In San Diego, Mayor Dick Murphy’s City

In San Diego, Mayor Dick Murphy’s City of Villages strategy is moving closer to becoming the framework for future growth in the city. The strategy’s goal is to channel growth into compact, walkable town centers and neighborhoods, and the mayor is seeking to have it adopted as part of the update of San Diego’s general plan. Citizens have helped shape the strategy in more than 150 public meetings, and an environmental impact report is currently up for review in the city council. San Diego will have to accommodate up to 450,000 new residents over the next 20 years, according to estimates. The mayor’s vision is gaining support, says Mike Stepner, director of land use and housing at the nonprofit San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. “The region has jumped on this full force. I’ve been around a long time and I believe change will come this time.” For more information see: www.sandiego.gov/cityofvillages/index.shtml.