Current Trend Scenario
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CURRENT TREND 2020-2050 SERIES MAP
- Download Detailed PDF File HERE (1.7MB)
How will Shasta County Grow? The following snapshots of Shasta County's development 'footprint' are shown in 10 year increments through the year 2050.
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CURRENT TREND PROJECTED LAND USE PATTERN (2050)
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The 'Current Trend' scenario is based on existing trends, policies, and practices played out to 2050. The location of new development follows rules of 'attraction' and 'discouragment'.
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CURRENT TREND - HOW LAND IS USED
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The 'Current Trend' scenario is seen here from a different perspective. Height corresponds to the density of development. Colors represent different land use types.
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GROWTH BAND ANIMATIONS
- View Growth Band Video HERE (11MB)
This video illustrates how the development 'footprint' of Shasta County will expand over time.
This video illustrates how the development 'footprint' of Shasta County will expand over time.
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CURRENT TREND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY MAP
- Download Detailed PDF File HERE (3MB)
Areas of 'Economic Activity' are based on the level of attraction (i.e. the opportunity for commerce and employment) and accessibility (i.e. the distance from homes and intervening congestion).
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CURRENT TREND CONGESTION LEVELS
- Download Detailed PDF File HERE (5MB)
Here we see the location and severity of traffic congestion along the I-5 corridor and surrounding valley floor areas. Congestion is categorized like a report card from Level of Service 'A' (i.e. free flow) to 'F' (i.e. gridlock).
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PERFORMANCE MEASURES MATRIX
- Download Detailed PDF File HERE (5.2MB)
Performance measures help 'tell the story' of how future growth and development will impact the lives of Shasta County residents. **See also interactive performance measure icons to the right.
What it means>>
The 'Current Trend' scenario is based on present-day plans, policies, and practices projected into the future. Over time, the I-5 corridor and surrounding areas blend into one large metropolitan area. Much of what has traditionally been considered open space in the valley floor gradually disappears as undeveloped land becomes developed. Except for a few rural towns, the intensity of development fades as the distance from I-5 increases.
The places people live and the places people go are generally separated. Redding and a handful of commercial and industrial sites along I-5 continue to be the center of economic activity and employment. Retail development is grouped in large, regional centers near freeway on/off ramps and at major intersections. Residential development gradually expands outward at the urban fringe. Every so often, a large multi-thousand home tract changes the landscape more abruptly.
I-5 and regional highways are increasingly relied upon for routine trips. The vast majority of transportation investments focus on maintaining these roadways and fixing congested bottlenecks as resources permit. The general appearance and quality of life in the region inch closer to other metropolitan areas throughout California.
What are the implications>>
The 'Current Trend' scenario is based on present-day plans, policies, and practices projected into the future. Over time, the I-5 corridor and surrounding areas blend into one large metropolitan area. Much of what has traditionally been considered open space in the valley floor gradually disappears as undeveloped land becomes developed. Except for a few rural towns, the intensity of development fades as the distance from I-5 increases.
The places people live and the places people go are generally separated. Redding and a handful of commercial and industrial sites along I-5 continue to be the center of economic activity and employment. Retail development is grouped in large, regional centers near freeway on/off ramps and at major intersections. Residential development gradually expands outward at the urban fringe. Every so often, a large multi-thousand home tract changes the landscape more abruptly.
I-5 and regional highways are increasingly relied upon for routine trips. The vast majority of transportation investments focus on maintaining these roadways and fixing congested bottlenecks as resources permit. The general appearance and quality of life in the region inch closer to other metropolitan areas throughout California.
What are the implications>>
- Despite the status quo policies and practices, the net effect on Shasta County's form, function, and livability is anything but business-as-usual under the weight of future population projections.
- Nearly one-half of all land area in the valley floor and foothills is developed. The remaining half are those lands that are most problematic and/or expensive to develop due to environmental impacts, lack of ground water, or distance from existing infrastructure.
- Vehicle miles traveled per household jumps from 34 to 65 miles per day. A near doubling of automobile CO2 emissions is at odds with current environmental and climate change laws. Failure to comply with state laws will lead to litigation, eventually restricting Shasta County's freedom to grow and develop as a region.
- The 'Current Trend' is the most predictable and politically expedient option in the short term, as only incremental changes in local policies and practices are required.
Performance Measures >>
Land Developed Ratio* 
Air Quality* 
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Impacted* 
Greenhouse Gas Emission 
Fuel Consumption 
Walkability / Transportation Choices 
Infrastructure Costs For New Development 
Average Commute Time 
Vehicle Miles Traveled 
Prime Agricultural Land Impacted 
Water Consumption* 