Mills College
PAE-24: Sustainability Policy Advocacy

The LAMMPS Project, (Laurel Access to Mills, Maxwell Park and Seminary), is a comprehensive plan for street improvements along MacArthur Boulevard, from High Street to Seminary made possible through a Caltrans Transportation Planning Grant award of $257,000 and generous matching funding of $60,000 from Council Member, Jean Quan. The planning process, which resulted in a published study in 2010, employed a series of interactive workshops to engage the surrounding residential community in the decision making process. This comprehensive plan includes guidelines for the following street improvements: -- Street safety through redirecting traffic off of 580, updating AC Transit bus stops -- Beautification of Caltrans and City properties with new landscaping/irrigation, a newly conceived pocket park below the 580 freeway -- Updated access to the Laurel Shopping District via new pedestrian and bike lanes for Mills and Maxwell Park Mills College was involved in the LAMMPS grant submission, team selection, and throughout the design process including hosting four community workshops on campus. We remain a strong supporter of improvements in our neighborhood and contiue to make positive and lasting connections with districts 4 and 6 to create a safe and beautiful environment for our students and our residential neighbors. Consulting Team participants: -- Kimley-Horn and Associates - Linda Debolt and Paul Krupka, traffic & civil engineering and transportation planning -- Robert Sabbatini - streetscape design, landscape design and outreach facilitation -- Envirocom Communications Strategies - Surlene Grant, public and community outreach, meeting and design facilitation -- PLS Survey, Inc. - topographical and right-of-way surveys Iris Starr, Senior Transportation Planner for the City of Oakland, and Project Manager Mills College Team: President DeCoudreaux Renee Jadushlever Linda Zitzner Karen Fiene Brian Harrington In November 2012, several faculty members from the Mills College Economics Department signed an advocacy letter to support and enhance the effectiveness of California cap and trade policies. Student thesis projects in environmental studies and public policy result in recommendations to government agencies to improve sustainable practices.