Elk Grove News Podcasts - Elk Grove at 20
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2020/07/elk-grove-news-podcasts-elk-grove-at-20.html
Twenty years ago today, on Saturday, July 1, 2000, Elk Grove became the first new city in California during the 21st century. In the time leading up to incorporation, Elk Grove voters were motivated to become a general law city with promises of enhanced public safety, and most notably, local control of land planning.
From the Friday, July 7, 2000 edition of the Elk Grove Citizen - click to enlarge
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Two words: USB and Money.
[USB] City incorporation was necessary because the County land use plan restricted urbanization beyond the urban service boundary in the Elk Grove area. The developers decided it was easier to buy five new city council votes within Elk Grove, rather than five County Board of Supervisor votes who represent other areas of the County. It wasn't for trying--but the County dug in their heels and said no mall and nothing beyond that.
[Money] When things get confusing or complicated, just follow the money. The developers (new money) pushed for incorporation because they saw a lot of dirt to turn into cash; and, the old time Elk Grovian landowners (old money) saw willing buyers ready to give them big checks for their marginal ag land.
But 20 years later, the real dividends of city incorporation have yet to fully play out. 98% of the development which has already occurred over the past 20 years would have been permitted anyway by the County because it is within the USB.
It is the last 2,000 acres of undeveloped land to the south and east that would not have been permitted by the County to be urbanized, is currently being prepared for annexation to the City as we speak. Better yet, it is the "Connector" highway, turning Kammerer and Grantline into a 4-lane highway, that will pave the way for mega subdivisions and shopping centers. You are being cordially asked to vote yes for a sales tax increase in November to pay for this highway.
Pretty good deal: Form a city; build on lands that the County had restricted to protect ag uses; and get the taxpayers to pay for your highway that will support your development!
Happy Birthday chumps!
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