Over the next 25 years ABAG projects that an additional 1.7 million people will live in the Bay Area, over 1.6 million new jobs will be created, and more than 600,000 homes will be built. A much older population and higher energy costs are anticipated, as well as changes resulting from global warming. Rising sea levels, a reduced snow pack, additional forest fires, and more record heat days are projected. These are just some of the insights provided by Projections and Priorities 2009: Building Momentum, issued in August. This biennial publication highlights the specific changes forecast for the Bay Area over the next 25 years and represents the region’s collective plans for these imminent changes.
The 162 page publication, Projections and Priorities 2009, provides a summary of biennial demographic and economic forecasts for the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as describes the region's Priority Development and Conservation Areas and performance targets. Projections 2009 forecasts population, employment, income, and households for the San Francisco Bay Area in five year increments from 2000 to 2035, with data for the region’s nine counties and 101 cities. This data includes labor force and age projections by county which provides insight into the region's economy. A CD with the actual data files is also part of the document.
“Priorities” part of Projections and Priorities 2009 incorporates the region’s Priority Development and Conservation Areas (PDAs) and performance targets. For the first time, both the region’s transportation investment plan and this year’s update to the forecast were tested against a series of specific performance targets. Impacts on carbon dioxide emissions from cars and light trucks, as well as other measures, are some of the facts presented.
The newly published Projections and Priorities 2009: Building Momentum publication was featured during a workshop on August 28th in Oakland before an audience of more than 100 elected officials and business and community leaders. Key highlights of the demographic and economic forecast were presented with discussions about where and how will growth occur and how plans for growth affect presumed priorities and impact local communities.
Building Momentum: Projections and Priorities 2009 (August 2009, 162 pages with CD of data files), can be purchased through ABAG Webstore at. Price: $225 + $5 postage and handling. CAT. NO. P09001PRO For additional information, call ABAG at 510/464-7900.