Blog with complete transcript: https://circleb.co/blogs/caremorebebetter/building-community-affordable-housing-a-local-leader-s-yimby-perspective-john-lewis-scotts-valley-ca
In this episode of Care More Be Better, host Corinna Bellizzi dives deep into local politics and community activism with John Lewis, a city council candidate in Scotts Valley, California. John shares his vision for the future of Scotts Valley, touching on pressing local issues like rising housing costs, the need for a town center, and the importance of personal agency in shaping our communities. This conversation is packed with insights on the challenges and rewards of running for office and what it means to be a “YIMBY” (Yes In My Backyard) advocate.
Key Topics Covered:
[00:00:26] Introduction to Care More Be Better and guest John Lewis.
[00:00:46] John’s background: Engineering expertise and community issues in Scotts Valley.
[00:02:21] Community engagement and motivation to run for city council.
[00:03:48] The need for a town center in Scotts Valley and why previous efforts stalled.
[00:06:37] Environmental and infrastructural challenges: From airport to town center.
[00:10:12] Essential traits and qualifications for running for local office.
[00:13:00] How city council can directly impact community well-being.
[00:18:55] Defining NIMBY vs. YIMBY and John’s endorsement from Santa Cruz YIMBY.
[00:26:04] Why John isn’t accepting political donations.
[00:28:42] The importance of local elections and civic engagement.
About John Lewis:
John Lewis has worked at a civil engineering software company that makes sure buildings, dams, and bridges stand up to wind and earthquakes, and another that ensures chemical plants do not have catastrophic accidents. He has worked at Stanford Research Institute startups, and the payments company Square. Like most people here, he and his wife came to Scotts Valley to start a family. He wants affordable housing for teachers, first responders, and retail workers, and the 200 yearly SVHS graduates. He wants to build safe biking and walking infrastructure so we can leave our cars at home and give kids a safe way to get around. He also wants phased construction for our town center so we can finally see progress.
Connect with John Lewis:
website: https://www.johnlewissvcity.com/
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lewis-44784516/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnLewisSVCity
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