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Show 17 Big Ticket Initiatives The Plan calls for consideration of potential "big ticket" initiatives. These initiatives would be supported by higher growth scenarios, yet they could be pursued with trend growth as well. Funding is not identified, yet the plan puts forward the vision of bold investments that could be feasible if the public supports the vision and funding can be found. The Plan is cautious, because it does not commit to major system redesign or dramatic new services without the funds to support them. The "big ticket" initiatives also represent a creative approach, because the plan empowers CDTC members and others to continually explore big ideas. This innovative approach ensures that the Capital District maintains vision during periods of financial constraint. The big ticket initiatives are listed on pages 20 to 21, along with descriptions and cost estimates. During the development of the New Visions 2030 Plan, six conditions were identified that have allowed such initiatives to occur in other regions and that could make the big ticket initiatives feasible in the Capital District. Some of these conditions may already be present for some initiatives. All of these are conditions that the Capital District may grow into. 1. A sense of urgency is typically present. This sense of urgency may be related to long-standing issues of great magnitude (such as the congestion present in London prior to areawide pricing) or to an experience and atmosphere of rapid growth. This sense of urgency may not be present in the Capital District for many of the initiatives under current growth trends, but it could emerge strongly under higher growth scenarios. 2. A champion is typically a critical element as catalyst and sustainer of the initiative. Elected officials or, occasionally, planning professionals are often directly associated with marshalling the support and forging the necessary partnerships to make an initiative a reality. The champion is often essential to shepherding the initiative through difficult implementation phases of environmental analysis, NIMBY opposition and cost increases. Without a visible champion, an initiative could die easily in the face of such obstacles. The big initiatives for the Capital District will require champions. 3. The initiative reflects the sensibilities and community values of the region, producing a strong community consensus. For example, Portland's and |
