The FOCUS Program is about working together: regional agencies, local governments and communities collaborating to protect and improve the quality of life in the Bay Area. It will require a broad coalition of supporters in the Bay Area to achieve the regional goals of encouraging more compact development that provides a range of housing and transportation options while supporting existing communities and protecting the environment.

Local governments in the Bay Area are essential partners, since they are responsible for making decisions about land uses and future development in their communities. FOCUS has sought willing local government partners who share the goals of encouraging development — especially more homes — in areas that have access to transit and other transportation options and of protecting our natural environment.

It is also important to work with local and regional groups to strategically address regional issues. Thus, the FOCUS Program is working to build partnerships with stakeholder groups with expertise in the areas of affordable housing, economic development, transportation/mobility, the environment, and social equity. The FOCUS Working Group, which assisted staff with developing the program, included members from Bay Area local governments as well as stakeholder groups representing these various interests.

To engage community members in discussions about the region's future. FOCUS has held a stakeholder forum, convened forums related to the "3 Es" (environment, economy, and equity) and established ongoing conference series and speaker series. The purpose of these events is to encourage the sharing of ideas and success stories from throughout the region, and to continue to build support for a development and conservation strategy that will protect and enhance the quality of life in the Bay Area for all residents.