Changes possible with a Democratic County Council
Every decade there is an opportunity on the Pierce County Council to create a significant change. The November election will elect three leaders who will use the Growth Management Act in a way that will allow the county to reach its potential.
Who wins this election will determine how the county will provide homes and apartments for 100,000 people who will move to the county over the next 15 years. Will the county government and the people work together to realize our community plans and create town centers? What will it take to change our sprawling suburbs into more livable communities?
This is the theme of the Environmental Coalition’s September Conference. Join us at 9 am on Saturday September 28th at Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway. Be ready to share your thoughts and ideas.
The election of Jani Hitchen and Ryan Mello is the key to maintaining the Democratic majority on the County Council. Jani’s re-election will be challenging, and she’s going to need some help. The primary election showed how her opposition is raising money and working hard to flip the seat this fall.
Jani and Ryan are key Pierce County Councilmembers who have a track record of using Growth Management policies to set the foundation for much-needed infrastructure to accompany growth. Adding parks, trails, and sidewalks will help provide kids with ways to travel safely to school and around their neighborhoods.
Since 2020, the Pierce County Council has had a Democratic majority that made it possible to improve the social network and show what a compassionate government can do to help residents who are struggling to find affordable homes.
Over the last two years, the County Council has passed significant changes to locate new construction into areas where there is already adequate infrastructure and services provided.
On tap is a discussion about providing homes and apartments to over 40% of the people who live in Pierce County but leave each morning to work in Seattle or Olympia and elsewhere. The Council has altered the funding and now collects impact fees and other taxes to ensure that growth pays for new parks, roads, schools and other services as it occurs.
In the November election, voters will decide if these councilmembers will continue to guide Pierce County growth toward positive community outcomes. At the conference, you can meet the council members and discuss ideas and tell them what changes you would like to see in your neighborhood.
Ryan Mello is our keynote speaker and is running for County Executive. He will discuss the changes he has in mind to put people and communities first. He’ll also be listening to hear what you have to say about our future development.
Jani Hitchen will also tell you about what she has done over the last four years to improve life in our sprawling neighborhoods. She was a schoolteacher and is now emerging as a leader on the council. She has a clear vision of how the county can grow and reach its potential, but she needs your help to hold on to her council seat this November.
This is not a fundraiser, but instead a “friendraiser.” Once elected, Ryan and Jani will seek volunteers to fill seats on the Pierce County Planning Commission, Land Use Advisory Boards, and other government entities. It is time that these boards reflected the interests of the community, not just those with a financial stake.
For eight years, the Pierce County Planning Department has fast-tracked permits without providing adequate environmental review. The Tiny Home Village in Spanaway is merely the latest example. In the Wilkeson area, planning staff provided bonus density in a proposed subdivision. Some of the subdivision is in a volcanic hazard area, while other parts are in a designated wildlife open space corridor.
The Tiny Village will add significant traffic to an already crowded Spanaway Loop Road. The Wilkeson project will involve cutting down trees and ultimately adding traffic on highway 410 in an area without adequate police, parks, sewers, and other services.
A Democratic County Council can redirect growth into areas where parks, arterials, transit, and other infrastructure already exists. Locating growth in these areas can also reduce commutes to nearby cities where people work.
Speakers from Futurewise will show you how to use your phone or computer to influence future state legislation that can help change growth management laws and address climate change. For example, there is state legislation proposed next session that will increase Conservation Futures funding to preserve local forests, new parks and preserve streams in our communities.
Another panel of speakers will discuss affordable housing and how to help people who suddenly lose an apartment, a job, or a spouse, and find themselves and their children among the homeless. Learn about Pierce County programs to help put lives back on track.
This conference is sponsored by the Environmental Coalition of Pierce County. This group of advocates have joined forces to provide environmental news and advocate for much-needed change across Pierce County. The Coalition also reviews candidates for office, provides endorsements, and encourages folks to donate and volunteer for their campaigns. In recent years, name-brand environmental groups like Sierra Club and Audubon Society no longer hold local meetings or publish environmental news, so the Coalition is working hard to fill the void.
In Burley Lagoon, neighbors seek to stop the largest geoduck farm in South Puget Sound. Near Spanaway Marsh, Spanaway Concerned Citizens are appealing a county permit that would cut down over 600 trees and build an isolated tiny home village next to an environmentally-sensitive wetland. In Wilkeson, a sprawling subdivision looms nearby as locals worry about its effects on wildlife, traffic, and water supply. There are lots of issues to engage with, and we must choose what to focus on.
The Coalition invites you to get involved with these local campaigns and learn about their issues. The Coalition also provides monthly reports on local environmental news and legislation, and we provide suggestions as to how you can make a difference.
Save the date: Saturday September 28 at 9am at Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway. Come connect with folks who share your concerns about building strong communities while also protecting the environment!