Getting closer to a level playing field for locals

Appeared in the Good Times Newsweekly

by Assemblymember John Laird
 
Just over three months ago in this space, I said I was looking forward to “moving a significant portion of the town-gown debate out of attorneys offices and into what will surely be a very public—and hopefully productive—process.”  Over time, I tried to get a bill signed by the governor, initiated a state study and had a long hearing in the Capitol on this matter, all trying to break through the institutional differences between the University and local governments that seem to inevitably land in the courts.
 
I’m pleased to report progress is being made in a very significant way: the legislature has approved first-of-its-kind language to be included with the state budget that will increase accountability and public participation in long-range planning for both the University of California and the California State University systems.  
 
Work on the new language was done in conjunction with Senator Simitian and with participation from UC and CSU.  We focused on developing language that meets the Legislative Analyst’s call for increased oversight by legislators over the process used by UC and CSU to develop and put in place their long-range plans. 
 
The new language requires UC and CSU to provide the Legislature with the following:
 

• Copies of draft Long Range Development Plans (UC) and Physical Master Plans (CSU) before they are approved by Regents (UC) and Trustees (CSU).
• Explanation and justification of enrollment projections.
• Use of the summer term and existing classrooms as a means to accommodate anticipated increases in the number of students.
• Mitigation of off-campus impacts related to current construction.
• Mitigation of all off-campus impacts related to future construction.

What does all of this mean?  I’m hoping it creates a new context for long-term planning—perhaps one no longer highlighted by lawsuits and local ballot measures, and instead focused on greater public participation and a higher education system more responsive to the local impacts of campus growth.
 
For me, it’s been a long road getting to this new language.  Working in Sacramento , I’ve learned a lot about other host communities’ conflicts with local campuses.  I believe the new language approved in the legislature is California’ best shot to date at moving away from pitched local battles and closer to developing much more public-involved and productive process for handling university growth statewide.
 
Santa Cruz may be turning a corner on town-gown issues.  The key will be adding our individual Santa Cruz voices to the annual state budget process in Sacramento .  I’m hopeful.