As the completion of I-540 pushes forward, and the downtown renaissance continues, some areas of our city risk serious decline. A "reverse doughnut" where areas between the beltline and 540 declines while ring suburbs and downtown thrive.

We should continue to encourage midtown developments such as North Hills, and encourage active neighborhoods in this area. City zoning rules that helped revitalize neighborhoods such as University Park, Boylan Heights, and Oakwood should be extended to these areas. These partnerships will help these areas of the city retain value and build strong neighborhoods actively involved in city life.

• The city should expand the availability of Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts to all neighborhoods. (Currently available to neighborhoods over 25 years old) These districts have more “teeth” in preserving the tax base of a community, and give neighborhoods a more direct voice in determining the direction of their communities.
• Home Owner’s Associations that voluntarily join these districts could be made eligible for city street maintenance and lighting.
• When possible, adjoining neighborhoods should have street and sidewalk connections. This enhances public safety as well providing better connections to the surrounding areas. Street connections should be voluntary, but funded by the city. If connector streets are built, traffic calming will be implemented to preserve pedestrian safety.
• Many areas in the reversed doughnut area are underserved by public transportation. Park and ride lots should be incorporated into existing neighborhoods and shopping centers to connect residents to enhanced commuter services and light rail.