Auburn-Comp-Plan-Compiled

B ackground & S ummary

so that Auburn is a more desirable place in which to live, work, and play. 12. Our local school districts and Green River College have high levels of dedication, commitment, and excellence – we need to strengthen our partnerships with these institutions, which are equally passionate about elevating Auburn to a premier community. 13. Auburn has a diverse mix of housing types; however, that does not mean that housing types are appropriately distributed throughout the City. While we have achieved or exceeded our goals for providing a mix of housing, different housing types need to be better dispersed throughout the City while preserving the existing housing stock. 14. Auburn already has a robust and diverse base of businesses, but further diversification is necessary – we need more businesses that generate revenue and jobs that will lead to local spending. 15. Many of Auburn’s streets are deteriorating due to their age, increased traffic volumes (especially from heavy trucks), or from design and construction standards that previous jurisdictions had in place prior to their annexations into the City – we need to sustain revenue streams and allocate resources in a manner that keeps our streets in good condition. 16. Access to healthy food and activities varies greatly throughout the City – this disparity should be equalized in order to ensure that our entire community has the ability to choose to live a healthy lifestyle. 17. We are passionate about the extensive level of social and human services that exists in Auburn, but we also believe that other communities need to follow our example rather than lean on us to provide for those in need. We struggle with how to provide local support within an overall balanced regional approach. 18. As a 124-year-old city, some buildings and areas of Auburn are tired in appearance and function – we need to find ways to help

energize the appearance and feel of those areas. The Comprehensive Plan establishes a vision and series of values that are used to address the above themes, by outlining the goals, policies, and actions necessary to build upon our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. R egional C ontext Auburn’s Comprehensive Plan advances a sus tainable approach to growth and future develop ment. We have incorporated a systems approach to planning and decision-making that is rooted in our stated values. These values seek to create a community with a healthy environment; a strong and diverse economy; a variety of transportation options; and safe, affordable, and healthy hous ing. And while we define the community we cre ate, we do so within the contexts of our surround ing communities and the larger region. VISION 2040 provides a broader vision for the Puget Sound region, emphasizing the need to plan, think, and act in a manner consistent with regional goals and objectives. Regional planning begins by establishing population and growth targets that are divided among various cities and counties. The growth targets outlined in Auburn’s Plan are consistent with the VISION 2040 targets, and the land supply is adequate to meet the de mand associated with those growth targets. VISION 2040 also sets forth priorities for many areas that span the entire region and extend beyond a single jurisdiction. These include pro tecting the environment and ecosystems, provid ing adequate affordable housing to a variety of income levels and households, conserving water and addressing climate change, implementing sustainable development practices, reducing traffic congestion and protecting air quality, cre ating great communities, and promoting tran sit-oriented development. Auburn’s Plan embrac es the ideals of VISION 2040 and includes policies, directives, actions, and measures to ensure that we are doing our part to achieve these regional objectives.

Core Plan

C1-3