
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu
January 30, 2006
UNM Architecture Dean Named to Governor's Task Force
Policy group charged to look at land use, economic development and transit
Roger Schluntz, dean, University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning, has been asked to serve on the task force “Our Communities, Our Future” at the request of Gov. Bill Richardson.
Originally conceived as a “Smart Growth” policy task force for New Mexico, the group will be looking at infrastructure financing , economic development, land use planning, real estate location, transit- and pedestrian-oriented development, workforce housing, community development and the interface of wild lands and development.
“I am delighted to serve on the governor's task force. The charge given to us is of critical importance to the quality of life for residents of New Mexico,” Schluntz said.
Richardson and the legislature want recommendations that will enhance the quality of community development, which mirrors outreach efforts made by faculty in the School of Architecture and Planning.
“For example,” Schluntz said, “we have a long established interest in transit-oriented development, walkable and healthy communities, affordable housing, as well as sustainable physical environments and infrastructure.”
In the governor's executive order, he indicates that the task force will meet with the public to understand the “values that underlie New Mexico's community livability,” and the “best opportunities for public-private partnerships for 21 st century prosperity and community growth.”
The order further states that the task force will consult with the Department of Transportation on “new, intermodal approaches to enhancing livability through increased transit service, transit oriented development and bike and pedestrian opportunities.”
The task force will also consult with the General Services department on locating state government offices “within walking distance of transit stops or in central business districts.”
The task force will look at mixed-use and mixed-income community development as well as ways to “attract and retain high quality jobs to the state while enhancing New Mexico downtowns.”
The group will prepare written recommendations for the governor “regarding community development and describing incentives for high-quality investment and development in all of New Mexico's communities.”
Schluntz doesn't know which areas he will work on over the next 14 months, but he expressed interest in land use planning, real estate location, transit- and pedestrian-oriented development, workforce housing and community development.
The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
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