolidated election This newsletter is published by Pointer Paxson – along with camping, process hosted by APA this year. In most the Western Central Chapter hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and floating respects it will operate very similarly to of the American Planning with my husband (also a planner). We our last election cycle (in 2013), with an Association on a quarterly own a 133 year old home in Helena that electronic ballot made available to all voting basis. Circulation is to the requires a great deal of love & attention, members online. This helps us streamline APA members of the Western but provides me with the opportunity to get our processes at the Chapter level, and Central Chapter (WCC). The back to my architecture roots. So there’s ensure a consistent, equitable election. WCC Executive Committee the crash course on me – read on to learn The major difference will be in timing; welcomes submission of original about the rest of our Board members! nominations are currently being accepted articles, editorial letters, project and can be submitted via the online system profiles, planners on the move Moving forward, this column will provide (https://www.directvote.net/nominate/Login/ items, calendar items, and any an opportunity for me to update you all on Login.aspx?e=133). Once nominations other information of interest to regional and national news, information have been received, the WCC Election both professional and citizen and resources from APA, and to discuss Committee will submit selected nominees planners. Submissions should issues or topic areas relevant to our four- to APA for inclusion on the electronic ballot. be made to: state region. As many of you know, the Voting will take place beginning in August National Planning Conference was held in and run through early September, after Ashley Kaisershot Seattle, April 18th-21st. According to APA which time the results will be announced Newsletter Editor representatives, Seattle boasted the 2nd to the membership. The newly-elected e: ashley.kaisershot@gmail. highest attendance in history (Las Vegas President and Vice-President will take office com in 2008 was the highest on record), with on January 1st, 2016. This change to align over 6,400 planners descending upon the our Chapter with APA’s consolidated election city to learn, explore and collaborate. process was a requirement, and will result 2015 WCC Newsletter in modest changes to the Chapter’s bylaws, Schedule During the leadership meetings held both to reflect the streamline process. More Summer Newsletter Issue: Friday and Saturday, I had the opportunity information on the by-law modifications August 1, 2015 to meet with Brian Campbell, FAICP, our will follow via email or in the Summer 2015 newly-elected Board Director for Region V, edition of the newsletter. WCC Disclaimer: The views as well as other Chapter presidents from expressed in the articles throughout the region. During this time Best wishes for a productive summer and published on the website or int we discussed increasing opportunities continued fulfillment in the important work he newsletter are those of the for collaboration among our respective you do. authors. They do not necessarily states. I am especially excited by Brian’s represent the views or opinions enthusiasm and his commitment to visit Until next time, of the WCC APA. Any questions each chapter during his term, in an effort or comments may be directed to increase awareness of issues unique to the newsletter editor of the to the Western Central region at the Allison president of the WCC. national level, and to better connect our membership with resources available through APA.
I also had the opportunity to hear from APA and AICP leadership on specific initiatives that APA will be implementing in the coming year. These include changes intended to (continued on next page) streamline the AICP Certification
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Past President Vice President Ken Markert, AICP Allison B. Brekke, AICP Community Planning Consultant Associate Planner MMI Planning City of Bozeman - Department of Cody, Wyoming Community Development
Ken Markert, AICP, is a consulting Allyson (Bristor) Brekke is originally from the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland and planner doing business as MMI moved to Montana about 12 years ago after Planning in Cody, Wyoming. Ken’s completing a Masters of City Planning at the work includes preparing zoning University of Pennsylvania. When Allyson ordinances, comprehensive plans, and first arrived in Bozeman, she served as the citizen opinion surveys, and serving as City of Bozeman’s Historic Preservation an expert witness in legal proceedings. Officer and held that position for four years He has been practicing rural county before being promoted to an Associate Planner in 2006. In 2010, Allyson agreed to and small town planning since 1984, serve as the City’s Neighborhood Planner working in Virginia, upstate New York, in addition to her Associate Planner duties. and Wyoming. In 1996, Ken came to She continued the neighborhood work until Wyoming to become the Park County April of this year. Allyson is now primarily planner. Seven years later he started working on both current and long range MMI Planning. planning initiatives within the Bozeman Community Development Department, as well as serving as the planning staff liaison Ken holds undergraduate and to the City of Bozeman’s North 7th and graduate degrees in Biology as well Northeast Urban Renewal Boards and the as a Master of Urban and Regional Beautification Advisory Board. When not Planning degree. He is past- president in the office, she enjoys throwing weights of the Western Central Chapter. Ken around at her local Crossfit box as well as mountain biking, downhill skiing, and hiking/ formerly served on the Wyoming running with her family. Planning Association board, City of Cody Planning Board, and was the Allyson is in her fourth year serving as the Wyoming Planning Association’s Vice-President for Western Central Chapter “Planner of the Year” in 2003. In 2012, of the American Planning Association and his “Town of Basin Master Plan” won assists the President when necessary as the Wyoming Planning Association’s well as keeps the Western Central Chapter website maintained and up to date. Prior to Rural Planning Project of the Year serving as the Vice-President for Western award. Central Chapter, Allyson was the chapter’s Newsletter and Website Editor and held that position for approximately three years.
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA Treasurer of WCC Secretary of WCC Jeff Bollman, AICP Megan Nelms, AICP Area Planner County Planner & Zoning Montana DNRC Administrator Campbell County, WY
Jeff is currently a Land Use Planner with the Megan Nelms is a life-long Wyoming Montana Department of Natural Resources resident and has been County Planner and Conservation (DNRC) Southern Land & Zoning Administrator in Campbell Office in Billings and is responsible for County, Wyoming for 8 years. helping manage +/-380,000 surface acres of school Trust lands in a seven county She received her Masters in Rural area that includes Yellowstone, Carbon, Sociology specializing in Community Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Musselshell, Big Development in 2010 from South Horn and Treasure Counties. He primarily Dakota State University and became deals with special use leases and easement/ a member of AICP in 2013. She is right-of-way requests but also is involved responsible for all development review in developing real estate projects on Trust in Campbell County, including zoning, land, as well as reviewing renewable and subdivisions, code compliance, GIS oil and gas energy projects. Prior to joining DNRC, Jeff was a Senior Planner/Zoning and addressing. Coordinator with the Billings-Yellowstone County Planning Department where his Megan currently serves as Secretary main responsibilities focused on current for the Western Central Chapter. She planning, mostly zoning administration, is responsible for maintaining minutes but also included building permit review, for all board meetings and serves on annexation and subdivision. various committees and other duties Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys long for the Chapter. distance road and trail running in marathon and ultra-marathon distances; with his She also currently serves as President current goal of reaching 100 marathons/ of the APA County Planning Division ultras by September 2015 (he is currently and Vice President of Western at 92). Planning Resources. She is Past President of the Wyoming Planning Jeff was born and raised in north central Association. Indiana and has lived in Billings since 1992. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and a Bachelor of She is also a recent new mom to 7 Urban Planning and Development from Ball month old son Kade! State University in Muncie, IN.
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Changing Times for Suburban Counties; Best Practices to Help Ease Transitions Written by: By: Robert Wible, National Partnership to Streamline Government Principal, Robert Wible & Associates
Editorial Notes: Megan Nelms, AICP President, County Planning Division/National Association of County Planners
The following article was developed Jurisdiction after jurisdiction are looking How do you make government from a request by Mr. Wible in regards to to become both more environmentally bureaucracies more transparent and “finding out how others get it done.” We and economically sustainable by seamless to the public and business all understand what we do as planners, adopting new technologies and growth community you serve? but sometimes the information, even models and in many cases looking to in the digital age, on how to best streamline their overall planning, land The following are some specific areas accomplish your goal can be hard to use and zoning processes making where your colleagues in counties find. The networking, discussions and access to them and proceeding across the nation are seeking your concrete work on “best practices” is through them seamless to their citizens input as to best practices or case scattered. and nowhere has this been more studies you have developed in your challenging than in suburban counties community in response to these We offer the following as a starting block which encompass and surround our forces. In coordination with the for these discussions and exchange of major cities. Suburbs that witnessed Western Central Chapter, we are information. What can you offer to help incredible growth in the post – World requesting any of you who have a answer these questions? How can we War II era into the 1990’s and now with best practice or case study in these assist our fellow planners to get the new extensions of mass transit into areas to share to send them into WCC information out there and accessible? these once bedroom communities, they Secretary Megan Nelms at While the questions and articles are are experiencing urbanization along [email protected]. asked focusing on counties, all types those transit corridors. Adding to this of governments and jurisdictions face challenge, are both aging infrastructure Sample Areas: these issues, especially those of us and aging and retiring work force of in the Western Central Chapter. I look county planning, zoning and land use Breaking down or assuring forward to hearing your responses and officials who when they leave will take smooth coordination between interacting with fellow Planners. Please, with them the institutional memory of Organizational Silos: do not hesitate to contact me with “how things work,” in the county. your ideas, questions and comments Land use programs typically involve about this article, and the West Central Several such counties are looking to many different entities such as Chapter at [email protected]. learn from the experiences of others environment, fire, building code, as to what changes can and should be forestry, transportation, public works, Challenges made to better serve both their citizens which presents the challenge of and their business communities. How avoiding silo disconnects. All strive A combination of forces ranging from best do you balance environmentally for seamless process flows for the formatting a response to global warming responsible growth with the sense developer and the public. Are there to stimulating the economic recovery of of community especially where long any case studies or best practices of the nation from the “great recession,” established suburban neighborhoods counties which have addressed this are stressing the zoning, land use and find themselves desirable locations for issue by either structural changes in planning systems largely adopted in more concentrated development? How county organization or effective cross- the 1920’s and then modernized in the do you transfer institutional memory to agency work flows? Or assigning a 1960’s and 70’s. the new work force you seek to attract project manager or similar role that and hire? shepherds the project through the process? (continued on next page)
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA Rewriting Zoning Ordinances Managing Change Many jurisdictions are functioning under Successful transformation efforts. As the zoning ordinances originally adopted nation’s economy continues to recover and decades ago (many from the 1960’s), with economic competitiveness amongst scores of amendments over the years Counties Within a Geographical Region making navigation of the regulations and becomes more intense many local statutes extremely difficult. jurisdictions are looking into reviewing and where necessary restructuring or reforming Are there examples of best practices or their existing planning, zoning and land use case studies of how a large urban county processes to make them more effective and went about undertaking a total rewrite of efficient. their zoning ordinances to bring them up to date? Or has performed a recent analysis Are there any case studies or best practices Photo Submission and opted not to rewrite? on how to successfully manage change, successfully make such transformations? The WCC Executive Committee Proffers Use of Enterprise Funds welcomes and encourages Many jurisdictions have some form of Many counties have gone to either hybrid photograph submissions of proffers as a part of their zoning and land General Fund/Enterprise Funds or directly supporting project graphics use programs. Is there a best practice to Enterprise funds to operate their planning, such as GIS maps, master in this area for effective, efficient and zoning and land use programs. Are there plans and renderings as well consistent use of proffers, or alternatives any best practices or case studies of most as photographs that depict our that provide equivalent public benefit with effective funding mechanisms for these region to be included in the less uncertainty for applicants such as more critical county programs? Recent examples upcoming quarterly newsletters. effective use of impact assessments? of jurisdictions that have implemented such Images can be submitted by a fund? both professional and citizen Effective and Efficient Service Delivery planners, as well as associated Are there case studies, models or best Comparisons of Fees professions. practices that show how a county planning, zoning and land use agency is able to de- While this is largely only relevant on a regional basis, are there any fee comparison Submissions should be made conflict for their customers overlapping or studies which might be available and helpful to: conflicting comments which are received from other agencies which are involved in the to a county in a major metropolitan area undergoing urbanization? Ashley Kaisershot planning, zoning and land use processes? Newsletter Editor (Examples might include project managers, I am sure that in addition to the above, e:[email protected] advocates or ombudsmen who facilitate the resolution of such conflicts where they you in your community could add other occur? areas where you would benefit from the experiences of others. Let us know and look out in the future for an article about this Load Leveling Many jurisdictions use third party entities to endeavor! help address fluctuations in work coming in. Are there any case studies, models or best practices for how counties use outside entities or other means to maintain response targets while work levels fluctuate? Are any roles (e.g. inspectors) more difficult to address than others?
Staff Incentives In many county planning, zoning and land use programs there is little motivation for staff to work more efficiently. Are there any case studies, best practices in staff administration that provide effective incentives (particularly non-monetary incentives) that strengthen employee work performance?
(continued on next page) DowntownFargo.com
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Best 2014 Complete Streets
The National Complete Streets Coalition, a program of Smart Policy - Smart Growth America; Growth America is committed to development and implementation of Complete Streets policies and Dawson County Montana practices. A national movement Written by: Dianna Broadie, AICP was launched by the Coalition in 2004. A complete street is the integration of people, and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation networks. Over 700 agencies have adopted Complete Who would have thought that a small Although Glendive is not in the Streets Policies. county in Montana with an estimated epicenter of oil development, because population of 9,445 would be chosen of its proximity to the oil fields, there Eleven agencies led the nation for the honor of having one of the was pressure from new development in creating and adopting better Complete Streets policies? that was being placed on the comprehensive Complete Streets After all, most of our county roads Glendive area by the oil development policies in 2014. These policies are were developed from stagecoach to the north in Montana and to the a model for communities across routes and still remain gravel. But east from North Dakota. At the the country. They are: we do have the urban core area of same time, Montana Department of Glendive, a portion of which, West Transportation was looking at studies 1. Ogdensburg, NY Glendive, is County jurisdiction. Just of two of the main corridors through 2. Troy, NY as in large cities it is important to have town. The time was ripe for adopting 3. Lakemoor, IL (tie) alternative ways to move around or a policy pro-active for building a multi- 3. Dawson County, MT (tie) at least that is what a small core of modal transportation network. 3. Austin, TX (tie) 6. Acton, MA dedicated citizens firmly believed. (tie) The effort was distinctly “grass roots”. Training was offered through the State 6. Middleton, MA (tie) As a certified planner, I would love to grant that presented the concept 6. Reading, MA (tie) claim responsibility but my primary of Complete Streets as a means to 6. Salem, MA (tie) role was encouragement and helping start encouraging a stronger look at 10. Los Angeles County Metropol- explain process. Before I was hired pedestrian/bike trails as an alternative itan Transportation Authority (tie) at the County, a group of citizens had to automobile travel. Two of the 10. Stoughton, MA (tie) formed a group called Build Active members, Jeanne Siefert, then head Glendive (BAG). The formation of this of the county Health department and To read The Best Complete group resulted from a Montana health Jen Fladager, who works in the health Streets Policies of 2014, see the initiative which offered grant funding department, then researched adopted website below: to encourage active community policies from other places and settled design. one from the City of Peru, Indiana as a http://www.smartgrowthamerica. starting point for a draft and borrowed org/complete-streets-2014-analy- The group noted that newer from other policy language both sis development was being allowed inside and outside Montana. Some of without a requirement to install the policies had to be modified due to Editors Note: Since the release of the sidewalks. The group was motivated the rural nature of the Glendive area article, Glendive City Council has since to get such a policy adopted in the particularly when it came to applying adaopted the complete street policy. Glendive area which involved both exceptions. the City and the urban unincorporated area of West Glendive that lies in the The Commissioners could see the county. need for such a policy. (continued on next page)
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA disconnect it from the property The other is not to be afraid of the rights agenda but only after pointing opposition. Try not to alienate out that the policy has everything them and try to listen to what they to do with the Glendive community have to say. However, clearly state and mobility and nothing to do your objective, without necessarily with some larger agenda. The convincing them of your point but individual was also told they were educating the public and making it welcome to attend one of the BAG relevant to your area. As I noted meetings to allow them to voice before, the exceptions needed to their concerns which they did. be tailored. To avoid extra work look at what others have done and In the interim, the group worked on then make it fit your community. As a pedestrian path plan map which a planner even if you are not the Photos courtesy of is likely to be incorporated into the initiator, you can help others in the Dawson County, MT Growth Policy (comprehensive community understand the process plan). They took this to health fairs to make adoption easier. The year before two transportation and public market places where grants, one for the County connecting people noted missing paths or Our community was surprised an elementary to a housing area could comment upon the proposed when we found out that we were and one for the City on one of its paths to better the map. It was noticed by Smart Growth America main streets were not chosen. They a start towards implementation because unbeknown to us Bike- knew that having policies in places even though a policy was not fully Walk Montana had nominated strengthens grant funding so were developed. us. We were proud to get the supportive. acknowledgment and only hope we One of the lessons to be learned can move forward with those pieces The same individuals are now trying from this is to network with other of implementation that a community to get such a policy adopted for the departments. This effort came our size can accomplish. City of Glendive. Although they out of a health initiative, not from started with the same policy, this hit the Planning Department. Even if a bump in the road (no pun intended). it had, other departments such as An individual attended a Council Dianna started her career as an at home health and public works would need mother and citizen activist on a planning meeting objecting to the policy on the to be involved for a well-rounded commission in Kirkland, Washington. She grounds of Agenda 21 claiming in was effort that is more effective. then decided that she wanted to complete a communist plot. her education and went back to school to Also, network with other like- complete a degree in Planning Studies This threw everyone including myself minded organizations. In this case, Shortly before graduation she landed an as none of us had even heard of it. Bike-Walk Montana helped with internship with the City of Redmond in their There was also a mix-up as to whether case examples. Another point traffic planning department. This was merged to adopt by ordinance or resolution. is that having a vision does assist into the long range planning department In Montana cities adopt policies by grant funding. The County is now where she went on to develop skills in GIS resolution and code by ordinance. moving forward on a grant funded and coordinate and write portions of the newly required Comprehensive Plan under the It originally went to the ordinance opportunity that will engineer and committee and ended up being Growth Management Plan. Her work was to possibly complete a portion of the coordinate with utility providers both outside reviewed by the City attorney who original school path. The path suggested it should be a resolution. and in the Public Works Department as well plan will more specifically pinpoint as preparing various zoning updates. Her job At our next BAG meeting where the where monies might be more later evolved to development of the historic mayor was present, I suggested effectively spent. preservation plan for the City as well as to if it was a resolution that it didn’t manage the transfer of development rights have to wait for the next ordinance Some efforts such as the original program, annexation, and growth projections. committee meeting. It instead went grants jumped ahead of the policy She then moved to Flathead County to try to the streets committee which has in an effort to get things done. her hand at rural planning. Deciding she since recommended its adoption. As This was not all bad as it spurred enjoyed rural planning she accepted the job a concession to the objector, it was elected officials to see the need for of Planning Director for Miles City and now is (continued on next page) renamed to the “Safe and Accessible policy direction. the primary planner for Dawson County. Street” policy helping Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Rapid City, SD: A Small Town Doing Big Things Written by: Sarah Hanzel
Photos courtesy of the Rapid City Visitors & Convention Bureau.
Sarah Hanzel is a Long Range Planner South Dakota is known for iconic Today, interpretive displays at with the City of Rapid City. She received monuments, breathtaking views, Founders Park tell the story of her Master’s Degree in Community and extraordinary landscapes, and friendly early Rapid City. Over time Rapid Regional Planning at the University of folks. We are the State of “Great Faces, City grew through the valley on Nebraska-Lincoln and her Bachelors of Great Places.” In Rapid City you are sure both sides of the ridge, with “the Science in Social Economics from the to find all of this and more. The great gap” connecting east to west. University of Northern Arizona. In her faces of Rapid City are numbered by the role at the City, Sarah works on projects 72,000 residents that call it home, and For over 130 years, our community involving Historic Preservation, Tax approximately 3 million more people that has been growing with a strong Increment Financing, Annexation, and come to visit each year. The many great connection between outdoor other long range planning studies. Sarah places of Rapid City are not as briefly recreation and quality of life. From plays cello with the Black Hills Symphony summarized. Rapid City, you are only minutes and loves spending time in the Black Hills away from multiple and diverse with her friends, family and Boston Terrier, The sense of place in Rapid City is environments including forests, Ruby. strongly influenced by the surrounding streams, prairies, fossil beds, and topography and geological features of the caves. These areas are prime Black Hills and the Badlands. One of the destinations for wildlife viewing, most defining features of Rapid City itself fishing, hiking, kayaking, rock is the Hogback Ridge, and the valley or climbing, hunting and camping. “the gap” created by Rapid Creek flowing through it. But a person doesn’t need to leave the City limits in order to see the “The gap” has long had a role in rugged stone outcroppings, smell supporting human life. There is evidence the ponderosa pine, and hear the that this area was used as camping and murmur of a cold brook. The City’s gathering grounds by the Cheyenne and extensive system of urban parks, Lakota Sioux Indians. It is also where recreational facilities, and open Rapid City’s modern history begins. space includes an 8 mile paved In the late 1800’s an influx of settlers bike path along Rapid Creek, and arrived to the area during the Gold Rush. over 30 miles of wilderness trails The City’s original founders set up camp, and scenic overlooks atop the taking shelter under the rocky cliffs Hogback Ridge at Hanson Larsen and resources from Rapid Creek. The Memorial Park and the Skyline township of Rapid City was laid out and Wilderness Area. officially incorporated in 1882. (continued on next page)
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA These trails are easily accessible from the City’s historic commercial and residential center as well as many other neighborhoods. Prominently overlooking the City are Rapid City’s own iconic monuments: a family of five, 80 year old concrete dinosaurs that live in the City’s beloved Dinosaur Park.
Much of the City’s park land and green infrastructure emerged out of disaster. In June of 1972, Rapid Creek experienced one of the most devastating floods of U.S. history; 238 people lost their lives and thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Valiant efforts on behalf of the citizens and the City to recover, rebuild, and remember the flood remain an integral part of the community. For example, the City acquired nearly 70 acres of property in the floodway to designate as Memorial Park, as well as the Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway bike path to always remember the victims.
Recently Memorial Park underwent a substantial renovation with the construction of “Memorial Park Promenade,” an ornamented boulevard Photos courtesy of the Rapid City Visitors & Convention Bureau. that connects Memorial Park and the City’s Civic Center to the bustling At the heart of downtown is Main Street Square, a one acre asphalt downtown. However, the Promenade parking lot that was transformed into a public plaza. There are over 200 is more than a sidewalk that connects events that take place in the Square each year that are professionally two places. The path functions as managed by Destination Rapid City. All seasons of the year The a public gathering space in and of Square hosts music, theatrical performances, markets, and festivals. itself complete with seating, lighting, During warmer months the Square features interactive dancing water seasonal landscaping, playgrounds, fountains. When the weather cools down, it is reassembled into an ice and fishing docks overlooking skating rink. Memorial Pond. This project is one representative example among many The Square is also the location of one of the largest public art projects public-private partnerships that have underway in the United States, called the Sculpture Project: Passage successfully carried out the visioning, of Wind & Water. More than twenty large granite boulders in the Square design, financing, construction, and are being carved by master stone sculptor Masayuki Nagase in an effort maintenance of some of Rapid City’s spanning multiple years. Starting in June, Mr. Nagase can be seen in cherished places. the square at work with chisel and hammer most days of the week.
Perhaps the most cherished place you The sculpture project is one of many tangible exhibits of art and cultural can visit in Rapid City is downtown. expression that flourish in Rapid City and in the Black Hills. Plans are Recent private and public investments currently underway to build a sculpture within Halley Park in “the gap.” have revitalized the central business The space’s design was inspired by the Lakota’s creations story and will district. be used as a contemplative space to memorialize 20th Century Native (continued on next page) (continued on next page)
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Western Central Chapter Americans. The downtown area is Economic growth in Rapid City is Welcomes Kaisershot as home to many other well established evidenced among other things by the Newsletter Editor cultural markers including the Dahl Fine development of Rushmore Crossing, Arts Center, the Journey Museum, the the largest retail development project With a passion for both graphic Performing Arts Center, and the historic in Rapid City since 1978. The new big design and planning, the WCC Elks Theater. box retail stores, as well as other shops is excited to introduce Ashley are restaurants easily accessible from as our newsletter editor for our The atmosphere downtown is enhanced Interstate 90, reinforce Rapid City’s spring submission. by a mixture of architectural styles and prominence as a commercial hub a vibrant streetscape. Modern day supporting a 200+ mile trade area. Ashley graduated from North commercial uses breathe new life into Dakota State University (Go many of the City’s well preserved historic Despite a growing economy and Bison!) with a Bachelor’s degree buildings that date from 1884. The provision of urban amenities there is in Landscape Architecture and Historic Hotel Alex Johnson was built in a definite small town culture in Rapid Environmental Design. Since 1923 and defines the City’s skyline with City that remains constant: traffic and then she has been working as a a highly unique combination of German parking are easily navigable compared planner at a private consulting Tudor and skyscraper design elements. to larger metropolitan areas; the air is firm and has recently placed her Eclectic boutiques, antique stores, art clean; strangers are friendly; schools roots at SEH in Bismarck, ND. galleries, toy stores, confectioneries, a and neighborhoods are safe; business winery, and breweries are intermixed leaders enthusiastically promote With proud roots on a farm in with restaurants featuring a vast array community projects; the staff at your southern Minnesota, Ashley of cuisine. East meets West at the favorite restaurant knows your family has a strong passion for local Indian and Nepalese restaurant, by name – the list could go on. rural development and deep Katmandu’s Bistro, where you can knowledge in sustainable order tandoori pheasant for dinner. Rapid City is must-see town in a State communities. You’ll also find Interspersed among storefronts and that has much to offer. The community her advocating for creative street corners downtown are 43 life is a complex and ever evolving and artistic planning data to be sized bronze figures of every one of the collection of people and places that presented to the communities we past U.S. Presidents. have been called many things including work in, and strives to raise the the Gateway to the Black Hills, the bar with the relationship between Rapid City is known for more than City of Presidents, and the Star of the planning and art. Additionally, its wealth of recreational and cultural West. Rapid City is part small town, her team-approach cannot be assets; it also has much to offer in part emerging urban center - a small overlooked. the form of industry and education. town doing big things. South Dakota is consistently ranked She looks forward to working in the top five States for setting up with area planners and learning and conducting business. Our local Photo A: Time-lapse View of Rapid City from how planning topics vary in the economy is fueled with a talented and Vertex Sky Bar Atop the Hotel Alex Johnson four state region. During her free skilled workforce that targets industries in Rapid City, South Dakota. time you’ll find her training for such as energy, business services, upcoming local races. Be sure health care and life sciences, financial Photo B: Main Street Square on the Corner to wave to her as you pass her and insurance, and manufacturing in a of 6th Street and Main in Rapid City, South Dakota on the running trails along the progressive business friendly economic Missouri River in Bismarck, North climate. Leading the community in Dakota! innovation and entrepreneurialism is the South Dakota School of Mines and The WCC looks forward to many Technology, a four year degree college successful newsletters in the with a national reputation. The school future! has generated more than 16 startup companies coming mainly from efforts of the faculty and alumni of the school.
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA The Dramatic Change in US Street Design: Wider, Faster, and More Deadly Written by: Mike Zimney
The shifting baseline syndrome limited skills behind the wheel combined was developed by Daniel Pauly with a lack of driving laws, which led to to explain how marine scientists crashes, injuries, and deaths being all often underestimate changes in fish too common. populations because they gauge current populations against shifting reference Beginning in the 1930s, the passive points, thus the changes doesn’t look design of our streets—where the design Source: Zimney great until compared against the original of the road, not the action of the driver— starting point. Consumer’s response to was deemed to be the best method for the price of gas epitomizes the baseline reducing crashes, in other words, “The theory. It was not long ago when $2 per driver must be externally restrained gallon gas was outrageous, but after from killing himself.” The highway living with nearly $4 per gallon gas, system was seen as the logical first set the recent drop in prices to nearly $2 of roads to be targeted with the passive is viewed as a bargain. We are basing street design approach – “highways can our pricing expectations on the recent be made fool-proof...to make accidents norm, not the price from the early 2000s almost impossible [when] obstructions when a gallon was $1. in and alongside of the highways [were] removed…sight lines provided…proper A shifting baseline is the same reason curves and banks built…parking near neighborhood streets built in the 1920s the curb eliminated.” This very design were commonly 24-26 feet wide, but philosophy was applied to the interstate today many municipal standards require system built in the 1950s, and as local streets to be wider than 40 feet. predicted by the engineers, it led to a While this is a dramatic change in street significant decrease in crash rates for design, it’s rarely questioned because the interstate system compared to the the width has gradually increased over rest of the highway system. the last 60 years. The success of the interstate system America’s street design change started in reducing fatalities led to engineers in the 1960s, but events in the earlier asking why not apply this “interstate part of the 20th century set this in motion. approach” to city streets, and in 1966, First, cars became affordable and filled Kenneth Stonex, a General Motors the streets. Next, the abundance of cars employee who designed were driven by a population with (continued on next page)
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA the Proving Ground Track testified designed using the passive to that very fact, “We must operate approach — wider lanes and removal 90% or more of our surface streets of roadside hazards. One would just as we do our freeways… expect the comparison section of [converting] the surface highway roadway should be safer, but he and street network to freeway and found the livable section safer in all Proving Ground road and roadside respects (midblock crashes, injuries, conditions…” This was indeed fatalities, bike/pedestrian injuries, the paradigm shift in street design roadside, and vehicle collisions). It’s philosophy, after which the mantra theorized these contradictory results of engineers designing city streets in crash data are the result of the is wider, straighter (large radius posted speed limits and roadway sweeping curves) faster (high design often communicating contradictory speeds), and safer (remove roadside information, “The result is that the hazards) to create “forgiving” streets. majority of drivers in urban areas Eric Dumbaugh, a professional disregard posted speed limits, and traffic engineer, is among a growing seem to learn to disregard road number of engineers questioning signs altogether…” Furthermore, the logic of applying the interstate R.B. Noland, a transportation
Source: Zimney
approach to city streets. Dumbaugh researcher, found what engineers has researched the impacts of characterize as roadside hazards applying highway designs to our on our urban streets—trees, cars, city streets to test if this approach planters, buildings—don’t make an does actually result in safer streets. unsafe environment, but instead “While the logic behind the passive warn drivers to use caution and approach has a high degree of face slower speeds. He also explained validity, it overlooks several important new roadway improvements questions: how do average drivers showing an increase in crashes adjust their behavior to forgiving and injuries suggested “higher design values? What about specific design standards [allow] drivers at-risk subpopulations?” To test this to increase their speeds on roads assertion he analyzed five years of and reduce their levels of caution.” crash data on two sections of East Unfortunately, many municipalities Colonial Drive in Orlando, Florida. have bought into the bigger is better The “livable” 0.9 mile section has mentality when it comes to street roadside development abutting the width standards based on highway sidewalk, 11-foot lanes, on-street design mentality. It’s a mentality parking, and trees. The comparison worthy of reexamination not only section was similar in cross-section, because of safety implications, speed limit, average daily traffic, but because in most cases cities and length, but was requirements for local streets (continued on next page)
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Source: Zimney
are not consistent with recommended of inconvenience. except the United Kingdom. engineering practices. Based on these guidelines, it is In 2010, after more than 40 Often when narrower streets are very easy to drive through many years of the current faster, wider, proposed to increase walkability, safety, new neighborhoods to see how city straighter street design mentality, and livability of cities, they are opposed mandated designs do not conform the US now has the highest based on the assumption such streets to the Green Book. While old transportation fatalities per capita are illegal and do not conform to neighborhood streets are consistent of developed countries, while the recommended engineering standards. with the Green Book, yet are perceived UK never adopted this approach Engineers are generally a conservative as being deficient in design. and still has the least fatalities. group and they don’t feel comfortable The US also has one of the highest deviating from guidelines. Nor do the ITE also questions the logic of fatality rates based on exposure cities themselves like to deviate from the bigger is better mentality “The rates (76% higher than the UK), standards because it could potentially tendency to equate wider streets with thus eliminating the argument increase the threat of lawsuits if there better streets and design for free-flow that fatalities are higher because were a crash on a new narrow road. traffic is a highly-questionable practice” American’s drive more. The fact of the matter is the AASHTO and recommends 22-26 foot local Green Book, ITE, and ASCE all support streets with on-street parking. ASCE narrow streets, and in most cases cities also recommends narrow (22-24 current overly wide street requirements foot) residential streets with on-street are not consistent with any engineering parking and has a nearly identical Mike Zimney is a Urban Planner in Fargo, guidelines. viewpoint on wide streets “...to design North Dakota. He has more than 10 years traffic and parking lanes as though of professional planning and GIS experience When designing local streets, the Green the street were a “micro-freeway” is a and has provided comprehensive planning, Book states, “overriding consideration highly questionable practice.” urban design, ordinance development, and is to foster a safe and pleasant master planning for city, county, and tribal environment whereas the convenience The current approach to designing our governments. Mike is involved in a variety of of the motorist is secondary”. The residential streets like mini-highways land use and transportation related planning guidelines for local urban streets are was borne with the best intentions projects throughout the region, providing both planning and GIS-related analysis. Prior to as follows: design speed 20-30 mph, in mind. However, there’s growing working for for a private consulting firm, Mike evidence this approach should be level of service D, lane width 9-11 feet. was the Cass County Planner, where he Further, it also recommends the use of left to the design of highways and our authored a new county comprehensive plan lower values when social, economic, city streets should be narrow, grided, and subdivision ordinance. These documents and environmental impacts are critical, tree-lined, with short setbacks, and on- addressed the extensive development which is often the case in a residential street parking to not only create safer pressures along the urban fringe of the setting. It’s also specifically supports streets, but welcoming and walkable Fargo metropolitan area and successfully narrow neighborhood streets: a two- streets. A sobering fact worth noting, implemented progressive policies to achieve way, 26-foot road with two parking lanes in 1966 the year marking the paradigm efficient and orderly growth patterns by and one unobstructed lane is typical, shift in US street design, the US had educating the public and elected officials can accommodate the passage of fire fewer transportation fatalities per on the long-term financial implication of trucks, and has a remarkably low level capita than all developed countries uncontrolled growth.
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA DowntownFargo.com MitchellMainstreet.com FairMontMontana.com North Dakota State Conference South Dakota State Conference Montana Association of Planners (NDPA) Annual Conference (SDPA) Annual Conference (MAP) Annual Conference Fargo, North Dakota October 27th-28th September 28th-30th, 2015 September 24th, 2015 Mitchell, South Dakota Fairmont Hot Springs, Montana
The North Dakota Planning The South Dakota Planning The Montana Association of Planners will host their annual conference at Association will be holding its Annual Association will hold its annual Conference on Thursday, September Fairmont Hot Springs in Fairmont, conference on Tuesday, October Montana in September. The conference 24th in Fargo, North Dakota. It 27th through Wednesday, October is being held in conjunction with theme – Rediscovering the Treasure 28th. More information on the the North Dakota League of Cities State: Planning and Revitalization for Conference. Holding the conference conference, including a detailed Future Generations – will encompass at the same time as the League agenda and registration information, three primary tracts: Growth Policies; conference proved last year to be will be available in the coming Remediation, Restoration and Re- an effective way to minimize costs, months. The conference is in its final Use; and Collaboration. AICP CM provide opportunities for attendees to development stages, so be sure to certification will be offered, including law participate in both conferences, and check back to the WCC newsletter or and ethics courses. More information on the conference, including a detailed to enhance collaboration between South Dakota Planning Association the two organizations. Details for agenda and registration information, website for conference details as will be available in the coming months the conference agenda are still being they evolve! developed, but will include the annual by visiting http://www.montanaplanners. meeting of the NDPA, educational org/?page=conferences. Hope to see sessions, and time to network. you in Montana in September!
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Conference Season - WYOPASS to Host Western Planner Conference Written by: Charles Bloom
August 18-21st Wyopass will host the The Conference Western Planner at its annual conference this year in the heart of the Wild West - The Laramie conference is brought to Laramie, WY. The theme of this year’s provide 41 sessions in three concurrent conference is “Planning in the Wild West” tracks throughout the three day event. and multiple sessions will educate attendees Upon approval of the sessions for CM on issues relevant to all states in the west. credits, an attendee may gain up to As a sustaining member of the Western 17.5 CM’s. Coupled with Laramie’s low Planner, Wyopass is excited to host all of registration cots, $275, and affordable hotel the Western Planners once again and is rate, $83 per night, this conference is one ready to defend their title in the Wyoming that Planners cannot afford to miss. vs. The World softball game. Sessions: Laramie is Wyoming’s third largest city and checks in with a population of just over The Opening Keynote Speaker for the 30,000 people. Laramie is just outside of Photo: VisitLaramie.org Denver’s Front Range and is located two Conference will be Shawn Reese the hours northwest of Denver and 45 minutes Chief Executive Officer of the Wyoming west of Cheyenne. Laramie is unique that Business Council. Shawn was Governor it is located at 7,220 feet in the Laramie Matt Mead’s policy Director prior to River Valley, and is home to the University joining the Council. The Wyoming of Wyoming Technical Institute, and the Business Council was founded in 1998 2015 Mountain West Basketball Champion by the State of Wyoming tasked with Wyoming Cowboys. Laramie is unique focusing on building a strong job creation that it is situated between two national base in Wyoming. The Business Council forests which provide access to numerous functions as the economic development recreational amenities such as camping, agency of the State of Wyoming. The mountain biking, rock climbing, world class mission of the Wyoming Business fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skiing. Council is to facilitate the growth of Wyoming’s economy. It focuses on Laramie Facts: building and strengthening the existing business and industry groups under Laramie has a vivid history that many may not be energy, agriculture, travel and tourism. aware of! Did you know: To accomplish its goals the Wyoming • Inadvertently Thomas Edison came up with Business Council helps retain and the idea of the filament light bulb after his fly rod expand existing Wyoming businesses broke in two while fly fishing in the Laramie Area. and industries; recruits targeted • Laramie was the home of the first electrical businesses to the state; and works with plant in the Rocky Mountains, Laramie lit up the communities to develop infrastructure night sky like a gem, earning the nickname Gem to become business-ready. Shawn’s opening keynote will address the City of the Plains? economics of the West and will highlight • Five Laramie women were the first to serve on Western Planner state’s individual a jury. contributions to the economy of the west. • Laramie’s Louise Swain was the first women in Photo: VisitLaramie.org the country to cast a ballot in a general election. (continued on next page) Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA Elizabeth Garvin Esq. AICP, will The Reception provide an overview of the legal topics addressed in the The The reception will be held at the Western Planner Journal’s RMLUI Wyoming Territorial Prison and Legal Corner column for 2014 Park which is listed on the National and 2015, including: Koontz v. St. Register of Historic Places. The Johns River Water Management Wyoming Territorial Prison is an District (improper exactions), Marvin imposing stone structure built in Planning in the M. Brandt Revocable Trust v. 1872 (restored in 1990) and for 30 United States (rails-to-trails), local years it held the West’s most violent Wild West government use of social media and and desperate outlaws (including the creation of Second Amendment the notorious Butch Cassidy) during For Accommodations: rights, zombie subdivisions, zoning the dramatic time of Wyoming’s for water conservation, dark skies territorial days and early Statehood. Please check the Western Planner communities, digital sign regulations, This is the only federal penitentiary Website at and impacts of the sharing economy to have been built in Wyoming on local governments. The Legal and is one of the oldest buildings www.westernplanner.org Corner will highlight the main legal still standing in the state. Full issue(s) of the topic, discuss what conference registration gains you For more information on the the issue(s) means in the context of access to tours during the duration conference, to register and get local government planning and land of the conference and through the information regarding hotels and use, and identify local policies and weekend following the conference. transportation. actions that might be subject to the legal doctrine along with potential At the reception dinner will be served Speaker Series: considerations for updating those and Ayres Associates will be hosting policies or actions. the Bar. A local rock and roll band, The Opening Keynote Speaker: the Flashbacks, will be performing Shawn Reese, the Chief Executive Dr. William Gribb, University of covers of classic hits of the 70’s, Officer of the Wyoming Business Wyoming, and Amber Travsky, Real 80’s, 90’s and even hits of today. Council. West Natural Resource Consulting, highlighting the development of “Wyoming” vs. “The World” Softball Elizabeth Garvin,AICP, will provide an the Medicine Bow Rail Trail and Game overview of the legal topics addressed the ensuing Supreme Court Case in the The Western Planner Journal’s (Marvin M. Brandt Revocable Trust Don’t forget to bring your mitt, but RMLUI Legal Corner column for 2014 et al. v. United States). if you do, we should have some and 2015. provided. Will the World be able to Multiple mobile tours are prosed avenge last year loss to Wyoming? Dr. William Gribb, University of to get attendees outside and Show up, play and find out in the Wyoming, and Amber Travsky, Real experience Laramie. Mobile Tours friendly confines of the Wyoming West Natural Resource Consulting. including downtown-centric tours, Territorial Prison. The losers may historic district tours, Laramie River end up spending the night in Cell Restoration project, a Cheyenne Block A. Brownfield Tour, Biking the Medicine Bow Rail Trial, the University Cave More Information: Automatic Virtual Environment, and Please check the Western Planner a tour of the University of Wyoming Website at www.westernplanner.org which in recent years has seen over for more information on the confer- 500-million dollars in public and ence, to register and get information private funds invested. regarding hotels and transportation. (continued on next page)
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter Things to Do While In Laramie: Photo: VisitLaramie.org Photo: VisitLaramie.org
Ames Monument: Wyoming Territorial Prison: The Ames Monument was completed in 1882 at a cost of $65,000. The Union Listed on the National Register of Historic Pacific Railroad Company built this places, the Wyoming Territorial Prison is monolithic 60-ft. high granite pyramid. It an imposing 1872 stone structure which stands at 8,247 feet, the highest elevation held violent and desperate outlaws on the original transcontinental route. (including the notorious Butch Cassidy). Now a museum, visitors receive a Lincoln Monument: “convict identity” and walk into the strap iron cells where convicts were locked up, Sculpted by Robert Russin, the Lincoln worked and lived. Located on 197 acres, Monument between Laramie and the site offers restored historic buildings, Cheyenne was commissioned by the museum exhibits, special events and state of Wyoming in 1959 to honor the visitor center with gift shop. 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The monument marks the highest point on the Laramie Plains Museum: old Lincoln Highway. It was moved to its present location in 1969, when Interstate The Laramie Plains Museum is located 80 was completed. Located at Exit 323 in the beautiful and historic Ivinson Mansion, which was built in 1892. With UW Geological Museum: tales and artifacts of the railroad and early Laramie as well as Cavalry, Cowboy, and UW Geological Museum has one of the Girls’ School that was in the mansion only five full brontosaurus skeletons in for 40 years, the museum showcases the world. The museum also houses area history with hour-long guided tours. the skeleton of the predator, Allosaurus, among many others. Admission is free and a perfect adventure for kids and parents alike. Location: University Campus. (Closed Sundays) Phone: 307-766-2646 Web: www.uwyo.edu/ geomuseum (continued on next page)
Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter APA Photo: VisitLaramie.org Photo: VisitLaramie.org
UW Centennial Complex: The Wyoming House for Historic Women
The American Heritage Center is an The Wyoming House for Historic archival repository of rare books, historical Women is located in Downtown Laramie manuscripts and research materials on and contains displays of the thirteen American history and culture. The UW honored women and is the site to various Art Museum presents exhibitions and conferences and lectures pertaining to related programs on Contemporary Art, women’s history and issues. The Louisa Ethnographic Art, and Art of the American Swain Foundation was established in West. 2001 and resulted in the construction of the Museum and Plaza. The Laramie Mural Project: centerpiece of the plaza is a life-sized bronze sculpture of Louisa Swain, who The Laramie Mural Project utilizes local on September 6, 1870, became the first artists to create one-of-a-kind large- woman to cast a ballot under laws giving scale murals in the heart of downtown women full equality to men. Her ballot that reflect Laramie’s cultural assets. was cast just one block from the plaza. The mural project is a collaboration between the University of Wyoming Art Photos: Courtesy of VisitLaramie.org. Visit their website Museum, Laramie artists, downtown to learn more Laramie’s real history and true adventure business owners and the Laramie Main opportunities. Street Alliance. Funding for the murals has been provided by community www.visitlaramie.org donors through Kickstarter, the Guthrie Family Foundation, City of Laramie, the Laramie Beautification Committee and the Wyoming Arts Council through the generous efforts of the Wyoming Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Western Central Chapter APA Spring Newsletter 2015 Western Central Chapter