Legislative Priorities for the 111th Congress
Invest in rebuilding America.
Funding for the nation's infrastructure is critical to both economic recovery and long-term competitiveness. Congress should support new infrastructure investment that supports local communities and base new investment on a planning process that is strategic and sustainable.
Transform federal transportation policy.
Congress has an opportunity to adopt a bill that meets 21st century needs and provides a new vision for transportation. The transportation bill should increase choice through new investment and policies to create a world-class transit network; strengthen metropolitan planning by empowering and improving MPOs; invest more wisely by establishing new performance standards and guidelines; support access and mobility for all users; and link transportation, energy and climate policy.
Act on climate change.
A comprehensive national climate change program is vital. A federal cap and trade program for climate change should be based on aggressive goals for emission reductions. Federal legislation must recognize the critical role of community development patterns and planning decisions in limiting emissions through sources such as vehicle miles traveled and energy efficiency. Legislation should support local mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Promote energy efficient communities.
Reducing energy use and reliance on foreign energy sources requires addressing the design of communities, transportation networks, and buildings. Federal policy and programs should support and encourage the development of 'green' communities and buildings.
Support community development and help communities address the housing and foreclosure crisis.
The nation's housing and foreclosure crisis has deep implications for communities. Federal policy should help stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures, support programs that assist in neighborhood revitalization and economic development, fund vital affordable housing programs, and promote housing and development programs with standards for energy and location efficiency.
Provide high-quality federal data for local decision-making.
Good information is the backbone of good planning. Federal data will inform an array of local planning decisions from identifying hazard zones to mitigating climate change impacts. Federal data programs providing information to local governments in agencies such the Census Bureau, NOAA, USGS and DOT, should be strengthened, expanded and fully funded.
Improve and continue to reform federal hazard mitigation efforts.
Federal hazard mitigation programs should be strengthened as part of broad, on-going reform of FEMA. Hazard mitigation concerns should be included in federal climate change action. Congress should move forward with reform of the flood insurance program and DHS community security programs. Hazard concerns should be incorporated in key federal community programs.
Advance the development of healthy, safe and active communities.
Federal policy and programs should support the development and planning of communities that promote active, healthy living. Federal support for parks, recreation, and transportation enhancements should be expanded. Support for creating a built environment that promotes healthy and active living should be incorporated into federal transportation, housing, and food programs.
Expand and continue to reform federal farm and food policy.
Food planning, land conservation, and rural development reforms in the farm bill should be implemented and expanded. Federal policy should continue to shift resources toward creating a healthier and more sustainable food system and network. Efforts to promote access to local foods should be increased.
Protect local planning authority.
Congress should continue to respect local planning and community safeguards by rejecting any efforts to adopt regulatory takings initiatives.
