Item A: Climate & Energy Action Plan Update

Home Browse Search

20-Minute Neighborhoods Assessment Twenty-minute neighborhoods are places where residents have easy, convenient access to many of the places and services they use daily, including grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and parks – all without relying heavily on a car. They are characterized by a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses all within an easy walk. They have higher concentrations of people and are complete with sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus routes that support a variety of transportation options. The land use and transportation section of the Community Climate and Energy Action plan contains two recommendations specific to 20-minute neighborhoods: 10.1. Make the creation of 20-minute neighborhoods a core component of the Eugene Plan and the Eugene Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Progress to date The Envision Eugene draft proposal contains a strategy to, “Plan for growth so that an increasing proportion of residents live in 20-Minute Neighborhoods where residents can meet most of their daily needs within walking distance from their homes.” draft Pedestrian Bicycle Master Plan contains an objective to “Create 20-minute The neighborhoods by providing accessible, efficient, and convenient methods for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel to the places where they live, shop, work and play by expanding and improving Eugene’s bicycle and pedestrian network.” 10. 2. By 2013, complete and implement a 20-minute neighborhoods plan. Progress to date In June 2011, staff completed a 20-minute neighborhoods assessment that will help residents, planners, and policymakers better understand what areas of Eugene are most walkable and why. The assessment uses several key factors that influence walkability and layers them together to create a “heat map” that helps readers see at a glance what areas of town are highly walkable. The assessment will help inform priority actions that can improve walkability and access to services throughout Eugene. RELATED CITY POLICIES On February 28, 2000, the council adopted Resolution No. 4618, which outlines a definition and statement of intent regarding the application of sustainability principles to the City of Eugene, and affirms the commitment of City elected officials and staff to uphold these principles. In November 2006, Resolution No. 4893 was adopted, committing the City to sustainable practices and to businesses that produce sustainable products and services. In October 2008, the council adopted the recommendation from the Sustainability Commission that all City-owned facilities and City operations be “carbon neutral” by 2020. S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M111010\S111010A.doc