Milton Equestrian Committee prioritizes outreach, CUVA education and practical services over technical incentives for 2026

Chair Tony Rich opened a goal‑setting conversation for 2026, asking members to identify areas where they could contribute and what the committee should accomplish. Members debated whether to continue deep dives into technical large‑lot incentive policy or to refocus on practical services and outreach that would provide immediate value to farm owners.

A recurring suggestion was to conduct a short, focused survey of Milton farm owners and to consider public input workshops coordinated with community development staff. Greg Rathjen volunteered to help design surveys, and multiple members supported soliciting email and mailing contact lists to reach constituents. Members discussed the committee’s charter and whether recent staff presentations had pushed the committee beyond its intended purpose of preserving farms and equestrian character.

Policy‑oriented ideas were raised alongside practical options: members mentioned conservation use valuation (CUVA) as a tool to lower property taxes for qualifying farms, and one member proposed forgivable loans or grants to help with fence repairs and other maintenance—ideas that would require city staff and potentially budget support to implement. The committee also discussed streamlining staff assistance for landowners seeking CUVA or conservation easements and creating a staff point person to guide interested owners.

Members noted critical social‑media commentary from opponents of perceived equestrian special‑interest spending; the group discussed outreach and messaging to ensure broad public understanding of committee goals. Several members proposed a workshop format or a public meeting to solicit ideas and to explain incentives and programs to a wider audience.