Local communities can save money, improve public engagement and help address land use and urban sprawl concerns by adopting Michigan's new Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) transportation policy, according to a new report released by MEC. The report, titled Community, Character and Cash, provides concerned citizens, elected officials and planning professionals with a straightforward overview of the state's new Context Sensitive Solutions program.

"We are optimistic that CSS can improve the transportation decisions that shape the quality of life in our neighborhoods and communities," said MEC Land Programs Director Brad Garmon. "We want to make sure that local residents can be part of the solution. If fully implemented, CSS can reduce agency conflict with residents, improve the public engagement activities around all projects, and ensure that transportation solutions ultimately satisfy both citizens and transportation professionals."

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) approved CSS as state policy in the summer of 2005. The department has since provided a general guide to implementing CSS principles, which are now slowly being integrated into state-level processes and planning methodologies.

Context Sensitive Solutions potentially offer Michigan communities a set of powerful tools to address their transportation needs in a way that better reflects the values and aspirations of local residents. For example, using CSS processes, a local community might address congestion by building a sidewalk or bike lane and encouraging non-motorized transportation, rather than adding another lane to a road that might require removing trees or encroaching on the front yards of local families.

"A reform of this magnitude will be slow, at either the state or local level," said Garmon. "But I think everyone needs to start by acknowledging the perceptions of stakeholders and local residents on past and present projects. Regardless of agency agreement or disagreement with people's opinions, finding new ways to embrace their views and value their input is the challenge—and the true heart and soul—of CSS."

Since 2003, MEC has been one of the state's foremost advocates of CSS policy. See the full report and additional research findings at www.mecprotects.org/css.htm.