14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 26, 2024-JANUARY 1, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MC GIVES Housing policy is climate policy; the bridge connecting the two is exactly what the nonprofit LandWatch Monterey County aims to fortify. The environmental watchdog group monitors land use policy decisions made by local governments, encouraging the public to get involved with plans for new housing, water supply, climate change and infrastructure—factors that will have a profound impact on the future of Monterey County. “We have the yin and yang. The yin is open space and protecting habitat, and then the yang is encouraging infill, supporting development in areas that are really dealing with all the climate and equity issues,” says Michael DeLapa, executive director of LandWatch. The question at the center is: How does a city create more housing in a way that doesn’t deplete our natural resources and lead to urban sprawl, while also meeting the needs of the community in an inclusive way? In the last year, the organization has been looking at new and old policies and projects, and tracking them to implementation. Most recently, they commissioned a study called the Pajaro River Flood Risk Report, which assessed whether or not the $599 million Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project would make the area suitable for housing development. A big push to create affordable, multi-family housing across the county involved providing comments on over a half-dozen housing elements—planning documents prepared by each jurisdiction envisioning where future housing units will go. In addition, to ensure more long-term rentals are available for locals, LandWatch weighed in on the county’s vacation rental ordinance. The team collaborates with an array of agencies, policymakers, lawyers and consultants to effect change. Achieving equitable solutions, with climate-friendly plans at the forefront, is the goal. Sometimes, when they believe that is not happening, the group sues. That includes pending litigation opposing developments on the former Fort Ord in an effort to protect habitats and threatened species on Seaside East. “Our efforts on housing elements, and advocacy of climate-friendly infill that meets the needs of our local working families is really the stuff I’m most proud of,” DeLapa says. DANIEL DREIFUSS Hard Fought LandWatch’s work spans policies and projects to advocate for climate-friendly and inclusive development. By Katie Rodriguez From left to right, LandWatch Executive Director Michael DeLapa and Deputy Director Laura Davis work with Diane Coward, CEO of developer ReVision West, on infill projects. How to Donate Go to www.mcgives.com and click the Donate button. At First Tee, we do this by helping them develop their swing, but more importantly, their inner strength; with coaches who help them navigate the course as well as guide them through new challenges. Because we know what’s inside doesn’t just count; it changes the game. We’re Building Game Changers. We believe all kids deserve to feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes at them next. Thank you for your support. For more information visit: MCGives.com/tee
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