Land Use and Housing Program

 Richmond transit village, where BART buses, and Amtrak come together. © 2008 Scott Braley

What’s at stake?
Historically, people of color and low-income communities have beenlocked out of local and regional economic, political and environmentaldecision-making processes. Past land use policies that have led to segregation or displacement, and practices, such as redlining, have isolatedpeople of color and the poor from economic opportunity and exposed themto high levels of concentrated poverty and pollution. These practices,combined with federal and state transportation and regional developmentpolicies have encouraged suburbanization, which in turn contributes tothe inequitable distribution of the region’s resources andopportunities.

Program Vision
Urban Habitat partners with a range of stakeholders includingcommunity-based organizations, government agencies, and policy makersin order to promote regional smart growth and equitable development.Smart growth and equitable development are essential components of ahealthy region in which all residents benefit and have access toopportunities, including an affordable home and quality job. Equitable development provides an alternative to thecurrent practices and policies that have led to gentrification anddisplacement of low-income residents as more and more Bay Areas are forced to "drive until they qualify", leading to prolonged daily commutes, congested highways, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. It does so by ensuring thatdevelopment results in concrete community benefits including affordablehousing, local hiring, living wage jobs, opportunities for locallyowned businesses, effective public transit, open space, andopportunities for effective community participation.

Program Goals and Strategies
The following goals and strategies advance the vision of Urban Habitat’s Equitable Development and Land Use program:

• Regional Equity
Develop and promote a regional equity vision and agenda thatstrategically links locally based equitable development advocacy and organizingefforts to the broader movement for smart growth at the regional leveland beyond.

• Policy Advocacy
Advance equitable policies that effectivelymeet the needs of the Bay Area’s low-income communities and communitiesof color for affordable housing, mobility, jobs, and community services.

• Systemic Change
Create long-term systemic change and a fundamental shift of power inthe region by increasing the capacity of the most impacted communitiesto effectively drive land use decision-making processes thataffect their lives.