Councilman Lauritsen aims to help Lincoln grow

Newly-elected Lincoln City Councilman Bill Lauritsen has worn many hats during his long career. A born-and-raised New Jersey native, Lauritsen graduated from Rutgers University and shortly thereafter became a certified public accountant. Lauritsen said he then traveled the world working as a finance officer with the U.S. Department of State. His stops included Israel, Australia, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Lauritsen's latest stop has been in Lincoln for the last three-plus years. This year marks his first as a City Councilman; he ran unopposed in the Nov. 3 election. Upon retiring in Sun City Lincoln Hills, Lauritsen familiarized himself with his new hometown. "Before I was officially seated, I was attending most of the council meetings," Lauritsen said. "There were a few issues I like to stay involved in, including water rates reimbursement, affordable housing, the tax relationship with Placer County. I liked to try to help solve those even before I took office." Lauritsen, whose term runs through 2024, has immediate sights set on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. "That's the No. 1 plan," Lauritsen said. "Hopefully enough people can get vaccinated so that we can start opening businesses again. Last year, the city did a lot with helping outside dining and with the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act providing money so they could adhere to the restrictions. This year, we're hoping to see some of the restrictions lifted and get somewhat back to normality." Drawing new businesses into Lincoln is also on Lauritsen's agenda. Tax revenues from local businesses such as restaurants, bakeries and boutique shops can help boost local law enforcement and first responders, he said. "The more tax revenue we can get for our General Fund, the more we can use it to provide more police and fire protection," Lauritsen said. "The city is growing and we're kind of light as far as police and fire per population. We'd like to up our averages." Lauritsen foresees Lincoln potentially doubling its population over the next 20 years. More downtown business development and affordable housing will be part of helping Lincoln grow. "Lincoln is a city of 50,000, and we're looking at going to a city of 100,000," Lauritsen said. "By 2040, I can see us being that big. But we have to plan for it, no doubt about that." Lauritsen sits on the Lincoln Economic Development Committee, Parks and Recreation, Placer County Economic Development Committee, Regional Flood Control, Pioneer Community Energy, Regional Water Authority, Nevada Irrigation District, Construction Operation JPA and Placer County Wastewater Authority.