Beyond the Numbers:
Building a Sustainable Regional Economy-- Crafting an SCS That Gets Us There

December 2, 2011 Nile Hall, Preservation Park 668 13th Street, Oakland

The SCS offers significant opportunities to strengthen the Bay Area economy. Improving transportation and housing choices; creating more livable communities; and protecting our exceptional natural resources will make the Bay Area more attractive to prospective employers.

On December 2nd BAPDA members heard from economic development leaders who shared perspectives on how to build and maintain a sustainable economy, and the role an effective SCS can play.

The following summary identifies speakers and includes links to presentation slides. Audio files are coming, but are not ready yet.

Mike Moore BAPDA Chair and Mill Valley Director of Planning and Building, opened the Program, welcoming participants and providing an overview of the day’s purpose and agenda. He introduced Colette Meunier and Hansom Hom who made announcements about upcoming AICP CM workshops and APA California-Northern Section events.

Ken Kirkey, AICP, Regional Planning Director, ABAG, provided an overview of how the SCS alternative scenarios were developed with a particular focus on the economy.

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Dena Belzer, President, Strategic Economics looked at historical trends – where the region has enjoyed economic growth, in what sectors - and addressed the challenges and opportunities the SCS affords for strengthening the economies of our diverse places.

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Panel:

Prominent business and economic development leaders shared expert insights on what it will take to achieve a sustainable regional economy. Questions they addressed included:

• what are the Bay Area’s strengths and weaknesses?
• what challenges must we address in the SCS to have a sustainable regional economy? what are consequences if we don’t?
• how can local jurisdictions optimize potential for sustainable economic growth?
• what specific steps are your organizations taking to balance short and long term economic growth objectives?

Moderator: Kim Walesh, Director & Chief Strategist, Economic Development, San José

Panelists:

Karen Engel, Executive Director, East Bay Economic Development Alliance
Kelly Kline, Economic Development Director, Fremont and Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance
Jim Wunderman, President and CEO, Bay Area Council.

Wrap Up

Dena Belzer synthesized key points, identified challenges, and summarized policy implications.

One Bay Area Program Proposal

Doug Kimsey, Planning Director, MTC, presented the draft One Bay Area Program Proposal. MTC and ABAG were seeking input from Planning and Community Development Directors on this critical incentive package. The proposal is available on the One Bay Area website at www.mtc.ca.gov/funding/onebayarea/

Thanks to our Co Sponsor:
APA California - Northern Section