-
ABAG President and MTC Commissioner Ramos, Vice President Romero, Chief Deputy Executive Director Alix Bockelman, Deputy Executive Director Daniel Saver and I, along with several other Commissioners, attended the California Regional Housing Finance Authorities (RHFAs) Exchange in Long Beach Oct. 27–29. The Exchange brought together officials and stakeholders from the three RHFAs in California – Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA), Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency and San Diego Regional Housing Finance Authority – to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities for collaborating on state advocacy.
-
On Nov. 7, the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG) Board held a meeting in Palm Desert. CALCOG brings together regional agencies from across the state to coordinate policy, share resources and engage in legislative advocacy. The goal of this session was to have a deep discussion about how CALCOG can remain relevant and of service to its members in the year ahead. President Ramos attended as ABAG’s representative on the CALCOG Board. Matt Maloney, Deputy Executive Director, Metro Planning and Policy, was also in attendance.
-
The CALCOG Board discussed upcoming priorities, including leadership on SB 375 reform, securing additional Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) funding for regions and exploring CALCOG’s potential role in helping to shape the next federal transportation authorization. With so much happening in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C., it will be critical that we remain engaged in these conversations to ensure that our regions’ voices are heard and that CALCOG continues to provide strong leadership and support for its members.
-
Earlier this year, the Bay Trail Project nonprofit voted to dissolve and selected Save the Bay to carry on the mission of advocating for the Bay Trail. MTC-ABAG has been facilitating the transition between the two organizations. On Oct. 30, I attended a Bay Trail Project Board reunion celebrating 35 years of accomplishments that have resulted in 350 miles of completed trail. Save the Bay Executive Director David Lewis and I addressed the group, and I outlined a collaborative approach to completing the remaining 150 miles of Bay Trail. Save the Bay is now working to integrate Bay Trail work with their current advocacy, restoration, education and constituency growth efforts. To support the transition, Save the Bay has engaged former ABAG Bay Trail Planner Maureen Gaffney to advise on strategies and partnerships to strengthen trail advocacy efforts moving forward.
-
On Oct. 28 and 29, over 700 people gathered at the Scottish Rite for the 17th biennial State of the Estuary Conference, hosted by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. The conference returned this year with a dynamic event focused on bridging the gap between science and policy by showcasing the latest information about the Bay Area’s work to sustain and improve the San Francisco Estuary. Attendees connected over their shared goals to preserve habitats, support thriving species, manage resources effectively and promote community health and engagement. To learn more, visit the 2025 State of the Estuary Conference story.
-
Seventy-nine participants from 43 jurisdictions attended the October webinar, “What’s New in Wildfires & Housing,” sharing the latest research, case studies and policy developments at the intersection of wildfire and housing. Speakers from the State’s Community Wildfire Mitigation Program, the Marin County Wildfire Protection Agency, CAL FIRE and the City of Berkeley discussed Fire Hazard Severity Zone map updates, state building code changes and innovative local policies and programs. The webinar recording, slide decks and a forthcoming resource guide are available on the Wildfires & Housing program overview page.
-
The Priority Conservation Areas (PCA) grant program is accepting applications for projects to acquire, enhance or improve designated PCAs. The PCA Grant Program – funded through ABAG-MTC’s One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program – will distribute $8 million in grants to local jurisdictions, tribes and community-based organizations, among other eligible applicants. The application window closes Dec. 19, 2025. Please help us spread the word about this funding opportunity. Visit the PCA Grants page for more information.
-
Former summer intern Ronald Andrew Catahimican is now an energy advisor with BayREN’s new Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EASE) program. The EASE program launched in June, bringing upgrades to middle-income families by covering 80% of core weatherization and energy efficiency measures. Ronald joined BayREN and Rising Sun’s Climate Careers internship program in 2019, acquired a position with BayREN’s former Home+ program and transitioned to working with the EASE Home Program in June 2025. Read Ronald’s story at the BayREN intern-to-energy-advisor feature.
-
Save the date for the ABAG General Assembly on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event will be held here at the Bay Area Metro Center. More details to come.