The 2021 regular legislative session wrapped up on June 9, followed by a short special session to address unfinished business. With the Capitol closed throughout the year, public hearings were convened via Zoom. Hallway conversations and office meetings with legislators and the administration were replaced by text messages, emails, and phone calls.
To say that it was a legislative session like no other is an understatement. Yet, as always, you stepped up when we needed you.
Your efforts made a difference, notching some important advances for land conservation priorities, including bond authorizations for open space, recreational trails, and climate resiliency. Dedicated accounts for the Community Investment Act and Passport to the Parks programs, respectively, stayed intact.
Unfortunately, despite strong public support and the potential for enormous economic benefit, the final
Climate Adaptation Bill was stripped of the section giving municipalities an option to establish a local conveyance fee.
This is truly unfortunate – cutting off an opportunity for municipalities to fund climate resilience, affordable housing, land conservation, and other community projects, including federal program investments that require a local match.
Thank you for your hard work in engaging your legislators. Hands down, it is YOUR advocacy that makes the difference every session. We are grateful to have you on our team.
