As part of the City of Morgan Hill’s effort to update its General Plan and other long-term planning documents, City Hall has invited outside experts to share their experiences managing growth in communities in California and across the country. Thus the City Council has directed its staff and a consultant to explore revisions to the City’s growth management system, and, as an initial step in that multi-year process, officials have organized a public symposium May 29 to learn about strategies that have succeeded elsewhere, according to a press release from the City’s General Plan update consultant, The Planning Center.
Morgan Hill’s growth management strategy has served the City with a population cap, a regulated pace of development, development quality standards, and community amenities, the press release continues. However, City officials have noted the complexity, time and expenses associated with implementation of the system are onerous, and the system is inflexible, driving reform efforts.
The City has relied on the Residential Development Control System since 1977 to ensure that existing infrastructure and public services can handle new development.
The City now is hoping to replace the 36-year-old RDCS with a system that cuts costs and red tape while still guaranteeing orderly, high-quality development and desired community amenities, according to the press release.
“As Morgan Hill grows, residents expect their City government to operate efficiently and preserve our community’s character and high quality of life,” said Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate, who has been touting the idea of simplifying growth control in the City for more than a year. “We are bringing together community members, city leaders, and leading experts to find streamlined, cost-effective, and sustainable ways of doing just that.”
The May 29 symposium will feature a panel discussion that includes national growth management expert and former mayor of Ventura, Bill Fulton, as well as former Davis Planning Director, Jeff Loux, and several other city leaders from across California.
The symposium will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29th in the Hiram Morgan Hill Room of the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey Road. The City encourages all interested members of the public to attend and participate.
For more information about this project, visit www.MorganHill2035.org.
What: Morgan Hill Growth Management Symposium, featuring a panel of experts from other cities on what growth control methods have worked
When: Wednesday, May 29
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Hiram Morgan Hill Room, Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road
Details: www.morganhill2035.org
