State and Local Reporter - 03/17/2004 (Plain Text Version)Duane Willenbring, Chair View Graphical Version | Subscribe
to NAHB Publications | Email our
Editor... In this issue: San Diego Voters Reject Growth Control MeasureFor the second time in five years, voters in San Diego County shot down a measure to contain growth. A March ballot initiative to downzone agricultural land and establish a de facto urban growth boundary was defeated by a margin of 35% 'yes' to 65% 'no.' Known as the Rural Lands Initiative or Proposition A, the measure would have created minimum parcel sizes of 40 acres, 80 acres and 160 acres on nearly 700,000 acres of land in the unincorporated region of San Diego County. Duncan McFetridge, a local no-growth activist, led the movement, with support from labor and environmental groups. The Building Industry Association of San Diego estimated a loss of 35,000 homes if the proposal were to pass and teamed with the county's Farm Bureau and Realtors association to defeat it. Extensive campaigning on both sides included direct mail, media buys and educating community groups, with $2.2 million in total spending. For more information or to contact us directly, please visit www.NAHB.org | ©2004, National Association of Home Builders |