Move San Diego Launches Alliance to Endorse Local Smart Growth Projects

Online, December 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Move San Diego announces the MOVE Alliance, an endorsement program, designed to "support projects that create Mobility Options Viable for Everyone." Development projects in San Diego that demonstrate a commitment to creating and enhancing sustainable, transit-oriented communities are eligible to receive the MOVE Alliance formal endorsement.

The MOVE Alliance brings together a team of local experts to review and endorse early stage development projects in the San Diego region. This diverse coalition of planners, transportation and walkability experts with backgrounds in sustainable development work together to evaluate each project using a comprehensive check list of smart growth principles. Specifically, the panelists examine location efficiency, access to current and future transit, employment proximity, mixed use opportunities, building design and pedestrian and bicycle access and enhancements.

"It's about time we formally give recognition to viable development projects in San Diego that exemplify a smarter way for the region to grow," says Move San Diego Executive Director Elyse Lowe. "While there are many award programs which recognize projects that have already been completed, a MOVE Alliance endorsement will support the approval of projects in the planning and entitlement stage. Ultimately, the program will encourage future development of sustainable projects that make it easier to get around without having to depend on a car all of the time."

The MOVE Alliance will publicly support development projects that show they can successfully align transit, jobs, housing and other quality-of-life factors. Projects that pass the review receive a formal letter of recognition from the MOVE alliance and permission to use the Alliance's "seal of recognition." Additionally, the Alliance helps to support the project through publicity and recognition efforts and by providing testimony on behalf of the Alliance at public hearings to help explain the sustainable transit-oriented benefits of the project.

Move San Diego is seeking applications for development projects that are still in the in planning stages, before or during the entitlement phase. An application fee of $2,500 helps support the program. Partners include Move San Diego, Walk San Diego, Council of Urban Design Professionals and the California Center for Sustainable Energy. To learn more and to download application details, visit www.movesandiego.org.

About Move San Diego

Move San Diego is the public voice in support of effective and sustainable transportation in the San Diego region. The non-profit organizes and serves a broad collaboration of people and organizations to prioritize, fund, and implement sustainable, healthy, convenient transportation and related land use solutions. Move San Diego raises awareness of the benefits of smart transit options and how they will result in a more livable and vibrant San Diego.

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