Land Use - Valley Forward Association

Land Use

Our Land Use/Open Space Committee advocates a balance between economic development and environmental quality through smart growth strategies. Projects and issues focus on open space and connectivity as part of a regional trails system, desert preservation, infill development and pedestrian-oriented design, all toward the ultimate goal of building more livable communities.

LAND USE PRINCIPLES

Communities should promote and utilize strategies to promote infill and limit growth at the Valley’s edge.
Communities should develop vision and character that conserve and maintain their ‘sense of place.’
Planning decisions should preserve or conserve the Valley’s natural environment.
Promote planning and design that improves the sustainability and livability for the region.
Promote regional planning and coordination.
Provide and increase open space and recreational opportunities.
Encourage environmental quality through smart growth strategies when focusing on economic development.

THE VALLEY'S PEDESTRIAN FREEWAY

Click to view Valley Forward's poster titled, The Valley's Pedestrian Freeway: A Priceless Necklace of Trails and Gems; showcases our vision for a regional trails system in the Valley.

We invite you to join a growing list of partners in an effort to link our communities through multi-use and recreational corridors, providing opportunities for improved health and wellness, alternative modes of transportation and economic development.

Virtually every Valley mayor, as well as the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, has signed Valley Forward’s proclamation demonstrating their support of a regional trails system.

Click here for more information about the Valley's Pedestrian Freeway

The Valley's Pedestrian Freeway: A Priceless Necklace of Trails and Gems depicts existing and planned trails throughout the Valley, as well as gaps in the system. Also shown are regional destinations – gems – that are place-specific, non-event oriented and open to the public. Our goal is to connect the gems and close the gaps through a pedestrian freeway that facilitates biking, hiking, jogging, riding and other non-motorized transportation options.

In addition to the poster, our Land Use/Open Space Committee has developed a set of trail design principles to promote regional trail use.

REGIONAL TRAILS DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Integrate transportation and land use planning.
Encourage multi-modal transportation and connectivity between modes.
Encourage accessibility to the greatest potential number of users, wherever possible.
Balance environmental sensitivity with economic development and public access.
Maximize the public's investment while preserving and enhancing quality of life.
Support public/private development that encourages multi-modal transportation and accommodates the diverse needs of users: walkers, joggers, hikers, equestrian riders, mountain bikers, scooter riders and wheelchair users.
Design for ease of mobility of users.
Design for comfort and safety of users.
Provide opportunities for respite along the trails.
Provide opportunities, where appropriate, along trails for economic development and housing.
Connect all communities in the region.
Provide opportunities for users to learn about the Sonoran Desert, the cultural heritage of the region, historic and natural resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Reflect the scale and character of the different settings or contexts along the trail routes.
Encourage regionally appropriate design.
Provide continuity for the trail links within the system while maintaining a sense of identity within each community.
Encourage participation of the public, civic groups, adjacent properties and corporate interests in trail planning, development and ongoing operations.
Locate parks and cultural amenities with access to regional trails where possible.

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