Emerging Themes

New Urbanism and the Comprehensive Plan

City of Palo Alto April 10, 2008

Emerging ThemesPublic Health

Sustainable Development / Climate Change

Housing Attitudes, Preferences and Demographics

Emerging Themes

Public Health

Climate Change

Housing Attitudes, Preferences and Demographics

Public Health and the Built Environment

Land Use and Transportation Decisions

Travel Choices, Amount of Driving versus Walking; Time

Health OutcomesPhysical Activity

Fatal and Non-Fatal InjuriesRespiratory Health

Social ConnectednessMental Health

NutritionWater Quality

Climate Change

CO2 Emissions by Sector - 1999

Driving vs Residential Density

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

0 100 200 300 400 500

Households/Residential Hectare

An

nu

al V

KT

/Hh

SF

LA

Chicago

CO2 Emissions Comparison

CO2 Per Sq. Mile CO2 Per Household

Conclusion

The development pattern that achieve health, climatechange and sustainability outcomes is NEW URBANISM!

Mixed use

Walkable

Transit-oriented

More dense and with a variety of housing options

Changing Demographics

Household 2000 2025

With Children 33% 28%

Without Children 67% 72%

Single 26% 28%

Changing Demographics = Changing Lifestyles

Source: EPA White Paper: Where Will Everybody Life? Author C. “Chris” Nelson, Virginia Tech, 2007

By 2025, 28 million more households without kids

Housing Supply and Demand

Source: EPA White Paper: Where Will Everybody Life? Author C. “Chris” Nelson, Virginia Tech, 2007

Unit Type 2003 Supply 2025 Demand

Attached 27M +26M

Small Lot 22M +30M

Large Lot 57M -22M

“Empty nesters and their offspring gravitate toward 24-hour places with pedestrian-accessible retail, restaurants, parks supermarkets and offices.”- ULI Price Waterhouse 2007 Emerging Trends in Real Estate