In Part 2 of our conversation with Bill Carrier from Citizens for Smart Growth in St. Charles County, we dive deeper into the legal, emotional, and philosophical battles at the heart of modern rural development.

We talk farmland loss, wetland destruction, the zoning loopholes that bypass public concern—and the people fighting back. Bill shares how a casual group of concerned residents evolved into a powerful citizen-led movement, and why it’s more important than ever to get involved.

Whether you're frustrated by traffic, heartbroken over lost open space, or simply curious about how decisions are made—this conversation is a roadmap for action.

Topics Covered:

• The legal fight against forced annexation
• How farmland gets squeezed out—one development at a time
• Misuse of the term "Smart Growth"
• What everyday people can do to protect their communities
• The power of showing up and staying informed
• Personal motivations: why this matters to Bill and to us all
• The importance of shared values and taking off the “jerseys”

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Citizens for Smart Growth: https://smartgrowthscc.com
• Their Facebook group: Citizens for Smart Growth – St. Charles County
• Submit your feedback, topic requests, or local stories: https://newmellepulse.news

Recorded at: Friedens Community Center in New Melle, Missouri — the home of the New Melle Farmers Market, the Food Co-op, and so much more.