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.
 
This event is co-sponsored by the Bay Area Social Equity Caucus and New Economy Working Solutions (NEWS).

The release will feature a presentation of the findings of the report, and the following speakers:

• Dr. Carl Anthony: Former City of Berkeley Planning Commissioner and Founding Director of Urban Habitat
• Sarah Muller: Director of Health Policy and Community Development, Working Partnerships USA in San Jose
• Marie McKenzie: Redevelopment Agency Project Manager, City of East Palo Alto
• Councilmember Jane Brunner:  City of Oakland Councilmember, Chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee