1. Attend Campaign for Common Ground public forums and training sessions to learn about the General Plan process and about the functions of the various agencies and regulations that impact future development.

2. Learn  about Smart Growth issues. (See the links page or do a Google search for “Smart Growth”. The resources available are endless.)

3. Follow growth and development issues in the press.

4. Attend meetings of your City Council, Planning Commission, the County Board of Supervisors and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). Commend them whenever their decisions conform to Smart Growth principles. Voice your concerns when they don’t.

Keep in mind that changing the way a community grows is a gradual process. It requires vision and long-term planning. That’s what a General Plan is all about, using the latest community design ideas to create a blueprint for how the community should evolve over the next ten to twenty years.

The third factor is the political will to adhere to the principles adopted in the General Plan.

Campaign for Common Ground aims to build a vocal and visible constituency in support of the development of, and future compliance with, Smart Growth-oriented General Plans.

That’s where you come in. The more the decision makers are aware that the community is paying attention, the less likely they are to approve exceptions and variances to the General Plan. Your letters and your presence at meetings can make a difference.