Responsible Housing Development 

Housing for local residents: 

The Board of Supervisors must approve appropriate housing construction in Butte County. Infill should be utilized because sprawl creates infrastructure that is expensive to maintain by governments. Housing development should be attainable for county residents and respect the environment.

Development should be focused on improving existing communities. For example, Thermalito has a fabulous location and space for homes. Development there would encourage businesses to move in and add services to that under-served community.

When approving housing development, integrating affordable housing options or incentivizing developers to create housing accessible to a range of income levels can foster a more inclusive community. This ensures that the benefits of development are shared by all residents, not just the affluent.

 

Sprawl is expensive for Butte County: 

Addressing sprawl and its associated costs is essential. Encouraging compact, mixed-use development can reduce infrastructure expenses and preserve natural landscapes. Planning communities with walkable neighborhoods, access to public transportation, and efficient land use can minimize environmental impact while supporting a more connected and sustainable way of living. 

Water use must be sustainable: 

Water conservation is another critical factor. Implementing strategies for efficient water use, such as using low-flow fixtures, promoting water-recycling systems, and designing landscapes that require less irrigation, can significantly reduce the strain on local water resources.