District 4 Questionnaire

District 4 Candidates:

Jamie Cassutt - website

Questionnaire

Question 1a.
The City is in the process of updating its land development code, which will spur discussions about density, zoning, use restrictions, and other issues affecting Santa Fe residents. Rank the following priorities that you think will keep Santa Fe’s distinctive character while making it more livable for all.

High Priority

Secondary Priority

Low Priority

Increase infill development across all districts

Cassutt

Nava

Change zoning to allow for more housing supply through density

Cassutt
Nava

Ensure strong preservation standards for downtown and historic districts

Cassutt
Nava

Strengthen design standards across town to preserve city’s unique architectural style

Cassutt

Nava

Loosen parking requirements (fewer parking lots) and encourage walkability

Cassutt

Nava

Question 1b.
You may briefly explain any of your answers to the question above.

Cassut:
The update of the Land Development Code is an incredible opportunity to look towards the future and create a walkable, sustainable, affordable community for all our residents. Maintaining the unique character of Santa Fe is crucial and we must do this not only through the design and architecture of our neighborhoods and buildings, but also by ensuring our local community members can afford to stay in our city and continue our diverse cultures and traditions.

Nava:
As a historical city, we need to keep the history alive and the historic buildings up and maintained. We also need to make sure we are utilizing open areas for housing and not businesses.

Question 2.
Consider the following elements and how each contributes to the worldwide reputation of Santa Fe’s tourism economy. What do you believe are the two most important elements in drawing visitors to Santa Fe?

Most Important

Second Most Important

Natural landscape and climate

Quality of shopping and restaurants

Cultural traditions and events

Cassutt

Nava

Historic downtown and its environment

Nava

The arts, including art markets, galleries, music and theater arts

Cassutt

Question 3.
To what degree do you believe that a well-preserved historic downtown and surrounding area is important to the local Santa Fe community and economy? Briefly explain.

Nava:
It is an extremely important topic. We get visitors from all over the world to see the history of Santa Fe and the well-preserved buildings. We need to maintain that for future families and visitors of our amazing city.

Cassutt:
The distinctive historic downtown is undoubtedly one of the primary draws for visitors to our city, one of the key drivers of our economy. It is also important that we ensure downtown is accessible and inviting for our local population, who not only contribute to the economy through both running businesses and visiting other establishments, but who also are crucial to creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that will draw visitors and residents alike to the downtown.

Question 4.
How effective do you believe that the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Districts Review Board have been in protecting the fabric of historic districts in Santa Fe?

Cassutt: Moderately effective
Nava: Moderately effective

Question 5.
Considering longtime Santa Feans, how would you begin to balance the needs of established neighborhoods with demand for more affordable housing? Select the three most important elements.

Most Important

Second Most Important

Third Most Important

Maintain neighborhood character and support local concerns about change

Communicate with neighborhoods in consideration of development that may be disruptive or character-altering

Prioritize well-designed affordable housing but not development writ large

Cassutt
Nava

Stimulate housing development across the city

Nava

Cassutt

Improve Early Neighborhood Notification process so neighborhoods and developers can mediate disputes in advance

Cassutt

Adopt new historic districts to honor heritage communities and longstanding neighborhoods

Nava

Question 6.
How should we approach our water supply with regard to development, industrial use, commercial & residential use? What has worked for Santa Fe and what hasn't?

Cassutt:
Santa Fe is a leader in water conservation. Since the City took over the utility in 1995, we've seen a 33 percent reduction in total water usage. At the same time the total population has increased by 25 percent, demonstrating a 45 percent reduction in per capita usage during that time period. Continuing with strong water conservation programs and requirements across all uses is essential for meeting our water needs now and into the future. In addition, the use of technology will be crucial in meeting future water demands, with the return flow pipeline playing an integral role. The functionality of the wastewater treatment plant is essential to this plan and for overall responsible water use. The City must invest immediately in either updating the wastewater treatment plant or replacing it.

Nava:
I think we need to go back to the utilization of controlled water use and make that ordinance a priority during the warmer weather seasons. Encourage rebates and incentives for consumers to save water. We need to work with multiple entities to maintain water usage.

Question 7a.
Our city famously has building height restrictions (52 feet in all areas, 62 feet in the Midtown-LINC). Are they working and what about them could change? (Candidates may choose more than one.)

Joel Nava

Jamie Cassutt

Height restrictions work and should be maintained in all areas

Yes

Allow increased building height
(see question 7b)

Yes

Improve code to vary heights at maximum to prevent uninspired (overly boxy) design

Yes

All buildings reaching maximum height should be subject to more stringent design restrictions

Yes

Question 7b. (optional)
You may explain your answers in 7a. If you think height restrictions should be changed, what height(s) would be acceptable (or more desirable) and why?

Cassutt:
Height restrictions and design standards should be tailored to specific areas of the city and each of these strategies may be employed differently in particular areas based on that adaptation. Opportunities should be identified of where it is appropriate to increase height, and balance the needs of increased density, while also continuing the celebration of our natural landscape. I am very open to exploring design standards that both reduce the felt impact of height, as well as add to the aesthetics of the surrounding area. Again, I believe this will vary based on the part of the city being evaluated.

Question 8a.
Please rank the importance of the role which each of the following plays in attracting and keeping young families in Santa Fe.

Most important

Second most important

Third most important

Natural and built environments

Affordable housing

Cassutt
Nava

Good jobs

Cassutt

Nava

Good public schools

Cassutt

Strong cultural traditions

Nava

Question 8b. (optional)
You may explain any of your answers to Question 8a.

Nava:
If you grew up in Santa Fe you know the beautiful city it is and how as a community we can be strong. If we can get back to that strong relationship we once had, the city would see more families having a positive attitude and willingness to stay in Santa Fe.

Question 9a.
Affordable, workforce housing is a critical issue in our community, one requiring a multi-pronged approach to increasing the stock of affordable housing. Which of the following do you think the city council should explore further?
(You may choose more than one. You can also add your own in response to the ideas listed here)

Jamie Cassutt

Joel Nava

Enact 3% high-end excise tax on residential home sales above $1 million

Yes

Encourage and facilitate the building of more housing stock overall, in all districts

Yes

Develop a vacancy penalty for houses left empty for the majority of the year

Yes

Restrict investment-type short term rentals with a primary residence requirement

Yes

Fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund with the City’s general fund

Yes

None of the above

Other

Raise the taxes on short term rentals that are mainly used for vacationing.

Question 9b. (optional)
You may briefly explain your answer to the question 9a.

Nava:
All of these have a unique way to help with affordable housing.

Question 10.
Other famous historic U.S. cities recognize their historic integrity to be of vital importance to their economic and community well-being, and some, such as Charleston, S.C., have their entire city staff trained by their historic divisions to understand the necessity of preservation for their city’s welfare. In your opinion, how effective would this comprehensive approach be in maintaining Santa Fe’s authenticity and sense of place?

Cassutt: Moderately effective for Land Use staff only
Nava: Critically effective and necessary

District 4City Councilor Candidate Questionnaire2023

District 4 Candidates:

Questionnaire

District 4
City Councilor Candidate Questionnaire
2023