Have Mill Valley's Values Changed Since 1989?

The Mill Valley City Council last week approved a schedule and scope of work for the , the city’s guiding document for land use and development. The update, particularly of the housing element, which state law requires to be updated every five years but hasn’t been since 2003, was identified at the council’s retreat in January 2011 as the city’s most glaring weakness.

City officials proposed an 18-month timeline - speedier than most General Plan updates, according to Planning Director Mike Moore - under the assumption that the “community values” on which the 1989 General Plan was drafted haven’t changed much. Those seven values are:

1. Preserving the quality and diversity of residential neighborhoods
2. Maintaining healthy, attractive commercial areas serving local residents
3. Maintaining the scenic quality of the bayfronts, ridgelines and hillsides
4. Preserving and enhancing creeks, marshes and other natural areas
5. Protecting people and buildings from natural hazards
6. Minimizing traffic congestion and encouraging use of public transit
7. Accommodating more low- and moderate-income households

So what do you think? Answer our poll below, and then tell us in the Comments section which values you would change, and what you would change about them.