Why Slow the Growth Is Good for You

Media Release
Aug 14
2 min read

The True Cost of Uncontrolled Development

For decades, Volusia County has followed a pattern of growth that too often benefits special interests before the people who already call this community home. Campaign finance reports show that developers, engineering firms, land-use attorneys, and construction interests are among the largest contributors to many local campaigns. While those contributions are legal, they raise an important question: who benefits most from the decisions that follow?

Residents are living with the consequences. Forests, wetlands, and farmland have given way to sprawling subdivisions, while traffic congestion worsens, flooding becomes more frequent, green space disappears, and public infrastructure struggles to keep pace. Existing taxpayers often shoulder the cost of expanding roads, utilities, public safety, parks, and schools needed to support rapid growth.

Growth should pay for growth

Growth itself is not the problem. Poorly planned growth is.

Every new development should answer one simple question: Will it improve the quality of life for the people who already live here? If the answer is no, it deserves a second look. Growth should pay for growth, not rely on existing residents to subsidize private profits. Impact fees should reflect the true cost of new development, and projects should proceed only where infrastructure and natural resources can support them responsibly.

Slow the Growth is not about stopping progress or opposing business. It is about restoring balance. It means protecting our forests, wetlands, rivers, farms, and neighborhoods while encouraging responsible development that strengthens, not diminishes, our quality of life.

Balancing Economic Growth and Conservation

Volusia County does not have to become another endless stretch of traffic lights, chain stores, and cookie-cutter subdivisions. We can choose a future that values conservation alongside prosperity and residents alongside economic opportunity.

Growth should happen for the benefit of the people who live here, not simply because someone stands to profit from it. That is the vision behind Slow the Growth, and why it matters for every resident of Volusia County.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Bryon White for Volusia County Council, District 3.