The promising future:
everyone thriving

There is enough space within existing cities to build the inclusive, climate-smart homes that are needed. There are ways we can protect entire communities from climate impacts by having well-maintained open spaces, working lands, and urban greenspaces that in turn bring access to nature and wildlife habitat.

But this thriving future requires collaboration. Housing advocates and environmentalists, local residents and government agencies, we all must work together to design innovative solutions that center nature. Decision-makers at the local, regional, and state levels must advance policies that support these solutions. Community members must be included in planning processes to ensure equitable outcomes.

For over 65 years, Greenbelt Alliance has shaped innovative policies and cultivated relationships across sectors to holistically address how the region grows. The impact of our work can be seen in the communities living in balance with nature and the millions of protected open space acres. Through these decades of experience and coalition-building, we have honed what it takes to navigate—and bring about— transformation. Now, our team of experts is leveraging this legacy to lead an agenda for change so that all Bay Area people and places thrive.

The status quo:
merely surviving

Historically, inequitable decisions, racist zoning practices, lack of widespread collaboration, and siloed thinking has resulted in devastating consequences, including:

Inequitable investments leaving many communities unable to plan for and respond to climate change.

Soaring housing costs, which have increased housing insecurity, driving development onto our precious open space lands and exposing climate- vulnerable populations to greater risk.

Sea level and groundwater rise inundating entire communities—taking lives and damaging homes and infrastructure.

Placing people in fire-risk areas, leaving thousands reeling from the loss of lives and homes.

To us, thriving means:

Greenbelt Alliance Tarantula Outing

Every community has abundant access to greenspace, open space, and working lands that provide a myriad of natural benefits that reduce climate risks and promote healthier communities. Places where our connection to the natural world is deepened, motivating us to protect and restore critical biodiversity and wildlife habitat and use our natural resources to build resilience to climate change.

Every community at wildfire risk is surrounded with a necklace of well maintained greenbelts that enhance protection from this climate hazard and provide recreation, stewardship, and economic opportunities to nearby under-resourced places.

Every shoreline, creekside, and riverside community is prepared for flooding caused by sea level and groundwater rise by implementing resilient nature-based infrastructure.

Infill housing

Every city has enough new homes in climate-friendly locations to ensure affordability at all income levels for existing and future residents.

Gilroy Path
Bay Trail
Kincade Wildfire
Gilroy community

And just as Greenbelt Alliance works to create a better Bay Area, we also strive to better ourselves as an organization. That is why we are committed to driving financial sustainability with stable and diverse sources of revenue; supporting a motivated, diverse staff and Board of Directors; and maintaining clear, equitable, and effective internal systems.

To guide this continued improvement, our staff and Board of Directors uphold the following values. They reflect who we are as an organization, what we foster in our team members, and the internal standard we use to measure our work.

GROW TOGETHER

Break down silos, amplify strengths, and support individual and organizational growth.

BE BOLD

Encourage an environment where it is safe to express opinions, bravely engage new ideas, and take smart, calculated risks.

COMMUNICATE WITH DEPTH & POSITIVITY

Clearly communicate expectations, listen carefully, and always assume best intent.

PRACTICE COMPASSION

Recognize, understand, and appreciate the unique perspective and shared humanity of others.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Honor your commitments to yourself and your team, and accept the vulnerability of admitting when you cannot.

MAINTAIN TRANSPARENCY

Foster a culture of trust by sharing information, decision-making strategies, and compensation ranges at all levels.

ADVANCE JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION

Reflect the complete spectrum of Bay Area residents, ensure equitable processes, and prioritize marginalized and underrepresented communities.

HAVE FUN

Channel the inherent joy of doing work you believe in towards creating a positive environment.

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