Recognizing that a top-down approach to the historically local issue of housing will be counterproductive, ABAG granted nearly $11 million in RHTA funding to Bay Area jurisdictions to support locally prioritized housing planning and to provide regional technical assistance through Planning Collaboratives. ABAG is also funding regional technical assistance through Peer Cohorts and Work Groups to spark a culture of innovation via peer-to-peer learning, sharing of best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, ABAG has established a Regional Planning Consulting Bench to streamline procurements.

Each Bay Area jurisdiction is receiving grant funding from ABAG to help advance their local housing planning priorities. Funding amounts for each jurisdiction are listed in this summary document. Draft funding agreements have recently been sent to all Bay Area jurisdictions offering each the option of receiving reimbursements for eligible expenses, or the option of electing to have ABAG hold the funds and administer consulting contracts on behalf of the recipient jurisdiction. Either way, all Bay Area cities, towns and counties can use the Bench to save time and money.

ABAG has launched a labor-saving online tool from City Innovate that allows all Bay Area jurisdictions to easily search profiles of 92 consultants on the bench and compare consultants’ qualifications and rates. The tool facilitates informal solicitations of quotes for work when applicable procurement rules allow. The bench frees local staff time from the tedium of contract administration to prioritize community engagement, policy development and rezoning.

Related Links

• REAP Non-competitive Allocation: Eligible Activities
• Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Grants and Regional Planning Consulting Bench
• Request for Qualifications used to seat the Regional Planning Consulting Bench

Local Grants & Regional Planning Consulting Bench Contact

Heather Peters, Principal Regional Housing Planner
Email: hpeters@bayareametro.gov
Phone: 415-778-6752