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Item #10: Stimulate Civic EU2a2ement. "..... Commissioner Roberts stated that she does not like the indicators stated for this item that relate to determining the percentage of eligible of people who vote by age, gender and race/ethnicity, and the diversity of race and gender of elected officials compared to the population. Commissioner Maas stated that she feels the second to last bullet that states "Encourage local governments to consider regional impact of their local decisions" is very important. Commissioners Roberts, Maas, and Arkin stated that they feel the indicator regarding race and gender is inappropriate. Commissioner Harvey stated that he feels it is appropriate. Indicators Chairperson Sullivan commented on Indicator l.a., noting that the GPI is a good indicator for sustainable development, as opposed to the GNP indicator. Commissioner Harvey noted that he feels one of the best indicators of the economic health of a community is how much charitable giving a community contributes in terms of money, goods, and services. The Planning Commission recessed for a break at 8:35 p.m. Chairperson Sullivan reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m. e. Update of Housing Element Task Force; Comments to Liaisons r-. Commissioner Maas commented that Brian Arkin addressed the Housing Element Task Force on Monday evening, noting that he was excellent. Commissioner Maas stated that she is attempting to have a realistic approach and look at the entire picture of how much growth the City can accommodate. Commissioner Roberts noted that the majority of the people who attend the meetings are there to advocate for affordable housing. She commented that a member of the Task Force had suggested that unless affordable housing is built first, nothing else could be built. She noted that as the element is being updated there are provisions included for the construction of the infrastructure. Commissioner Roberts stated that there is concern that in order to get more affordable housing by design, smaller units must be built, and somehow preference must be given to smaller units. Commissioner Maas stated that they are looking at ways of encouraging the construction of smaller homes. Discussion ensued regarding green building requirements for large homes. Commissioner Arkin suggested that the Task Force develop a recommendation regarding a Growth Management category that would provide for 100 large homes to meet "super" green requirements. Chairperson Sullivan noted that green building and energy and resource efficiency measures make the on-going living in those homes more affordable. ,.-- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 12, 2001 Page 9