SWUTC Research Project Description
Accessing the Mega-Region: Evaluating the Role of Livable Community Patterns in Gulf Coast Mega-Region Planning
University: University of New Orleans
Principal Investigator:
Billy Fields
Gulf Coast Research Center for Evacuation and Transportation Resiliency
(512) 245-7726
Project Monitor:
Dan Jatres
Regional Planning Commission – Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany Parishes
New Orleans, LA
Funding Source: USDOT
Total Project Cost: $11,160
Project Number: 600451-00109
Date Started: 11/1/12
Estimated Completion Date: 10/31/13
Project Summary
Project Abstract:
This research analyzes both the need and mechanisms for integrating livability components such as transit and active transportation into a broader mega-regions transportation framework. The research builds a conceptual framework for understanding how transportation livability concepts fit within the larger mega-regions literature. This framework based around the study of walkable urban rail connections and regional green infrastructure greenbelt systems is then used to analyze key strategies that could be integrated into the larger Gulf Coast /Texas mega-region transportation planning framework through analysis of three case studies in Austin, Houston, and New Orleans. Major existing and emerging opportunities to tie infrastructure into a mega-region transportation system will be identified in these three case study cities.
Project Objectives:
Two focus areas will be examined. The first focus area centers on the connection between mega-region rail connections and “walkable urban” neighborhoods. Understanding the interface between rail station TOD “nodes” and more local active transportation needs offers an avenue to meaningfully tie the mega-region concept to more localized neighborhood livability concerns.
The second area will examine the role of green infrastructure components like regional greenway systems in mega-region transportation systems. Regional trail systems like the Minneapolis system focused around the Midtown Greenway and the planning of the Atlanta Beltline system offer potential to link regional transportation planning with neighborhood economic development and active transportation needs. Linking these trail-oriented development opportunities through a regional network also offers the potential to link green infrastructure environmental goals with the emerging urban-orientation of climate change mitigation strategies.
The potential for utilizing walkable urban rail connections and the regional green infrastructure greenbelt systems will be examined within the Texas/Louisiana mega-region. Three case study cities that show the diversity of opportunities and constraints will be examined: Austin, Houston, and New Orleans. These three communities have expanding trail and light-rail systems. In the case of Austin, local bond initiatives are being used to build a regional bicycle system connecting to the new regional light rail line. Houston was awarded a $15 million TIGER grant in June 2012 designed to connect bicycle facilities with the expanding light rail system. New Orleans is also expanding the light rail/streetcar system through a $45 million federal TIGER grant. Major existing and emerging opportunities to tie infrastructure into a mega-region transportation system will be identified in these three case study cities.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Build Livability-Centered Mega-Regions Conceptual Framework
This task will involve synthesizing and creating connections between the livability and mega-regions literature. The literature review will focus on creating a framework for understanding how the livability concepts of walkable urbanism and green infrastructure can be utilized within a mega-regions planning conceptualization.
Task 2: Identify Major Existing and Emerging Green Infrastructure/Greenway Connections in Texas/Louisiana mega-region.
The focus of this task will be to identify existing and emerging greenbelt systems within the case study communities in the Texas Triangle and Louisiana Corridor that could act as the backbone of a mega-region, green infrastructure system within the regions.
Task 3: Identify Major Existing and Emerging Walkable Urban/Rail Connections in Texas/Louisiana mega-region.
The focus of this task will be to identify existing and emerging rail-centered intracity transit and intercity connections within the case study communities in the Texas Triangle and Louisiana Corridor that could create the basis of a mega-region walkable urban system within the regions.
Task 4: Create Synthesis Report
Task 5: Develop Presentation of Outlining Key Findings of Study
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
This research analyzes both the need and mechanisms for integrating livability components such as transit and active transportation into a broader mega-regions transportation framework. The research builds a conceptual framework for understanding how transportation livability concepts fit within the larger mega-regions literature. This framework based around the study of regional green infrastructure greenbelt systems is then used to analyze key strategies that could be integrated into the larger Gulf Coast/Texas mega-region transportation planning framework through analysis of three case studies in greater Houston, Austin/San Antonio, and New Orleans/Baton Rouge regions. Major existing and emerging opportunities to tie infrastructure into a mega-region transportation system are identified in these three case studies.
Products developed by this research:
Presentation: Assessing the Mega-Region: Evaluating the Role of Greenways in Austin, TX Mega-Region Transportation Planning, Billy Fields, presented at the 2014 National Urban Affairs Association Conference, San Antonio, TX, March 21, 2014.
Presentation: Evaluating the Role of Livable Community Patterns in Gulf Coast Mega-Region Planning, Billy Fields, presented at the 2014 National Urban Affairs Association Conference, San Antonio, TX, March 21, 2014.
Journal Article in Preparation: Submission to the Journal of Planning Education and Research on disaster resiliency which will utilize background information developed by this research.
Book in Preparation: Planned book on smart cities which will use case study information obtained in this research.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
This research helps to deepen understanding of the interrelationship of environmental and transportation systems. By coordinating place-based investments, projects that straddle the transportation and environmental line (like greenways) can help improve quality of life, enhance resiliency, and provide needed low-impact transportation corridors. This research uncovers key policy dimensions necessary to make these linkages.
Web Links:
Final Technical Report