Mark A. Focht, PLA, FASLAPresidentAmerican Society ofLandscape Architects

2009 Award of Excellence Buffalo Bayou PromenadeHouston, TXSWA Group

DESIGN MATTERS – Rail-Volution 2014

The Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship.

American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

• Founded in 1899

• 15,400 ASLA members

• 95 accredited landscape architecture programs

• Landscape architects licensed in all 50 states

Complete Streets – Multiple Modes of Transit

• Replaces outdated automobile-centric roads

• Allows pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, persons of all ages and abilities, and others to safely access our nation’s rights-of-way.

Connects Communities / Public Transportation

• Locates housing, work and retail within walking distance of a bus or rail station.

• Creates better access to jobs and other economic opportunities for working families.

Walkable Communities / Active Living

• Reduces automobile dependence • Improves health / fights obesity• Improves economic vitality

Positive Economic Impact / Increases Property Values

• Special events generate public interest and economic activity.

• Fosters adjacent private investment.• In Houston, TX the Bagby Street

project resulted in a 20% increase in the rental market.

Improves the Environment

• Manages stormwater• Increases tree canopy• Reduces ambient temperature• Removes air and water

pollutants• Improves habitat• Educates the public

Increases Sense of Safety

• Varied lighting sources and levels increases safety and security.

Improves Quality of the Public Realm

• Enhances the public’s appreciation of design and quality materials.

• Utilizes durable, longer-lasting and easier to maintain materials.

• Shows someone cares!

ASLA GreenStreets Implementation

ASLA GreenStreets Implementation

Federal Priorities

• Active Transportation

• Investing in Green Infrastructure

• Community Revitalization Through Parks

• Supporting Our Small Businesses

ASLA Federal Advocacy

Active Transportation

• Safe Streets Act

• Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Financing Act

• New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act

• Highway Runoff Management Act

• Transportation Alternative Program (TAP)

SW Montgomery Green StreetPortland, ORNevue Ngan Associates2012 ASLA Honor Award

Portland Mall RevitalizationPortland, OR

ZGF Architects LLP2011 ASLA Award of

Excellence

Buffalo Bayou Promenade Houston, TXSWA Group2009 ASLA Of Excellence

City of GreensburgGreenburg, KS

BNIM2011 ASLA Honor Award

Featured Projects

SW Morgan/Sylvan Way Corridor, High PointSeattle, WASvR Design

River StreetBatvia, IL

Altamanu, Inc.

Bagby StreetHouston, TXDesign Workshop

New City RevitalizationNew City, NY

Behan Planning & Design

Featured Projects