Statement of Interest
Submitted by:
Joe Long
1. Why do you want to represent District 2, and what unique goals? As a candidate with a smart growth platform, I want to represent Menifee's District 2 because I am deeply committed to fostering balanced development that enhances our quality of life while preserving the unique character of our community. District 2 represents a vital part of Menifee’s growth, with its mix of residential neighborhoods, major businesses, and open spaces.
I believe we can create a sustainable future for District 2 by focusing on improving infrastructure, managing traffic congestion, and promoting local businesses to create jobs and boost the local economy. At the same time, I’m dedicated to ensuring we protect and enhance the small-town charm and family-friendly environment that make Menifee such a special place to live.
I want to bring a voice to our community that prioritizes thoughtful planning—investing in safe streets and sidewalks, accessible parks, and vibrant public spaces, while also addressing pressing issues like housing affordability and public safety. My goal is to engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to shape policies that meet both current needs and future aspirations for District 2.
By representing District 2, I will advocate for smart, responsible growth that benefits all residents and builds a stronger, more connected Menifee."
2. Your community involvements and how you would continue to engage with residents * The 2020 Cottonwood Community’s July 4th Caravan Parade In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, traditional celebrations were put on hold to prioritize public health and safety. Despite the restrictions, as president of the Cottonwood Community HOA, the board and our community organized a unique and safe alternative: a July 4th caravan parade, where each family could participate from the safety of their own vehicle or standing in front of their house, ensuring physical distancing while fostering unity and patriotism.
To add to the festive atmosphere, each car was adorned with American flags, and families brought portable speakers to play and sing patriotic songs. The combination of the music and the waving flags created a lively, celebratory ambiance that resonated with the community’s pride and resilience.
Salutation to active first responders: the parade caravan also stopped and and salute to our neighborhood fist responders, active military service members, and healthcare service members The Cottonwood July 4th caravan parade was a testament to the community’s determination to celebrate together, even in challenging times. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that traditions can be adapted to suit the circumstances, and that our shared values of freedom, unity, and perseverance remain steadfast.
• Cottonwood Community Food Drive
During my tenure as president of the Cottonwood Homeowners Association (HOA), our community organized the annual food drive during Thanksgiving week. This initiative embodied the spirit of gratitude and generosity, fostering a deep sense of community. We had many neighbors volunteering to distribute food drive flier, and picking up food, and sort food, and transporting food to Community Cubboard in Sun City. * Mayfield Park Equipment Improvement
Our Cottonwood community had a meeting with Menifee city staff, requesting more exercise equipments at the Mayfield Park. Yes, we got more exercised equipments * Speed control on Pacific Rim Path along the Mayfield Park Our Cottonwood community had a meeting with Menifee Council member Lesa Sobek asking for speed limit signs. The speed limit signs were installed . * Menifee City Planning Commission
Serving on the Menifee City Planning Commission has been one of the most profound honors of my life. It is a privilege to play a role in shaping the development of our city, a community
that is growing rapidly while striving to preserve its charm and improve the quality of life for its residents.
As a Planning Commissioner, I am continually focused on ensuring that Menifee grows responsibly. This means encouraging developments that balance residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. It means working to ease traffic congestion, improve public safety, and enhance the availability of parks, schools, and cultural amenities. Our aim is to create a city where families, businesses, and individuals can thrive.
The decisions we have made will shape the Menifee of tomorrow. We are not merely reviewing blueprints or zoning codes; we are crafting the foundation of a community that will endure for generations. This responsibility is both humbling and inspiring, and I am proud to be part of this journey.
Over the past two years, I have had the great fortune of working alongside an exceptional group of commissioners. Their mentorship has been invaluable in my development, offering insights into urban planning, zoning, and sustainable growth strategies. Each of them brings a wealth of experience and a passion for our city that has motivated me to contribute at my best.
To Mayor Estrada, thank you for the opportunity to serve. To my fellow commissioners, thank you for guiding me and for your dedication to Menifee’s future. Together, we are helping to make our city a place we can all be proud to call home.
* School traffic issues meeting with Menifee Community Service Director In august 2024, after inspecting traffic conditions during peak hours at the Menifee Middle School, Mr. bill Van Riper and I met with Menifee Community Service director to submit a safety improvement proposal:
• Installation of a crosswalk signal light station at school entrance • Increased law enforcement presence periodically
• Community education campaign
• More school signage and road markings
3. What are three issues facing Menifee residents and what efforts are needed? A. Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure
B. Housing Affordability and Balanced Development
C. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
A. Infrastructure Improvements Needed:
• Road Widening and Traffic Signal Synchronization: Expand key arteries such as Scott road, Menifee road, and Murrieta Road. and improve signal timing to ease congestion.
• Enhance School Route Safety: Build sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures near schools.
• Holland Overpass : the best infrastructure improvement B. Housing Affordability and Balanced Development
• Incentivize Affordable Housing: Collaborate with developers to include affordable units in new projects.
• Zoning for Mixed-Use Developments: Encourage projects that combine housing with commercial spaces to create more self-sustained communities. • Smart Growth Policies: Focus on balancing housing with employment opportunities, parks, and schools in newly developed areas.
C. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
• Expand Police and Fire Services: Recruit more officers and firefighters, and build additional stations.
• Fire Mitigation Efforts: Conduct regular vegetation management and public awareness campaigns in fire-prone areas.
• Disaster Preparedness Plans: Create community-based workshops on emergency response and evacuation procedures.
4. Menifee's “Unique Identity” ?
Small-Mining-Town Charm with Excellent Quality of Life
Menifee should embrace its mining heritage community while offering residents a high standard of living through modern amenities, thoughtful development, and a strong focus on fostering connections among its people. The Menifee Historical Museum should be relocated to the future Community Center being developed, Some historical landmarks should be relocated near the future Community Center, if possible.
The history of mining in Menifee symbolizes the city's origins as a place where people came to uncover hidden treasures, hundreds of years ago, and now. • Mining can metaphorically represent the city’s ongoing effort to "unearth" its full potential, whether through economic development, innovation, or fostering community connections.
• This identity reflects a legacy of opportunity and the pursuit of a better future, rooted in Menifee's past.
*** conceptual symbol for Menifee: old windmill
as clean, renewable energy
resource. Human creativity in engineering solutions.
5. Perspectives on the growth Menifee has experienced?
A. Economic Opportunities
• Job Creation: The city’s growth has attracted businesses, retail centers, and service industries, creating local jobs and boosting the economy. • Revenue Growth: New developments have increased the city’s tax base, allowing for investments in public infrastructure, parks, and community programs. • Local Convenience: Residents now have access to more dining, shopping, and entertainment options without needing to travel outside the city. • Modern Facilities: Liberty High School, medical facilities, and fitness centers B. Traffic and Transportation Challenges
• Congestion: Rapid growth has outpaced road infrastructure, leading to clogged main thoroughfares and long commute times.
• School Traffic Issues: Many school routes lack sidewalks, crosswalks, and adequate traffic management, endangering students and frustrating parents. • Overcrowded Schools: Population growth has stretched school capacities, affecting classroom sizes and the quality of education.
• Parks and Recreation Overload: Popular parks and recreation facilities are often crowded, reducing the quality of outdoor experiences.
C. Risk of losing small-town charm
• Community Identity: The influx of new developments and people can dilute Menifee’s small-town feel and sense of close-knit community. • Overdevelopment: Rapid expansion of housing developments may lead to urban sprawl, detracting from the city’s natural beauty and open spaces.
Crosswalk markings should be longer and wider
6. What role should the city play in attracting businesses and amenities, and how to get funding for infrastructure improvements. • Identify Priority Industries: Focus on sectors like retail, healthcare, education, and green energy that align with Menifee’s strengths and needs.
• Promote the Innovation District: Highlight the proposed development at Hwy 215 and Scott Road as a prime location for businesses, offering proximity to transportation and infrastructure.
• Streamlining Permitting Process: Simplify permitting and approval processes to make it easier for businesses to open or expand.
• Dedicated Support: Establish a "Business Concierge Program" to guide businesses through city processes, from permits to zoning approvals.
• Transparent Policies: Provide clear guidelines and predictable timelines for business developments.
• Partner with Colleges and Schools: Collaborate with Mt. San Jacinto College and other institutions to create job training programs tailored to key industries. • Workforce Housing: Ensure affordable housing options for employees, making Menifee an attractive place to live and work.
• Business-Internship Programs: Connect businesses with local high school and college students to develop the future workforce.
Infrastructure Funding Sources
• Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants: Apply for grants under the U.S.
Department of Commerce, which funds projects supporting job creation and economic growth.
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Leverage funding aimed at improving infrastructure in low-to-moderate-income areas.
• State Transportation Grants: Seek funding from programs like California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) to improve roads, public transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
• County Transportation programs: Seek funding from county programs road projects such as highways, broadband, and utilities.
• Site developments and street improvements by project developers.
7. 80% of renters in Menifee are rent burdened?
• Inclusionary Zoning: Require a percentage of units in new developments to be affordable for low- to moderate-income households.
• Density Bonuses: Offer developers increased building density or reduced parking requirements in exchange for including affordable units. • Affordable Housing Incentives: Provide financial incentives such as expedited permitting, reduced fees, or tax breaks for developers building affordable housing. • Mixed-Use Development: Promote projects that combine residential, commercial, and retail spaces to create walkable communities with a variety of housing options. • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Encourage homeowners to build ADUs by simplifying permitting and offering incentives.
• Workforce Housing: Partner with employers to develop housing tailored for local workers, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and service industry employees. • Tenant Assistance: Offer rental assistance programs or emergency funds to help tenants facing temporary financial hardships.
*** Menifee economic data from 2023 U.S. Census
Menifee Police Caravan Parade Mayfield Park Grand Opening with JROTC Cottonwood HOA group meeting with Menifee Board members, San Diego Property Tax Community Service Appeals Board
Students Awards by San Diego Mayor San Diego Veterans Parade
Public presentation on Proposal on new Property Tax Exemption Menifee's Pre-approved ADU plans for veterans
Logos for our Innovation District
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Appointed by Councilman Estrada to serve on the Menifee City Planning Commission, gaining invaluable insights into city operations and development strategies. • Reviewed and influenced critical city planning projects that have shaped Menifee’s infrastructure, economy, and quality of life.
• The Cottonwood community July 4th caravan parade during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring residents celebrated safely and in compliance with health guidelines.
COMMUNITY QUALIFICATIONS:
• Community Engagement: Strong ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and address public concerns effectively.
• Analytical Expertise: Skilled in data analysis, market research, and report preparation for appraisals and planning decisions.
• Project Evaluation: Comprehensive experience in assessing development projects for feasibility, compliance, and long-term impact.
• Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead initiatives, manage teams, and oversee complex projects.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting findings to councils and public forums.
• Urban Planning & Development: understanding of city planning, zoning codes, land uses regulations
EDUCATION:
• Mechanical Engineering 1981 Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Il • Residential Appraisal 1990 California