DEAN NELSON FOR CITY COUNCIL – NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE NEXT DECADE
DEAN’S NEXT DECADE TEN-POINT ACTION PLAN
1. San Marcos General Plan: As we near build-out in San Marcos, the most important, time-sensitive issue facing our city is updating the San Marcos General Plan which has not had a meaningful update in at least 20 years. This is VITAL to responsible development of our fine city. I have seen firsthand as a Planning Commissioner for last eight years that “spot zoning” and “short-term planning” does not work.
2. Fiscal Responsibility: While maintaining budget principles and priorities, to keep our tax dollars local, I will prioritize and implement selected recommendations of ongoing fiscal analysis, capital improvement projects and development impact fees funding. I will investigate new funding and revenue sources as allowed by the City Charter to continue our economic health.
3. Keep San Marcos Safe: I will work to improve and strengthen law enforcement and fire protection services, equipment and facilities to serve San Marcos for the next 20 to 25 years for projected population growth and changing demographics.
4. Community Participation: This is essential to successful governing. I propose to establish a biannual Citizens’ Leadership Academy as another important effort to bring people together from around the city. Bringing a Senior Citizens’ Commission into existence would give our seniors a valuable voice in the community. I support the role of the recently-established Neighborhood Commission and propose to expand its responsibility.
5. San Marcos Creek Specific Plan: As a past Creekside Task Force Member, I want to accelerate the approved plans to develop San Marcos Creek. I also support the University District area, and I believe it is vital to the economic health and future of our city. The generation of new jobs, walkable neighborhoods, recreational options and access to restaurants, hotels, shops, housing and entertainment venues as well as venues to encourage our new Arts Council will bring exciting new energy and beauty to San Marcos.
6. Strengthen our local economy: In order to strengthen our economic development, I will ramp up efforts to attract new businesses, work to retain existing businesses and focus on expanding the local employment base. Revitalizing the San Marcos Economic Development Corporation by restructuring its mission and becoming a more active partner with the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce will reinforce this effort.
7. Renewable energy: I will pursue efforts to establish a partnership with public and private agencies and our utility companies for a regional renewable energy technology development center to promote affordable options in renewable energy.
8. Traffic congestion relief: I will explore efforts with our city and other civic organizations to establish a University Park and Research Center in the University District near California State University-San Marcos to bring more jobs and businesses to town and reduce San Marcos residents’ miles traveled. We must continue to explore options for completing new roads and working with federal, state and local officials and area Chambers of Commerce to support the widening of the 78 Freeway to help keep the congestion off of our surface streets. I will also accelerate efforts to widen critical freeway bridges and ramp improvements, such as Nordahl and Rancho Santa Fe Roads.
9. Protect our natural habitat areas: Protection of our natural habitats is a priority. I will support efforts to complete the City’s Habitat Conservation Plan and its submission for state and federal agency approval.
10. Support our educational community: We are uniquely blessed with exceptional educational opportunity in our city. There needs to be more partnering, such as the Town and Gown Committee, between the City of San Marcos and the University as well as Palomar College and the San Marcos Unified School District to promote unity and responsible community relations.
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