Increase the ability of citizens to help shape the future of their communities. Citizen participation is at the foundation of a true democracy. We must work to strengthen the ability of citizens to have meaningful input into the planning and design of their communities, and to assure that adopted plans are followed. We must also work to increase the role of those citizens traditionally under-represented in the process. Create stronger, healthier communities.
Healthy communities provide the foundation for healthy families and individuals.
We must do a better job of promoting vital downtowns, strong neighborhoods, and affordable housing. We must pay better attention to how our communities are designed so that more people can walk or bike to schools, shops, and parks. We need to welcome diversity within our own neighborhoods. Reduce the amount of sprawl. Over development destroys our natural environment, decimates our cities, breaks down our sense of community, increases air and water pollution, and wastes taxpayer dollars.