Our League has joined with the LWV of the Salinas Valley to support the Community General Plan Initiative, also known as the "Monterey County Quality of Life, Affordable Housing and Voter Control Initiative".

This Initiative, if qualified through the petition process, will be voted on at the June 2006 election. The Initiative would implement the major land use and affordable housing provisions of the Community General Plan (which LWVSV and LWVMP supported) by amending the 1982 General Plan.

Major provisions of the Community General Plan are:

• Directs growth into cities and 5 unincorporated Community Areas: former Ft. Ord, Pajaro, Castroville, Boronda and Chualar
• Increases affordable housing requirements from 20 to 30%, and from 30 to 40% on former Ft. Ord
• Requires voter approval for any changes intensifying land uses not allowed by the Initiative
• Helps preserve productive farm land
• Promotes positive transportation and water supply solutions before developments are approved
• Supports overstressed public service agencies

League positions that support the provisions of the Initiative include:

League of Women Voters of California positions:

• Agricultural Land Preservation
• Air Quality
• Energy
• Transportation
• Water
• Housing
• Growth Management
• Use of direct initiative and referendum when necessary

Leagues of Women Voters of the Salinas Valley and of the Monterey Peninsula positions:

• Planning
• Land Use
• Housing
• Water

League representatives have participated in General Plan workshops and hearings on the numerous General Plan Updates that have been proposed over the last six years. The two county Leagues have made official oral and written statements, and in most instances the Board of Supervisors has approved General Plan policies contrary to League positions.

Close to 9,000 signatures are required to quality the Initiative for the June ballot. If you wish to help with circulating petitions or have any questions, please contact us.