Kauzlarich: LD23 Democrats endorse Scottsdale’s general plan update

The LD23 Democrats’ Executive Board has formally endorsed the Scottsdale General Plan 2035. Please join us by voting yes on Prop 463.

This decision was easy. The level of citizen involvement in this plan, from its early stages through its conclusion is wholly consistent with our values. It recognizes our geographic and demographic diversity.

Importantly, it holds the council and developers accountable for what our city becomes over the next 15 years.

Beyond this plan’s wholistic approach, there are very specific elements that influenced our decision. Some of these are the city council’s unanimous approval, the hundreds of citizens, commissioners and council members with direct input into the final product.

The public hearings, more than a dozen town hall meetings and eight council work-study sessions are all powerful reflections of this plan’s inclusiveness.

This plan is our voice.

This plan is also an expression of values — on climate change, sustainability, heat mitigation, water use and other goals to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve zero waste while protecting our western heritage in historic Old Town.

Finally, this plan is an expression of intent. Several new categories of amendments require a super-majority to pass the council (five votes instead of four). New developments will be required to provide open space.

It will require neighborhood input on development projects. It removes incentives to “build taller” and developers will be expected to pay their fair share of costs, not pass them along to taxpayers.

Join us and vote yes on Prop. 463 to keep the Scottsdale we love.

Thank you and thanks for being a voter!

Editor’s Note: Victoria Kauzlarich is chair of Legislative District 23 Democrats.