HomeMy WebLinkAbout021821CovidRecoveryCommentsKimballFrom:Rebecca Kimball
To:CovidRecoveryComments
Subject:Strong Towns presentation
Date:Wednesday, February 17, 2021 2:44:46 PM
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Dear ICG,
A big thank you to the Port of Port Townsend for bringing Chuck Marohn from Strong
Towns to speak at the last ICG meeting. As we try to build a more resilient and viable
post COVID community his practical and insightful advice was invaluable.
I have followed the Strong Towns website and listened to Chuck's podcasts for
several years. I find his arguments against building new infrastructure particularly
compelling, because such projects that qualify for grants or loans require both
precious matching funds and future maintenance. This is especially timely advice as
our local governments struggle to maintain existing infrastructure.
https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/1/2/five-ways-federal-infrastructure-
spending-makes-cities-poorer
Perhaps it is time to rethink how we approach new projects in the future and think of
smaller local steps. In addition, it may be beneficial to have him back and to more
widely advertise to the general community for greater participation.
Also a big thank you to Jefferson County, City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County
PUD and all of the ICG citizen committee volunteers for this much needed work. It is
inspirational to see you all working together.
Best,
Rebecca Kimball