Report to the Board: April 17, 2025 | Association of Bay Area Governments

April 17, 2025

Updates

The Data Strategy & Analytics team recently launched a refreshed Bay Area census website at BayAreaCensus.ca.gov. The site features the latest data available from the United States Census Bureau and includes interactive dashboards that break down data by year and location, downloadable data sets that can be used offline and historical data not easily found elsewhere.

BayREN’s Multifamily program is highlighted in a recent Rocky Mountain Institute report as a model for streamlining processes and reducing hurdles for property owners and contractors to implement energy-saving upgrades. BayREN is also recognized in the report for its commitment to workforce development and training. Congratulations to the BayREN team! Learn more at abag.ca.gov.

On April 22 and 25, Bay Area Regional Collaborative is hosting a series of events here at the Metro Center. The events are part of “Taking Action on Climate Change: Who’s Leading the Change - Insights on Bay Area Innovations During SF Climate Week” and will highlight regional climate adaptation work and collaboration among agencies. Events and times will be posted on the ABAG website.
On May 8, The Metro Talks Speaker Series returns with “Patient No More! Lessons from the ’77 Disability Sit-In.” Emily Beitiks, Ph.D., Interim Director, Paul K. Longmore Institute of Disability at SFSU will discuss the 25-day disability sit-in at the federal building in San Francisco. The event will be held in the Temazcal Room and on Zoom from 12–1:30 p.m.

Daniel Saver, Deputy Executive Director, Housing & Energy, will join colleagues from East Bay Housing Organizations, Public Advocates, the City of Concord and the Department of Housing & Community Development on a May 1 webinar panel at SPUR called “Tracking Housing Elements: Ensuring Cities Follow Through on Their Plans.” This discussion will focus on strategies for tracking cities’ Housing Element progress, overcoming implementation challenges and leveraging resources to support effective housing production and preservation. This event is co-sponsored by SPUR, East Bay Housing Organizations, Public Advocates and Partnership for the Bay’s Future. More information can be found at the SPUR event page.

President Ramos was among the speakers at the Move Bay Area-North Bay Transportation Summit held March 28 at Napa Valley College. President Ramos, who focused on the connection between housing and transit, was joined by Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Lori Wilson, MTC Vice Chair Stephanie Moulton-Peters and other North Bay leaders as well as by several members of the ABAG-MTC staff.

Please spread the word that applications are open for both the Estuary Youth Council (EYC) Program and the Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy. These programs offer hands-on learning experiences, professional development and interactive sessions on regional policy issues. Slots are limited, and applications close at the end of April.

TOC Policy Technical Assistance – ABAG-MTC technical assistance regarding compliance with the agencies’ Transit Oriented Communities Policy is planned to be released this spring. Expected products include model ordinances for 10 affordable housing policy options as well as detailed policy profiles for the 26 affordable housing policy options with program design considerations, resources and examples.
2024 New State Housing Laws Checklist for Staff – This checklist contains potential action steps for the most common requirements based on new housing laws passed in 2024. View the checklist
ADU Affordability Survey tool supports ABAG-MTC staff in developing assumptions that local jurisdictions can use regarding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) affordability for the 2025 annual progress report (APR). To be as accurate as possible, we are asking jurisdictions to encourage or require the survey for property owners who apply for an ADU building permit. Guidance for implementation can be found on the ABAG webpage. For questions, please contact Hannah Diaz at hdiaz@bayareametro.gov.

Please mark your calendars for the General Assembly on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bay Area Metro Center. Delegates will review and approve the 25–26 ABAG Budget & Work Program and hear from a panel of elected officials and other leaders regarding examples of how regional tools and technical assistance have benefited their communities. The event will also feature lunch and a keynote speaker to be announced in the coming weeks.