Growing the UU Economy?

I blame Bill Clinton for the phrase "grow the economy" as if "it" were corn, peaches, or kale (take your pick).

I pick UU-ism, but how should our UU garden grow?

(Yeah, the mainstream media favor "economic growth" as the way out of our Great Recession.  Only radicals urge a "steady-state" sustainable economy, with wealth redistributed in fairness and justice for all.)

The October 23 congregational vote on capital improvements makes this question urgent for us:

A safer, ecological parking lot, east-wing foundation fixes, and HVAC renewal are our "steady-state" minimal options. A second-story east wing, new clerestory windows, and more parking are "economic growth" options.

We have limited funds; growth requires drawing on our endowment—a bit like using earth's petroleum reserves to "grow" the global economy.

How do we choose?  How many MORE UU members do we seek, and how much bigger a budget might they provide? What are "sustainable" numbers for us?  Why?  At what cost—not only in dollars spent but also in the intimacy of a small, close community?

My husband and I can't pledge any more than we already have, and our future resources will be less, not more.  Paying for UUCA growth will be the responsibility of our wealthier members, their children and grandchildren.  How will they decide between sustainability and growth?  I await our community decision with affectionate curiosity.