Funding Greenspace Acquisition

Local Option for Funding Greenspace Acquisition

WHEREAS, one of the major components of quality of life in communities across Georgia is the ability for citizens to interact with the natural environment through areas dedicated as greenspace; and

WHEREAS, city governments across the state, but particularly in the metropolitan Atlanta region, are expected to provide avenues for the enjoyment of greenspace through active and passive recreation; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership Advisory Council recently acknowledged the importance of establishing partnerships with local governments to preserve greenspace; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership Advisory Council emphasizes that a dedicated source of funding for land conservation and greenspace acquisition is important to the long-term viability of the state’s land conservation plan, yet recognizes that even if the state Constitution were amended to create a dedicated source in the 2006 election, funding would not be available until at least 2007; and

WHEREAS, funding of greenspace acquisition, particularly in high-growth areas across the state, is needed immediately to meet the crucial needs identified by the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Municipal Association has a standing policy recommendation calling for dedicated state funding for greenspace acquisition by local governments; and

WHEREAS, city government leaders have an obligation to preserve and protect the quality of life of their citizens through the acquirement of greenspace, and are uniquely poised to discuss details with their citizens on how their tax dollars will benefit them from greenspace projects within each community; and

WHEREAS, in recent months and years many city government leaders in the metropolitan Atlanta region have invested general funds, successfully advocated for voter approval of bond issuances, fully participated in the Community Greenspace Program and leveraged increased protection of sensitive lands through land-use controls; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that local governments and their citizens be given another tool to use in meeting the environmental, recreational and natural resource requirements in the metropolitan region.

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Metropolitan Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA) urges the Governor and members of the General Assembly to adopt legislation to authorize city and county governments to ask their voters to approve a $1 increase in the current real estate transfer tax to go for greenspace.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MAMA urges the Governor and members of the General Assembly to work with MAMA and the Georgia Municipal Association to pass legislation that would give cities another local option in meeting the needs of their citizenry, whether it be the real estate transfer tax or another adequate funding mechanism that would help meet greenspace funding needs, particularly in communities facing growth pressures. Approved

September 30, 2004