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QUICK RESPONSE
With a view to helping communities create compact, pedestrian-friendly, and livable neighborhoods and activity centers, TGM's Quick Response program assists local governments with an immediate need for design assistance with an imminent development.
Typical Projects
Local governments often seek the assistance of the Quick Response program in response to a development application that, though it may meet the letter of the law, does not address the community’s vision for efficient transportation and quality development. Alternatively, a developer may propose an intense development that meets the community’s overall goal of using land efficiently, but is opposed by neighboring residents or property owners. In either case, the Quick Response project would not focus exclusively on the parcel proposed for development, but would also include planning for coordinated future development of adjoining parcels.
School siting is another issue that can be addressed through Quick Response, especially when a school district is evaluating the relative merits of renovating an existing centrally located school versus constructing a new facility on a more distant site.
Projects that do not involve immediate development prospects – i.e., projects that are more general, proactive or speculative – may be candidates for TGM’s larger grants program (see http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/TGM/grants.shtml), but would not qualify as Quick Response projects.
Design
An underlying premise of TGM’s Quick Response program is that design matters, and that putting time and effort into improving a project’s design will result in a plan that can meet the objectives of the community, the developer, and the TGM program. TGM seeks to ensure that both transportation and land use decisions are made in a comprehensive process that addresses their complex interrelationship. Specific program objectives include mixed uses, efficient use of land, vibrant downtowns, support for all modes of travel (with special attention to encourage walking, bicycling and transit) and better connectivity within local street networks.
Application and Selection
Local jurisdictions can apply for a Quick Response project with a letter describing the project and requesting assistance. There is no specific application form and no application deadline. The local jurisdiction is not required to provide a cash match, but each project does require significant involvement of local staff and support including public notice and meeting logistics. Projects are selected based on the immediacy of the pending development and the opportunity to advance TGM objectives.
Consultants
Assistance is provided by a team of consultants selected by TGM based on the skills and experience appropriate to the specific project.
Typical Process
Reconnaissance: The primary activity is looking and listening. The consultants are listening to what residents, owners, and local officials have to say about the site, including opportunities and potential constraints. The consultants would visit the site and surrounding area to see the situation for themselves.
Alternatives: There is always more than one way to design a development, and every Quick Response project includes multiple concepts that are used to explore the possibilities. Public input on the alternatives is crucial to moving into the final stage.
Refinement:The consultant will take the best alternative, or elements of several alternatives, and prepare an overall plan for the site. Plans are general, or “concept-level,” and will not address every detail of the development. The developer and local jurisdiction will need to take the plan and run with it to completion.
Although this is the typical process, every project is different reflecting the specific issues and characteristics of the community. A project may be initiated in a little as two months, although complicated situations may require a longer lead time. Once started, a typical planning project would last three to six months.
Quick Response Reports on Completed Projects
Contact
The Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program is a joint effort of the
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).
TGM supports community efforts to expand transportation choices for people.
By linking land use and transportation planning, TGM works in partnership with local governments to create vibrant, livable places in which people can
walk, bike, take transit or drive where they want to go.
TGM – Better Ways to Better Places
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