1999 Grant Recipient Information
Missouri

SMART CHOICES-Options for Creating Quality Places
Kansas City Metropolitan Area, Missouri

Abstract

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), in cooperation with its project partners, is proposing an innovative planning initiative: SMART CHOICES-Options for Creating Quality Places. SMART CHOICES will build on regional and local planning efforts addressing the better integration of transportation investments and land use decisions. The effort. is designed to provide tools specifically designed for Midwestern communities to promote urban and suburban development compatible with sustainable community design.

The three-part approach of SMART CHOICES includes: (1) the development of Transit-Oriented Development prototypes, education, and other implementation strategies; (2) a cost-of- development analysis that will provide fiscal information relative to alternative development; and, (3) an interactive compact disc to communicate information on alternative design concepts and specifications.

Through SMART CHOICES, MARC and its project partners will be providing these tools to the more than I 00 public agencies in metropolitan Kansas City as well as to private development interests. The CD will also be made available for further distribution outside the region. Study information will be made available on MARC's website. This project is expected to result in changes to local government regulations and policies and actions by private development interests to modify land use practices that better support transit, bicycle and pedestrian transportation.

Previous Page