During both economic booms and busts, wise families and successful businesses continually reassess their policies and procedures. They remain nimble, families ready to change spending habits overnight, businesses poised to adjust production or staffing levels.We would like to see governments maintain that same dexterity. Public officials too often take a policy or procedure and — perhaps because it took so long to study, adopt and implement — consider it etched in stone. But government’s “bosses” (taxpayers) deserve the same quick efficiencies that guide families and businesses.
One example of how this can be done was displayed by the Vancouver City Council at its Monday meeting. The councilors are considering an 18-month suspension of the Traffic Impact Fee Program. To do this carries risk: Revenue for the cash-strapped city could be curtailed, especially if there’s a surge in new development. But suspending the fee also carries a great potential benefit, stimulating much-needed development during this lingering national economic crisis.
We say it’s worth a try. If the worst-case scenario unfolds, chalk up the experience as a failure and reinstitute the Traffic Impact Fee in 18 months. (And if this happens, we’ll try to remember not to editorially excoriate the councilors for the failed experiment that we had supported).
In fact, we wish the council were even more quick on its feet, that a decision to suspend the fee could be made even more swiftly. The Clark County Board of Commissioners — which works with the city to manage the Traffic Impact Fee Program — will consider a TIF waiver next month. Vancouver city councilors could decide by June 18.
