relationship to Keystone Indicators
The following Strong Connections keystone indicators are representative of primary measures of the connectivity, efficiency, and diversity of our transportation and utility facilities over the long term. Although there is a strong high-level correlation between our plan for physical development and these indicators, it is recognized that they will often not be directly applicable to individual development plans or to city initiatives. A full list and description of all indicators is in Chapter 8: Adaptable Implementation.
- Net City Lane Miles Added Compared with Development and Redevelopment: The total lane miles of streets maintained by the City are an important barometer of efficient land use patterns. By reducing the amount of new street pavement added to the city compared to the additional development activity the system serves, future street maintenance costs will be reduced because there will be less pavement to maintain per person. Environmental impacts (such as from stormwater) will become more manageable. Positively affected areas of the city should become more livable at a human scale. PlanCOS ideas and priorities that contribute to this indicator include increased density in targeted activity centers and corridors, infill and redevelopment, use of technology to enhance existing transportation capacity, and recommendations for narrow local street profiles. This indicator is intended primarily to be used as a city-wide measure and may also be used to track activity and progress in sub-areas of the city.
- Citywide Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Infrastructure: Improving walkability and throughout the city is a cornerstone goal of PlanCOS. Increasing bicycle infrastructure and safety is also a major objective, as is taking transit to the next level especially in key activity centers and corridors. Walkscore® and its related Bikescore® and Transitscore® are nationally recognized measures for walkability and bicycle and transit access, in communities. These scores can be calculated city-wide, or for areas of focus, and can be compared with other communities.