Local Positions

LWV of Richfield Local Positions

Government

  1. Continued support for the current planning process in Richfield, which includes the Planning Department to serve as a liaison between the Council, the Planning Commission, and the public. (2001)
  2. Support changes in City Charter: 1) Section 5.0, Initiation of Measures, "Any 125 registered voters may form themselves into a sponsoring committee. . .", 2) Section 5.05, Form of Petition and of Signature Papers, ". . . petition shall not be complete unless signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least 15% of the total number of registered voters. . .".
  3. Support organized trash & recycling collection, including organic recycling. (2014)

Land Use

  1. Support a coordinated plan for redevelopment along major traffic routes in residential areas.
  2. Support the inspection and licensing of all rental residential properties in Richfield.  Support the "point of sale" inspection of owner-occupied residences. (1989)
  3. Support strict enforcement of building codes including landscaping requirements. (1967)
  4. Monitor and provide input to the Richfield Comprehensive Plan process. (1998)
  5. Enhance urban hometown character and vibrant community identity. (2022)
    1. Support programs that preserve and improve housing throughout the community.  Provide cost-effective incentives for property owners (of both single-family and multi-family properties) to maintain and improve their properties. (1998 & 2022)
      1. Continue to replace existing substandard housing with quality housing for low to higher income families. (1998)
      2. Increase the number of single-family units wherever possible. (1998)
    2. Support programs that maintain, improve, and increase multi-unit housing. (1998)
      1. Enhance cooperative relationships between owners/managers/resident councils and residents, the city, and social agencies. (1998)
      2. Support revitalization of non-compliant and not maintained buildings. (2022)
  6. Support adequate buffering of residential dwellings from commercial areas. (2022)
  7. Support maintenance, re-developement, and improvement in the quality of commercial districts of the city. (1998)
    1. Increase and broaden the tax base. (2022)
    2. Redevelopment of commercial areas should actively work to provide alternatives to driving, ensuring equal dignity and access for people walking, biking, and taking public transit. (2022)
  8. Support programs providing high quality parks, open spaces and facilities for all Richfield residents on a neighborhood and community-wide basis. (1998)
    1. Keep a proper balance of the use of parks as green space and indoor/outdoor recreational facilities, both organized and informal.
    2. As Richfield residents utilize parks, open spaces and facilities in neighboring municipalities, non-Richfield residents should not be excluded from Richfield parks, open spaces, and facilities.
    3. Support a multi-use community facility that meets the indoor recreational, physical fitness, health and social needs of all Richfield residents.  The facility would improve programming and replace old facilities.  RIchfield residents should have opportunities to offer input on design and programming. (1998) (2025)
  9. All development and improvements should enhance the natural environment of Richfield and reduce noise and air pollution. (1998) Encourage innovative, high-quality design and public art. (2022)

Human Resources/Social Policy

  1. Continue our concern, support, and promotion of domestic violence prevention programs in Richfield.  Support and advocate for the work of Cornerstone including transitional housing for battered women. (1990)
  2. Encourage violence prevention programs, education, and information in the community to help break the cycle of violence. (1992)
  3. Support federally financed low and moderate-income housing in RIchfield. (1972)
  4. Monitor and provide input on the Residential Apartment Managers Association (RAMA). (2022)
  5. LWV of Richfield will work with Richfield schools and community organizations to educate citizens about the existence of youth homelessness in our suburban area. (2022)
  6. The LWV of Richfield supports a network of programs for precariously housed youth to meet basic needs for reliable shelter and emotional, medical, nutritional and educational support with the goal of making it possible for youth to graduate from high school and move on to further study or independent living. (2012)
  7. Encourage use of funding from sources such as The Richfield Foundation to support organizations providing services for homeless youth. (2012)

Transportation

  1. Support "complete street" concept for Richfield arterials, streets designed & operated to enable safe access for all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, public transity users & motorists).  Encourage green space & space for snow along streets. (2012, 2022)
  2. Monitor the health & environmental issues related to the presence of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.  Support mitigation measures for areas impacted by the airport. (1989, 2002, 2022)

Education

  1. Support all-day kindergarten, dual language, STEM, and other programs which attract & retain students in Richfield's public schools. (2009, 2022)
  2. Support the use of multiple assessment measures not to label groups of students but as a means to target resources & modify instruction to promote the learning of all children. (2009)
  3. Support school sponsored offsite group learning experiences, e.g., environmental, artistic, character & leadership building. (2009, 2022)
  4. Support adequate funding to preserve quality education in Richfield schools. (2009)
  5. Support universal pre-K. (2017)

Environment (2024)

  1. Support implementation of the adopted City of Richfield Climate Action Plan, which includes goals related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable design and building practices, natural resource management, waste reduction, and access to local and healthy foods.
  2. Support efforts to educate local residents and businesses on how to reduce their carbon footprint and additional ways to live and work more sustainably.
  3. Support all efforts to move to an electric vehicle (EV) future by 1) encouraging/promoting charging stations at public facilities (city, school, hotels, restaurants, banks, retail); 2) use of EVs by city and school (police, public works, buses, etc.); and 3) encouraging residents to purchase/lease EVs.
  4. Support efforts to encourage residents to landscape for a changing climate: 1) increase & diversify the planting of trees and shrubs using varieties adaptable to a warming climate; 2) promote alternative and natural plantings instead of lawn (traditional turf grass) to conserve water, and attract birds, bees and other insects; and 3) promote planting sustainable, drought resistant grass varieties and mowing at higher settings.
  5. Conserve/protect water: 1) encourage residents to use landscape plants sustainable with decreased rainfall; 2) promote "adopt a drain", rain gardens and other programs that promote better storm water management; 3) promote use of water saving faucets, showers, and appliances; 4) promote returning gray water to the soil or reuse; and 5) educate residents and businesses to use less salt in the winter.
  6. Continue to support recycling efforts, organics composting, reduction in the use of plastics, and repair and reuse: 1) encourage both public and private entities to use compostable products such as take-out containers and paper towels [U of MN example]; 2) encourage organic recycling of food waste by public (city & schools) & commercial entities; 3) encourage retail businesses to reduce plastic bag use by offering paper bags and reusable shopping bags; and 4) support efforts that facilitate repair and reuse of appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items.