Vision 2050
NEW: For the latest information and links to upcoming community meetings, visit the Vision 2050 website.
Mayor Arreguin launched Vision 2050, an initiative to encourage long-term planning to meet the serious challenges to our infrastructure, including climate change, inequality, population increases, and obsolescence. The Vision 2050 Task Force was formed in Spring 2018 and included over 40 Berkeley community members with technical expertise and in-depth knowledge. The task force was organized into four working groups: quality of life, environment, technology, and finance/ management. Our community voiced their support for Vision 2050 with the passage of Measure R in the November 2018 election, which asked Berkeley voters the following:
Shall the measure, advising the Mayor to engage citizens and experts in the development of 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, be adopted?
MEASURE R, Passed November 2018
On November 29, the City Council voted unanimously to accept the Vision 2050 Initiative Report and adopt the recommended City Council Actions. The principles, strategies and actions outlined in the report were referred to the City Manager for implementation.
It is important to note that the Task Force’s recommendations were primarily prepared at the end of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the report’s arrival to City Council. While the City faces a different financial reality currently than what is described in the report due to COVID-19, adopting this framework to guide long-term, sustainable infrastructure planning remains relevant and urgent. The strategies and recommendations in this report can position the city to implement major capital improvements that can form the basis of an equitable recovery and future.
Executive Summary
Infrastructure and Why It's Important to Berkeley
Much of Berkeley’s infrastructure – streets, roads, sidewalks, storm drains, parks, public buildings, – was built more than 75 years ago during the Works Projects Administration and is approaching the end of its lifespan. Aging infrastructure, in combination with exponentially worsening predictions of climate change impacts, could have serious consequences for Berkeley residents' future.
The $100 million-dollar Measure T1 General Obligation Bond, approved by voters on November 8, 2016, is already at work and being used to repair or replace aging infrastructure and facilities. While Measure T1 will address multiple infrastructure needs we face today, we need to prepare for growing climate change risks in the future, including rising sea levels, flooding and year-round wildfires. Doing so requires a plan that is resilient, adaptable, and takes into account emerging technologies and new materials.
A 79-year-old pipeline that burst at Gilman and Cornell streets in 2016. Berkeley's infrastructure is quickly aging and needs to be upgraded. Our waterfront, parks, public buildings, sewers, storm drains and streets are all in need of replacement. We should make an integrated infrastructure system that makes Berkeley resilient and prepared for future needs. Photo: EBMUD
The Berkeley pier has been closed since 2015, depriving people of a favorite spot for recreation and view of the Bay. Photo: Dorothy Brown
Virtual Community Meetings
Over the next month, four community meetings will take place for Berkeley residents to share additional feedback on their priorities for addressing our most pressing infrastructure and affordable housing needs. Meetings will include a staff presentation and provide time for general comments and a Q & A session. Meetings are organized by Council Districts. To find your district, click here. The meetings are as follows:
Districts 5 & 6: March 30, 7pm-9pm - Link to Join
Districts 7 & 8: April 6, 7pm-9pm - Link to Join
Districts 3 & 4: April 13, 7pm-9pm - Link to Join
Districts 1 & 2: April 20, 7pm-9pm - Link to Join
