In July 2022, Roundtable Members published the following report to place a spotlight on the need for communities across the state to address infrastructure needed to support infill development.
California is directing most future growth closer to jobs so people can commute by multiple means to reduce vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gases. Consequently, cities will mostly grow with infill development and property redevelopment rather than sprawl, with more housing and healthier travel options. While all of this is good, we must plan and fund the infrastructure and public facilities needed to support this change. If not, we risk diminishing rather than enhancing our communities.
Complete communities with sustainable infrastructure — water and sewer, waste and recycling, energy, storm management, sidewalks, streetscapes, mobility, digital; and public facilities — schools, libraries, parks, daycare, health services, and public safety is needed not only to serve this growth, but to remedy deficiencies.
The challenge is not in recognizing the need; it lies in organizing to address this need. Without adequate infrastructure, plans will not result in the development envisioned because of system failures, unacceptable impacts, growing costs, or resulting public opposition.
Infrastructure for infill, more so than greenfield development, involves coordinating many interests including property owners, renters, businesses, workers, developers, and governments. Infrastructure itself comes in varied sizes, conditions, and types. Who benefits and pays are not always clear or apportioned fairly. Those who have already paid or are still paying are less willing to tax themselves more unless their services improve too.
