The time is ripe for rethinking the conventional wisdom about economic development.  More and more, local elected officials are using a wide range of tools to bring affordable housing, good quality jobs, and neighborhood services to their communities.

With information from over 70 local jurisdictions, gathering close to 200 policies, and compiling 15 case studies, the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy's Building a Better Bay Area report finds an impressive array of community benefits integrated into development projects.  These development-related benefits are raising the standard of living for thousands of area residents and workers.

Part toolkit and part reference guide for local government officials and staff, the Building a Better Bay Area report describes how responsible development orients the benefits of new development toward the greatest needs of a community, and helps communities achieve higher standards and benefits from real estate and economic development projects.

On Wednesday, September 17^th, 2008, the lunch-time release of Building a Better Bay Area will feature a presentation of the findings of the report, followed by responses from community organizations engaged in community benefit initiatives and local staff and elected officials who will speak to how these tools work in the public sector.

To RSVP, please contact Jennifer Lin: jenny@workingeastbay.org or call 510-893-7106 x321.