Slow Growth Forces Defeated by Unlikely Coalition

An editorial showing how diverse coalitions can defeat grassroots activists that seek, through political initiatives, to unreasonably restrict infill growth in "built-out" cities.

1 minute read

November 11, 2005, 6:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


"The measure's sponsors say that while their campaign was grass-roots, the well-financed opposition was all from outside Cupertino. But surely Cupertino has residents who belong to the Sierra Club, the League of Women Voters, the Greenbelt Alliance or the League of Conservation Voters. Surely some residents are members of the Chamber of Commerce or a labor union, or work for Apple or HP."

"The entire Cupertino city council opposed A, B and C. Now members need to reach out to the substantial minority that voted for the measures. They need to answer legitimate concerns about growth and help residents see how more urban development, rather than strip malls, along major corridors like Stevens Creek and De Anza boulevards can actually improve the city."

Thanks to MTC-ABAG Library newsletter

Thursday, November 10, 2005 in San Jose Mercury News

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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