Tukwila Councilmember Pam Carter, Chair of the VISION 2020 Awards Selection Committee, honored nine other regional projects that are superb examples of the innovative work being done to provide affordable housing, revitalize urban centers, provide infrastructure, and enhance the region's environment.

"The winners highlight the strengths of our region -- natural beauty, community spirit, vibrant business centers and neighborhoods as well as diverse housing choices," said Councilmember Carter.

The 2005 VISION 2020 Award winners are:

Bremerton Community Renewal Project -- This project revitalized the downtown core of Bremerton beginning with public investments in the Norm Dicks Government Center and the Kitsap Conference Center. Over $400 million in public projects are scheduled for the first phase of the plan. Private interests have responded quickly, retail space is full, the conference center is busy, and $19.3 million in private developments are in the works.

Snoqualmie Forest Preservation Agreement -- King County's work to preserve open space through a conservation easement and transfer of development rights that will maintain 90,000 acres as a working forest.

Redevelopment of the former Coast Guard property in Redmond -- A site created on surplus land including a mix of very low income family emergency shelter and transitional housing for formerly homeless individuals, low income ownership housing via Habitat for Humanity, and housing for median income households. The site includes a park.

YWCA Opportunity Place -- A new seven story region facility in Belltown offering 145 units of permanent housing for low-income individuals, comprehensive services for homeless women, and an employment and training center.

Everett Events Center -- The new mixed-use center has exceeded community expectations for events, attendance, community support, and economic stimulus. The Events Center is easily accessible by transit, offers good pedestrian facilities, and is revitalizing nearby developments with new retail and employment facilities.

Renton Airport Compatible Land Use Program -- The City of Renton's work to ensure incompatible land uses are not located near the airport, which is especially innovative because the airport is in the city center.

Mill Creek Town Center -- The town center includes nearly 500,000 square feet of office, entertainment, and retail space as well as 1200 new residential units in five compact neighborhoods surrounding the center. The Design Guidelines ensure pedestrian and transit friendly streets as well as quality construction.

Hillside Gardens Apartments & Eliza McCabe Townhomes -- A redevelopment in downtown Tacoma offering 36 units to families earning between 30 to 60% below the median income, 18 units of transitional housing for previously homeless families, and 13 units for disabled persons.

Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts -- An efficient redevelopment in Pioneer Square offering artists and their families who are earning below the median income permanent live work space.





For more information about the VISION 2020 Award winners, contact Michele Leslie, 206-587-4819, mleslie@psrc.org.