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, , .. <br /> IDWALKABLE COMMUNITIES: This session was presented by the Bicycle Federation of <br /> America and was pitched to design roadways that can be shared by pedestrians and automobiles. <br /> Presenters suggested the criteria for planners to use for pedestrian friendly by-ways to include <br /> security, convenience, efficiency, comfort and welcome. <br /> The Federation suggested some tools to help planners and citizens, including walkability <br /> audits(which measure walking-related needs), pedestrian facility and design courses, and walkable <br /> communities workshops. Additional information can be obtained by writing the National Bicycle <br /> and Pedestrian Clearing House, 1506 21st St, NW, Suite 210, Washington, DC, or calling <br /> 800/760/NBPC. <br /> CONSENSUS IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT: Presenters at this session discussed various <br /> examples of conflict resolution techniques useful to planners and others working in a polarized <br /> situation. Presenters made the point that when one works for consensus among different points of <br /> view, the goal is acceptance of differences, and not necessarily agreement. Conflict is likely to <br /> occur in situations which have lots of players, working in a process on multiple issues without <br /> clearly defined goals/outcomes, over an extended period of times. Planners/Commission <br /> members/etc should be aware of these variables and work to minimize their impact. <br /> COMMUNITY INDICATORS: Session presented information on how the economic and social <br /> health of a community can be measured through the use indicators which the community has <br /> agreed upon. <br /> TRUE COSTS OF GROWTH MANAGEMENT: Presentation looked at problems rural <br /> communities had in implementing the Washington(state of) Growth Management Act. Panelists <br /> included a member of a rural zoning board, a county commissioner from the same board, an <br /> attorney and a planner. <br /> INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE PROGRAM: <br /> Presentation featured a unique program which brings international teams of experts together to <br /> address growth management, sustainable development, environmental conflict, and other issues <br /> affecting rural communities which have invited the teams in to advise them. Program operates in <br /> US, Canada and Great Britain. <br /> ISTEA REAUTHORIZATION WORKSHOP: This session featured a panel which discussed <br /> the American Planning Associations response to the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface <br /> Transportation Enhancement Act currently before Congress. <br /> As you can see I sampled issues other than those directly related to parks, choosing from <br /> workshops and presentations which offered hundreds of choices. I conclude by saying that <br /> attendance at the Conference was a great opportunity to gather useful information. <br /> Respectfully Submitted, <br /> 40 Commissioner John Kuester July 16, 97 <br />