City Councilman Thomas Small, who loves the arcane corners of politics more than many colleagues here and elsewhere, recently was selected for a one-year term with the California League of Cities.
Nine months into his first four-year term on with City Council, Mr. Small will serve on one of the 119-year-old League’s seven policy committees.
Expert in architecture and urban development among other talents, he will serve on the Housing, Community and Economic Development Policy committee.
This is meat and potatoes for him.
“Culver City is a prime example,” said Mr. Small, “of a community striving to balance the goals of creating affordable housing and jobs, while maintaining a healthy economy.
“Our land use concerns remain a top priority, as we anticipate the city’s future General Plan update.”
By becoming more engaged on these issues at the state level Mr. Small said that he “will be able to better connect Culver City with our legislators and communities throughout the state.”
He attended his first Committee meeting last month.
The League Policy committee reviews issues related to general plans and zoning, housing, rent control, the Subdivision Map Act, residential care facilities, other land use regulations, development fees (including school fee adequacy), annexation and incorporation policy, development agreements, building standards (including seismic safety standards), economic development policy (including enterprise zones), military base closure and reuse, mobile home regulation, and sign regulation.
The principle behind the policies reviewed by this Committee is to foster local control of community planning decisions as they relate to land use and economic development.
About the League of California Cities
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a non-profit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials. More information about the League of California Cities can be found at http://www.cacities.org/. Also see www.cacities.org/polcomm.