What if there were fewer barriers for local developers who want to build housing that could significantly reduce residents’ need to drive to meet daily needs?
It’s an idea officials from three Rogue Valley cities, including Ashland and Talent, will discuss at an upcoming public meeting, held 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Talent Community Center, 104 E. Main St., according to news release. Representatives from Medford will also attend.
The meeting will include a presentation on proposed areas for “traditional, more walkable development types,” the release said. Such developments would provide more housing and transportation choices for area residents and be in line with Oregon’s carbon footprint reduction goals. Residents living in such “climate-friendly” areas would be able to meet most of their daily needs — as they relate to work and access to businesses and services — without driving.
“The Climate Friendly Areas process also seeks to center voices of underserved populations and to work towards equitable outcomes,” the release said.
Activities for children and refreshments will also be provided. Spanish interpretation is available for anyone who contacts their local city staff to request it.
Starting April 14, online surveys will also be available on each city’s project websites:
Ashland: https://www.ashland.or.us/climatefriendly
Talent: https://www.cityoftalent.org/news.asp
Medford: https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Departments/Planning/PlanningProjects
Visit https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/CL/Pages/CFEC.aspx for more information on climate-friendly communities.