Recap: Plan Bay Area 2050 Draft Blueprint Outcomes

Results of Summer Outreach Activities

Thank you to all who participated in our second round of Plan Bay Area 2050 outreach this summer despite the ongoing trials we face in the Bay Area, including the global coronavirus pandemic and social unrest due to racial injustice. We heard from thousands of residents who voiced their opinion on the challenges identified during the analysis of the strategies included in Plan Bay Area 2050’s Draft Blueprint and the new or enhanced strategies that would best address these remaining challenges. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) really value your input.

This round of Plan Bay Area 2050 outreach began as the Bay Area and the rest of the world began sheltering in place, which meant staff had to quickly pivot and revise in-person public engagement activities to instead be held entirely virtually. In total, staff held 25 digital and non-digital events beginning in late spring, with most events happening during the Draft Blueprint’s public comment period from July 10, 2020 to August 10, 2020. In addition, residents and stakeholders were able to provide their feedback via our online survey, virtual office hours and statistically valid poll, as well as via email and phone.

The public expressed a resounding concern regarding housing affordability and many other topics. MTC and ABAG staff summarized public comments heard, which can be reviewed on our Draft Blueprint Comments (Summer 2020) page. Public comments like those collected during this round of virtual outreach will help inform staff recommendations on the strategies to be included in the Final Blueprint and, ultimately, the final decisions about Plan Bay Area 2050 made by members of MTC and ABAG.