Housing
We are all aware of the high cost of housing in San Diego County, and most of us understand that one of the major factors in reducing those costs is increasing our housing stock.
Seth Smith believes that housing is a human right! As a member of the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, Seth has helped to approve over 150 residences in our community ranging from single-family and townhomes to condos and apartments.
As a Lemon Grove City Councilperson, Seth Smith will call for zoning and planning policies that will continue to grow our housing stock and prioritize housing that is attainable and affordable for families in Lemon Grove.
Homelessness
With the current high cost of living and the LendingClub’s report that 60% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck, becoming homeless is a very real possibility for many people. Because of that, increasingly more people know someone who is experiencing homelessness.
Seth Smith believes that cities have a responsibility to prioritize inclusionary housing and to help create a pathway to housing for our unsheltered neighbors. As part of the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, Seth participated in locating a by-right zone where homeless services can be located to help people get back on their feet.
As a Lemon Grove City Councilperson, Seth Smith will be a proponent of codifying incentives for housing developers to include homes and rental units that are within the financial reach of low and moderate-income families to help people get back into housing or prevent them from experiencing homelessness in the first place.
Streets & Sidewalks
Each of us at one time or another has experienced walking on uneven or damaged sidewalks, driving over a pothole, or simply wishing that we had a safer route to take to our destination.
Seth Smith believes that we must work toward a future of walkable cities where we can live, work, and play in the community we call home. During his time on the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, Seth has continuously advocated for sidewalks to be added to projects that were required to provide public improvements and asked for wider, higher quality, sidewalks for projects already providing them.
As a Lemon Grove City Councilperson, Seth Smith will prioritize creating greater standards and requirements for public sidewalks. Further, Seth will work with city staff and his fellow council members to find creative ways to fund the repair and maintenance of our community’s streets and sidewalks. A small city must think “big” and creatively if it is to manage its infrastructure well!
Safety
Our safety is something that we can often take for granted in our day-to-day lives without realizing the efforts required, both in lawmaking and enforcement, to maintain that safety.
Seth Smith believes creating well-crafted municipal codes is a key element in both the equity and enforcement of those ordinances. As Chairperson of the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, Seth was a part of updating Lemon Grove’s Massage Establishments Ordinance in an effort to push locations offering illicit services and potential human trafficking out of our community while preserving the operability of honest businesses.
As a Lemon Grove City Councilperson, Seth Smith will implement equitably enforceable policies that protect the wellbeing of Lemon Grove residences and businesses.
Climate
In 2023 Lemon Grove and Southern California faced their first hurricane in over 160 years as climate-related disasters and extreme weather have become more frequent across the country. While Lemon Grove was spared from the brunt of the harm done, AccuWeather estimates that the United States suffered $7-$9 billion in damages and economic loss.
Seth Smith believes that every city, big or small, needs to do its part to reduce the effects of climate change. While on the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, Seth voted to approve Lemon Grove’s Climate Action Plan, setting the stage for Lemon Grove to enact climate-positive policies.
As a Lemon Grove City Councilperson, Seth Smith will advocate for implementing policies laid out in Lemon Grove’s Climate Action Plan with a focus on building and energy efficiency to help expand housing opportunities and reduce utility costs. Seth will put Action to the “Climate Action Plan!”