Are you concerned about more traffic on local roads, less affordable housing, crowded schools, higher local taxes, reduced biodiversity, and declining watershed protection? All of these problems are caused or exacerbated by local population growth. At ASAP’s Third Annual Conference on October 2nd, 12 speakers examined these problems and explained what local citizens can do to preserve our quality of life.

Jim Burton, a Loudoun County Supervisor who spoke at ASAP’s first conference in 2002, returned to tell us how NOT to be Number 1 in growth—as Loudoun has become. Ed Stennett, who spoke at last year’s conference, described what Loudoun’s and Albemarle’s citizens are up against—a determined and extremely well-funded growth machine. A high-powered panel of local experts outlined the impacts of local growth on all facets of life in the area, from affordable housing and taxes to traffic and water. Rich Collins and Jack Marshall, both of whom are ASAP Board members, explained what each of us can do to fight for our quality of life. As one of ASAP’s new bumper stickers says, “Growth is NOT inevitable!”

With the exception of Janis Jaquith’s “radio essay,” the November 2004 issue of the ASAP Update newsletter contains abridged versions of all 11 presentations made at the conference. Ms. Jaquith’s verbal delivery is an essential element of her essays. Simply printing the essay Janis delivered at the Conference—“Are We Number 1?”—would not treat the reader or the essay fairly. Please experience the essay (2MB MP3 Download).