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The Work Groups: _ We have divided the working sessions into two parts. Part A will crystallize some of the key issues facing first-ring commu- nities and define the component parts of those issues.Part B will examine implementation—what tools are available,where gaps exist, and what obstacles must be overcome. Each Part will open with a panel presentation of case studies, followed by an audience discussion. The groups will then break into small working sessions to pursue issues more intensively. k Corridors Work Group__ Natural Systems Work Group , ' When communities search for development and redevelop- Natural systems form the:underiying physical base on which ment sites and opportunities,the corridor frequently emerges each of our communities sits. But past land-use decisions that as a'flexible resource and valuable asset.Typically corridors failed to take environmental considerations into account have are found along trunk highways or county roads, and their led to such problems as decreased water quality and stormwater development patterns vary widely in scale,capacity,and land- capacity, the loss of urban forest, or a dearth of urban wilds. use. Making the transition from a trunk highway to a multi- The premise for this session is that the natural systems of these , purpose community corridor, however, requires creative communities are part of a uniquely public realm — the civic thinking, flexible tools and policies, and seasoned negotia- infrastructure—and that cities need to integrate these systems tion skills. The discussion will focus on issues surrounding: into the municipal planning process in order to enhance their • long-term economic, social, and environmental health. The • mixed-use redevelopment on transportation corridors; , • integration of transit into small scale development; discussion will highlight three themes that represent different and aspects of an environmental agenda: • diverse approaches to neighborhood nodes. • a focus on environmental quality; Some of the anticipated policy questions are: • the conflicting values of open space;and • natural systems as public infrastructure. , • What is the best balance between community needs and regional/federal systems and standards? Some of the anticipated policy questions are: • What is the city's role in creating a sense of commu- • What are distinct environmental issues in the first-ring? . nity and connection along the corridor? s., • How effective are current approaches? • How might cities rethink policies and working' • What structural changes are needed for natural systems strategies to encourage mixed-use development? to become an integral part of city and regional planning? Housing and Neighborhoods Work Group Human Services & Civic Capacity Work Group The wave of new housing development in outer-ring sub- Social needs in the first ring have historically been addressed urbs has set a metro standard for measuring the growth and through traditional anchoring institutions: schools, churches stability of cities. Yet,first-ring suburbs do not have the raw and civic organizations.As these needs have changed, those land necessary to meet this narrow definition of growth. To institutions have been supplemented by an emerging social address their changing and diverse demographics,these corn- infrastructure of human development and social service pro- munities_must instead_designer-uuique_development_model , viders.Cities have also explored new models that involve citi- that takes advantage of their existing stock,creates linkages zens more directly in responding to the community's Chang- to services and amenities,and intensifies neighborhood iden- ing socio/economic profile. The discussion will focus on three tity. The discussion will focus on issues surrounding: elements of the human development landscape: • alternative models for renovation of existing housing; • providing a social safety net in the first ring; • defining what affordable housing means in the first • coping with limited resources and cultivating public/ ring;and private partnerships;and • integrating low-income housing issues into overall • creating a greater civic capacity by involving citizens in housing policies. city planning and priority-setting. Some of the anticipated policy questions are: Some of the anticipated policy questions are: • How do individual rehab and renovation projects add • What are the roles of the county, United Way,and cities up to a package marketable to the private sector? in providing human services within the first ring? • • How does housing policy address neighborhoods as a • What are possible funding sources for the soft costs of whole—including neighborhood services and ameni- , human services? ties—not just build units? • How can human development and civic capacity be s integrated into community development?