This document discusses the importance of connectivity for smart growth and active living. It provides definitions for key terms like density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit. Studies have found positive correlations between connected street networks and walking/cycling. Current planning guides emphasize connectivity. Metrics like route directness index and intersection density can measure connectivity improvements. Connectivity enhances access to affordable housing, transportation options, and livability.

1. WM10 Making Connectivity a Part of Your Smart Growth Washington Chapter APA October 2010

2. CONNECTIVITY’S GREATEST HITS

7. Love Thy Neighbor

8. Ross Racine

9. Ross Racine

11. Driving & the Built Environment – the 5 D’s Density Population & employment by geographic unit (e.g., per square mile, per developed acre). Diversity Mix of land uses, typically residential and commercial development, and the degree to which they are balanced in an area (e.g., jobs–housing balance). Design Neighborhood layout and street characteristics, particularly connectivity, presence of sidewalks, and other design features (e.g., shade, scenery, presence of attractive homes and stores) that enhance the pedestrian- and bicycle-friendliness of an area. Destination accessibility Ease or convenience of trip destinations from point of origin, often measured at the zonal level in terms of distance from the central business district or other major centers. Distance to transit Ease of access to transit from home/work (e.g., bus/rail stop within ¼ to ½ mile). Ewing & Cervero, JAPA, Summer 2010 | TRB Report #298

13. Improve access to affordable housing

14. More transportation options

15. Lower transportation costs while protecting environment

16. Partnership Agreement

17. Develop livability measures and tools

19. Los Angeles and San Diego Counties

20. Applied 9 measures of street connectivity

22. Current Planning Guides for Connectivity

23. Rail Station Connectivity –Comparing Metrics Before After Change Parcel Impact Route Directness Index 2,300 0.63 0.77 23% Intersection Density 146 1.4% -- 144 Link-Node Ratio -- 1.29 1.30 < 1% Walk Score -- -- -- 89 of 100

24. LEED Certification

25. Basic RDI Calculation A B straight-line distance “A” actual route distance “B” RDI = A / B

26. RDI Example: Pre Neighborhood Connector 375 ft 1850 ft RDI: .20 1850 ft .20 375 ft Route Directness Index Crow Flight / Walk Distance = RDI Existing Shared-Use Path

27. RDI Example: Post Neighborhood Connector 375 ft RDI: .83 450 ft .83 375 ft 450 ft Route Directness Index Crow Flight / Walk Distance New Neighborhood Connectors = RDI Existing Shared-Use Path

28. Ellensburg: Variation in RDI

29. Connectivity & Smart Growth Panel Dan Penrose, AICP City of Lakewood Sophie Stimson City of Olympia Thera Black Thurston Regional Planning Council Chris Comeau, AICP City of Bellingham

31. M.F. DU’s within 15-minute walk-to-school, by Household Income and Auto Ownership

32. Parcel-Measured RDI to School

33. School Enrollment