U R B A N G R E E N I N G P L A N

U R B A N G R E E N I N G P L A N

Green Vision 2035

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

Tonight’s Presentation• Background • Purpose/Goals• Consultant

Selection Process• Recommend

Award to MIG, Inc.

• MIG Presentation

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

Background• Proposition 84 Urban Greening

Planning Grant– Help State meet environmental goals (AB 32)– Create healthy communities– Result in projects that provide multiple benefits– Grant application recommended by EQC, Parks &

Recreation– Awarded $239,498 (Round 2)

• Urban Greening Task Force– Members of Parks & Recreation Commission, Environmental

Quality Committee, Committee on Aging, Tree Committee, Trail Trekkers, Community Garden Network

– Public Works Department, Recreation Department, City Manager’s Office, Environmental Services Division

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

URBAN GREENING PLAN

CONSULTANT AWARD

Background• What is Urban Greening?

– Related to but different than a Parks & Recreation Master Plan• Incorporates urban design, walkability, active living, resource

conservation, biodiversity, community resiliency, economic vitality, green infrastructure

• Overlapping Needs Assessment– Transformative approach to improving cities through public

places that provide social and environmental benefits– Recognizes land constraints in built-out cities – Aims to improve quality of life and create a sense of place

through a variety of strategies• Improving connectivity to places; creating day-to-day places that

feel and function like parks; utilizes all places- streets, public right-of-way, other public and quasi-public places such as BART stations

– Includes improving existing parks and green spaces and identifying new ways to meet a communities desire and need for such places

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

Purpose• Implement City Goals,

Plans, Policies– Strategic Plan (draft)

• Deepen a sense of place & community

• Develop & rehabilitate public facilities & community focal points

• Ensure the public’s health & safety• Foster environmental sustainability

citywide– General Plan

• Create a Green Infrastructure Initiative

• Improve bicycle & pedestrian access• Provide adequate, diverse &

accessible recreational opportunities for all residents in parks, schoolyards, and open space

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

Purpose• Implement City Goals, Plans, Policies

– Climate Action Plan• Promote Bay friendly tree plating and landscaping and open and

green spaces• Create a walkable physical environment• Encourage residents to reduce vehicle miles traveled

– San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (underway) • Parks, public places, landscaping key to revitalization of Avenue

– Economic Development Strategy• Improve physical urban environment• Create sense of place

• Foster Strong Community Vision & Support

• Support Data-Driven Decision-Making • Advance Implementation

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

Goals• Robust Needs Assessment

– People-to-People; People-to-Nature– Reflective of Diverse Population &

Demographics– Context Driven

• Ensure Broad Participation– Foster Community Vision & Support– Underrepresented Populations

• Develop Projects with Multiple Benefits– Connectivity & Accessibility– Healthy Active Community – Resource Conservation– GHG Reduction– Support Economic Vitality

• Foster Implementation– Community Priority– Project Readiness

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

Request for Proposals• Qualifications Based• Process

– Urban Greening Task Force reviewed RFP

– Released January 22, 2013– Proposals Due February 15, 2013– Urban Greening Task Force/Staff

Reviewed– Four Proposals /Four Teams Interviewed

February 28, 2013• Interview Format

– Presentation, Simulated Task Force Work Session, Q&A

– Looking for Team that could provide the best “fit” for City

City CouncilMarch 19, 2013

MIG, Inc.• Superior Qualifications

– Urban Design, Parks & Recreation, Bay Friendly Landscaping• Inspiring Vision for El Cerrito Urban

Greening Potential– Supportive of other city goals

• Comprehensive Understanding Benefits/Opportunities/Challenges– Lighter, quicker, strategic

• Strong Understanding and Ideas for Public Engagement– Excellent visual & public involvement strategies/tools

• Synergies with San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan