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The Bay Area is expected to grow by one million new residents by 2020.

To accommodate this growth while protecting open space and creating vibrant neighborhoods, the region needs to direct new development into existing cities.

Throughout the Bay Area, plans are underway to create new neighborhoods around transit stations. These areas offer an opportunity to do the kind of development that will help the region to grow in a sustainable way, with affordable homes, effective transportation, and protected open space.

Urban Outings and Outreach

The Livable Communities Outreach Team helps local residents get engaged in the planning process and speak up for good development. The team hosts Urban Outings, presentations, townhall forums, and more. On Urban Outings, residents have the opportunity to interact directly with architects, planners, developers, and volunteers sharing their vision for compact development.

Take a look at photos of an East Bay BART tour and a light rail tour in San Jose. You can also read about our successful light rail tour in North San Jose.

Great Communities Need Great Advocates

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission has prioritized good development around 100 Bay Area transit stations. To link this broad policy to ongoing efforts in individual communities, Greenbelt Alliance has partnered with several Bay Area organizations—including Urban Habitat, the Transportation and Land Use Coalition, and the Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California—to launch the Great Communities Collaborative.

Get Involved
As a planning professional, student intern, or interested Bay Area resident, you can encourage better development by volunteering for Greenbelt Alliance's Livable Communities Outreach Team. To join the team, please email us with your resume and cover letter.