Take advantage of market shift to promote mixed-use land development; redevelop over-retailed real estate into mixed-use/higher density housing.

As online retailers become more prevalent, convenient, and popular the demand for certain brick-and-mortar stores will decline, leaving old retail space available for redevelopment.

Tool: Encourage mixed-use development and transit-oriented development.

Transit-oriented developments (TOD) encourage moderate and high density housing near a transit site. TOD’s create an environment that is conducive to walking, biking and using public transit. TOD’s see reduced traffic congestion and accidents and expanded mobility of cyclists and pedestrians.[i]

Resources

• Economic and social benefits of mixed-use development http://www.wri.org/blog/2014/07/people-oriented-cities-mixed-use-development-creates-social-and-economic-benefits
• Introduction to transit-oriented development http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/what-we-do/what-is-tod/

Promote the use of alternative fuel sources.

The availability of alternative fuel sources in our cities is one of the largest factors determining their success. Electric vehicle charging stations, CNG stations, and other alternative fueling stations situated throughout the city ensures that these lower-emission alternatives to gasoline are used.

Tool: Improve network of charging stations

In recent years, electric vehicle sales have jumped tremendously. In 2014, approximately 119,710 electric vehicles were sold in the United States in 2014, representing a 23% increase from 2013 and a 128% from 2012.[ii] Although electric vehicle sales represented less than one percent of car sales in 2014, in just a few years, their availability, reliability, and affordability has greatly increased and should continue to do so.

Case Study

• Private business receives federal funding for charging stations, Salt Lake City. Utah Paperbox (UPB) in Salt Lake City installed five electric vehicle charging stations. UPB worked in a partnership with Utah Clean Cities and received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to support the station installation. http://www.afdc.energy.gov/case/1569

Tool: Improve network of alternative fuels available (CNG).

Car buyers who are considering purchasing low-emission vehicles might be deterred from doing so because of a shortage of fueling stations that provide alternative fuels. Increasing the supply of alternative fuels in Provo will make owning low-emission vehicles easier and help clean our air.

Resource

• Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Expansion resource report. http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55640.pdf

Promote clean business practices and help businesses make air quality improvements.

Provo’s environmental conditions contribute significantly to the high quality of life that attracts businesses. If we do nothing to improve our air quality, conditions will worsen to unacceptable levels as we grow. Encouraging Provo’s businesses and citizens to take preventative action will help ensure a prosperous future.

Tool: Publicize the impacts of air quality on job growth in Provo.

The Salt Lake area[iii] has already received negative publicity on the economic threat of poor air quality.[iv] Taking the lead to inform citizens and businesses on the possible implications of worse air quality will encourage preventative action.[v]

Tool: Focus recruiting efforts on clean businesses.

Encouraging businesses that offer products or services related to improving air quality or have a focus on sustainable practices will strengthen Provo’s culture of responsible and clean business.

Tool: Encourage businesses to make air quality upgrade to facilities and fleets.

There is a page on the Provo Clean Air Toolkit website dedicated to providing tools and resources to businesses that will assist them in cleaning the air. Direct businesses to the website and invite them to take action to help clean our air.

Tool: Encourage car dealers to stock and promote clean cars.

There is a page on the Provo Clean Air Toolkit website dedicated to providing tools and resources to car dealers that will assist them in providing clean cars to customers. Direct car dealers to the website and invite them to take action to help clean our air.

Tool: Encourage teleworking, compressed work week, flex hours for public employees/other employees, particularly on poor air quality days.

Flextime refers to having a variable work schedule. Variability in the work schedule would enable commuters to drive during off-peak hours, reducing traffic congestion and its inefficiencies. Teleworking takes cars off the road altogether by permitting people to work from home. Public employees can take the lead in these initiatives.

Develop an Economic Development Sustainability Plan with an emphasis on air.

The Economic Development Department has a key role to play in cleaning our air, and it has expertise how to make an impact. Consider the roles you might fulfill in cleaning the air and develop a departmental plan for sustainability with an emphasis on air quality. Develop a method for tracking and measuring progress, and a process for annual review.