Sandy’s General Plan: Section 6 - Environmental Stewardship
This will be a series of thoughts on our City’s General Plan.
I think it is best to start with this document as the base for any conversation about our city. It is the result of extensive community feedback and expert planning.
Protecting What Makes Sandy Special
As a candidate for Sandy City Council, I believe our greatest long-term responsibility is to protect the natural beauty and environmental health of the place we call home. Section 6 of the General Plan highlights environmental stewardship as a cornerstone of sustainable growth—and I’m committed to making it a guiding principle for everything we do as a city.
A Community Defined by its Landscape
Sandy’s identity is shaped by its stunning foothills, proximity to the Cottonwood Canyons, and treasured open spaces. This isn’t just scenery—it’s our air quality, our mental health, and our economic appeal. I’ll advocate for policies that preserve this unique geography and ensure development is done with nature in mind, not in spite of it.
Land Use That Respects the Land Itself
Our land use decisions directly affect our environmental footprint. I support mixed-use, compact development patterns that reduce sprawl, conserve land, and support walkable communities. In District 3 and beyond, we need zoning and design policies that encourage sustainability while still meeting housing and economic needs.
Water is Life—and We Must Treat it That Way
Water is one of our most critical challenges in Sandy. I will work to expand water-wise landscaping incentives, invest in conservation infrastructure, and support education campaigns to shift community norms. Stewardship of our water supply is non-negotiable if we want a future where growth and quality of life can coexist.
Clean Air is a Public Health Priority
The General Plan underscores the urgency of improving air quality along the Wasatch Front. That’s why I will champion initiatives that reduce vehicle miles traveled, expand public and active transportation, and hold regional polluters accountable. Breathing clean air shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a promise.
Green Infrastructure for a Resilient Future
Environmental stewardship isn’t just about policy—it’s about how we build. I’ll support integrating green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and urban forests into public and private development. These systems reduce flooding, improve air and water quality, and make our neighborhoods more beautiful and livable.
Leading by Example as a City
Sandy must lead by example. I support municipal initiatives that move city operations toward carbon neutrality, including solar energy use, efficient building standards, and sustainable purchasing practices. A city that walks its talk inspires residents and businesses to follow suit.
Natural Hazards and Smart Preparedness
Environmental planning also means being ready for what nature throws at us—wildfire, drought, flooding, or earthquakes. I support strengthening Sandy’s hazard mitigation strategies and ensuring that emergency preparedness and land use decisions go hand-in-hand. Building a resilient community starts before disaster strikes.
Community Engagement for a Greener Sandy
Environmental policy shouldn’t be top-down. I’ll advocate for neighborhood-based stewardship programs, educational partnerships, and grants that empower residents to conserve, recycle, plant trees, and become active participants in shaping our environmental legacy.
Sustainable Growth with Shared Values
Ultimately, I’m running because I want Sandy to grow without losing what makes it great. That means putting environmental stewardship at the center of our planning, not as an afterthought. Together, we can build a future where sustainability, prosperity, and community go hand-in-hand—for us and for generations to come.
Source: Sandy’s General Plan - Section 6 - Environmental Stewardship