Community Development is guided by certain fundamental principles that we shall:
- Promote the efficient use of limited resources to enhance regional competitive advantage
- Strive for representation and inclusion of residents as we create social and economic opportunities
- Respect the unique social and physical qualities of place, relating to both cultural history, and the natural and built environment as we invest in the future.
We further define these elements as follows:
Efficient use of limited resources
We will encourage the repair of existing regional infrastructure before the development of new, and we will promote government funding for rehabilitation of existing communities that works to increase market demand for urban locations and replaces “hidden” subsidies that currently take place through infrastructure development.
Representation, inclusion, and the growth of social and economic opportunities
We support a “bottom-up” approach to community revitalization that reflects the needs and desires of current residents and works to bring social equity and increased economic opportunity to those residents through more equitable taxing policies, education and employment opportunities.
Valuing quality of place while respecting its history and investing in the future
We will work to enhance our communities through efforts that retain existing assets while providing infill development that enhances those assets both social and physical. We value walkable neighborhoods and towns that provide safety to their residents, public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle access, and an enhanced community experience.
