The Challenge of Great Communities

Unfortunately, the obstacles to creating great communities are significant. Outdated zoning codes prohibit traditional town centers with their mix of homes, shops, and businesses. State fiscal policies push cities to compete for sales tax revenues instead of providing homes. Too few cities ensure that new homes are available to people of all income levels or ensure that economic development benefits all members of the community. Most importantly, most decisions about where and how to grow do not involve community members in a meaningful way. Because so many proposals do not come out of a community-based plan there is little surprise that residents often oppose infill development; they see it as being imposed on them without adequate community benefits or involvement.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

The Bay Area has an incredible opportunity to fundamentally shift growth to be more equitable and sustainable. We can redirect growth away from natural areas and working farms, and instead reinvest in our existing communities, many of which have been ignored for too long.

Over the next five years the Bay Area will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stop poorly planned growth and reinvest in our existing communities. Since 2000, Bay Area voters have approved $12 billion in new mass transit investments, and will add 100 new stations to the region’s existing 300 rapid transit stations and transit corridors

Neighborhoods within a half-mile radius of transit stations, known as “station areas,” represent the Bay Area’s best hope to provide safe, affordable homes in walkable neighborhoods rich with services. Not only can these areas support a wide range of housing choices, they also provide well-documented transportation benefits. In fact, Fannie Mae allows families in these areas to qualify for larger mortgages. Their proximity to transit and services means they can invest in home equity, education, and other wealth-building activities, instead of spending money on two or more automobiles, which depreciate in value very quickly.

And there are other reasons to be optimistic. Changing demographics mean that by 2025 there will be consumer demand for an additional 550,000 homes near transit. Regional and state agencies are creating policies and funding to support new community planning processes.

We can build homes that provide choices so that all residents, at every income level, can find great communities to live, work, and play: communities with access to good jobs, schools, parks, transportation, shopping, and other necessities.

Together, we can do it.

Whether our passion is social equity, open space protection, affordable housing, or sustainable transportation, we must work together to ensure new development furthers all of these goals. Together, we can create great communities across the Bay Area.