Lincoln is a special community. People from diverse backgrounds have chosen to live here because of its unique lifestyle, affordability, location, and sunny California climate. This has led to explosive growth. At the beginning of the 21st century, Lincoln was the fastest growing city of its size in the United States and was designated a “2006 All American City.” Although downtown Lincoln still has that “small town” feel, the city has expanded beyond to include new areas (Villages) with their own business districts. This growth has led to major changes in the way the city is run. City services have expanded and so has its tax base. We need to look at city services to ensure that they are adequate for the community that Lincoln has become. In addition, we will need to continue to renegotiate our relationship with Placer County to ensure that we receive all the tax dollars that we are entitled to receive from the county.
I believe the most important issues facing Lincoln are:
City budget: Our budget is a mixture of operating, capital improvement and special enterprise funds. In the past, some of these enterprises have produced a deficit with the deficit made whole from other city funds. This has put a strain on operating funding for city services. We need to find ways for these functions to live within their funding sources.
Public health: Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have experienced restrictions to our daily life to stop the spread of the disease. As we continue to reopen, we need to be aware of the public health risks and be cautious. This is an important issue for the 4th district as many of our residents are in the “at risk” category. If we need to wear a mask and practice social distancing, then we should do so. Until enough people have been vaccinated, we must stay safe while we return to as much normality as possible.
Economic Growth: We need to encourage businesses to set up shop here in Lincoln since local businesses produce tax revenue for the city. The “Love Lincoln” project encourages citizens to shop local so that their sales taxes stay here. In addition, we should encourage logical balanced growth commensurate with a city of our size. While current economic growth has been stymied by the pandemic, it will return, and we need to plan.
Culture/Sports: We all look forward to another Potters season when this pandemic is over. Other activities such as the rodeo and theater will return as well. Life will return to normal.