Municipalities

The legacy of Proposition 13 has forced cities to turn to development to replace property taxes. Developers supplied the needed revenues, jobs and prosperity; but now many city residents are fighting back against growth, density, traffic and pollution.

Freeman Public Affairs works with local governments to help them find accommodation with citizens’ very legitimate concerns while providing a campaign to educate residents on the inevitability of growth and the need to fund vital services like police and fire without raising taxes. Sustainable growth is not just a local issue; it’s a national issue. Innovative city governments will lead the way. More and more citizens will be vying for precious land, water and energy, while desperately wanting to maintain their safety, quality of life and some sense of identity within their home towns.

Freeman will help city leaders:

• Present plans for smart growth in terms voters can understand.
• Fight irresponsible, but heartfelt no-growth initiatives.
• Market their city’s assets to be more inviting to investment and tourism.
• Attract large businesses with high-paying jobs.
• Save local police and fire departments.
• Reach out to grassroots citizens’ organizations to support city plans.
• Tackle environmental clean-up of government and corporate landholdings reverting back to municipalities.
• Alleviate blight and encourage neighborhood beautification projects.
• Build support for city renovation projects.
• Promote public awareness programs on energy efficiency/conservation and other important environmental issues like green building and alternate energy.

Consolidate and enhance partnerships with school districts, local companies, civic leaders and nearby communities.