Marin, Sonoma County, CA March 7, 2000 Election
Smart Voter

JOE NATION ON SMART GROWTH

By Joe Nation

Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 6

This information is provided by the candidate
This outlines the development of a "smart growth" plan for California and the North Bay.
I strongly support the development of a "California General Plan" similar to those developed for cities and counties. Like these local plans, a statewide general plan would include an assessment of long-term environmental and economic issues, such as carrying capacity, resource use and preservation, and housing. Smart growth principles would be the focus of this plan.

This statewide general plan would require regional determination of the appropriate areas for smart growth. Smart growth principles include:
1. Provide incentives for city-centered and transit-oriented development
2. Ensure a regional perspective on economic and environmental issues
3. Using land more efficiently, particularly in established urban centers, to ensure the safeguarding of natural resources.

Smart growth also requires a complete re-work of the state-local financial relationship. For example, the current fiscalization of land-use encourages the development of retail shops that bring sales tax revenue, rather than housing and high-value jobs. Other key financial aspects of smart growth include:
1. Link property-based services with property-based revenues. (The current system does not value the creation of housing or high productivity jobs. Also, the reliance on retail facilities provides a volatile source of revenue for local government. )
2. Allow cities and counties to pass local revenue initiatives during general elections with a simple majority vote
3. Restrict state government's ability to cut general fund property tax revenues to local governments or to impose unfunded mandates.

Next Page: Position Paper 3

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ca/state Created from information supplied by the candidate: February 7, 2000 16:20
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