HomeMy WebLinkAbout0315.091•
J\me 6 1 1991.
THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA
'AX !lIIC' 2D20 -CITY IISPOKSB
Members of the council:
Report in Brief
TH0JBJECTOF
T\m;REPORT
ISA
COUNCIL PRIORIlY 8
The draft report of the say Vision 2020 Commission was the subject
of discussion at a joint study session of the Council and Planninq
Commission. staff bas compiled the comments expressed at the study
session and prepared a formal response concerning the Bay Vision
2020 proposa~ for Council review and 3pproval.
Disgussion
The document reviewed at the April 29, 1991 study session vas the
~ say Vision 2020 report issued in late 1990 for the purpose of
public review and comment. The report was reprinted in May. but
thi$ new publication is not called a finAl report~ As the Bay
Vision 2020 Chairman states on page two ot the report: ·Several
people, including a number in local governments, asked us to
continue ~orking for a few more months to seek further consensus on
several issues that are unresolved in this report .... Thus ~e intend
this report to help frame further public discussions in the Bay
Area, leading to legislation,-
A copy of the May publication is attached to this staff report.
Althouqh the appe~rance has chanqed from the draft earlier read by
Council, there are very few significant changes in the text. SO~e
data has been updated, such as housing prices, and some text has
bee,n reordered for better readability. The substantive revisions
are indicated below, but none serve to alter the positions
previously expressed by council and Planning commission.
(pages 27-28) The discussion of OUr Growth is expanded,
while still acknowledqinq that the Commissioners reached
no agreement as to whether 9ro~th should be discouraged
or planned for and mitiqated. Growth issues .... ill be
central to the work of the proposed Regional Commission
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Page Two
(pages 29-30) The explanation of urban growth boundaries
(instead of urban limit lines) has been modified.
(pages 39-40) The report elaborates on the support heard
for the proposed RC being required to study the
advisability of expanding beyond the initial merger of
ABAG, MTC, and BAAQMD.. Added to the proposed duties of
the RC is -Develop a process for effectively integrating
the work currently being done by the three agencies.·
The commentary indicates the division of opinion on the
authority of the RC upon completion of the regional plan.
(paqe (1) The importance of broad public participation in
the planning process is expressed.
(page 4J) Regarding regional sharing of tax incoae, the
report language has changed from Rwhether there should
be-to -Recommend the best and fairest means for ••• •
(paqes 45-46, Added to the criteria for appointing the
initial governing boarQ of the RC 1s the requirement that
all appointees should have experience w1th issues o£
regional concern. The Commissioners now agree that about
60 percent of the qoverninq board should be local
officials. The report has also eliminated the multiple
appointing authorities option in favor of a single
appointing panel for the new RC governing board.
Next steps
A new orqanization, the Bay Vision Action coalition, has been
formed, to pursue the recommendations of the Bay Vision 2020 Report.
The Coalition is chaired by the chairman of the Bay Vision 2020
Co_issior..
under the auspices of the Santa Clara County Cities Association,
Council Member Jean McCown has prepared a summary of the individual
responses of the cities of santa Clara County to the Bay Vision
2020 Report. This information will the topic of discussion at the
association's qeneral membership meeting on June 13, 1991. The
intent is to use the Bay Vision 2020 proposal as a convenient
vehicle to examine where local qovernments in Santa Cla~a County
agree or differ with respect to the concepts of regional
governance ..
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SlrxrAflndat i on
staff reco.aends that the Council approve tile draft letter from the
Mayor, exprese.inq the City's response. to the Say visi:lln 2020
COmmission proposal.
Respectfully subDitted, Irtt lEfhL __ -
Assistant to the City Manaqer
" !~tIlL J{tmu;,'r
JUNE FLEXING
Assistant City Manager
A ttach»ents:
Draft letter from Mayor to Bay Vision 2020 Chairman
Bay Vision 2020: The commission Report, May 1991
Related CMR:
242:91, April 22, 1991
CMR:315:91
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City of Yalo 'Rlto
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June 11, 1991
Xra Michael Heyman
Chairman
Bay Vision 2020 Commission
Bay Vi.ion Action Coalition
Hearst Buildinq
5 Third street, Room 608
San Francisco, CA 94103
Dear Chai rman Heyman:
The Palo Alto city council is enthusiastic about the work o£ the
Bay Vision 2020 Commission and applauds the efforts of the
commissioners. We are appreciative of the participation of
commissioners Peter Giles and Bob Hang in the study session which
our council and Planninq commission recently held on the Bay Vision
2020 proposal.
The Palo Alto City Council has reviewed and discussed the Bay
Vision 2020 Report and is in accord with the three basic principles
of the Commission as expressed in your letter which prefaces the
body of the report. The Bay Area needs a better regional app~oach
to growth management.
We agree with the concern expressed by the commission that there
are an array of separate special-purpose agencies dealing with
iss~es such as air quality, water quality, and transportation, but
there is no single place where complex regional issues can be
considered, decisions made, and policies carried out.
We support the creation of a regional organization that will help
local governments to do their jobs better and mo~e ef£iciently,
that will provide a better basis for decision making~ and that will
assist local jurisdictions in working cooperatively with
neighboring jurisdictions.
We believe the problems facing the Bay Area are severe enough to
warrant the creation cf a different way of addreSSing growth
management issues, even though this may lessen the independence of
local jurisdictional land IJse decision maJcing authority. This
belief is premised, however, on the understanding that clear
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distinctions mllst be drawn betYeen wbich projects are local and
which are reqional. Local jurisdictions must retain control over
local projects~ Only in this way can communities retain their own
uniqueness. 3urisdictions must be able to formulate their O\itl
plans within the regional context. The ci ties of Santa Clal"8 county
are gaining some experience in this area throuqh the development of
the Congestion Manage~ent proqraD.
'lie accept the COllUllission's rationale far mainte.ininq the nine
county Bay Area arrangement, but believe that 6ubreqions can play
an important role in land use planninq and addressing the jobs
bousinq imbalance. We bave mixed feelings on how subregions should
be defined. The existinq county boundaries 51-.ould not be
sacrosanct; often,. relationships across county lines: are more
important than relationships 'With.in the county. Efficiency and
tlexib11ity should be qoals in defining subregions.
Revenue-sharing to address inequities at a subregional level is an
issue that should be studied as the Bay Vision 2020 proposal ~oves
forward.. We concur with the neec1 to find a way to equitably
distribute revenues associated with new land uses.
We agree that the Regional Commission should begin .. ith the
consolidation of ABAG, MTC,. and BAAQMD. It is important, however,
that the consolidation not resu) t in diJllinishing the technical
capabilities of the three agencies. Th.e addition of other a.gencies
should be studied and pursued after the development of the initial
regional plan ..
The enablinq legislation authorizing the new Regional Commission
should spell out how the final decisions regarding the formation,
structurE:, and responsibilities of the permanent Reqional
commission will be made4 We hope that the regional plan produced
by tile Regional commission would be "visionary-.. To accomplish
that, it viII be necessary for certain authority to flow from the
top down~ Otherwise, the plan ltJay serve only to protect local
interests.
We urge inclusion within the initial duties of the new Regional
commission the authority to review and approve or deny developments
of regional importance. The Commission must adopt strong
standards, clearly articulatiI"'_9 what distinguishes a regional
impact.. The commission must have this authority at the onset, to
prevent the acceleration of local land use development decisions
before the regional plan is co~pleted~
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We concur that the in! tial governing board should be appointed
rather than elected. The membership should be heavi ly weiqhted
toward elected officials, with the predominance being from local
goverruaent. Each of tbe nine counties ZlJst feel that they are
fairly represented on the governing board. If representation is
based solely on population, it vill be disadvantage.ous to those
areas which are just now facinq growth. We are hesitant to endorse
the size ot the governing board suggested in the say Vision 2020
Report: a board made up o.t 35-40 people seems too large. Most
i~rtantly, the me~bers who serve on the board must have the time
and commitment to actively participate in the work and meetings of
the C~ission.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice our COlmlents on the Bay
Vision 2020 Report. It is our view that the citizens and
jurisdictions of the Bay Area should seize this opportunity to
crart a plan for the Bay Are"",, ratlter than wai tinq and allowinq the
state to impose a neW' reqional structure on. us. We look forward to
being actively involved in the further development of the proposal.
Sincerely,
JACX SlJTORIUS
Mayor
cc: santa Clara county Cities Association
City Managers, Santa Clara County
County Executive, santa Clara County
Association~of Bay Area Governments
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! VISION
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On behalf of the 31 me.."!'Ibers of the Bay Vision 2020 Co:mrnission,
I am pleased to send you this report on our work thus far.
As with most people in the r~gion. we cheris~ the Bay A~ea
and seek to assure its beauty, livability, ecoTIo~~C stre~gth, and
the opportunities it affords those who live he~e. We have concluded,
however. that these qualities are in jeopa~dy because we have no
effective means for addressing the problems tha: cross city and
county boundaries. Only by some changes in the struC'tu,;.-e of govern
ment in the region can we tackle increasing traff~c congestion,
long comm.utes between home and job, shortages of a!fordable housing,
loss of valued open space to urban spra ... t1. ,Pr-edictahle air pollut ion,
and deterioration of our economic base.
We fear that present development trends. unless otherwise
channeled, will result in a region that em~ld:es Los ~~ge:es rather
than insures the character long associated ~ith the Bay Area.
Our Commission was formed lat.e in 1989. T!'Je Conve:.ors· of our
commission asked us to make a one-year, ind€pencent examination of
the .... ays in which the nine-count.y Bay Area is growi::;g: in pOpi.lla:iocc
.. El~cte<3 offic':a:s of city and cour.~y government i.r: t:.;-,t: B:!:y .t.:"ea,
and the Regional ISSUES For'..llI". creat~d by the Bay Aree C:;;'.;ndl
a:;c the Grl!e!lbelt A.lliar.ce .
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ar.d changi.ng i:L ct.ar~ct.er. T~.ej-' also as.'ke-:i \.oS to adop': a general
vision for-the Bay A:-ea in t.r.e yed~ 2020, and to rr=comrr.end meaSU1:es
to achieve ').I.!r visio!'..
We iss.ued a draft-report. a':. tn!? end of 1930 and asked fo!"
comments on it. We received a 'Wide va.r':ety of thoug:-;tfu::' suggestions
and ideas. Several people, i:lcJ.udi:-.g a .:lU-.'T.be:-in local g-ove.rn.'1lents,
asked us to continue wor-king for-a few more months to seek further
consensl.i.S on several iss~es that are l.mresol ved in this report. We
have agreea to 00 50. n°,US ",'e :'nte::;d th:s report to h,=,lp fr<Ur..e
fuzcher public discussions i:-~ the Bay Area, lea.ding to :!eglsladon.
As we said in our drafc:. report ..... e expect to co!""'[ in:..:e '",orking to
support such !egisla~ ion and other mpasures necessary to P1Jt our
recomrnendat:ions into effect.
OUr AII.igumant
OUr Com.llission was aSKed to foc1JS pri::13:-L:Y Gr. -:hose issues
that .... e noted above. 'reese we::-e 0 ... :: pr-i;c,a!"'j' co:".ce=-::s. Bl.:.t .. oe al GO
recygnized the s~tong pubI:c i~tetest iL o~her issues 5uch as
improving ?lJ.biic educa:.ion, p::,ovidi_c.g ::'-,e:p for t.he ho!:',e:ess.
combating drugs. ecc. :;::1 short. the Conve~lors asir.:ed that our fir-st
priority be iss-..:.€s of land '.:se. housi:-::g. ':.ra:-Jspo:rtat.i·:m. t.he ::egior"oal
economy, and enviI"omner~ta.l q..:.ality. But the Conve~ors also said t.hat
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BAY VJSION 2121 COMMISSJON[RS
I'-W.u.,d
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~ Jly JlrpoaaI w., ~I) Coatrol
I "-d.:. tbur of !be Mllria
~rorps.
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Drepaty elCC\ltiYe dft.cIDr
(lflbehde~
AJCII'"f of !be City ~ "'-
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out' priorities and ou.r recom/r1ends tio:-:s shc. .. ld support. efforts tc
improve educat.ion. re\"itali:z.e il' .. .ner cities, and t.elp ",'ith the regio!"J.'s
multiple social concerns ..
OUr Oiver.tty
When t.he Convenors appoin~ed 0:.:.:-Co~issio:n, tbey l7,ilOe c:-:ear
that. we had been chose:". i:Jten':.ional1y to be a diverse g:-o:..:p 0: f.oy
Area citizens. Our vocational backgr-ou:1ds d:-"d experience incl·...;de
business and indust.ry, agricult.ur~. housing a:"',d cCr:l,.'T1erc.;.al
development, finance. education, conserva.tion. arld va:-ious aspects c,f
pu~lic service .. Some of us are i~volved with t~e co~ce=-~s 0: 5pecl!ic
constituencies, such as hsia:-.-Arne:ica::s. :-:i5-i'"a:-,ic-.t.r.cericans. A:rican
A.'1lericans. and the Lesbian ane Gay com.-rrJ.:1:ty. Xc:-.)" of us are ac!'_ive!y
seeking solut.ions to a broad array elf eco""Qr;',':'c a~d sc.cial CO:-H::e:-:-:=-_
We come from cities. SUDl.:Ibs, and ru!:",,: a:::-ea.s; anc ·we r-'!'>p!"';se:"lt: t.he
racial. ethnic, cultu:ral. a:-.d. geograph:c spectn.: .. -:-0: ::.!'-.e :Sa::-A:-ea.
Natur-ally. with this ~uch civersity, .... e beg,,-:'". 0''';'':-",'::;ri<;: ·,.::':b
different out.looks and poi::.ts of vie",,>. 3",j':. as "'E go: {C' k;.:::,,,,,, each
other-, and as we .... 'orked toge:her ~o lea:"!': he",· the Baj' ]..:::e;:;. is
changing, ..... e began t.o find a st.riking a.":'i·:n;,n: of co:,;ser.S~5. i!'.deeo,
all of us have learneo !r.'.lch frorr. -:his p!"o,:ess, i!' ...... !1.:.c;:: we r:dve ~e:
for t""'O full afternoons a mc·,,:.h and r.ave sperl: cC'1..:.!"'.::ess 5:·:;;·:J':'t':'·o:::e.l
hours in reading, discussing, and tJ-.irJ<.tn? abm.:.: reg~c~al maae:::-s,
Neve!''Cheless, the=:e are s::ill sc,~e t::.i::gs abo\,;:: · ... :--.':'ch .... 'e c:f:e:-.
Some rnembe::ts of ou'!" Comrr.isslo'-! d:'sag:=:ee (arJc. :"c-. a :e .... · cases.
..... F ... ~, 'fmkdiriPrO I AMUDS.r.Jlons
"-tr~ Vir;:c~,~ ~vpaill.lmlle!ll,. Bc~
~ III l1li£ i IPd pQUc.iffms for tilliO!l Scbool IhiIM ill
Eavir-..I ~ i TIIIdem COII'IpCItttl. Inc: SOOOI'IllI CcWJlj:y: rcJrnlrf
~; JIUl6mt of ~ I" CIIpCIliIIo; fomlt! Malar w RoIvler1 Pri.
a.y Aru Lt.ap: ~ ! ~I tIl'tbe :
lo'umea V.-s. I CIIptI'tipo SdJocl DmriC!
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!he Ttrlmo~~ (tilLer
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disagree st.rongly) .lit.h ind::'v::.cw.a:' cO:'Jc:us:ons d::Q :recomroenda~!o:r.s
in this draft report. Ae I've noted before, 'We expect to continue
our effo:rts in 1991 to see whetbe.:-we ca:l End f:.l.rther com.';1cn g:round,
but total agreement on e\:e:>:y::.hi:Jg may not be possib:'e. IT'.
the areas where we have not tr:'JS far found ccmploete conser,s~s. \to'€'
mirror the divergence 0: v:ews a'.ong Bay Area res:'de.'1ts generally.
For example, we have nO':ed that C'J:-=-ent forecasts predict an
increase in the Bay Mea's pop'.l!a:ion frot:"; t.he current 6 :nillior:: to
-well over 7 !r.illion by t~~ yea:: 2020. S':;-::1e oE us have concluded that
there is a point beyond which the 3ay A=ea's population m~st not be
allo .... ed to grow if the natural resou!'ces of ti:e Bay Area are to be
prot-ected adequately~ Others of us believe that such a population
lirr,it is neither desirable nor possible to achieve. St.i11 at-hers
beli~ve that the iSSue is not population gro~~h itself, but the need
to manc;ge jevelopment so t::a: '::a':.u:=-al reso:..;.:=-ces a:-e r.ot 'Jeg:=-aded as
poPl:.lacion :'r::creases. All 0: L:S agree, ho ..... ~·"er, tha: the
€!:vi:ronrnental impacts of ar: increasing: popt;lat ion and an expandi:".g
econ'=lmy wi 11 req>..:.ire a new, more corn~re~ensi\'e a::'=.lity to pIa::--, and
make regional decisions for t.he Bay Area.
OUr General Pri.nciple.
Despite some phi1;:,sop::ical disagreements, ..... e bave general
support for tJ:-,!'ee basic princ':'s:,:e:s:
DI"'L~ .... a JftIideDI 01 NIUe:
AftUnad~
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""" ........ EunIi~c director oIti11e
Napa '...oary Farm
buu mill die ]qpa
v ~ Grapr; <.in:7wr:n
A.J5.;;Jtilliqu,
I .ue. c 8eruNa:
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1. We all see~ a prosperous ecOnomy, a li .... able e:lviron!ne.'1t. arld a
harmonicus societ-y. More and more, r.oweve!', it. is ob'Jio',:,s t.hat
we will no~ acnieve chese goa!s by c~ance, partic~la~ly during a
time of sizable population g:-o.....r..h. We ".0'111 ne-(!;d to ma:-,age grow:.h
and change if we are to achieve the economic ber:e!its of gro,."th
and also to protect tne Say Area's natural res''Ju!"ces. \t.'e .... 'ill
need, fer example, to channel and encourage developr:;er::t j n some
area5 and to di5courage O~ prevent it in othe~s.
2. The Bay Area will continue to have many kinds of cor:ur,~nities.
But, as part of OU' diversity. we will need adequa:e de~sities
and concer.trations, both in areas ,.,'here people live d:].d In
areas where they .... ·or-k. This is esse::.tial to make p:...:bli': ttdnsit
financially possible and attractive to people. A new regio~al
emphasis on public transit will be required, along with the
necessity of aecreasing private vehicle trips, and ;;tronger
corr.munity commitments to increasing the de!':sitj' a: development.
:3. We in the Bay Area have no shcrtage of govern.-:len: but. .... ·e do IlOt
have government organized tc do 'What is neede,:' fo:-the h:~u!'e~
We seek not mare governmeno:, but be::.to;.I:, more efficien':. goverr".
ment. Thus we advocat:.e; {a) vigorous leader5r.ip in Sacra.":1e::to
to establish state grO'Hth-rnanage."i':.e~: policies arld t.o p-rov:.ce
..... ays to finance schools, transportacio:.. systems, a:1d o~::et'
infrastructure; (b) a new, nine-cout'lty Bay h'Cea agency for
_1.1.-
FcnKr .... dt_c...,......,
o! SaIeIl&Ipziat ad ......
... " '-1510N un COWII,UIOHEJS
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growth managem.ent tl'.a': would ir:i:ially cOr!lbir.e thrtE!e existing
major regional agencies ---:.he Bay A!-ea Air Qua] ity Managemer::c
Vistrict. the Metropol i':a:l Transporta':.ion Com . .'r . .iss::'c:' .• and the
Association of Bay A:-ea Gove:rn",€nts, and !e) local govern."!1ent
plan. .. ing a."1d deci5ior~-rnak:ing ef feet ive:!y ex€!"ci.sed in con:ormity
....,ith state and regional g~o, .... ':"r_-rr.an-ageme:r:t policies.
OUr Report
In this report ",'e do th!:ee things:
First, we list the ma~(Jr fi!"~d':'ngs and cor,cl:..:s:o:".s tha:: have
resulted from our year of discussions of re':;ional issues wit.h
k.r.owledgeable, experienced p€op:e fro!!'. t.he Say kea anc throu.ghout
the :latian.
Second .... e o'..:tline o .... r goals :Ocr-.... ;'a': the Ea;.i Ar~a sho~Jld be
like in t:t,e year-2'~2C' --cy.:,.:: visior. 0: a desirab:e fU:".:.r-e for t.he
Bay Area.
And, third, we propose r:!";.: gQve"n:~e:1tal and ot~er-r:-,ed~S r.€e-ded
to make this vision a reality.
Our r-ecomrnenda:.ions b'.:i 1d 0:'. existing ins::.itution5. ~ropose
"",,,L_ --alSlaIllll«!CouI].
IIIIlwrt R. p...,.. I Darid M. IteiItr
CIIai:mu of %!Ie Nil! T.rec I ~[d"dIt Sma.
P..uenhip. VolQ~ilk. ~ C1.-. ad Sm Baiul
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bold steps wh~re these are required, and are at the same time
practical. We recognize that. not everyone will agree 'jo;ith every
aspect of our recommendations. We urge readers to focus less or.
individual details than on the broad objectives we seek to achieve.
We intend our repon to stimulate dis-:ussion about regional issues,
not to provide final answers. Our ~epvrt is thus a beginning, not a~
end. and we pledge OUI further effo:-ts. as individuals. to .... ark .... ith
the Convenors and 'With other ir.t.erestec Bay Area citize::s to achieve
the vision we set forth i~ this report.
Yours very truly.
cf:~~
SAuf •... ,..
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Domfor~
c~ Menk:. I'rt
, ... W~
I FamtI' l1li.''01' IIId aMI
: ell a:nb:r ill Morp
RIn; Jr&III.' ctlOl'Ifuutor
far bwsiq .. com-
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C,'O.t.l"c>aJ01Jio
The Nine Counties
Bordering San Francisco Bay
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Contents
• Chairman's utter }
• Findings and Conclusions 11
• Values and Goals 25
w""rail1sion o/tM Bay A.,.,o l;y 1iI£ flay 2020 29
• RegiofU1i Governance 37
• Background 47
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Findings and Conclusions
aT central conclusion is that, in the nine Bay Area Counties,
we must improve our ways of managing growth or
we .... illlose many of the qualities that makf' this region
such a special place .
••• 11 •••• The Bay VtSion 2020 Commission "'as formed bC'cause of growiog pllblic concern
about the increase in highway and freeway conge.suofl, shortagt§ of affordable:
housillg. a pos:iible ientning of our eronomic tornpetiti'¥tntS5. all Quality damaged
by the exh.au~ of iDternal comhusti<1I1 ens-inc", and the Ilnnettsnry los5 of open
space, Without beneT tt(ogniliflD of oUt illltrdependellcies in man2ging paT1tm~
of dtvelopm(Dc in the Ba)' Area. ",,'e aft !.ihly Co have: a. fLaLlre .'itll much more
of the same conditions mal conce:m C~ COO3y.
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l the Bay Area we have plenty oj government.
but it is not adequately mordinated .
••• 11111 ••• The reglOO bas nioe: toucties. 98 cities, and 721 special ;flstricts (not counting scbool
diStricts). Many of these special districts.are rnulti-coonty and some are reglo[]wide.
Most of these governmental units bave taxiog authoril)l. But we have yel 10 create'
• democratic, responsi\'e, and accollotable polilicalstru<::u]['t: lO address our regioca]
inlerdcpeDdeDCieS. lncreasiogTy. our ,jlies iIUld counties malt I.a.nd use decisioos
to maximize tax revc:cuts.llot toem)' ;:lui o~r planni oggoak Inadequate incentives
exist to eocooBge CO[lStructtOIi of .affordable boo~iog. And theft an: few pofJticaI
incentives for local offLCials. to roUe diffic:uh decis-ions in tbc broad regional l.olen::~
rather than in the 1(X:a] interest
L many ways. the nine counties that border on
San Francisco Bay are a single. interdependent region .
•••••••• But man)' Ba)' Area resldeots do DOl fuDy understand this linkage. MOSt of LlS do
not lh1nk mucb about "regional" ibueS. Yet increasingly we are used 10 Ih'ing in
QDe community. woroog in another. sbopping in.& third. and ttaveling to §tjJJ others
for a sympbe>ny. a t>aI1 g.:sn:e. I visit to friends or relativts. or traveticg across the
region to reach the ocean or the SII:rri. And an or us recognil.e thai when we are
some rustlDCe from ~ome and an: asked wbert we live, ""'C are as apl to say "the
Bay Arta'" .as. 10 name cbe cily or couoty where we n",c
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Ware regio7Ul1 in at least four general ways: environmental.
economic. junctio7Ull. and governmental .
••••••• The fl/S[ may be the e.as.iest CD unden.tand: San Francisco Ba)' is a siDgr~ bod)' of
'lliUr thar lOUches an lIine counties; chang~s in one pan of it can affed \IrI'aler.r.'ays
miles ''A'ay. Similarly, air ponutan~ from OnC" place in [be Ba)' Area are bioWD b)'
rite winds 10 many others. And OUT lalld is I regional' re501.m:·e, EcocomicaIly. OUT
cities and couoties compete with eae::: other for job§ .and de'lelopt1lenl 'A'ithin tbe
region, but ',ie also have, regional economy that competes. "'lth Olher reglODs of
this COllDtry &nd with othtr areas io tbt global economj'. FuoclionaIl),. we bave.a
rtgiona! array of freeways, transit systems. and panems of Ia.,d 0:)( thaI dellnntne
bow .... e tralleJ aroond me regioll, And govemmentail,,... llie hOlVe. variel)' ofnift(·
cowty, singk-pUIpOst ageocies (to regulate regjonal air quant)'. Ba} filling. ,,'aler
quaJity. traruporwioil fuDding. e'IC.~. BU! we bave DO multi·purpose ageDC) thai
can deal effecu vely w]tb i&sues of broad fegjooaJ impunance
At the same time. our communities art? diverse.
and we have many issues that are better dealt with locally
or "subregional/y" (by groups of cities and counties).
In .addition. lDany !hiDgS that concern people in the Bay Am also affect adj~ining
C(lllotics. People commute' Eo jobs in the ruDe CO~nlJes from We. Mendocino.
Men:W. Monlerey. Sao Bec.ilo, SiIll Joaquin. Santa Cruz.. Sraruslaus. &nd Yolo
COWtriu. Thus, some people wauld define thC' Ba)' Area: as no,., .. consinin,j; or at
k.ast 14 or 15 countlc:So. There is DO question thaI the !.eareh for affordable bousing
has Jed large D umbel'l of people who worl: in the Dine-counl), region to b""t in the ~
contiguous counties. BL1I defining tlIe Bay Area Ie illClude aU of U,cm 'A'ould ba~'e
tink practicaT niue. Rather, (a) the Sa)' Area should ~ontinue to be defined a~ the
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rUDC' counties bordering on San Francisco Ba)'; (bJ th~ of us wbo live io the oine
counties showd ~ognize rbe ways in wbicb lire are increasiogly ~ nked to adjoining
couoties; /c) tbese counties sbould be ([p'iled to we pan in rtg';onal and subregional
pT.anning 00 'ts.sues of mutual concern sucb as housing and ltaJUporurlOn; and (d)
the Bay Area's efforts to manage ils growth sbould not result in e~porting probtems
to adJacent count.ie~.
lpreseru trends continue, the Bay Area s
population will increase .
•••••••• In 1990, then: were approlimate 1)' 6 million people in U>t nine Bay Area cou[1!ies.
The Association nf Bay Area Government.!. (ABAG) forecasts all LOCreas.c to about
7 oullioll in tt'ie year WIO, and more by 2020. Some people sa)' that this increase
in population could be reduced by actioos takell overthe next decades 10 limit grO\1,ith.
and that this sbould be done to protect naruraJ resources ia the Bay Area. Others
befieve that any such Tlmits would be economical)) and sociaDy dotmaging. There
is, however, generat iireemeal thaL, pending further pl.lbtic debate aooul this isiue,
it is importanl to incorpo~eprojections. af population iDcre~ rnlo regionaJ planntcg.
In this planning, the cbaIlenge 10 the reglou is I/.) manage rk pos.iti'lle and negative
impJicatiolls of future populatioo growth to maximize benefits while minimizing
costs.
Ie population will be more diverse .
•••••••• Some time io me neu 20 or 3{J yean., if present treoos continue in cur region and
in the res{ of urbanized California, an of liS wdl be' members of "minority" groups.
This greater diversity will strength eo the Bay Are&. The Popuialion Reference Bureau
in WashLCgtOO, D.C rorecasls that the nine-<o~nt)' population b)' the year 2030 will
be aboUI 8 percent African~America.,. 26 pcn:enl Asian·Amcrican. 25 perc-eol
Hispanic·American.. and 41 pcTcent noa~Hispanic while. The projecled changes in
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the Me·up of our pop ... tatiOD have lm~t cocsequc:nccs: we not .only Deed
economlC !rowth aDd env'"J'OMlcotaJ pr~tion, Ilre also Deed to iru.u~ il harmontOU5
wciety B.\ OW' dl'o'crslty groWl.
Qr growth patterns at presem emphasize low densities.
both for housing andfor businesses .
•••••••• Higher devtklpment demities 'lJOtild accommodate ~~tb and leave more land for
open space. D&u developed by ABAG indicate [bat we corati Due to stille tbe Bay
.A..re<:l 11 approx:imately the s.ame overall deMit}' as we but in the past -~i8hl
n::sidcotiaj units per &Crt, As DUI population and busine~s gro\\.' , and our ~nsilY
of scttlement does DOt, we CODvert sizable amoozll..s of l!1Idt .... clopcd land eacb year
Projected popuWiOD changes indicale iliat cilies with t1lc hig~st rates of projected
growth Ire It lbe regioo's edge. An Bay Area cities "'im projec[ed' gtO'IlrI'lb ratcs
over 3:l pereeDI (from 1990 to 20(5) are outside the COR oftlle region. cxccp< for
Emeryville.
Qr growth patterns also emphasize the movement of
both housing andjobs to the edges of the region.
•••••••• Tbc Bay Area has an older, urNniz.ed core cOMislin!" of San Francisco. most of
eastcTD San Mate{) Count)', the San Jose area, and western Alameda and Omtra
Costa COWIties. Jobs in the Bay Area h .... e incrta5icgly mo"ed to workplaces. outside
the older 1Ubani.w:l core. III some a:ses. rhls may create a bener halance of jobs
and housing wlthin a subregion.
The suburbanizatiOD of jobs., !);)'f.·ever, also bas oegative effects .. , UC Berkele)
srudy concluded in 1989 that more suburbanites b"e (wer from their lI'ortplOl(;e
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today than a decade or more age Vi'hen the 'pr~PODderd1lce of jobs ,,"'as in inner cities.
One impw of dispc-rsed employment is incrtued comrn 1Ile travel. Another is that
commLItiog inmoiSingl)llakes place aJong SC'Condary roads not designed to handle
the volume of[raffic they mUSlllOw accommodate. And a third is tbaljobopponunities
move lll,iay from lO"'·income residents of central cities.
fn additIon, dispersed developmeni require~ cosny new icfrastnlctlLTe. wbidl must
be-buih even though usable infrastructure is OITta already &vlllab!e in older communities.
HoUSing prices dictate many aspects of Bay Area life,
and the search for affordable housing increasingly
leads to long commute trips .
••• 11111 ••• L..ak in 1990 the Ca[lfomia Association of RtallOrs reponed the medla..l price for
a detached sjngle-family hvrne iD the Bay .A..rea ""as approJ"imalery S~45.000_
Altbougb resale price5 have faIleD slightly from record 19~91e"el.'i, fewer man 15
percenc of those entering die market for a sLngte-family home (newcomers to the
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l\EETlNG !GEND!
JulY 23. 1990
oakland MetrOcenter,
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s..y Area. fmHime bu)'cn. c;r;p.anding families) ~ould afford a typi.;:all)'~pri'Ced
home. The Commission was wid thai lhe avertf!e' price of .a. borne ill Modesto
(Stanislaus County} early in 1990 was 5129,000. Man) buyers of chesc homes, 11'1d.
otben like them m 01.l1ly[0, countie&, .'orL. in the Bay Area, It appem til ij:[ bOllsi.ng
price.~ lead man)' people employed in the Bay Area io accept the disadyantage of
long commute triP'S and to bve outside lM Dille' counties.
Many of us Ii "e in rtoi.al uni[S aM ill multi-unit building .. , but o\'er the-IL~ decade,
!be rate at whicb multi-family b0U5l0g is construe led bas not increased. Tht Ba)'
Area reotal macket is also upeosi ... e or unaffordabte \0 many of us, In Oclober.
1990. the mediaD advenlsed I'C'ni for a [W{I-bedroom apartmeot i11 the urbaniled Bay
Area core was 5'55 a month. witll I high of 5950 in San Fran.:isco and iii low of
S600 in the East Bay. Despite rising mHal costs in outlying countle~ renter!. 100
may find it more affordable 1.0 live OIJtside [be regioll's urbanized core
flir share" housing goals, by which communities planJor
a reasonable share oJthe region's needed hOlm'ng, represent
important efforts to build housing Jor people oj all incomes
throughout the Bay Area.
•••••••• But ka.' cGmmunitie$ have achieved the!i.C goals. If the "fair share" .!ilf.3.k,g} is 1.O
work, sensibre tugets will need I.e be set and communities ~'ill ruse lO be held
accountable for meeting them, Communities ""ill also Deed help in OC'lenninir:g me
be$t ways for them 10 meel the goal~ (for elample. highe; Te.loidemiaJ den;itie.Ii,
roclusicmary zoning', working more with DOn-profit builders, and zoning "acanl
commercial or industriar 'Wld for housing ","'here appropria:e,l.
In addirion, cities need inccnti~'cs In o~'erco~ L'leir fi:...-aJ (Dm'ems thal hou .. ing
in general produces :-elatlvel)' lillIe io tax re.enue .. wmpared to the com of pro'iiding
~:ices. for its re:;ideou. Moreover. some comm~nities are concerned rnll they mil)
be requLrN 10 a.cce~ iii dispropo!'tioIJ.liJe iilmOu.tH of me region"s iilffordabr~ hOllsln£:.
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Hmelessness is increasing in the region,
and funding is needed to cope wirh it .
••• 1111 ••• HomeS ast, a: regional _~ilppon ,en let:: 0:1-: eroed ,,"j Ul ~.h~ horne I!~ s. l.i~ing: the rll! mber
of AFDC temporary shel!er apprClvals as iii base, es.timates thai more man 2:10.000
individuals were tlomeless 'In the Sa)' Area at some lime in 19&9.
Communities need funding help to pro\ ide housiog fOf people .... ,hose needs cannot
be metb~' the pri vale market tnccr.ti\'e. are fleeded for communities a.,d neigh bortloods
to "UX;:lude such housing,
Air quality in the Bay Area does not meet rhe standards of
federal and stare laws, and it is becoming more and more obvious
that air qUClliry. housing, transponation, and land use are not
separate issues but, on a regional level, are closely linked
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For example, bousil1g and ",,'orlplace5 plilllDed at greater densities, .a..,d in closer
proximi.ty. as pa..1 of a regionalla.'ld use planning process v.'ould mal.e publiC" transit
more feasible. This 'Would mean f(:loI:'er a.utor.lobile trips. and tllat. in tum. \\"ould
mean less a.ir ponutlOrl from a~lIomoblle erlgines. A5 IOrlg as automobifes are po\\ered
by internal combustion engines. rnele ",,'ill be a need LO reduce 3utomoblle lravel
and to reduce the use of single-occupatlt \'ehlde~ if current air quafity standards
are to be mel Moreo~eT. redu.:tion for trucL tr.i\'C'i tripi ~'iji also be OeCeS)Ol!)j.
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At present there is no regional framework by which
locally-undesirable land uses (or LULUs) can be sited .
•• 11l1li1111 •• A fC'gioD~ plan would provide I basi~ for sitiTlg landnrls, airports., and other fleeded
regional installatioflS all a "fair !.hare" ba.5j~, But at present regional' needs mil)' be
resotved inappropri:ttely or go Llnmet cnLird)',
A number of states and metropolitan areas have enacted
programs to manage growth more effectively, but none provides
an exact model for the Bay Area .
•• 111111111 •• There is mucb to learn from other are~. but we need to develop OliT 0\1.'0 form of
regiooaJ borne rote; nobody can do it for us. VIle can, bOIl.'('ver, Jearn from !be growth
management sfTaL:egie.s enac,{ed by different stale !,o .. emrr.ent5 (e.g .. Florida. Nt""'
Jc~)'. Oregon) and bj' metropo[j:an regions (e.g .. the ~""II ccuntics surrounding
Minneapou.s and St Paul 'Vo'hicb have bad a form of metropoli13n go~'emmenl for
more than 20 }ean., and three counties in the PortJ.illd. Oregon area. ",bicb have
formed a metrDpolitan govemme,It}.
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Among the strategies adopted in Olher srates that appear
particularly useful are "consistency;" "concurrency."
and "compactness. "
••• BIIII •• "Consistency" [TItans simply !.hat state, regional. aJ'ld Io.::al pla.1\5 must be dclleloped
SO illS [{! be consistent with each other. ''Concurrenq" means thaI intTasLruc-.ure to
ser."e o-:w dev:!op~nt Iloads, :)Cowen, schools. eu:,) must be in place or funded
c:oIlCurrefltI)' witiJ :he opening of [he ne .... development Lompacrness" means lhat
l1rban sprawl pauerns are not pennitlea, through surb means as U~ (If timan growth
boundaries.
As a region we can do much 10 manage our own growth,
but we must also have strong stale policies and strategies.
In an states that have progressed' toward' better gro .... lh management.. streng Hate
leadenhip has been :iII essential component
Sate leadership and changes in state law are needed.
particularly to change thefiscal pressures on land use.
".!I,lt," Stite tantion policies, e"ai:emil:ced by the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, and
die limitations it imposed on propertj' ta~es, rurted) affeclland u w:. Local governments.
increasingly zone land to produce [be maximum in properly, s.ale~, and other tal
re ,'en lies, e\'eo when thIS. confl iets lIr'it1l long -range planning obje.:ti ~'es. local
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govCmmtDls say the:: ba'o'c DO choice but to do [his if Licy arc to b,n': money for
the public services they mus; provide, This process is ~meti mes called the: "fi!.Calizalio!'~
cf land use. Its results include compeulion among k>cal go~'ernf'lerm. Ie use: la:r.d
so as 10 produce bigb tax revenues, and a desire 10 iiI.'oid builGln,g bousing. panicu:arly
hOllSing for low-income people.
Sate leadership is needed in other areas as well.
such as helping 10 revitalize our central cities,
.11111111111. This. means impro'o'cd public schools. an end to homeles~nes.s. ade~ua[~ heal1~ care,
etc. Solutions to these pwblems require federal. SUIte. il!1d locar efforts t11at cae
be k::lped by more effective regiooal fovemance.
~ we bave Doted before. oLlr .a;,sig:nmeol ",as oot to propo~ specific remedie~ ill
these a.reas, but ra:!her to olSsure mal Illy chanllcs we recommend LO regional
gm'crnaoce can help in fwdtng solutions. We have. howC';:er. sptl"ificany considered
wbelher any l'egjonal chilflge in scbool districL orga!lil-alioll "'oliid be beJpful. We
cooclude that it .... 'ould nOl-<urren! empnasis ts 011 reciucing the siu of large ~llcol
districts, not Oil increasing it B u! we strongly recogTl ize me:' impon.mce of impnn'ing
c,ur public 5C"bools if we are to maintain tl1e quality of life ~'e .!.eel: for the Bay
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Wer supply will more and more be a marta
of Bay Area concern
• I "t111 \ • No single agent,)' prtwjdes W3.ler. or plans lIi3.ler sll?piie.i, for tlie c(llire region.
lmtead, 67 different age1\l:ies d0 this for '\heir putS of '.he reg.ion, Some of rnese
Oigencies.are quite smaTI. but others are large-lIle SlIl francisco Waler Depanment.
for eumplc, and the East Bay MUilic'ipall1tility Di~lm:L Somt pans of the regIOn
appear to have adequate v.'3Ier supplie~. bUl others. have S{'lmetimc~ stopped
developmen!be,a'U~ they ba ... e DC-",,'alera~'ail.:;.ble forne ... · hookups. These cOJH~ition~
are aggra .. '~ted b)' thf: currenl drought. bLll c,'en in years of Dormal rainfall ther~
\JI."W be que~tio[ls about 11Ie avaiJabill!~' of \JI.'ateI lO meet current needs and to support
ne\O' growlh. Regional aspecls of v.ater supply will be of increasing importance
Water SJPpl)' agencies; 5hollld~ontmue t(l 'De utili!i es supply ing an eS!>ential commodity:
th(,:)' ~hauI~ not be the p1anners or delermitlen. of grOllOth or ""'bere i.t !:.hou\d or sl1ou\d
not go, but th.!)' should panlcipale fully in ft'glO!'!aJ plarl:J.ing and deci5iGn~maklng.
EanhqUakeS are inevitable in the Bay Area and they do not
respect municipal or count)' boundary lines.
t " ~ It t \ t,,, ~ Al the lim:: of a major eanl'1quake. our regional interdependence 15 obvious. The
stepi tha! ,,"'e can take TO prf"pare olJr£eI .. 'e~ no\/" .and Ie aSs.isl each othei in rimes
of eme~genc)' require regional planning and the capadry (0 mo~ilize our resource~
on a region ill basis
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are in dealing with our regional problems, we will lose that
specialnes~ of which we are all so proud.
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Our open space will continue to ~'anis}J and our urban areas Ilro'ill become increasing I)
formJess a.OO irx:obe-rent. Our traffic congestioD and our commllte-times tIIi!! gro\\
worse as i.'1! ,CJrne more flnd more to ~s.emole Soulhern Catifomia:. rne search for
affordable bOlJ.slng will diston. our lhing panems., and decem hOLHing reawnabl)'
dose to where we work will be an unflJlfiJled iI'ish for man) of us.
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I Values and Goals
The Cnnmissi01l has de\idap-;d .I generll "islen of v.'hO:iI Jjfe carl be like for ill
Bay Area residents iJ1 2020. This. ~el'leral' \l15ioo incorpcrottcs basic e!emerlts--lJ;ho
we are. the communities "I: Ii ... e in. Ollt sUITQundj'l,g~ me C'OnlinLJed likelillDoo cf
our poplJlatioD gro\lro1h, elc.-and aIso sptcific goals md objecti,:es Fin.t. the basic
etements:
Qr Environment
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AD of us in the Bay Area: are trustees of a special place of grea1 n"tura! beaut)'
and environmental diversity. These qu ali ties are fragile, ho'iro'c\' cr. and are threatened
by our s.eemiflg inabililj' to manage popuialioll growth so a5 10 maJ..lmiu it.!. benefits
and minimize its ad\lcfS( impacts. TOe .specia1ness. uf L'1i.s place' needs to be: pro!ecled
for oU[5oC:!ves and for future gt:n;!IatioD~.
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arpeOPle
The di'o'ersiry of thoS(: ,"'bo Ih'!: here is part of our )peC"ialfles). By the year 2030,
nc Oct racial or ethnic group will be a majority l.n the ninc--count)' Sa)' Area..
POPl.<iaLioD projoctioos incfic.a.le" that our di ... ersity vo'i.h regard to race, etholc-it)'. IIld
personal life-style will continue to iOl;reasc. Our dh'w.it)' need5 to be II: bUilding Mock
oul of lIo'hich we fasbion harmonious communil;es of iha ... ed purpos.e and equal
opportunity_ Our ability Lc b<!\'c t.':!a! di~'ersit)' reflected in All tho: places lIo'here we
lhe a:nd ,,"'ork wilI. like cur oa!ur.tl eOVlroDJJl(ol. ~ .. mark of OIU' quaJit)' of life. a, Economic !;\-'ell-Being
Growth in our tconom) and growth in our porulation ha.e gone hand-in-band A
highly skilled laborforce and wer:J-man2:gO!"d busim:~se~ Sl!f"I.'i:1g local. Ilational, and
international needs bave \:ontriblJred' 10" hea:tlly Bay Are ... e;.:ooomy. That economy
needs tile support of wise puhlk:: policies if it is :0 cOn!inu~ [D produce jobs for
current aM fUIWl: re~idcms.
The health of the Bay .AJea ecol1om~· is lin-ked tt' the same factors 'that affecl each
of us as individuals: clean air, gooJ schools, safe communities. affordable buusing,
pure and plentiful "'aler, good public transporta~io!l.. -:.ancon,ge5tea highways, and
protected open space are all indiL·ati .... e of a good place to bve a.nd a good place
to do bu~ine!is. a, Communities
The ""ay in ",·hid, we Ii I·e in the Bay Area does not follow a random pattern. More
of u<;. \Io'ho are poor and of calor l..ivc ill our central cities. In the year 2{)2{J, ""e look
LO a Bay Area with more jo~ and hou~ing choiC"e~, v,'~re economic opportunity
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and acbievemo:nt are nel rlnked' to skin (;olor or cultural Mri l.age , heD if job
oppommities are more equitably distri!ilHed, and affordable OpeD hous{ng is mere
.\'a.ilaoJe ill both our larle and our smail c:jtie~, maoy of us ", .. ill still choos.e to remain
in or relocate to cenlIal cities. That doice must be open to alJ of tis. "'ilhoUI regard
to race, etbnki!y Of economic status. But that choice ,,"'ill be po~sibJe only if {l'Jf
central cir), schools truJ) educate our children. if good b<:alth care is ivail'!ble to
all, and if our n-eigll Moods are safe an-d drugfree. We do not consider these concerns
to be piDus e.li:pressiolls of tile good life, bllt ~8lher g04!s ire must achie-'o'e, .. 'ortn)'
of our beg eff.ort5 at an :levels of govemmenl and in arJ ourpri rate endea\'ors, W:lI1 out
sllch actllevem~nt. a-e risk b;!ving a Bay Area increot::~llg1ji divirled into estranged
enc!a1r'es of rich an,j poor.
Our population continues to gro~ and so does OllI ecor;,)m},. and this grO'Moth has.
consequences both good and bad, The Commission' ~ central recommendatioJo ts tt,.!!,
as growth i:ontlnue5, it needs to be managed so as 10 ensur~ its positive .!5peClS
and minimlu its tlegetive impacts. Ecooomk grO\l.'I1l has enriched OiJf culruraJ life
and our e<:lJcationa! opportunities. and bas brought m.a..tl)' of U~ a high degree of
ecooomjc prosperiry. BUI this gro'W'th has abo bee1I 8(;companied by a toss of ... a1tled
Opeil space, b)' congestion of our h.ighway~. b)' onacceptabfe le\lels of air pollution.
by I: rapid escalation in the price of hQusing, end by iII1 aggravation of "'ater quaht}'
and supply problems. In the future. our gro\l,1l! must be coosistenilliilb tlle ava.ilabili!Ji
of resources and infrastructure. Grov.'tlJ carl be managed so as to prOLec! lIld impro\'e
our naturaJ and OUf hulIl4.D ell\'ironment But "itiJout effective growth management.
GUt Bay Area quaIi!) of life .... ill deteriorate. As tlle poputaLion grows, housing and
tho! places \\ibere people won:; 'Withjn tlle region should be .5i!:ed and pha!oCd 50 that
gro",,1l! does Dot exceed the capabiilties of nacurat resources, does. 001 exceed the
capacities of ecological systems, and doe; no, degrade envir0nmental qualit)'
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Ccm.mi~sion members, and people "ho commented to me Commission on iu draft
repor .. believe dJe question of population gro\,\tb is an e:meRle!) impo!"ta.l'Jt i~_~ue,
even though there is no agreemenl abcu! it. Some people s.eeL 10 di~ourage gro\\o'tb
~ as to keep poPUJaliOD ,"'illlill oil regional -catr:'ing capa.;itj ~ and thus to protect
nalUIai reSOlJrces Others belie"1: thai gro ...... th produces .substandal benefits and
sllolJld not be diSCQuraged, Still other people say tllere IS nQ chOIce but 10 e:tpect
poptdarion grc'olrl'tn a.,d 10 work to mitiga:e any narmfl,;] eff.::cts it rna}' nave, There
is, however, a Cornrr.is~ioD conseMUS rnat (3) all efforts. to plan for aJ'ld manage
gro .... 'lh must proceed \.,ith faime<;~ ~o. and full p4rticipation by. an racial. cultura!.
ilId economic grOl.lPS; and fb) the proposed De ... ' Re~iona1 Commission \Io'ill need
[0 deal 1J.'it11 population issues as central 10 l~ planf1i!'lg. Intensi .... e ana!)'sis wi!! be
needed regilJdin,g the region's populalioD projections. the-impacts of popui<1tion
gro ... '!!l 00 natural re,O'Jfces, and the reJaliom.hip of P'flpulalioD grOIllo th to eC0r10mlC
~'iLalily,
Qr Common Concerns
Ir; the nine-coumy Bay Area.. we are not onl~' bound toge!.her by me Sa)' bUl also
by ow-daily ems sing of pol iii cal ooulldaries forpurpcsesof l/o"arK. bou sing. commerce.
f«Teaticm. ai'ld education. Cd) and' roun,)' boundaries drawn )'oem ago, during far
different times. make government increasmgty difficult. The Bay Area needs a betlrr
balance lllan now exis.fi bet ... 'een the interests of t.;e region and' the interests of
indhidual communltie~. We have strong .go~'emmenls \0 speak ff)r local in~erests.
Bur our currenl regional ager.cie,~, Stich as the Bay Area ,"-ir Quarir)' Management
Distrk! and Ule ~Ietropolilan Tran~portalioD Commission. are limiled b}' the si.ngle
purpose nature of the laws mal created the m. "" 'hile preserving our loc.oJ gQ\'em menl
decision capacilie:s. we musl give ou.r:.eJ\'~ a ~1110 regior1al car~it), ;0 debate. deCide.
and impkmentregir,naJ policies arTeCling the economy. che em'iron.r;)en l. trdllSp<lT'..atiO:l.
and IJIld U~_ A . .I,d on certain I.')SlltS thal are rnLliti·juris.dicrionaJ bUl cot necessarily
regional' in $Cope. tneie is a need fu subregional grollps of citie~ and ~aurltle~.
bringing logelher those local govemments most affeC"ted b) the i~.')lle al hand
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'Ie Bay Area as a World Center
w~ are-the U1Js.tees. of lIle f •• ace ",'here the United Nat~or.s Charter lIo'as signed. So,"
the 6ay Area is increasIngly a galtll.'ay lothe nations. or (!ic-Pacific Rim. We wan!
the Bay Area to c:ontinlJt to be bom a rl3f.:e of value 10 the people \l,;ho live here
and' a1so a pl3{':c lIo'hcre "'oTld 1eidenbip galf\ers 10 PlJI5UC 15iues of peOll:e, ~uman
devc]opment. w.arld comJtlert:e, arld protection oi the en\'ironm~nl.
Our General Vision
of the Bay Area by the Year 2020
'Ee Land -Urban Areas and Open Space
• Our urban &l'eilS lI.'ouJd bt distinct from ollr countryside. Urban areas \I,'ould ba"1!:
established boundaries. and all urban de ... elopmen! of. residential' and cornmercl!1
tharai:ter would Uke p]a<:c wilhin them Sew, more effecti .. 'c sLeps 'iI'Quld proter!
permanent open spaces and 'lgric:ulruraJ lands.. Our growth v,;ould be managed s.o
that new develop ment tak.e~ place lIo'herever p<lsslble \I. ithin alread) -urnar.iud art.a~.
\\'bere ~u';TeoLl) undevelopt!d areas are set aside for planned ne .... ' gn.1'o1o'th. the areas
need 10 meet the tf sl of being ',l,'ithin ~ginnall} -agreed-upon urbangro .. 'U: bou lJaaries
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Urba.TJ grO\l,ith boundar1e-;;, \\jthin whicD the free marke1 II.'OuJd operalf, would
encourage coherer.! de\,eJopment fvI the reg-iao. Consislt'rlt \lith L'Je region"s compact
growth policy, boundariei would be dra .... 'D to pr::l\'ide sufr:cient developable land
durir.g iii specific rime period, Within me bourld.arie~, p<lficier. would be adoptee
to achieve expeditious appro~aJ of appropriate deveropm,=nt; oulside the boundaries,
open space would be mainwined. Tuward rn: end of the esrabfished time period,
the neYo' Regional Commission .. auld determine whether changes it the ooLlflda:ies
~ Ileeded Changes 'ao'OI .. ld be allowed onl)' whrn nece_sary for co:npact de ... e]opmenl,
and only where consistent ....,lIh tlle pfQtectio [J of natural :'"e !iOUTCe~
• Within urban areas !here 9r.'ould be-adequ31t and appropriate open srace for
recreatiQIl and 10 serve as "lung:. ~ for our urnan ufe, CAl1siQe of I:fban boundaries,
we wouldcarefull), manage-oper. .)poKe re~UTce5,-These re!iources include agricultural
lands, Tecrealiolla! land1and water:), ~"etlands ..... ildlife habitat!;. and other proteC'ted
area" of speCial em-ironmenraJ importance' and ~miti .. ·i.(y. Open ~pac~'\' ':,f iii non
urban characler would be off-limi"'\' to urban dneropment.
• To accommOOllc: population and emplo>7Tlen~ growth Vw'lchin the boundaries of
urban :l1'eas, ollld to create rhc populalion ba~ for feasible mas .. transit, there would
be some increase in the den~it)' and mix. ofhou.ing and business arca~. Within Llrbao
areas. adequate 5upp[je~ of land 'i\'ould thU& be maillLained for C'ommerciai.lndustria1.
aIld residential de .... elopment.
Ne'i\' housillE and husiness areas can alw be-created in lIiread)' e~w.bli'\'hed umarlized
areas by filling in smatrer, pa~~d-o\'er sile~, and by encouraging: the redeveloprnem
of older area" for De \lJ purpo)c.). ~n purs.uing .uch poric Ie). we caD iI,,'oid 'Jnnecessary
de" clopmem of opeo '\'pace all d can of len IJse e:\j Sling infra,\.tru\;!ure. wi th s igniticaIl!
CO,l,1 savIngs
• The San Fram:i!.Co Bay"DeIla: Estuary includlog its \\"el1al'1ds. riOlen.. streams,
and creek; ';l'ould be-restored as a bealtby. ecologi.-:ally diverse, and productive
natura:! resource, prN«"ted and .... aflJed as essential to the environmental and economic
,",,'ell· being of the region
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• 'l"M :round management of solid and h3.lardou~ 'oIr'a5U: lhroi.lgh §(luree redi.l.:tion. T I I recycling, IIld disposal is an importa.'1t aspect of our concern for the land.
Y kiter Management
LeAir
The continued health and well+being of t~ Sa)' Area depem:fs tJp<Hl an ade.quate
waler suppl} of high quality. The managemefll of our Ift'dler resollIces 'Ilr.'oLttd ass-ute:
• Compliance with fed/;'ra] illd state laws affecting ","'ate, quali!)' anc! trealm~nL
• Planning 0[ .... '8Ier suppl)', inc I tiding ~,'ateI conser-'ation, water s"torafe. rec lamadon.
and the potential for dtsaJi':latior., to .SSUft adequacy and hi~b q1.!3hty.
• Placement of infrastructure fDr ,",,'aler .supply lUld treatment so that it support\.
development ill areas designi.!ted fer urban gro'W'tn and not ill pro'lf"cred. unde ... 'eloped
are.a.5, ou~idc of uroaJ'l bolin.dari~).
• Prote:ction of wa!ersh~d lands aJ1d aquifers.
• Management o(wa.<,le disposal so ~ 11m to impair che qualir~ of Willer supptJ,
the Bay-Delta ESlu,uy, and the 9.'alerv.'.3.Ys of t1le Bay Area.
The BilY Area ... 'ould have year-round healthful air. Thert 'Would be fu[J comphance
wiLb federal and Slale dun air laws and the catla6:y to implemenl lhes.e clean air
laws consistent with me speciaJ comfilions of Ole B CI:~. Area.
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HoUSing
.1Jl parts of the SOIY Are .. would have: !'wu~ing tn a ,"'ariel)" (If price r.mges, affordable
and available to :ill s.egme-nts of the Bay Area's population. Communitit:s 'Iiould
pl0~'ide their fair sham of affordable: Dousing for all of our population. througb
appropriate land Die planning and irx:enti'.'es. Financlal beJp would be available to
hO\l!.el1olds and to local govemmenl~ so tbatlhosc with little or no iocorne could
also be adequately hou.s.cJ
People ",ould be able 10 find ,gnoo-qualiIY. afforJ.abJe hOusing ill Te-3scrlabl)' dose
pro:tim..it), to tbeir workplaces The search for affordable housin,g wO\.lld no IOrlger
force Vw'orl.:ers in tne Dine~olmty Bay Area to live at th~ periphery' of t1le~ cOtJDljes
and in adjoining areas. The cost of this spral,;1 i!l fouled air. ccngesred roads, loss
of irrcplacabJe land res.ourCeS, ,,"'3sted energy, and strain on )oung and gro .... 'ing
families, is a eml W~ \lro'ould ~o loag~r bear as a f("gion.
Tansporration
The Bay Area \II{)uld ba~'e an efficient energy-conse:rving. convenient, reasonabl)'
pnced. and Integrated tran.~port<llilJn s),stt'm combining tl1~ best of pub Ii..: and private
rnources. The systt"m would empha<;.ize me use of carriers that "ie oeD-polluting.
To meet our goal~ of clean air and relati\'elY-lIl1congested highwa)'s. a signifkant
reduction ¥I'iII be needed in trips, pdrticularly bJ sir.gle-cx-cupant vehicles propelled
0)' internal combustion engines. Bay Area uansponation planning is required by
federal and state Jail" 10 address SllC-Tl reductions, \\hich ¥I'llI be more achievabfe
if some residenlial den~ilies are increased and If tl1e balance of jobs 3Jld bousing
in urban areas is irr,pro'.'ed
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Tnms.poiUuion and land u;;e d~cisi(\ns would be supportive of C'ilcb otner and
con~iste.c:t "'iLb clean air objecti",es. Transport&ti.;JD infrastructuH' \l:ould cot be an
independent slimu!ant te land u~ de'o'e!opment, MbS lranSll \l:ould be 3vailah:e
to popu~jon and ",,'3rk ceDlef!i,~ in mcr~ sPJlnel)'·pop<.tlal~d rural area~. nO\lo'ever,
roadways and private vehicles. will remain the primM) means of ttar:~portation.
Air tra ... ·C'l is-an essto!iaJ aspect of our~ri"'ate h'iC's ~s Vwc:1l as of the regioc· 5 e"co.1Qmy
Regional .aspects of airport deve;opmell! a:ouJd be planned In ~cordance ,,'ill1 'Jther
reglooal objectives.,
Qr Cities and Their Residents
We art largely a.n urban pe<lple ill the Sa,)' Area and mosl of us , .. ill continue to
li"'e in cities. 14l]e and ~l!!all. These cities are rich grounds for commerce, for th/!'
e.x:change of ideas, afld for much thaI "'e are proud of as a ci'nlw::d communiry.
AI the same time, seriOU.3 problems exJ'Sl in lo ... ·ill(ome, run-down cammlJoltje~,
mostly in old~rci ties, tha. adverseJ)' affect me" gene:al q uaht)' of lifr. and opportunities
for economic gra",'!.h in Ihe rc-.giuri. But me: major ad .. 'er>e impact of dlese problems
is on the residents of these com.TJlunities. Regional1ecisio;J-maling thai eficompas.s.t;s
only envirO[lmeD tal I~SLX:S, transpol"tiition. bousing, and reven LIe-shari ng, is no( li!>.e 1)
to deal ruDy witn the isstJe~ mal lie of central cor.cern to inner efty re~iderltS,
panicularly those of color.
Livable urban ~ilS wOllld ~U5, io 2020, be p!a.:es mar inyite re.sideTl:::e b~~ m::\lOcomen.
a!i well as L'1cse who currently Ii"'e iD central ciries.. The De)!;t phase of regional
planning. [0 seeking more compaC1 forms of infill and devdopm/!'nt. would find
a bal&OCe bet'il.'een the needs ofnewcomen. to ceiltral cities and tho~e who [j·~e tlJere.
It \liill DO! be eas)'. But a Bay Area thal ",,'arks better for all of us ll1u5! no! be. built
at the expense of thCst wbc li~'e in the communities .... here chatlge will occur.
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The ComIr'jS:iiuD believes tl1a! a n~ .. ' re;-glonaJ .;genc)' can be helpful in deC'isiom
affectillg socia! issue~, eveD t~ough thele iss!.les are specificarJ)' local or are largelY
tlle respoDsibi!i!~' of federal' and state go\ernrnelllS, .-\ nC''W regional agenc} canDot
avoid a concern for the L .... ability of ce!l!ral cities and the well·being ofUleir residents.
The agenc), would pm"ide a forum for Ule discussion of these-issues aild in cbe
process, peopJe throughout the region \liQuid beller underHand rhe lmportance of
solying cen1Ial cily problems, Mareo~er, cenU'al dly pe')ple wOClld be among mose
maki ng poucy for the regionai agenc)"
AI the htan oft~e Ccomrnissioo's cor.c~m f{j( inIler cilje~ and their resident!; is the
urldersranding tho!! in specific aJ'ld 5{lmetimes subtl'! 1I.'.s:::-~ we are all linked 10 each
other in !he Bay l\Iea.. Yw'irnolll livable central cilies (as reflected at leasl in good
scbools, affordable sheller. adequate child care. access to jobs and 5aft streets),
tho.s.e wflo l.i\e in t.l:]e cenler will remain disadnntaged and others ""'ill conlinue
to a"'oid [jving in llroan centers, If our urbar. cemen. do no! become more ho~pjtabJe
places for all ofu,. and r.~t move to "ub l!rb, <imj the peri p~e!)' of the region comir.ues,
the effor! to manage growth "II.'hile pn.:!tecli'lg oW'" en',-!.rcnmenl is almost certain 10
fail.
he Economy
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A sU'ong Bay Area eCl1nomy produces the fun employment and incorn.:-s fundamental
to OUI "9.'dl·being as a region and it prooLlces the !a;l; re-.:eilue that suppons a varict}
of beneficial public acti. ities. A "'ibnmt economy is thus eS.lenliallO the Ba)' Mea's
qLla!ity of life.
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Governing the Region
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The nluc,I. we put forward Ie guide us ill prolt'cting our en'o'irClnmer.~ "hile managing
the Bay Area's growth tead us to recommend a gov:ming capacllY for the region
that 9,'( do nN cum:ntIy have. Then: ate' irnerdependencies in all the criti,ar areas
th,al we h,r.'f been cbarged' 'Q:ith examining (e,g the economy. tra.1:.ponaliotl.,
housing, rand, air, waler) and these int~rdependencies require I regional goYerni!lg
framework where nccC'sslI)' cooperation can be assured., creilti~'c a,greeme:<ts reil:bed.
trade-off~ comidered. and appropriate authority e:ten:i.~d,
This ne~' re:giooaI go.'crniilg fra:nev.'ork t;.ould gi~'e LlS capacities appropriale 1.0
our l'e'g:coal interdepen,;!e n.:ies. But it wO\Ild nOl replace ilif' role of local government
in providing indh'idua! sen'Ices and pi ol(e ti ng local commu rjt)' ideoti't)' and vitality.
And subregional arrangements among local Eo"crnment5, .. 'here appropriate. wOiJld
be encoUIii.ged. But for lhe first time. the B3)' Area \\'ould a.ho have I ~ove:rning
p-Jteolial to match the e~:enl of i15 geography and L~ intert .... ining of its regjcna.!
proble:rru..
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Regional Govemance
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Rent regional governance is inadequate .
••• 1111 ••• !be BOiY Ned lle~5' demxralic. &:-cQuDtable. re~poDsi\'~ political stnlcture 10 fink
and integrate [he policies of our man)' singJe-purpose age!1cies, 'What v.:e ha\'e 1](1"'01
is .5Ometime~ descn""bed as "'venlC'ar government-an arra)' of !leparate. ~pecial
purpose agencies \.n 5l.lcb areas as air quality. watlf qUo1Ill1y. tfar'l.~poru.tion. tl.C, Blli
there is. no "'hcrilontar a.geIK) to rd1eci the many >;.'3.):' in whic.l\ th~ regiorl is
intfrdependtnt (ARA.G is I 'Voluntary a.sSociltion of local gOYl:rnmetl_ts and i5.
",;tI!oul autholil)' to make binding decisiom on regional issues.) And. despite the
best efforts of iTHihidua! govemir:g board~ and' 5!affs. there i~ 110 single place \\'b(re
comple.; region~ issues. can be considered, derisions made. arid ;<Jlicics carrifd
ot:.t Our pre~nt S)'s!ern of regional Eo~'ern.a.nC'e is nOI sufficierH to acble\'e u.e
Commi.ssion's goars for the year 2020.
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A state/regional/locai policy/or growth management is needed .
••• 1111 ••• The Commission's "'ision for the Bay Arel in 2020 includes la) effective rlale
pojicies fO! managing growth and .;;h.ang~; (b) a regional agency. as de5CriW belo .... ,
c~ea!ed by nate kgistation.in un: year 1991·92 ltgislativc session. an<! (c) strong
local governmemsactlog COnsisteIl lI)' \1Iitll.;1l apprv\'cd regi on a! plans. {AI iii minimu m.
state policies are needed to redoce me tax pressures that 'iis.caI:ze" land use and
ta provide financing me(]-,od~ for lbe infrastruc(urt' Ileeded LO serve a growing
jJOpUJation.) De$pile ll-,e importance of ne .... .sWe pobdes. I regioDal ageoc) (or
the Bay Area. can begin to flJncrion without waiting for their enactment
Ethe Bay Area. we need a more integrated governing system .
••• 11111 ••• Our goal is to bring '::Dherenc<! to regional planmng and regional1ecisiorJ·miling.
to increaM: L~ effecti",ell(ss of regional agelKies and of local go\'emments. W(:
strongly believe in maintalning 11l~ ime-grit)' of existii1g toeaJ governments and r11eir
autonomy over !oca] dtC'lsion-maling.
A new nine-county Regional Commission (RC) should be
created by consolidating existing agencies .
••• 11l1li ••• The RC would combine, at a minimum. the fuoctiarls aftne Bay _.4uea Air QualilY
ManagementDistriCl the Merropolican Tramporu.tioD Commis.l.ion. and the Association
of Bay A..--ea Gm'crnments. The con:;o]idaled rc;iooal .. gene), would ha"e .I new
governing board replacing me go ... ernlllg bodies afme three merged agencies. The
merger wOLlld link, in one agency "",,'im nne De"" governlog board, responsibility
for l'egional air quallt)'. regional tr1Ulsf1(]rtltion. at":! regiooal aspects of land u&C';
it '9io'ould .also make possible effective planning and ,a(;tions for otller, refated malll::~.
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Qher regional agencies should be consideredfor later
consolidation into the new Regional Com'11ission.
Th~ could i.nc-Iuck t.~c San Francisco Bay R.~gi(lDal Wa.!er Qualiiy Control Board.
the Ba)' Conservation and Development CommissiGn. and other single-purpose
agencies acting 00 i~!.uei of regiollaJ con'ern This laler cCllsojidatlOo CQuld also
indodr ,",'ute managermnt
Sone Commission. m~mbas beriel't! lhar additiolUIl "gt'ru:it!'J .sr.ould bt' added from
rhO' sIan.. Oth£rs bdieve thar it is po.rtic//larl)' l.hlpo.'1alll /0 inc/Ide tit! Regiorwl
Waler Quafity COl'llrol Bl)(lrd as scx;n QJ tr.i.1 CQ/'I be dOfle-ijnOljrom the beginning,
'''ell alleaS! M'ithin 3 or" years. Still otltUJ bdrt!"t rnar ron!Olidatif1_~ tflru Mfljor
ageru:il'J would be 0.1'1 imponan f beginning, and thaI "'"ill: thru rhra, tne /ln.'
Iteginrwf Commissioll IH}ufd havt' a J'ubnanriaJ JIt"orkfoad. All agree that, a.l a
minimum. the CommiJ.sion rJu"'tld be requ.ired 10 SlUd,., and repan 01'1 Ihr advisabiliIy
of adding mor~ re~iona{ relptJftSibi!aies. This Jtudy ..... ou.'d emphasi~ lne imponQna
of a !)'stem.; conceptfcr ~utrdecision·l1Wk.ing, and ~'ould uri: to determine ","'Nerhu
lhis requiTes Ille merg'" of mon agencies or Q mtthod insuring {Mir pa~idpation
br CDmpTtMnsilft Teguma! pfarmj"t:. a'U/ !hl'ir C'omplilJJ!ct r>.iIh rhe resullirr~ prartS.
'I:e Regional Commission would do the following: ••• 11..... Admi !lister che air qtl alit)' la""'5 DOW the responsibi riT)' of tlll: Sa)' Area Air C"".alily
Manag~men1 District;
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• AdIliinislerthe transportation programs no\&.' the n:5ponsibili!) of the Metropolitan
Tr.truportation COmmlssion;
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II .'dminisler regional "fair ~hare ncusiTlg" programs and other legwy-rniindaied
responsibilities of tht: Association of Bay Area GO'lernments;
• Develop,l process for effectively integrating rn.e !Work clJrrenLly be-ing dane by
tbe thre-e agencies; and
• Prepare a regional plan to acbic ~'e the Commission' 5 goals f('t the Bay Area
in me year 2020. The stale meOl of goals in me precedlng section of this report ~ts
fom the policies and objecti~'es to Ix US(d in preparing thi.s plan.
• But the RC wotild Dot optrare or construct suc-~ chiogs as transportation s}' Sit ms;
operating agencies "",,'Quid coolinue their prescn! fuoctions.
'Ie Regional Commission should complete its regional plan no
later than the end of its third year, and shouid then submit its plan
and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature .
•••••••• At thi: end cfll1eplanning period the RC 'Vooul d conlinue 10 cil!1)' out l~erespon~ibi [i [ies.
of the three merged ageocies.l! would also req~s.t an)' additional authorit,Y nece:)sary
to ciiIl)' out its ftgic::.4l plan, If the phm is approved b)' the Governor and the
Legislalure, and if the additional authorit; is likewise i!.pprow:d, the RC would then
implement the-pla.'l,
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Some C orrunJ,iSion members befifH' IMr rhe £ni!ial eMbling kgisloliorJ JnowJd
provide for iht' RC 10 prepare a plan, odnpr it, and tJrfll bt-gir. CO'0'lllg i1 00lt. Uruler
this proposal, ,ne CommiHion WOuld Med 110 additional C1l.ithoriJy 10 disapprove
well/ oct'-Dns illconsirreru wiJh the plan, Similarly, Ihe RC would be abit 10 iru/ljre
tlull local decisions do nOl pre"en! development spenfieJ by ;ht plOFL A I.i!hority
to carr)' Ol.illllher QJPtCIJ' ofrhe plan, sllch as shiJ.ri,'lg of:w:: reven.ues, wOllld clear(li
require addirional rrate legislarion,
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he planning process should be open, public, and inelusive .
••••••• 'tbe law estabIi5hlDg the DC .... ageflc), snouid reqlJirc stale, regional. .illd local
agencie\. including IWatC'I.5upply agencies, to take part in the planning The .goal'
is I; highly interactive process lila! includes .;1I concerned groups 3Jld aHo\lo~ for
broad pubEc participation.
Ie regional plan would not be a detailed land-use plan
••• 111 •••• Rathe.t, it -..'ould setsundards for meettng regi-or.a.l needs, c .r.., }obs~hou~ii\g pr\.'1.im1t).
nrbanIopen spa.ce bcundMies, areas for DCW infill de ... eTopment.. affordable bousing
targets. water supply. and crileria for siting f:.!ciliries sucb as airports.lJ1d solid ..... asle
landfllls. wbich are nece.ssolI)' but mighl be locally undesirable.
1 its planning, the Regional C"Jmmission should make the
maximum use o/the general plans adopted by cities and countieso
......... The n.;:';Iw" agency should also el1collNge "'subregional" ptanning-<:fforu by groups
oi cities and counties tD plan ill more detail for cheir pans of me Bay Arc-a. Some
of this ptan.!ling VIo'iIl involv~ join! efforts b)' a count)' and the citJes v,.'itlJill it. One
such approath is embodied ill the Dew counlywide Congestion Ma.1age ITlCm Program
ageDCi~5. Su.bregiana! planning for tanspmtation and housi'llg .. ill often require
workiog "'1th cOtinties contiguous 10 tM nine<ounty 8a.y Area. In any e\'ent,
~ £. effecti'iC subregional planning __ 'ill be an essential (omponent of effective planning
" for the region
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As apart o/irs work, the Regional Commission should
recommend measures necessary to carry out the regional plan .
•••• alll •• I1'be Commi:i.sioD "DOllid:
A. Recommend appropriate 5ubregio'lar de.:isioll' making .... ithin tbe poliCies of the
regf onaJ pl <In
I. Recommend procedures ~)' ",'hict!. once the reglonar plan has been appro. cd.
cities, counties., Local Agenq Formation Comml~sions, and other go,'ernrnental
units would bring their plan5 inlo cooformi:) ""'itb it. When the RC has appro .... ed
11 local' plan as being lD conformity. the local go .. 'ernment Vrt'ould hayc tOia!
allu,or-il)' to carr)' Ollt its pla.ru, s..:bjecl ')n1) to lppcals to the RC lithe appro\ed
plan is not bci!1g full)' follviOed. (Thj~ pru\'L~ioD wOllld take effecl af:er tlJe-Res
plaTl5.and ~commend~!ions had Deell appro"ed by the Go\'emDr al'ld Legi.!arllte
or, alternativel)', after die Commissioll il.;elf has adopted II pia:ll if lhis 1s allo'4'Cd
b)' the initiar .C,nabling leghlatioQ,)
C. Recommend acti on5. to be take il if a local governm~m doe~ nOl carry out its cwo
plans io cOl'lfonnil) ~'ith regional goals. This could include financial pcrl~llie:;
{e.g_, withholding tax re"'enue~ res lilting from any nel .... de~'eJopmel'll nO[ in
coofarmit),). RC actions Icgatly compelling compliance. additional incentives.
or some combinatioo of incentives ilIld disincel'lli\'es.
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Ie Regio1U11 Commission should also advise on three additional
matters that, to be carried out, would require new state legislation.
•••• 11 ••• The: Commission should
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A. Recommend tbc best anj rairC'~ tncans for ftglonaJ .shitrillg of tu: income froa;
commertial. industria!. and high-cosl ft:sidentia! development.
Some Commission. memMrs fr.tiitw tJun, GJ Q prQ(!icol "ulttrr. lLtr-snaring is
feasible on/Jfor rt~'tlllJ.(J rtsulti,..g from!!!:!: dn~topmen.1. Olhtrs beline thaI,
btCOlLSt of prutll1 ifltquiti(l, it is atw imponom 10 c"01uida the fax re~'trl"tS
cities and colUllitJ rtctiw: from prior dn'etopwte7l.1 ..... IJ agrte dlat this is 011
wrtfUly iJr.ponar.;, and tx!rt"U!ly difficulr, issue
I. Recommend wbttiler other ageock's. should be merged inlo the RC and, If so,
when and bo .. '; and
C. RecommeDd wccther the ,governing beard of the RC after me initial planning
period sbould be dir«:Jy elected 0; appointed.
Samt Commi.IJio~ rflt'mMn bdi~·t ilwl Ih.t gO~'emi7l.g board of the RC siJoJJ.ld.
from 1M btgi7l.fli~g, be dirtcr!} deCEet! by districrs iTt tht" Bay Area. Otlur.s belieOlt
rhal !~ RC Jnolild f','uiJllolt)' ~ dirtClIJI-tltcted. bUI lhar <krign.ing an tlecrio"l
prrKtJS l4iordtJ def~y the RC's plaMing ... ·ort TflllJ our recom17U'lIdation. is Jor
a71. appoiflEt'd Regional Commission for 1M inilial plannin.g ptriod, wirh sniIJus
co~idtrarion qf an. cl~crio71 system 1.0 foUo.,.·.
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It a clear, fair process can be del'ised, the Regional Commi.<sioll
should. during its three-year planning period. have authority to
ailow or deny developments of regional importance,
(h •• (, \ 0\ These are projects detennined by a majority ~'O~ of the Commlssio!l to na~'e regional
im~ac! because of rneir character, size. or Jocalior.t fh( kinds of development Ie
be included M!ed funher-definitlOD. The aU[hori~ shou.ld be limited to ~ucb things
as anne",aliolls cre~pansio!)s of c:c.i50tini spheres of influence and urba., servY.:c areas.
local general plan ai-ne:iluments n::s.1.l.1Img in " rc-du,,"t!on of residellti4I densities or
designarlonofresidC'lltiaJ land forcornmercia! tJ:st.largc-s.;;:iLle commercial" de .. 'clopment
project:; nor ai:cessible by mass 'lIlUlsil, major tranSportallOC project\., large-Y.:ate
con ~'ersiorl5 vf e.listing opt"1l space, and estabhshrnt"nl () f mu lti <ounty laJ1dfilJ si,es.
SO'T!e Commi'ssion members dJ., 1101 agrer )l.ilrr ;his propo~al, bt!i~in5 thut it ~m1l.ld
re.wl: in delc}'ing M'ortll ... hi:e pfL1jectr. particu!arly as illitial sfanaluds are being
d~l;eloped. Olhers SlApport th~ idea as necessary JO ill!lJ.!i that majQr aspects of
Ihe regional plarr are riO! ::o'11promi:.ed brjore rile pian call i;c complned. All ag:~e
fna.f fa) rhere rMiJ/d be no moraron'urn on d~,,'d{lpm£nJ "-'naif rMe pia!! iJ being
prepared. a'td ('h) dear standard:; are needed to aerennillL "-hick projects ~l'Olild
b~ re'.itwea by :he RC a.rui ho~' (~e.\' M'otila be r~vjLwed expedilioll.s!.y.
litiall); the governing board of the Regional Commission
should be appointed.
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But, as e::l:plained abo\'f:, after the thtee--year planning period. there ~hould be
consideration of an elected board
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Ie criteria/or appointing the initial goveming board of the
Regional Commission should be as follows:
•• 11111 ••••• The board !.hOl.ild renee! the racia.], etllIlic, .social. Cind income di .... ersi!), cf lh~
Ba)' .1u"ea., 11 should alS<l refiect the region's inner citie~. suburns, and rural a:ea. ...
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• Eacb arme nine ':O(lnLie5 sbould baH at !east one reprc;:r;i.alivc, 8ec"ilJ5t larger
areas should have representation gC'llC'rally renecting ilie sile of lII,:,ir POPUIa:(iOrJ5,
the governing board would be rejati~'ely large', a board of 35-40 people ~'ould 1]01
be unVr"orhble
• People appointed to Ihe go .... erning board \hould be able 10 de\'ot: adequate time
to lhe agency's work. and stlOuld not niH!: alternales Board members :ihOL'ld be
paid for their 'I.'orl.
• Tht governillg board shoulC (:c'rui&t panJy of locally-ekcte-d officials (totJnt)
supeniisOiS and city mayon. and council member;) and partl) of people cho!Oen from
the public: <it-Iarg\!. All people appotDled [0 me Commj~~joD should h.ave experience
wltb i.!.sues of regional cOl'lccrn.
1n its draft repon.. the Commission proposed tt.a! the goVerrllrg ooard should consis.t
half of Joca!!y·elecled ofticia!s and balf of pubIic rtpres.tnlativ~s. Mil!I) hJCaJ
offk:iah say thai the love-ming board shaul d be made up prim anI} or cfllirely of
local officials. in part becaus.e the governing boards of the RIJt.QMD. ~fTC and
ABAG nO\\' corui51 al'mo51 en Lirel) of local official s.
In its subs.equeol discll~sions, the Comm!s~ion agreed tnat a goq:rning board
consisiing of aOOur 60 perct-I'lf lroca]' offtcials ""Quld be t"e450nabre
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• To insure thai the appoiramenl!; \0 the gO'o'eming ooard renect the regiol'l's
di'tCIsity. appointments snolJld be made by a single appoiniing panel. Thi.s panel
couJd make !ll the appoinlmenrs---loca! officials and public-repre<;enlati\les~
local officials could be sctecled by their peers and (he panel could appoint onl),
[he public memben. .
• The-appointing panel snould con~ist of 10 re~iden!~ of the nine-cQunl)' Bay Area.
Fiit l\'oliid be Joc3ny-electtd ofti,iaI~ cho~ell by the Association of Bay Area
Go .. 'emmeil'.s. One panel member would be ar-poin!ed b)' tlle Govenor, one by the
Presideni Fro Tern of me S~le Sena!~. and one by LlJe Spt!aker of che AssembJy
The other two panel members 'iiI'ould be people of communilY stature afld broad
regionaf pelJpective, The appointing pantl ","'ould ,hoo~e a chair and vice chair for
the gO\'eJning board. After makir.g ils ap~'intmen[s. [he panel would meet again
only if needed to fiU • .. acandes 00 the governing board,
A state appropriation for the Regional Commission's planning
period should be sought unless ...
•• 111111111 •• a detailed budget rev iew demonstriite I; thal tllere wou I d be sufficient co .. ! s,h'ings
in the merger of the BAAQMD. MTe and ABAG to fLlr.d the work of the ne· ...
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Background
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LaWl"fDct Dahms
Jobn DeGrave
Mil ... Fddst.in
1 ..... Gnthrie
Ralld, Hanulton
Viclor Jones
Todd KaulllWl
10hn T. KnOt _
Eagene'Lee
Ric-hard LeGales
Sco" McCrttry
Miclulel McGill
Larry Orman
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E.le't.lti~,c director, MeU'opolll2n Tran~portalio!l
Commi~sjon.
Profes,scr and direclVi. florida Atlantic Universityl
Florida International lJni'o'ersi;)' Joint Center for
EC',Lronmental and Urban Problems: .ucbtect of
AoridJ.'s 1985 Growth Man.agemcrtt Act
Super."is.or, Santa Clara County. and 1989·90 chair of
MTC.
E:r;e("u!.i'i~ directOT. Bay Area Air QtJafil)' Management
[}~strict
Prafe,sOT, LTC Berkeley. Gradu.ate Schoo! ,,( Edllcation,
and co-fo(.lnder of Policy AI1aJ'}sis for Cahforn..ia
Edu.;ation {P.o\CE).
tGS visiting scholar. iIld fonner dean, Golden Gali:
University.
Profes.'-Of frTU'ri!Us., rc Berkeley Polit:i<.-a! S<-knce
Depanment
Princlpaf consll!tant,. S(ale .tu~mbly Office of
Research.
Former As~m'bl)' Member from Ri.:hmond, former
cha irman of tl'Ie Assembl)' Lo.:aJ Governmem
Commillee. and aUlhor elf regielmJ go~'ernmeIJt
legi~IatioD in the 196(};. aod 191e>s
Profe'isor emeritus, VC Berkeley PolilicaJ Science
Depmmt:nl, and fonner director. JGS
Prcfe~50r. San Francisco Stale Uoi'lC'n.iry L"man
S tucie. Department.
EnvJonme ntal policy coo~ul wt: let:turer in UC
Berkele)' landscape Architecture Department
Exe':llti ,'e direclor, Ba)' Area Economic Fomm.
Executi'.'e direclor, Gree~beJI . .&JJiance.
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Neal Pcirce
Joe Phi:DO
D.nry RichmODd
Sao &<l~
SEDCORP
Aqelo Sincuso
Siena Tbompson
levan Tra.oter
CoroI WhiUsid.
Nationally·s),f!diCJled uro:t11 .affairs niler,
Pres:deJ1!, The 1iX)() fartnC'n.rup. Los Angeki.
E,;e<:uth-e c!irecIOC. 1000 FriC'nd~ of Ort,nn
Retired ass:stant direclcr. }GS
The Solano Economic Dc\'elopmcN CO!pOralio'l.
organized I prtstntatioc that included COl'lgtessman
Vic Fazio; Asstmbiy Member Tom lhnniJ:an;
JohII Adams, vice chairpeootl of fairfield Vision
2020; Fruk And",,,". ct.air of SeOCORP snd ODt
of the COUDI)"S major developeN.: 16m B.mln,
rcpreseruing I consortium proposing, toU road in the
county; &b Bennan, presidenl of t.~ Solano Counry
hnrJands .lila' Opera SpacC' Foundation; 8ria Blfdsot.
serntary·manager of the Solano lrril'lioD District;
BiU clrrDn. ma)'Of oJ Vaca .... ille; hr Danitls of che
Messenger GroLip; Norman RepankA. SEOCORP
president; and John Taylor. Ecviroc;nental
Managemenl hogram director and LAFCO offICer.
President, Ba)' Are" Cooncil.
Director, Stale Assembly Office of Res.eardt
EXmJ ti ve director, ASM'oCi.ati on of Ba, Area
Go, emmenlS. •
Mayor, City of Modesto.
Special papers were prepared for Uh: (ommiss.ioD b),
Ed BlUely
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Proress.or .and chair. Department of Of)' .a.."d'
Regional Planning. UC Benelcj.
Professor and chait. Center for Ul in AmI!ric8l1
Sturlies.. UC Berkeley_
Profess.or a."d chair, Department of Elllillc StlJd:~s.
lie BerkeJey.
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CmmiSSion Origin
~ origins of me commlssion lie in tlle 1989 effom of [We grDLlpS, "ooong iniliaJl)
witholl! knowledge Qf each otl1er, 10 spur efforts [Q\\:ard more effective regional
decision-making l1'l the Sa]' .'\rea. After f1a~'ing cUD~ide~d a I'lumber of things that
might be done, ncb group cvncluded independenu)' thai tile mos.! promising neXl
step would be formation of.t blue-ribbon eililen comJ!lJssiol:! to iUlal)'ZC currenl
trends in [r.e Bay .AJ~a. propose a vision fortlle future, and male spe..."ific re~ommendations
to achieve that vision.
The firsl group \!ro';!S inlli1ltcd b)' me chair of the ~'letIopo[itan Transp<llUtion
Crlmmission. Supcrvhor Rod Diridon of SaJ'll.a Clara (ounly. He: "'as joined b~' the
dlair of the A.m~ialjoo of Bay Mea Govemmenls. ~ayor Warren Hopkins of
Rohnert Park. and by successive chairs of the Bay .A..rea Air Quail!} Management
Di .. lnct, Supenis..'1r Susanne Wils.oc of Sol.!llo. Clara (oum)' alld Councilmern'Der
Shir!e) Campbell oi Hayward, !Il addl~lOn. the local government cocvenon of the
BAY VISfON 2020 Commis:iion include the chairs o( the cine count)' boards of
supervL>ors: t1Ie mayor.> of Oilk.!ano. Sail Fraocisco. a:nd Sa., Jose; represcnl3tives
of the cities ic eacb of me 9 cOlJnties; and the pres ideot of the League of C aIifom ia
eWes
Simultaneously. a group of leaders of bU'ioine.ss and eD'.lrOnmenta! groups II,:ere
meeting tinder the auspices of the Reglonallssl.lt"s Forum. which is sponsoredjoinLI)'
bj the Bay Area Council a:nd the Greenbelt Allian.::e, As the two groups became
!iIo'ate of their joinl inlerest in eSlablishing ;. cili'Zen commissioD. the)' developed
an agrt~meDi by whicb they llI'orked together to select and recruit member> of the
C ommlS5io!l. Ltaders oftlle Regi onallssues F orur::! IIKlutle .... "gelo S iracus.a. presi:Jeal
of the Bay Area Council. and LaIT) Orman. e~ecuti .. 'e direclor of the Greenbell
Alliance
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Management
Managemelll ~r.'ice~ tine beefl iljO\'id~d to Sa) Vlslol1 2020 bJ the CaEfClmia
Enviror.mc!!to11 Trus.t, a SI3Ie·-.'idc. Don-profit SOHc;3 organintion. lJlcorporal:ed
in 1985,
Bay Vision 2020 Staff
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Josoph E. Bodo';"
Tioh Sp,"""
MtI Mop!of
Kathy FWIl
Justint (hOl
MArl .. Vm.rnal
Proj~1 Manager
A:;.soc,alc Project M ana,ger
Proje~ Consu I tanl
.o\drninj Hrati.,.'( AS5istantiAcc(llln tl ng
Associa1e for )\;ork 'Q'ith TatiJlieilinic gWl.lPS
Stcrelary
Add ..... -BAY \'SIO~ 2020 COMMlSS!OS
Hearst BLlilding
S Third Street. Room 60&
San Francisco, CA 94103