Title: Understanding Land Use and Economic Development with Matt Francois
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In our recent Capstone Conversation, we hosted Matt Francois, a council member, planning commissioner, and land use attorney from Walnut Creek. This engaging discussion provided insights into the crucial role of land use in economic development, especially in the Greater East Bay area. Let's delve into the key takeaways from our conversation.
### Meet Matt Francois
Matt Francois has been a proud Walnut Creek resident for nearly 25 years. In addition to his impressive credentials as a council member and land use attorney, Matt is also a dedicated marathon runner and a proud father of two. His multifaceted background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing cities today.
Listen to the whole episode here. www.capstonegov.com/podcast
### The Role of Land Use in Economic Development
During our conversation, Matt emphasized that land use can be a powerful tool for economic development. He explained that municipalities must look beyond zoning and focus on streamlining processes to deliver timely solutions for developers. Walnut Creek, for example, strives to combine efforts from various departments to ensure efficiency and predictability in permitting processes.
### Permits and Their Impact on Business
Matt addressed the common frustrations surrounding permits, highlighting the importance of evaluating whether a license is necessary. By simplifying and reviewing existing codes, cities like Walnut Creek aim to reduce developers' hurdles. He also mentioned the significance of the Permit Streamlining Act, which sets shot clocks on processing permits, suggesting expanding these timelines to more types of projects.
### Community Engagement and Public Benefits
Community involvement in development projects can lead to better outcomes for all stakeholders. Matt shared how community meetings help vet issues early, fostering an environment where concerns are addressed before reaching the city council level. Moreover, public benefit packages offer tangible improvements—like enhanced transit options and green spaces—in exchange for increased development privileges, though they can impact construction costs.
### Innovations for Efficient Governance
One intriguing topic was the idea of an economic development concierge—a single point of contact within city governance to streamline communication and problem-solving for applicants. This role could significantly enhance a city's ability to attract and manage business projects by simplifying interactions between applicants and city departments.
### Lessons for New City Council Members
For those entering local governance, Matt advises being open-minded and eager to learn. Building strong relationships with fellow council members and city staff is crucial, as governing collaboratively results in better outcomes. His advice serves Walnut Creek and any city council member across the East Bay seeking to navigate the complexities of municipal governance.
In conclusion, Matt Francois offers invaluable insights into the intersection of land use and economic development, reinforcing the need for cities to strike a balance between community needs, financial pressures, and sustainable growth. By fostering an environment of cooperation and innovation, cities can enhance their vitality and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
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We thank Matt Francois for sharing his wealth of knowledge and look forward to continuing conversations that combine innovative ideas with community engagement for the greater good of our cities.
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