What's the Future of Smart Growth in America? presented by Don Chen Cleveland State University 15 December 2006

Governors 25 governors re-elected, 11 new governors elected Democrats picked up 6 seats –28 Democratic Governors –22 Republican Governors

Gubernatorial Election

Governors

Governors & Smart Growth Not a campaign issue in most states However some DID campaign on it - mostly very low key –Patrick (MA) [TOD]; O’Malley (MD); Rell (CT); Baldacci (ME) [endorsed Brookings rpt and rail]; Lynch (NH); Bredesen (TN) [transit] For others it was moot; they had governed on it already –Granholm (MI); Napolitano (AZ); Schwarzenegger (CA) [form-based codes];Richardson (NM); Douglas (VT); Doyle (WI)

Governors & Smart Growth However, several more appear poised to govern on these issues: –Spitzer (NY) –Strickland (OH) –Ritter (CO)

Energy Energy Security an Issue –Renewables –Alternative energy sources Transportation –Rarely linked “Household” energy security –Not on the agenda

Legislatures Democrats gained control of 5 state legislatures –Democrats control both houses in 25 states, Republicans control both in 14 states, 10 are split Democrats picked up roughly 323 seats

Legislatures Control of both houses

Legislatures Party control switch

Government Control Governor’s seat & Control of both houses

Ballot Initiatives Voter fatigue likely led to a smaller percentage of ballot initiatives passing Anti-government initiatives failed –Term limits –Limits on the judiciary –Tax limitations –Regulatory takings

Ballot Initiatives & Smart Growth Transportation –All 7 statewide transportation initiatives passed (CA-4, MN, NJ, RI) –3 involved funding for transit Environment & Natural Resources –23 states approved nearly 100 ballot measures –$5.73 billion increase state or local funding for land conservation

Colorado

Oregon Measure 37 Earlier version (Measure 7) passed in 2000, but found unconstitutional Measure 37 passed in 2004 Land Use Retroactive Pay or Waive

Exporting Measure 37 The libertarian movement’s plan is to export the success they have had in Oregon to other states. Kelo-Plus strategy

Eminent Domain

Ballot Initiatives & Smart Growth Regulatory Takings –California: failed 48%-52% –Washington: failed 41%-59% –Idaho: failed 24%-76% –Arizona: passed 65%-35% –Nevada & Montana

What does is mean for Smart Growth? We can go on the offensive –Educate administrators and political leaders –Engage at the state level –Make Smart Growth the answer (relate to topical issues- energy, climate, economic prosperity, transportation) Inoculate ourselves –Fix eminent domain

A Grassroots Effort? How do the initiatives get on the ballots? Where does the money come from?

Following the Money In Arizona, California, Idaho, and Washington proponents reported having raised more than $5.7 million through September 21. Organizations led by Howard Rich have contributed nearly 85 percent of the total. 15% other 85% Howard Rich-Funded Organizations

California Prop 90 Polling and Results

Washington I-933 Polling and Results

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What is our preliminary framework for policy reform? Fix the Basics 4 Build on Economic Strengths Grow the Middle Class Transform the Physical Landscape Create Neighborhoods of Choice 3

What does is mean for Smart Growth? Opportunity to build new alliances and constituencies –Reach out to new groups outside our traditional alliances –Build grassroots support

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