Vision 2050: Planning for a Sustainable & Resilient Future
Much of Berkeley’s infrastructure was built over 75 years ago and is approaching the end of its life. Decades of deferred maintenance has led to $1.2 billion in unfunded infrastructure needs, including almost $250 million for roads, $250 million for stormwater, and $175 million for sewers. Simply replacing the infrastructure will not go far enough. Our infrastructure needs to reflect a changing climate and be able to adapt to the extreme conditions that we are experiencing through the increase of wildfires and drought, and accommodate a growing population.
In recent years, we have started to make increased investments towards our infrastructure, with Measure M in 2012 and Measure T1 in 2016. These measures provided vital funds to improve street conditions, seismically retrofit public buildings, advance green infrastructure and complete streets programs and improve parks and other public facilities. Despite the successes of these measures, it is clear that a more comprehensive approach to infrastructure is needed. In my first State of the City address in 2017, I introduced Vision 2050 as a way to address the complex network of pipes, streets, utility wires, bikeways, and transportation systems in order to develop a long-term plan to address our city’s infrastructure needs for today and tomorrow.
The Road to Vision 2050
Vision 2050 has three principles that will be implemented through five strategies.
In 2018, 85% of Berkeley voters approved an advisory measure to develop Vision 2050, a 30-year plan to identify and guide implementation of climate-smart, technologically-advanced, integrated and efficient infrastructure to support a safe, vibrant and resilient future for Berkeley. This builds upon previous measures Berkeley voters have approved, such as the advisory measure in 2006 to develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, which led to the adoption of the Climate Action Plan in 2009. Over the last decade, our understanding of the impacts of climate change has evolved, and so too have our goals.
After the voters approved the Vision 2050 ballot measure, a task force was created consisting of 40 local residents with expertise in infrastructure, environment and engineering. The task force, with direct input from Berkeley residents, analyzed current and long-term quality of life, environmental and technology trends, and funding issues to visualize what Berkeley will look like in the year 2050. After 18 months of research and community input, the Vision 2050 Framework was published and adopted by the Council, which serves as a guide towards developing a long-term infrastructure plan. The Framework highlights three principles for implementation: taking an equitable approach to support vibrant and safe communities; having efficient and well maintained infrastructure; and incorporating green technology to address climate change. These three principles can be achieved through five strategies:
using integrated and balanced planning, (such as a “Dig Once” policy which will create a standardized process for maintaining streets);
a management plan for the lifespan of infrastructure instead of reactive response to maintenance;
utilizing sustainable and safe technologies;
doubling capital expenditures to eliminate unfunded infrastructure liabilities; and
creating interdepartmental collaboration in the development of a major capital program.
Reaching Sustainability Through Equity
Vision 2050 takes into account all forms of infrastructure, from our roads and parks to underground utilities.
A draft of the Infrastructure Program Plan has been published, which provides outcome objectives and program elements for the implementation of Vision 2050. A discussion on the Program Plan will take place at the May 31st meeting of the City Council.
The 30-year Program Plan has four main outcomes.
Safe and good quality streets. The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) measures the conditions of our roads, with 80-100 defined as excellent and 0-24 defined as failed. Currently, the average PCI in Berkeley is 57, being defined as at risk. The goal is to improve streets to at least 70, defined as good. The streets of the future will look different than today, with a focus on multimodal streets with protected sidewalks and bike lanes.
Protecting the environment. This includes implementation of the Watershed Management Plan to protect our creeks against climate change, and to upgrade our stormwater and sewer systems. The plan also calls for undergrounding of utilities along evacuation routes and increased support for undergrounding in neighborhoods in fire zones.
Promoting quality of life. This will be achieved by upgrading our parks, pools, camps, and related amenities that create public spaces.
Safe public facilities. This includes regular maintenance of municipal buildings, incorporating green technology, revitalizing the Civic Center, and upgrading the Transfer Station.
A core value of the Vision 2050 Framework is to incorporate equity into infrastructure. In 2021, the Climate Equity Fund Pilot Program was established, which will:
Provide decarbonization and resilience programs for low income community members to retrofit homes.
Increase access to electric bikes or other forms of electric micro-mobility, and gain access to resilience measures and other electrification measures.
In January 2022, our Paving Plan was updated to include an Equity Zone to address neighborhoods that have experienced decades of underinvestment. The Trees Make Life Better Program was also launched this year, which will plant over 1,000 trees across West and South Berkeley over the next year. Vision 2050 will build upon recent initiatives to promote equity, so historically disadvantaged neighborhoods will experience benefits sooner than others and receive benefits particularly tailored to their unique needs.
Turning the Vision to Reality
Four major outcomes have been identified that incorporate and advance Vision 2050 principles and core values, and incorporate community input received to date.
To address the next phase of local infrastructure, housing and sustainability needs, the City of Berkeley is considering placing a measure, or multiple measures, on the November 2022 ballot. While additional input is needed before the City Council makes any decision, we already know the most important priorities based on recent community surveys. This includes:
repairing deteriorating streets and improving traffic safety, including for bikes and pedestrians and people with disabilities;
increasing affordable housing for low-income and homeless residents;
improving climate change resiliency, including protecting against sea level rise, wildfires and drought; and
upgrading storm drains, green infrastructure and our watershed to keep pollution from the Bay.
Vision 2050 can address many of these priorities but will require additional revenue sources. While no decision has been made on what the ballot measure will be - how much funding and how the revenue is generated - we will make sure that such a measure takes into consideration the needs of the community and financial constraints people may have as a result of rising inflation and the cost of living. A final decision will be made this summer. In the meantime, there will be plenty of opportunities to get engaged in the development of Vision 2050, including at the May 31st Council meeting.
Berkeley’s critical infrastructure services are the lifeblood of our daily lives, economy and public health. In Berkeley we lean into what makes us great— our values, diversity and brilliant residents. As our infrastructure ages, we need a plan to make sure our streets, sidewalks, sewer systems and buildings are resilient enough to handle a growing population and climate change, including sea-level rise, more flooding and wildfires. Through Vision 2050, we are hoping to foster a larger discussion about the kind of city we hope to have in the future, and the steps we can take together to get there.