Concern About 'Ballot Box Planning' In The Bay Area

A mixed result on election day for extending the urban growth boundaries in four East Bay cities leaves developers with hope while environmentalists are worried about fending off future developer initiatives.

1 minute read

November 14, 2005, 2:00 PM PST

By Irvin Dawid

All four initiatives were placed on the ballot by developers. A 'yes' vote indicated support to extend the urban growth boundary so as to allow housing to be built in protected, open space. Livermore is in eastern Alameda County; the remaining three cities are all located in eastern Contra Costa County. The Brentwood measure was barely defeated.

"Developers won two of four ballot initiatives they pushed to expand growth boundaries in eastern Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and those on both side of the issue said the campaign's relative success would lead to more "ballot box planning" that cuts local authorities out of the process by placing proposals before voters."

Thanks to MTC-ABAG Library

FULL STORY: ELECTION 2005: Division over East Bay growth: Measures win in Pittsburg, Antioch; lose in Brentwood, Livermore

Thursday, November 10, 2005 in The San Francisco Chronicle

Government / Politics Land Use California

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