Drafter
clerk 06/25/2009
Title
A MOTION directing the executive to identify county-owned properties suitable for growing community gardens.
Body
WHEREAS, the county has adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan that recognizes the value of agriculture and agricultural partnerships, and
WHEREAS, the economic crisis in the nation has drawn concern to the desperate plight of the demands on our local food banks, and
WHEREAS, the county has adopted a Public Health Operational Master Plan to address public health concerns related to nutrition such as obesity and diabetes, among others, and
WHEREAS, our children need to relearn the basics of nutrition beginning with composting, tilling, planting and harvesting, and
WHEREAS, our farmers markets and community gardens have proven to be innovative and embraced by the public for locally grown products, and
WHEREAS, growing food locally has a positive impact on our region's carbon footprint, and
WHEREAS, King County owns many properties, some of which might be suitable for growing fruits and vegetables, near public facilities or on tax-title properties;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The executive shall transmit, by December 15, 2009, a proposed motion for adoption of a countywide strategic plan for property use for locally grown produce. The plan shall be an attachment to the motion, and shall include:
A. A comprehensive list of properties within the county-owned portfolio that would be suitable for locally grown fruits and vegetables; and
B. Identification and proposed remediation alternatives for any obstacles that
would initially preclude a county-owned property, including tax-title properties, from being viable candidates for a locally grown fruits and vegetables site.