[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5818-5819]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY CHARACTER ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the Community 
Character Act of 2001. This legislation will provide state grants to 
develop or revise state land use plans and planning legislation that 
underpin local and state efforts to address public transit, affordable 
housing, environmental and other livability issues.
  States, tribal governments, and native Hawaiian organizations would 
be eligible for grants of up to $1,000,000 each upon application 
approval by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development. Total appropriations would be limited to $50 million each 
year. Applicants that receive grants would be required to provide 10 
percent in matching funds. Funds may be used to obtain technical 
assistance in drafting land use planning legislation; carrying out 
research and development for planning programs; conducting workshops, 
educating and consulting for local officials and policy makers; and 
involving citizens in the planning process.
  I submit the following letters of endorsement from the American 
Planning Association, National Association of Realtors, and the 
American Society of Landscape Architects to be included in the 
Congressional Record.

                                American Planning Association,

                                    Washington, DC, April 4, 2001.
     Hon. Earl Blumenauer,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Blumenauer: The American Planning 
     Association is pleased to endorse the Community Character Act 
     of 2001. APA is heartened by the introduction of this 
     legislation and the assistance it would provide to the 
     numerous states and communities struggling with the 
     consequences of change, whether it be growth and development 
     or economic decline. This legislation recognizes that the 
     Federal government can, and should, be a constructive partner 
     with those communities seeking innovative solutions to 
     improving local quality of life through better planning and 
     land use. APA, with more than 30,000 members, is the largest 
     private organization working to promote planning for 
     communities that effectively meets the needs of our people, 
     now and in the future.
       Planning is the single most effective way to deal with 
     growth issues facing states and communities. Passage of the 
     Community Character Act is among the most important and 
     beneficial things Congress could do to help promote local 
     solutions to such pressing issues as downtown revitalization, 
     traffic congestion, urban sprawl and open space protection.
       This legislation responds to widespread citizen interest 
     in--smart growth by providing critical resources to help 
     state and local political leaders, business and environmental 
     interests, and others manage change. In a recent national 
     voter survey, APA found that an overwhelming majority of 
     Americans, regardless of political affiliation, geographic 
     locale, or demographic group, believe Congress should take 
     action to support state and local smart growth initiatives. 
     Seventy-eight percent of those surveyed believe it is 
     important for the 107th Congress to help communities solve 
     problems associated with urban growth. Moreover, three-
     quarters of voters also support providing incentives to help 
     promote smart growth and improve planning.
       The Community Character Act provides vital assistance to 
     meet the serious challenge of reforming outdated planning 
     statutes and supporting planning as the basis for smart 
     growth. Currently, more than half the states are still 
     operating under planning statutes devised in the 1920s. And, 
     even in those states with updated planning laws, comnunities 
     are struggling to find and implement tools to grow smarter 
     and in ways consistent with the values and vision of the 
     citizens. Thus far in 2001, twenty-seven governors have 
     initiated some type smart growth proposals and there is 
     pending legislative or executive activity related to 
     planning, growth and land use in twenty-two states. This is 
     happening in states as diverse as Oklahoma and New York, 
     Montana and Massachusetts.
       This bipartisan legislation would provide $50 million to 
     states, multi-state regional programs and tribal governments 
     to assist in revising land use planning legislation and 
     developing comprehensive plans. The bill is intended to 
     support efforts to promote improved quality of life, economic 
     development and community livability through planning reform. 
     Grants could be used to obtain technical assistance and 
     support for a state's review of growth and planning laws. 
     Activities such as researching and drafting state 
     legislation, conducting workshops, holding public forums, 
     promoting regional cooperation and supporting state planning 
     initiatives would qualify for federal assistance.
       Under the Community Character Act states are encouraged to 
     create a framework for smart growth planning, but the bill 
     avoids dictating land use policies. In the best sense, it is 
     a ``funded non-mandate.'' The Community Character Act 
     specifically acknowledges that land use planning is 
     rightfully a local and state prerogative. The bill seeks to 
     encourage states to provide their cities, towns, counties and 
     regions with innovative and updated tools for managing the 
     many challenges presented by growth. Communities would not be 
     forced to pursue smart growth strategies but the legislation 
     would provide assistance to those states that have chosen to 
     do so. Grant guidelines call for comprehensive planning that 
     coordinates transportation, housing and education with 
     infrastructure investments and conserves historic, scenic and 
     natural resources. The bill also acknowledges that it is the 
     collective vision and values of citizens that should guide 
     planning.
       Land use planning should not stop at arbitrary 
     jurisdictional boundaries. This bill seeks to promote a 
     vision of land use planning and resource management that 
     works for regions by allowing multi-state regional project to 
     qualify for funding. The legislation also encourages greater 
     cooperation between local planning and federal land 
     management planning. Additionally, the legislation recognizes 
     and seeks to address the tremendous need for planning and 
     community development by the nation's tribal governments.
       This legislation promotes smart growth principles and 
     encourages state to create or update the framework necessary 
     for good planning. It creates a federal partnership with 
     communities through incentives, not mandates. The bill does 
     not mandate that states implement specific changes but rather 
     seeks to support and inform that process once it is underway. 
     This program is a small investment that will bring 
     substantial dividends in improving the livability of cities, 
     towns, and neighborhoods throughout the nation.
       The American Planning Association applauds your outstanding 
     leadership and vision in introducing the Community Character 
     Act and urges the House of Representatives to enact this 
     legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                            Bruce McClendon, FAICP
                                                        President.


     
                                  ____
                             National Association of Realtors,

                                    Washington, DC, April 3, 2001.
     Hon. Earl Blumenauer,
     Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Blumenauer: On behalf of its more than 
     760,000 members, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF 
     REALTORS (NAR) supports your introduction of the 
     Community Character Act, which would provide grants to assist 
     state governments in developing or updating their land use 
     planning legislation.
       NAR supports this bill because it: Recognizes that land use 
     planning is rightfully a State and local government function; 
     provides needed assistance to states and localities to better 
     plan for inevitable growth; requires that planning performed 
     under this Act must provide for housing opportunity and 
     choice and promote affordable housing; promotes improved 
     quality of life, sustainable economic development, and 
     protection of the environment.
       In adopting our Smart Growth principles, NAR recognized 
     that property owners, homebuyers, and REALTORS have 
     a great deal at stake in the debate over livability and 
     growth. REALTORS are outspoken advocates for 
     policies that preserve housing choice and affordability while 
     protecting and improving the quality of life of our 
     communities.
       It is our experience that when communities have not planned 
     for growth, they may overreact to growth pressures by 
     adopting excessive regulations that distort real estate 
     markets and make homeownership less attainable. Planning in 
     advance to accommodate growth and protect the quality of life 
     is the better approach, and the Community

[[Page 5819]]

     Character Act would promote this needed planning.
       We commend your efforts in introducing the Community 
     Character Act and we look forward to working with you toward 
     its adoption.
           Sincerely,

                                            Lee L. Verstandig,

                                            Senior Vice President,
                                               Government Affairs.


     
                                  ____
                                               American Society of


                                         Landscape Architects,

                                    Washington, DC, April 3, 2001.
     Hon. Earl Blumenauer,
     Longworth Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Blumenauer: On behalf of the American 
     Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and its 14,000 
     members, I'm writing to convey my strong endorsement of ``The 
     Community Character Act'' (CCA) you have sponsored. ASLA 
     applauds your leadership in promoting legislation that will 
     support state and tribal efforts to develop and update land 
     use plans.
       ASLA supports the Community Character Act as an effective 
     tool to promote more livable communities and stewardship of 
     the natural environment, both of which are important aspects 
     of the landscape architecture profession.
       Americans are increasingly aware and concerned about the 
     byproducts of unmanaged growth--loss of open space, 
     congestion, strip malls, and loss of ecological 
     boodiversity--as clearly indicated by surveys and the passage 
     of numerous local ballot initiatives to address growth. CCA 
     responds to these concerns by authorizing funding assistance 
     to states and tribal governments that request help in 
     implementing their respective visions of sustainability.
       In addition to minimizing some of the harmful impacts that 
     unplanned development can have on local and regional 
     ecosystems, good planning and design makes smart business 
     sense. Planning and design help to create communities with 
     character--places where people want to be. As more people are 
     attracted to such places--both residents and tourists--local 
     economies flourish.
       CCA has garnered bipartisan support, as well as the 
     endorsement of a broad array of organizations, including 
     planners, conservationists, preservationists, and the 
     National Association of Realtors.
       Thank you again for your sponsorship of ``The Community 
     Character Act'' and your continued commitment to enhancing 
     more livable communities across America. I look forward to 
     working with you to enact this legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                              Nancy C. Somerville,
                                               Executive Director.


     
                                  ____
                                         Smart Growth America,

                                    Washington, DC, April 4, 2001.
     Hon. Earl Blumenauer
     Hon. Wayne Gilchrest,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Blumenauer and Representative 
     Gilchrest: Smart Growth America would like to commend you on 
     the introduction of the Community Character Act of 2001. We 
     support both the bill and your efforts to assist states, 
     multi-state regions and tribal governments in their efforts 
     to revise their land use planning legislation and develop 
     comprehensive plans.
       Planning for future growth and directing development so 
     that it strengthens existing communities while building upon 
     their physical, cultural historical assets is integral to 
     smart growth. We applaud your foresight and willingness to 
     help states, tribal government and regions in their ongoing 
     efforts to achieve smart growth by coordinating 
     transportation, housing and education infrastructure 
     investments while conserving historic, scenic and natural 
     resources.
       The Community Character Act makes the federal government a 
     partner in the ongoing efforts of states, regions and tribal 
     governments that want to plan for future growth. We applaud 
     your efforts and look forward to working with you to pass 
     this timely legislation.
           Sincerely,

                                                     Don Chen,

                                                         Director,
                                             Smart Growth America.

     

                          ____________________