I have been a consistent voice calling for moderation in urban expansion, particularly concerned about “edge sprawl,” where residential subdivisions replace formerly rural land and potential commercial/light industrial lands.
Smart Growth
Expanding urban boundaries is not always the same as healthy growth, and we need City leaders who understand the consequences of expansion both socially and fiscally.
I have been a consistent voice calling for moderation in urban expansion, particularly concerned about “edge sprawl,” where residential subdivisions replace formerly rural land and potential commercial/light industrial lands.
Contrary to common belief, residential development does not “add to the tax base” is a sustainable fashion. As a rule, the cost of government services to residential development is higher than the tax revenue from those areas. Conversely, commercial and industrial areas generate more in revenue than they use, balancing the equation.
“Michael has been a leader for us on climate and clean energy. He initiated a letter among city and county officials, seeking to have Puget Sound Energy accelerate their transition from dirty coal to clean energy. This helped kick off a round of support across the PSE service territory. Michael didn’t need to wait to be asked. He took action and we had to catch up.”
–Doug Howell, Beyond Coal Campaign, Sierra Club
We need to beware of the future costs of development and growth projections. Adopting higher population numbers for planning does not actually build any new homes or cause businesses to bring new employees to town – that is the job of the private sector, in response to market demand that may or may not unfold as expected. But adopting higher numbers in the Comprehensive Plan does obligate the City to plan to build more infrastructure – roads, bridges, parks, water mains, stormwater facilities – and by law this also requires us to levy impact fees and utility fees to pay for this infrastructure. It is a spending plan.
My preference, in alignment with the Growth Management Act, is to facilitate growth where the infrastructure already exists within city limits. Smart Growth involves prudent annexation, and also appropriate infill and upzones in areas suitable for urbanization and higher density.
Healthy Environment
I love nothing more than to find a few hours of free time and head out for a quick hike in the Chuckanuts. It’s good for my body and soul. And I know many ‘Hamsters feel the same way, whether it is kids running across grass or climbing playground equipment, or the dog walkers on the Railroad Trail behind Barkley, we love being able to enjoy nature right here in our city.
I believe in fighting for clean air and water, and healthy soils, to re-balance our impacts on the natural world, the wildlife, and the lakes and creeks that run though our community.
Protecting and Restoring Lake Whatcom – surcharge, stepping up our financial ability to match the magnitude and the importance of the task, removing restrictions on how that money could be used.
Green infrastructure, to coordinate our land-use goals and regulations with our environmental efforts. Support creation of an urban forestry plan, to coordinate our policies on street trees, public natural spaces, landscaping regulations for private development.
