Board Offi cers Nancy McNally, Chair Ed Peterson, Vice Chair Rod Bockenfeld, Secretary Jim Taylor, Treasurer Rick Garcia, Immediate Past Chair Jennifer Schaufele Mayor Council President County Commissioner Council Member Council Member Executive Director Westminster Lakewood Arapahoe County Littleton City and County of Denver

September - October 2008 Denver Regional Council of Governments

ENHANCING AND PROTECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR REGION

Transportation Reauthorization Forum On Oct. 14, DRCOG, the Colo-rado Association of Transit Agencies, the Colorado Department of Transporta-tion, the I-70 Coalition, Move Colo-rado, Patton Boggs, Ports-to-Plains, Pro-gressive 15 and RTD will host an 8 a.m. breakfast featuring Tom Skancke, one of the commissioners appointed to the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. The commission was set up by Con-gress to examine not only the condition and future needs of the nation’s surface transportation system, but also short- and long-term alternatives to replace or supplement the fuel tax as the principal revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund over the next 30 years.

Skancke will share the commission’s fi ndings along with a comprehensive set of recommendations for improving and funding the federal program. Colorado congressional delegation members and candidates will also share their thoughts on the commission’s recommendations. The Treasury Department projected in February that the trust fund’s high-way account would show a $3.2-billion defi cit in fi scal year 2009. Industry and state offi cials say if new revenue isn’t found to close the gap, highway fund-ing would have to be cut in 2009 by $14 billion, or 34 percent. The cost is $35 per person or $400 for a reserved table for 10. Reserved tables include seating for 10 and recognition in the event program. The registration deadline is Oct. 10. For more information or to register, go to www.drcog.org.

DRCOG announces new planning tool What will the Denver region look like in the year 2040? DRCOG is teaming up with MetroQuest to create an interactive tool that will allow policy makers, business leaders and the general public to explore these questions by visualizing alternative future scenarios for the region. The Denver region faces many chal-lenges in planning for the future, such as managing increasing roadway conges-tion, preserving air quality and protect-ing open space for recreation, agricul-ture and wildlife. Policy decisions that DRCOG and local governments make about where and how to grow will play a large role in meeting these challenges. The MetroQuest planning tool allows users to explore the impact of different policy options in real time. DRCOG is working with Metro-Quest to develop a version of the tool that is customized for the Denver region, and will begin using the tool with various stakeholder groups in the spring of 2009. For more information, contact Simon Montagu at smontagu@drocog.org or 303-480-6763.

Board Profi les

DRCOG Board Treasurer Jim Taylor

Why did you decide to run for public offi ce?

My family was active in public service so it came naturally to me. I was student body president in high school, president of my fraternity and the men’s service organization in college, and held all the offi cer positions in my local teacher education associa-tion. In Northglenn, I was an offi cer in the civic association; elected as City Treasurer, then elected to the city council where I served as mayor pro-tem. We moved to Littleton where I was appointed to the Munici-pal Building Authority, then elected to city council for eight years, then was appointed and re-elected to the South Suburban Park and Recreation District Board for the next 14 years. After my wife passed away in 2000, I decided to run for the Littleton City Council. I was re-elected in 2005 and served as mayor for two years. I believe it is my destiny to be involved and to serve. And I enjoy the entire experience!

What’s your favorite thing about your community (the region)?

I’m privileged to live in one of the oldest suburbs of Denver, established in 1864 and incorporated in 1890, with an original four-block Main Street with many buildings in the His-toric District. My district has some of the oldest and newest homes in Littleton.

What surprises you about elected offi ce?

I believe that the vast majority of constituents think council members

work for the city full-time, and are very surprised that we do not have an offi ce in the city; they also think we are paid a living wage for our service.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we don’t know but should?

I am actually somewhat timid and have to work very hard to overcome it. I like to be involved and serve others to the very best of my ability because it gives me the opportunity to make a differ-ence. I think local government is by far the best place to be involved and I serve in an attempt to make Littleton a better place to live.

What issue is the region’s most pressing challenge?

Transportation. Not only do we need funding for our highway system, but for public transit. It frustrates me that the Federal government basically paid for the Interstate Highway System, and now that the system needs a major infusion of dollars to repair and expand the system, the money has dried up. It seems in the past that the Federal Tran-

sit Authority has provided more funds for transit than they do now, and the public is suffering because of it.

Native or transplant?

I was born in a farm/ranch house in Texas and attended a one-room schoolhouse.

Favorite food?

Born and raised on a ranch, I have to say beef!

What features do you want the region to have in 2035?

I want DRCOG to have a stronger and more powerful role dealing with the region’s transportation, wastewater, aging services, growth and develop-ment planning (in cooperation with local governments), and clean air and water. I’d also like to see a more com-prehensive transit system.

What book is on your nightstand right now?

The One-Minute Entrepreneur by Ken Blanchard, Don Hutson and Ethan Willis. I generally read magazines rather than books.

What is your proudest achievement?

My life has pretty much been com-mitted to public service. That is what I was raised to do. I believe I have accomplished a lot, including over-coming my shyness, and look forward to the future.

Senate hopefuls debate energy, aging Bob Schaffer, Mark Udall and Bob Kinsey expressed positions on transporta-tion, an aging population, immigration, energy and other issues at an Aug. 15 debate as part of the U.S. Senate race. Many Denver metro elected offi cials were in attendance to hear the candidates’ solutions for the problems affecting their communities. Hosted by the North Metro Cham-ber and DRCOG, the debate showcased state and regional issues that affect the candidates’ campaigns. Schaffer and Udall strongly emphasized the develop-ment of alternative fuels, the issue of offshore drilling and the nation’s eco-nomic status. Kinsey, however, stressed that environmental problem-solving was crucial to the future of the planet and alternative fuels and energy-effi cient measures must be put into action. Udall wants to “throw the kitchen sink at this” when it comes to energy issues. He proposed pushing for offshore

drilling, as well as creating incentives for the development of alternative fuels and more effi cient cars. Schaffer wants to “do it all” as well.

“We need to stop punish-ing producers of the traditional industries,” said Schaffer when addressing the use of oil

as an energy source. He also supports research and development of oil shale and exploration of the extra-continental shelf. Questions on aging from moderator Ron Zappolo pointed out national issues and the candidates’ solutions. Kinsey believes a change in the cost of the healthcare system is needed. Schaffer believes privatization of Social Security will allow individuals to use their money on themselves. Udall prefers to redirect funds from the war in Iraq to the health care system. The many issues debated at this event showed the close relationship between regional and national problems.

DRCOG and HBA explore senior living

DRCOG and the Home Builders Association (HBA) 50+ Housing Coun-cil are partnering to present a mobile tour of active lifestyle/senior-friendly communities on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tour will showcase the latest building and development practices in senior housing and active lifestyle com-munities - from affordable rental hous-ing to independent living to continuing care retirement communities. The tour will also highlight both age-qualifi ed and age-targeted suburban and urban developments. Presentations on a variety of senior-friendly development-related topics will be given while en route to the tour stops. The tour will begin at the Resi-dences at Creekside, a Lakewood Hous-ing Authority affordable rental apart-ment community for seniors, and will continue to the following stops: Cottages at Conter Estates -- 55+ active adult modular homes (Commerce City) The Stratford at Flatirons -- Sunrise Senior Living’s 55+ retirement community (Broomfi eld) Covenant Village -- Continuing Care Retirement Community (55+) by Covenant Retirement (Westminster) Whisper Creek -- Remington Homes Patio Homes-- not age-qualifi ed (Arvada) Clear Creek Square and Gateway Station -- Golden Urban Renewal Authority mixed-use projects (Golden)Tour stops will include presentations by project architects, developers and/or owners on how community decision-makers and the development commu-nity can learn from their experiences. The $55 fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, transportation and materials. To register or for more infor-mation, go to www.drcog.org and check “featured programs.”

DRCOG hosted a delegation of visitors from Russia on Monday, Sept. 8. The visitors came to the U.S. through the congressionally sponsored Open World Program, which gives emerging leaders from Russia and other post-Soviet states fi rsthand exposure to the American system of participatory democracy and free enterprise. They listened to a presentation on the work of the regional council and its role in bringing various local government entities to the table together, and asked questions following an open exchange.

1290 Broadway, Suite 700Denver, Colorado 80203-5606

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U.S. POSTAGE PAIDDENVER, CO

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Phone: (303) 455-1000 e-mail: drcog@drcog.org Web site: www.drcog.org

DRCOG Principal StaffJennifer Schaufele

Executive Director, 303-480-6701

Jayla Sanchez Warren Area Agency on Aging Director, 303-480-6735

Roxie RonsenAdministrative Offi cer, 303-480-6709

Karin McGowan Policy Development & Communications

Director, 303-480-6716

Simon MontaguCustomer Resource and Support Director, 303-480-6763

Steve RudyTransportation Planning &

Operations Director, 303-480-6747

Telework honored with ACT award DRCOG’s RideArrangers Tele-work service was recognized recently as tops in the nation for creative excellence by the Association for Commuter Trans-portation (ACT). ACT is a national association for Transportation Demand Management professionals. RideArrangers’ IT Consultation Services for employers received fi rst place in its category. The award was presented at the ACT International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in late August. A partnership with Swanson-Rink enabled RideArrangers to help busi-nesses overcome technical obstacles to telework such as connectivity and security. Twenty companies, ranging from small to large, took advantage of the program’s offer for free IT assistance in the fi rst year. They included Frontier

Airlines, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Gover-nor’s Energy Offi ce. Through the program, Donna Dailey of RideArrangers and consultant Swanson-Rink meet with companies, discuss their problems, assist them with their systems and concerns, and help them overcome challenges. Each company receives 10 hours of consul-tant time and a written report with ideas and suggestions for implement-ing telework. In addition, companies receive kits for their IT departments, consisting of a manual and tools, and a kit for their teleworkers that includes a password management tool, tips and suggestions for successful teleworking. For more information, please con-tact Dailey at 303-480-6725 or ddai-ley@drcog.org.

Metro Vision Community Spotlight

City of Boulder

Approaching the City of Boulder from the east via US 36 gives the sense of arrival at a place that is distinctly separate in the metro area. One of four freestanding com-munities in the Denver metro area, the City of Boulder is a pioneer in multi-modal transportation, urban centers, open space acquisition and intergov-ernmental cooperation. Even before a balanced multi-modal system was a goal of Metro Vision, Boulder pursued a number of transporta-tion options for commut-ers, residents and workers within the city. Local transportation systems are organized by RTD, as well as independently contracted transportation services, on 10 multimodal corridors linking key areas of the city and three urban centers. Other transportation amenities include numerous paths and trails to bike or walk. These many options to travel the city “allow people to make trips to the grocery store, to go to work, to visit friends or just to wander in a way that is a source of joy for our residents,”

according to Boulder City Council Member and DRCOG representative Macon Cowles. To know Boulder’s aspirations, it is important to understand the rela-tionship between the goals of both the city and Boulder County. The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, adopted by both the city and Boulder County, divides Boulder Valley into three areas. Area I is the area within the city. Area II is an area that was planned for

annexation and service provisions and fi nally Area III is designated for rural preservation. There is also an

Area III-Planning reserve and the city and county maintain the option of expanded urban development beyond the planning period of the comprehen-sive plan. These areas maintain bound-aries and allowances for development and open space preservation. In addition, Boulder’s plans emphasize infi ll and redevelopment that features mixed-use. Examples of these projects include the recently

completed Transit Village Area Plan that incorporates a grid system of streets with high-density mixed use development intended to create a pedestrian-friendly urban center. Another example is the Holiday neighborhood which is the redevelopment of an outdoor movie theater. It is now urban housing with four quadrants showcasing different architec-tural types to accommodate a variety of styles and living. The project even includes 45 percent permanently affordable housing and transit accessibility. Finally,

Northfi eld Commons is an instance of high-density, transit-ori-ented redevelopment with 35 percent permanently affordable housing.

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City of Boulder

Metro Vision Community Spotlight

US Highway 36, a main trans-portation artery in and out of Boulder for commuters, has caused congestion problems for the city. “Boulder is trying to tame a state highway,” Cowles said. Plans to ease congestion include adding bike lanes and paths along the 28th Street Frontage road connect-ing to US 36. Improvements provide commuters with transit super stops and regional transit connections as alterna-tives to the automobile to reduce the traffi c in and out of Boulder on the turnpike. Boulder’s open space program is an enormous success and one that has been emulated nationally. In 1967, and again in 1989, Boulder voters approved sales taxes for the acquisi-tion, management and maintenance of open space. Over 45,000 acres of open space has been purchased by the city to

strengthen and reinforce Boulder’s free-standing community status. The city focuses on growth that emphasizes more density with many amenities such as numerous transpor-tation options. To this end, the city can preserve more open space and shape a city with “heart and character,” which Cowles believes is exactly what residents want. Further, the comple-mentary nature of the city and county’s plans exemplifi es a major tenet of Metro Vision. This high level of coop-eration is reinforced by the County agreeing not to compete with the City of Boulder for income-producing development or allow urban develop-ment in the county. In step with Metro Vision, Boulder has worked to rezone areas for senior housing and provides city funds for special transit. Cowles said people cannot age in place without special

transit that has a high frequency for ease of travel and living. A project which incorporates many aspects of Metro Vision’s objectives is the Greenways Program. The Green-ways system is made up of many corri-dors along riparian areas which include Boulder Creek and six of its tributaries. Boulder found that the project pro-vides an opportunity to integrate many objectives such as habitat protection, water quality enhancement, storm drainage, fl oodplain management, trails, recreation and cultural resources. Boulder’s commitment to Metro Vision’s many facets has been visible for years, even though Cowles said that the residents of Boulder may not recognize what Metro Vision has done for the City and the quality of life for its residents. Even so, Boulder will continue to use Metro Vision to make life in Boulder even better.

1290 Broadway, Suite 700 Denver, Colorado 80203-5606 303-455-1000 www.drcog.org