We can’t simply rely on the federal government to solve the San Francisco Bay Area’s challenges. Time and time again, we have turned to local do-it-yourself solutions. This year, voters rolled up their sleeves and took matters into their own hands.
Much of the conversation over the past week has understandably focused on the national election results—what it might say about the current state of our country and what it portends for our future. Hate-filled language from the campaign trail has many Americans wondering “Am I welcome and safe in my community?” Likewise, Trump’s promises to slash federal environmental protections raise deep concerns about our water, air, and climate.
Yet in this time of uncertainty, it’s important to reflect on another powerful story about the election: what the local results say about the future of the San Francisco Bay Area. Jeremy Madsen, CEO of Greenbelt Alliance, writes an editorial celebrating the resounding support for sustainable and inclusive planning efforts.
In sharp contrast to the national election results, the Bay Area's election results showed millions of voters marked their ballots “yes” for a more sustainable and inclusive future. In local elections around the region, people chose to invest in building more homes that people can afford, improve transportation choices, and protect natural landscapes and local farms.
Madsen cites the following measures as evidence:
- Measure K in Sonoma County.
- Measure RR in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties.
- Measure A in Santa Clara County.
- Measure N1 in the city of Albany.
In an appeal to "think globally, act locally," Madsen writes:
That means being a welcoming neighbor. We’ve all watched the housing affordability crisis force people out of our communities and into ever-lengthening commutes to the edges of the region. Each of us can be part of the solution. When new homes are being considered in town — especially if they’ll serve those most in need — we can speak up in support. If a new transit hub or bike lane is being proposed, we can be a positive voice for change. That’s what we’re about here — giving people of all walks of life a chance to succeed.
The Greenbelt Alliance has also collected election results at greenbelt.org/voter-guide.
FULL STORY: Bay Area Voted for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association