What is the SDAT?
The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is an interdisciplinary community assistance program that focuses on principles of sustainability by bringing multidisciplinary teams of professionals (such as architects, urban designers, landscape architects, planners, hydrologists, economists, attorneys, and others) to work with community decision-makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. These nationally-recognized professionals are DONATING their time and expertise.
The SDAT program upholds the AIA design assistance team values of:
What is the SDAT process?
An advance team met with local experts and representatives of local stakeholder organizations to pool as much information–data, ideas, suggestions, comments, preferences, etc.–as possible.
Based on this scoping visit, the project leaders chose the final team. This team of 6 is studying Sebastopol’s situation, and returned May 15-17 to lead consensus-building public workshops and to develop a strategic plan for increased sustainability. The progress and implementation of this plan will be monitored by the SDAT for a full year after its presentation.
How did the grant come about?
The Core Project (www.the-core-project.org) applied for the grant. Sebastopol is one of only 7 communities across the nation to receive an SDAT grant in 2013. You may see the grant application here.
What is The Core Project?
The Core Project (www.the-core-project.org) is a group of citizen volunteers whose goal is to explore how the physical presence of Sebastopol can become a more economically thriving and aesthetically vibrant place, reflecting the natural beauty of the region and the character of the community. In 2011 and 2012, the group hosted an international design competition that generated ideas from local and international entrants to vitalize Sebastopol’s Downtown Core. The overwhelming interest in and enthusiasm for the design competition demonstrated by the Sebastopol community provided the impetus for the group to undertake the SDAT grant application. Like The Core Project on Facebook or join the mailing list to stay informed and to learn how to be part of the SDAT process.
What is the goal of the SDAT?
The goal is to create a collective, workable plan for Sebastopol’s downtown core.
Why was Sebastopol chosen?
From Erin Simmons of the AIA, “The Sebastopol SDAT application made it clear that Sebastopol has a great opportunity to bridge the divisions in the community and bring people together on common ground in planning for their future at a critical juncture. The AIA is very excited to help the community develop that common vision.”
What is the cost to the community?
Almost nothing. The SDAT is a volunteer effort by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Planning professionals donate their services for free. The AIA donates $15,000 for expenses. The community must raise $5,000 to cover any additional expenses. The City of Sebastopol has contributed $2,500.
Is the City of Sebastopol paying anything?
The community must raise $5,000 to cover additional expenses. The City of Sebastopol has contributed $2,500.
If you wish to donate, you may do so here
The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is an interdisciplinary community assistance program that focuses on principles of sustainability by bringing multidisciplinary teams of professionals (such as architects, urban designers, landscape architects, planners, hydrologists, economists, attorneys, and others) to work with community decision-makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. These nationally-recognized professionals are DONATING their time and expertise.
The SDAT program upholds the AIA design assistance team values of:
- a multidisciplinary approach
- objectivity of all participating team members
- use of public processes and forums.
What is the SDAT process?
An advance team met with local experts and representatives of local stakeholder organizations to pool as much information–data, ideas, suggestions, comments, preferences, etc.–as possible.
Based on this scoping visit, the project leaders chose the final team. This team of 6 is studying Sebastopol’s situation, and returned May 15-17 to lead consensus-building public workshops and to develop a strategic plan for increased sustainability. The progress and implementation of this plan will be monitored by the SDAT for a full year after its presentation.
How did the grant come about?
The Core Project (www.the-core-project.org) applied for the grant. Sebastopol is one of only 7 communities across the nation to receive an SDAT grant in 2013. You may see the grant application here.
What is The Core Project?
The Core Project (www.the-core-project.org) is a group of citizen volunteers whose goal is to explore how the physical presence of Sebastopol can become a more economically thriving and aesthetically vibrant place, reflecting the natural beauty of the region and the character of the community. In 2011 and 2012, the group hosted an international design competition that generated ideas from local and international entrants to vitalize Sebastopol’s Downtown Core. The overwhelming interest in and enthusiasm for the design competition demonstrated by the Sebastopol community provided the impetus for the group to undertake the SDAT grant application. Like The Core Project on Facebook or join the mailing list to stay informed and to learn how to be part of the SDAT process.
What is the goal of the SDAT?
The goal is to create a collective, workable plan for Sebastopol’s downtown core.
Why was Sebastopol chosen?
From Erin Simmons of the AIA, “The Sebastopol SDAT application made it clear that Sebastopol has a great opportunity to bridge the divisions in the community and bring people together on common ground in planning for their future at a critical juncture. The AIA is very excited to help the community develop that common vision.”
What is the cost to the community?
Almost nothing. The SDAT is a volunteer effort by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Planning professionals donate their services for free. The AIA donates $15,000 for expenses. The community must raise $5,000 to cover any additional expenses. The City of Sebastopol has contributed $2,500.
Is the City of Sebastopol paying anything?
The community must raise $5,000 to cover additional expenses. The City of Sebastopol has contributed $2,500.
If you wish to donate, you may do so here
What to expect?
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Afternoon: Community workshops
Evening: Town Hall
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
Work day for the team
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17
Evening: Presentation of Findings to Community
The public workshops and presentations will take place at the Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol
How is the City of Sebastopol involved?
The City of Sebastopol has supported this grassroots effort by writing a letter of support to the American Institute of Architects and contributing $2,500.
How can I donate to the project?
The Core Project secured the SDAT grant for the community and is managing the project.
Any donations collected beyond what is needed for the SDAT will be used to fund The Core Project events and activities or will go toward implementation of SDAT recommendations.
The Core Project is NOT a 501(c)(3) organization.
Make a donation via PayPal here.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15
Afternoon: Community workshops
Evening: Town Hall
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
Work day for the team
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17
Evening: Presentation of Findings to Community
The public workshops and presentations will take place at the Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol
How is the City of Sebastopol involved?
The City of Sebastopol has supported this grassroots effort by writing a letter of support to the American Institute of Architects and contributing $2,500.
How can I donate to the project?
The Core Project secured the SDAT grant for the community and is managing the project.
Any donations collected beyond what is needed for the SDAT will be used to fund The Core Project events and activities or will go toward implementation of SDAT recommendations.
The Core Project is NOT a 501(c)(3) organization.
Make a donation via PayPal here.
If paying by check, make your check out to The Core Project and indicate SDAT in the memo section.
Mail to:
The Core Project
c/o 108 Art + Design
108 Petaluma Ave.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
What kind of grant is this?
The AIA will contribute $15,000 to cover expenses and an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in donated professional consulting time.
This is not a cash grant.
Where can I find results of SDATs in other communities?
Locally, the Southeast Greenway in Santa Rosa www.southeastgreenway.org
SDAT communities similar to Sebastopol:
Bastrop, TX- http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab093146.pdf
Port Angeles, WA- http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab080869.pdf
Wenatchee, WA- http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab097657.pdf
Or visit the AIA SDAT website to browse other SDAT communities. www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425
There have been many community forums over the years. How will this program differ?
The SDAT process builds on all the previous community forums. This is where the rubber hits the road and ideas become action. The preliminary team was impressed with the enormous amount of work that had already been done and the level of community involvement. In fact, this was mentioned as one of the reasons our town was selected above other applicants. The team looks forward putting its experience in consensus-building, community-driven and transparent processes to reach a collective workable vision for Sebastopol.
Where will the money come from to implement suggested plans?
The team may recommend financing sources. Previous SDATs have generated millions of dollars through a variety of funding sources including public and private grants.
How will this affect the General Plan?
The hope is that community consensus will lead to specific recommendations for the General Plan.
What are the geographic limits of the PROJECT?
The project focuses on Sebastopol’s downtown core.
See map
How can I be involved?
Spread the word about the event. Come the to SDAT workshops May 15-17. Meet the team. Share your ideas. Make your voice heard and then get ready to roll up your sleeves.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes!
Can you draw by hand? Do you have Adobe Illustrator skills (and ideally a copy of Illustrator on your laptop)? Are you a wiz at basic spreadsheet analysis? Can you take photos, do traffic counts and be willing and able to generally run around gathering information? If so, we need your time and talent on May 16 and 17 as the team formulates their ideas and puts the presentation together. Volunteers do not need to be available all day both days. We're grateful for whatever time you can contribute.
We will also need a number of general helpers on May 15 and 17.
We are also looking for assistance from a tax attorney or tax professional.
Email us at [email protected]
Where can I find more informaton about the SDAT?
http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425
How can I stay informed about the Sebastopol SDAT?
Will the resulting ideas be implemented?
That’s all up to you!
Mail to:
The Core Project
c/o 108 Art + Design
108 Petaluma Ave.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
What kind of grant is this?
The AIA will contribute $15,000 to cover expenses and an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in donated professional consulting time.
This is not a cash grant.
Where can I find results of SDATs in other communities?
Locally, the Southeast Greenway in Santa Rosa www.southeastgreenway.org
SDAT communities similar to Sebastopol:
Bastrop, TX- http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab093146.pdf
Port Angeles, WA- http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab080869.pdf
Wenatchee, WA- http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab097657.pdf
Or visit the AIA SDAT website to browse other SDAT communities. www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425
There have been many community forums over the years. How will this program differ?
The SDAT process builds on all the previous community forums. This is where the rubber hits the road and ideas become action. The preliminary team was impressed with the enormous amount of work that had already been done and the level of community involvement. In fact, this was mentioned as one of the reasons our town was selected above other applicants. The team looks forward putting its experience in consensus-building, community-driven and transparent processes to reach a collective workable vision for Sebastopol.
Where will the money come from to implement suggested plans?
The team may recommend financing sources. Previous SDATs have generated millions of dollars through a variety of funding sources including public and private grants.
How will this affect the General Plan?
The hope is that community consensus will lead to specific recommendations for the General Plan.
What are the geographic limits of the PROJECT?
The project focuses on Sebastopol’s downtown core.
See map
How can I be involved?
Spread the word about the event. Come the to SDAT workshops May 15-17. Meet the team. Share your ideas. Make your voice heard and then get ready to roll up your sleeves.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes!
Can you draw by hand? Do you have Adobe Illustrator skills (and ideally a copy of Illustrator on your laptop)? Are you a wiz at basic spreadsheet analysis? Can you take photos, do traffic counts and be willing and able to generally run around gathering information? If so, we need your time and talent on May 16 and 17 as the team formulates their ideas and puts the presentation together. Volunteers do not need to be available all day both days. We're grateful for whatever time you can contribute.
We will also need a number of general helpers on May 15 and 17.
We are also looking for assistance from a tax attorney or tax professional.
Email us at [email protected]
Where can I find more informaton about the SDAT?
http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425
How can I stay informed about the Sebastopol SDAT?
Will the resulting ideas be implemented?
That’s all up to you!