1. www.greenbelt.org Planning for Change: How to be an Effective Advocate How to Use an EIR as an Advocacy Tool

2. Elements of Livable Communities A Mix of Uses Walk to shops and services Support local businesses Access daily needs without driving Link trips to community uses such as schools and libraries

3. Elements of Livable Communities Connectivity and Mobility * Transit can’t do it alone * Walkable places are essential * Lower parking standards in TOD, unbundled parking costs * Car sharing and shared parking * Bike and pedestrian connections * Bus connectivity and high quality transit service

4. Transportation for Walkable and Healthy Communities * In the Bay Area, Transit Zone Households are: * 30% Car-Free * Driving 50% less * 4 times more likely to walk * 10 times more likely to use transit MTC 2007, New Places, New Choices

5. Rising Energy Costs

6. Unsafe Communities How to cross the street on foot…and survive?

7. Climate Change

11. What is an EIR?

12. Where is an EIR in an approval process?

13. When to comment on an EIR?

14. EIRs: How to comment effectively Decide on your concerns/goals and read relevant sections first; think through questions as you analyze Emphasize your local expertize but base comments on data not emotion Be specific, succinct and professional Use standard intro, body conclusion format Cite sections directly; focus on facts; quote professionals Focus on content not grammatical errors Make sure your take home message is clear Other resources: Planning and Conservation League Foundation Office of the Attorney General

15. EIRs: Mountain View

16. Break out groups Land Use Transportation Population Housing and Employment Global Climate Change Alternatives What are you looking for? What are your goals? How would you comment? If it is difficult, tell us why

17. http://www.mountainview2030.com/ Environmental Planning Commission will hold an information session Jan. 11, 2012. EIR comments are due January 13 Ellie Casson ecasson@greenbelt.org

18. agarcia@greenbelt.org abornstein@greenbelt.org Thank you