Bay Area residents treasure our quality of life and the beautiful green spaces that provide us with clean water, healthy food and unparalleled recreational opportunities. Also, we depend on innovative industries to attract and retain the best and brightest employees. With the Bay Area projected to grow by almost two million people in the next 25 years, will we be able to maintain this quality of life? I believe we can if we plan today where we will house our residents of tomorrow.

The Bay Area will continue to grow. Some people might say we’re “built out,” but I think we can find room to give our children good jobs and homes they can afford. Furthermore, we can do this without sacrificing the area’s legendary quality of life.

A new report agrees. Greenbelt Alliance, a regional Bay Area advocate and think tank, has developed a vision for how and where new development can occur while keeping our region livable and sustainable. Their new report, “Grow Smart Bay Area,” shows that growth can be an opportunity if we handle it right.

The key, according to the Greenbelt Alliance, is to build new homes and businesses in existing neighborhoods. In fact, this growth can improve our quality of life. Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods get people walking and neighbors talking. Community engagement makes our streets safer. Fewer cars reduce pollution and keep our air clean. Homes in close-in neighborhoods, especially near Caltrain stops and bus lines, are more desirable and hold their value over time. Shorter commutes make workers happier and more productive.  

If we use these smart growth principles, the Bay Area will have plenty of room to accommodate two million new residents and 1.7 million new jobs over the next 25 years. Most importantly, the Greenbelt Alliance’s analysis finds that Bay Area cities and towns have more than enough room for all our projected growth without sprawling outward, and without pulling up the drawbridge — even if we could.

What would this growth look like? In my home of San Mateo County, the major transportation artery of El Camino Real could accommodate many future homes and jobs. El Camino Real could truly become a grand boulevard, with new homes and offices near SamTrans and VTA bus routes and the parallel Caltrain line. Streets could be redesigned for walking as well as driving. This is just one of many opportunities here in San Mateo County and across the Bay Area where families and workers could get off the highway and on with their lives.

We can do it. But will we?

Land use and transportation planning would need to become more coordinated and integrated. This means local commercial and residential development projects that promote regional values. By encouraging thoughtful development in our communities, every city and county can take significant steps to improve our regional and global environment. If we act quickly, we can prepare for our future neighbors and preserve the qualities that make the Bay Area a great place to live-for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.

Rose Jacobs Gibson is president of ABAG, the Association of Bay Area Governments, a member of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute’s Board of Trustees, and a San Mateo County supervisor.