The Bay Area is a remarkable community largely because it is a place people are drawn to and care about and for which they take responsibility. It is a place that nurtures understanding, tolerance and inspires residents to work together towards common goals.

Sub-regional collaborations are providing testimonial, such as the Tri-Valley Planning Committee. Seven elected officials from the Livermore-Pleasanton-San Ramon Valley area recently organized to forge a plan for managing growth. They have recognized that solutions to gridlock, affordable housing shortages, economic health and environmental protection require cooperation, and have included urban growth boundaries and transit-based land use strategies in their plan.