A three-way coalition.
John M. Eger, San Diego Union-Tribune, Insight, January 24, 1999.
In the next few weeks, the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau - - in a dramatic show of cooperation and collaboration - - are expected to announce a new joint effort to develop a Smart Growth initiative for the San Diego region.
This industry-led effort is complimentary to the San Diego County's recent call for a Smart Growth Coalition. Led by Supervisor Ron Roberts, the Coalition aims to bring industry, government and community leaders together to develop a comprehensive plan which enhances economic development as it stems the tide of urban sprawl, and protects and preserves our open spaces.
According to Supervisor Roberts, in a letter to his colleagues, San Diego is already in the midst of a housing crisis that threatens our economic prosperity as it erodes our quality of life. Simply put, Roberts said, "we are growing faster than our existing supply, planning and land perspectives and general approach to development can accommodate."
Over the next twenty years, for example, San Diego's population is expected to grow by an additional one million people, creating demand for roughly four hundred thousand - - hopefully affordable - - new housing units. The average family income in San Diego is currently a little over $41,000.00 and the average home price close to $300,000.00, making it all but impossible for many San Diegans to afford their own home.
In addition to housing concerns, the Coalition is expected to address a full spectrum of issues, including transportation, community infrastructure and environmental impact. Fortunately as telecommunications becomes a substitute for transportation, new alternatives and innovative solutions are available. Together with changes in zoning laws to encourage mixed-use of existing land for commercial and residential use, a new spirit of cooperation between developers and environmentalists, a new approach to planning for this inevitable growth is possible.
Entitled "Forward San Diego," the three powerful associations plan to develop a new business coalition on infrastructure and growth to help the County in their effort. Together with the City of San Diego and representatives from the building, environmental, planning, real estate, rental, and business communities, it bodes well for a new consensus balancing the growth and environmental needs of the region.
On March 24, Supervisor Roberts and incoming Chairwoman Pam Slater will host a Regional Growth Conference workshop to provide guidance and input for the ongoing work that will be done by the Smart Growth Coalition.