HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Plan Bay Area 2040 Draft (ABAG)CITY OF
Agenda Item No: 5.a
Meeting Date: October 3, 2016
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community Development
Prepared by: Paul Jensen & Alan Montes City Manager Approval:
Director and Assistant Planner
TOPIC: PLAN BAY AREA 2040 DRAFT PREFERRED SCENARIO GROWTH PROJECTIONS
SUBJECT: REPORT ON ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS (ABAG) AND METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (MTC) PLAN BAY AREA 2040 DRAFT PREFERRED
SCENARIO (P15-008)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
ABAG and MTC have released their four-year update to Plan Bay Area 2040 and have requested comments from
local jurisdictions by October 14, 2016. This update contains revised employment and household growth
projections for the Plan's draft "Preferred Scenario." The housing and jobs projections for the City of San Rafael
have been reduced since the adopted 2013 Plan Bay Area, despite a significant increase in the projections for the
Bay Area as a whole. This round of growth projections is not tied to the state -mandated "Regional Housing Needs
Allocation" (RHNA) numbers. RHNA operates on an eight-year cycle, with the next iteration not due until 2022.
Because RHNA numbers are not included in this Plan update, ABAG/MTC have stated that these projections are
meant to be a limited and focused study, given the recent economic surge the Bay Area has experienced. Staff is
requesting that the City Council review and discuss the staff comments and direct staff to submit written
comments to ABAG/MTC.
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff to forward comments on the Plan Bay Area 2040 Preferred Scenario projections to
ABAG and MTC.
BACKGROUND:
Plan Bav Area
Plan Bay Area (Plan) is a long-range, regional housing and transportation plan through 2040 for the San
Francisco Bay Area. On July 18, 2013, the Plan was adopted jointly by the Association of Bay Area Governments
(ABAG) Executive Board and by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
Plan Bay Area marks the nine -county region's first long-range plan to meet the requirements of Assembly Bill 32
(AB 32), the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. That bill established a statewide requirement for
reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In 2008 the State of California passed
Senate Bill 375, which calls on each of the State's 18 metropolitan areas to develop a "Sustainable Communities
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: 281
Council Meeting: 10/03/2016
Disposition: Accepted report
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Strategy' (SCS) to accommodate future population growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and
light trucks. Working in collaboration with cities and counties throughout the Bay Area, the Plan advances
initiatives to expand housing and transportation choices, create healthier communities, and build a stronger
regional economy. It focuses development toward "Priority Development Areas" (PDAs) — neighborhoods that
are close to public transit and identified by local jurisdictions as being appropriate for smart, compact
development. Lastly, it confines growth throughout the Bay Area to established communities, rather than sprawl,
and protects the Bay Area's vast and varied open space.
Bav Area Reqional Planninq and Transportation (ABAG & MTCJ
The Bay Area is served by a number of regional agencies, including ABAG and MTC. ABAG and MTC manage,
administer and oversee regional planning and transportation matters. Since the early 1970's, ABAG has served
as the Bay Area's "Council of Governments" (COG). As a COG, ABAG: a) projects and monitors jobs and
housing growth for the region; and b) administers the State -mandated "Regional Housing Need Allocation"
(RHNA). These roles are described as follows:
Since 1978, ABAG has been responsible for developing and publishing jobs and housing growth
projections for the region. The projections are based, in part on the growth and development projections
of local general plans, input from local agencies and trends in the economy. Historically, ABAG published
the jobs and housing projections every two to four years. Local jurisdictions are not bound by or required
to comply with the jobs/housing projections, but they are often used by local jurisdictions as a base for
forecasting build -out in local general plans. The jobs and housing projections were historically separate
from the RHNA requirements.
2. The RHNA is the housing needs allocation that is set and determined for each region (e.g., the SF Bay
region) by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Required
by State law since 1981, RHNA represents a target number for planning and accommodating new
housing units for a broad range of affordability levels. For the Bay Area region, ABAG is provided this
RHNA for the Bay Area region from HCD and it is the role of ABAG, in coordination with the nine Bay
Area counties and respective cities/towns, to distribute this allocation to each community. Each county
and local municipality must take its share of the allocation and incorporate it into their respective General
Plan Housing Elements. The Housing Element must demonstrate how the local allocation can be met or
achieved through zoning for housing and supportive General Plan implementation measures. While
RHNA does not require municipalities to build housing to meet this allocation, the Housing Element must
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of HCD, that the local municipality zoning and property inventory can
accommodate the allocation.
MTC oversees and manages transportation planning and coordination for the Bay Area region. MTC is
responsible for developing a regional transportation plan (RTP) which sets the long-term transportation needs
(transportation improvements) for the region and the funding to implement these needs. In addition, MTC is
responsible for coordinating with the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on transportation projects for
the region, and administering funds and grants received from the State and Federal level. MTC is responsible for
allocating and distributing the Federal and State funds and grants to the congestion management agencies
throughout the nine Bay Area counties. Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) serves as the congestion
management agency for Marin County.
In late May 2016, the MTC and ABAG Executive Boards, along with the ABAG General Assembly, voted to merge
ABAG and MTC into one agency in an attempt to increase collaboration between land use and transportation.
Prioritv Development Areas
The establishment of "Priority Development Areas" (PDA) is the key tool to achieving concentrated growth and
reducing vehicle trips. A PDA is a geographic area that is close to, along, or within transit nodes and connections
that can be earmarked for concentrated growth, particularly housing growth. ABAG established a process by
which a local jurisdiction can designate a PDA. This designation applies a higher percentage of projected growth
for the PDA, but it also comes with incentives. The incentives for a PDA include, among others: a) the potential
for reduced requirements for and/or an exemption from CEQA review for future development in these areas; and
b) greater grant and funding opportunities for planning, transportation and infrastructure.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Approximately 200 PDAs are designated in the nine Bay Area counties. At present, Marin County has two
designated PDAs one in San Rafael (Downtown) and one in unincorporated Marin County (Marin City). It is
important to note that San Rafael had originally designated two PDAs in 2008-2009. However, in 2013 questions
and concerns were raised by the community regarding the Civic Center PDA, and on September 13, 2013 the
Civic Center PDA was rescinded by the City Council on a 3-2 vote. The City Council recommended that the topic
be revisited with possible reinstatement of the Civic Center PDA at a future time, should there be changes to the
PDA parameters and the conditions. At this time, the criteria for establishing a PDA remain the same. Therefore,
it is not recommended that a Civic Center PDA be reinstated at this time. In early 2017, the City will be initiating
the process for the San Rafael General Plan 2040, which will be the appropriate time to consider this issue.
Draft Preferred Scenario for Plan Bav Area 2040 — Auqust 2016
In late August 2016, ABAG/MTC published the "Draft Preferred Scenario" for the Plan update. The Draft Preferred
Scenario still maintains the same primary goals as the Plan presented in 2013, specifically: a) reducing the
region's GHG emissions by 15% by 2035 (per AB 32); and b) housing 100% of the projected growth for the region
by 2040.
This update to the Plan is the first since the Plan was adopted in July 2013. The primary changes in the Draft
Preferred Scenario include a change in forecasting methodology. The prior methodology used in the 2013
adopted Plan combined a land use allocation process based on observed historic growth patterns with local
jurisdiction expectations described in the local planning documents (e.g., San Rafael General Plan 2020). For the
current Plan update, the modeling program (UrbanSim land use model) also incorporates zoning tools, the most
recent PDA assessment, and household, business, and developer choice models. The UrbanSim land use model
utilizes a baseline year of 2010 with household information taken from the 2010 US Census. The agencies ran
the model hundreds of times, testing how different, regional strategies influence the distribution of housing and
employment growth.
Throughout the entire Bay Area, the revised Plan represents a 15% increase in the projected employment growth
and a 25% increase in projected household growth, from the 2013 adopted Plan. This change is, in part, due to
the recent surge in economic growth throughout the region (post Great Recession). The revised projections have
increased the number of households by 3,160 and decreased the employment projection by 1,600 jobs in Marin
County. The table below shows the revised projections (from the 2013 projections) for the region, by county.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Paae: 4
For Marin County, the specific projections for San Rafael show a reduction of 330 households and 1,540 jobs,
from the 2013 Plan projections. This decrease in households and jobs from the prior projection is partially due to
the removal of the Civic Center PDA, the revised forecasting methodology, and local input. The following tables
show the revised projections for Marin County in comparison to the Adopted Plan Bay Area projections (2013).
Households
Summary
Jurisdiction Level
(Belvedere -ota
(Corte Madera -ota
Fa'rfax -cta
(Larkspur -ota.
Mill Valley Total
(Novato Tota'
I Draft
Households2U10
(Baseline)
900
3,900
3,400
1 5,854
5,900
20,150
Draft Preferred Scenario j20161
Households Forecast
2440
1,000
4,350
PBA 2013 Projections
5,300
8,150
2016.2013
HOUSEHOLDS
2010 Households 2A households %Increase
Total
-ota
2010 Households
2Whouseholds %increase
Unincorporate
Total
Difference
Alameda
I 548,000
724,700
3296
175,700
545,140
705,330
29%
150,194
15,614
Contra Costa
I 375,900
491,200
3196
116,300
375,360
464,160
24%
88,790
25,614
Jklarin
1 103,900
116,900
12%
12,000
103,210
112,050
9%
8,840
3,164
Napa
1 49,200
55,700
1396
5,500
48,880
56,310
15%
7,430
l934j
15an Francisco
I 347,100
475,500
P%
128,400
345,810
447,350
29%
101,530
26,87o
15an Mateo
I 256,900
315,800
2396
58,900
257,840
315,090
22%
57,260
1,650
15anta Clara
I 597,100
846,600
42%
249,500
604,200
818,390
3596
214,190
35,310
ISolano
1 142,300
170,300
20%
28,000
141,750
168,700
19%
25,950
1,454
(Sonoma
I 186,800
231,000
24%
44,200
185,830
220,750
19%
34,910
9,294
(Region
I 2,507,200
3,426,700
3196
819,500
2,508,020
3,308,110
27%
700,090
119,414
Draft Preferred Scenario l2015l
PBA 2013 Projeetk
2416.2413
JOBS
2010 Employment 2040 Employment % Increase
Total
2010 Employment
2040 Employment % Increase
Total
Difference
(Alameda
I 705,500
978,300
39%
272,800
694,450
947,650
SS%
253,200
19,600
(Contra Costa
I 360,200
472,700
3196
112,500
344,920
467,390
3696
122,47D
-9,970
(Marin
1 120,800
137,600
14%
16,800
110,730
129,140
18'%
18,400
-1,644
I Na pa
1 70,700
79,000
12%
8,P
70,650
89,540
2896
18,890
-14,594
(San Francisco
I 576,900
887,800
54%
310,900
558,720
759,500
3496
190,780
124,124
ISan Mateo
I 343,300
475,300
3896
132,o00
345,200
445,080
29%
99,880
34124
15anta Clara
I 911,500
1,269,700
39%
358,200
925,260
1,229,53o
3396
303,270
54,930
15olano
1 130,200
156,500
20%
26,300
132,350
179,930
3696
47,580
-21,280
ISonoma
1 202,700
241,400
19%
38,700
192,010
257,460
34%
65,450
-25,750
(Region
I 3,421,800
4,698,300
P%
1,276,500
3,385,290
4,505,220
3396
1,119,920
156,580
For Marin County, the specific projections for San Rafael show a reduction of 330 households and 1,540 jobs,
from the 2013 Plan projections. This decrease in households and jobs from the prior projection is partially due to
the removal of the Civic Center PDA, the revised forecasting methodology, and local input. The following tables
show the revised projections for Marin County in comparison to the Adopted Plan Bay Area projections (2013).
Households
Summary
Jurisdiction Level
(Belvedere -ota
(Corte Madera -ota
Fa'rfax -cta
(Larkspur -ota.
Mill Valley Total
(Novato Tota'
I Draft
Households2U10
(Baseline)
900
3,900
3,400
1 5,854
5,900
20,150
PrefemdSrerwrra (26
Households Forecast
2440
1,000
4,350
3,550
5,300
8,150
21,350
(Ross
-cta
San Anse nc
cta
San Rafael
Total
456
DT PDA
2,256
CC PDA
aura tc
-ota
huron
-ota
Marin County
-ota
Unincorporate
PDA
Marin County
Total
Total
1 PDA
Difference Households 2010
=cast -Baseline) �(Baseline)
166 1
93-
456
3,79-
156
3,3s,
456
5,91u
2,256
6,6&6
1,266
26,2&6
166
4,500
866
sm
5,200
5,450
256
27550
25,950
3,400
1,650
2,750
RECSINDED
1,100
4,150
4,500
350
3,600
3,850
250
27,450
30,600
3,150
1,500
2,050
5501
10 3, 940
115,900
12,0W
3,150
4,800
1,6501
22,750
2,420
4,116
3,736
26,196
4, 290
103,200
61710
BA 2013 Projections
Households Forecast
Difference
Forecast
2044
(Forecast -Baseline)
Change
976
46
601
4,W
290
1601
3,620
240
-901
6,450
540
-901
6,546
460
17901
21,456
1,170
301
866
60
401
5,536
296
40
25,490
3,730
1 -330
3,830
1.=1v
-310
2,950
1,-5-
RECSINDED
4,476
3E-
.10
4,666
27"
-201
27,5&6
1,39-
17601
4,816
52"
301
112,040
8,840
31601
8,640
7930
-2801
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Employment
Draft PWerred5rerario (7416)
350
-
PBA 2413 Projections
513
59D
Summary
Jurisdiction Level
Employment 2414
(Baseline)
Employment Difference
Forecast 2044 (Forecast -Baseline)
Employment 2014
(Baseline)
Employment
Forecast 2444
Difference
(Forecast -Baseline)
Forecast
IChange
Be vedere -cta
"orte Madera -ota
300
I 6,650
3vv--33
?,=5v
?""
?,9--3
LS, "
?,2E3
5,
??
-54
494
Fa rfax -cta
1,550
MZ -Z
15D
1,-9,
1,82D
33,
-194
Larkspur -cta
7,450
S S""
135D
7,19,-
7,81D
E2,
734
IV1 Va e-; -cta
Nc,atc -cta
6, DDD
I 26,4DD
6,6vv
29,5vv
6DD
31DD
5,9?3
2 -,?93
6,79u
24,39D
R1,
3.5--
-214
-444
Ross
-cta
350
-
5D
513
59D
g
-34
San Anse ric
-cta
3,3D0
3,65~
35DI
3.7L,
A.36D
E2,
-274
San Rafael
Total
43,344
49,140
5944
37,620L_44,964
7,344
-1544
D- FDA
CC FDA
R, DDD
1D,100
RECSINDED
11DD
8,25D
5,660
10,48D
6,860
2,23u
1,200
-11.30
REMINDED
Sausa tc
-ota.
5,2Cv
5,800
6DD
6,22D
7,F'3
1,=2,
-924
- I;urcn
Total
I 2,85~
2,RDD
50
2,34D
2,693
353
-344
J:Jar n cuilt�
-otaI
17,50~
21,35D
3850
16,38D
19,3E
2,98D
974
Unincorporate
PDA
6K
750
100
2,26D
2,963
7DD
-644
Marin County
Total
124,940
137,640
15900
114,734
129,154
18,424
-1524
Total
PDA
91654
14,854
1240
14,514
13,444
2,9341
-1734
As noted above, ABAG and MTC have changed the methodology used in their model (UrbanSim) and, as a
result, there are some discrepancies with the baseline numbers, primarily with the employment baseline. Upon
staff's inquiry, it was explained that the current employment baseline was roughly created by taking the
Employment Development Department's numbers for Marin and using 2010 Dun & Bradstreet data to distribute
the baseline jobs to each jurisdiction. The employment baseline created in 2013 was from the 2010 Dun &
Bradstreet Data. ABAG and MTC have explained that they are now aware that jobs are constantly fluctuating and
that the employment baselines are meant to be more of an estimate, rather than a precise number and that the
employment projections are meant to represent a `potential maximum,' rather than a requirement.
ANALYSIS:
This section focuses on City staff review and comments on the Draft Preferred Scenario. Following City Council
review and direction on these comments, it is recommended that staff be directed to prepare a letter of written
comments to be submitted to ABAG/MTC.
Comments on Draft Plan Bav Area
City staff has closely monitored the Plan Bay Area update process, which has included attending workshops,
contacting ABAG/MTC, communicating with other local jurisdictions and reviewing all projections that have been
published. Staff presents the following comments on the latest Draft Plan (relative to San Rafael):
The housina voiection for San Rafael is reasonable and acceptable. The latest draft projections show a
reduction in housing growth of 330 households since the 2013 draft projections. San Rafael can
accommodate the projected additional 3,400 households as projected for 2040. With the addition of 3,400
households San Rafael would have a total of 25,950 households, by 2040. San Rafael's General Plan
2020 had projected that by 2020, we would have 32,423 housing units (source: San Rafael General Plan
2020 Land Use Element); by this account we can expect that San Rafael can reasonably accommodate
the projected growth in households. Therefore, the Plan projections are already within the housing
capacity anticipated by the current General Plan. These projections do not require municipalities to build
housing to meet the projections. Our sole, mandated obligation for housing lies with our share of the
Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA), which requires that the local municipality's zoning and
property inventory can accommodate the allocation. This Plan update does not include RHNA.
2. The 2040 iobs i)roiection Growth for San Rafael is ambitious Given the built environment conditions and
constrained transportation network. The 2040 jobs projection (growth of 5,800 jobs citywide) in this latest
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
scenario has been significantly reduced from the Adopted 2013 Plan Bay Area (by approximately 21 % or
1,540 jobs), but there's still a significant concern regarding the feasibility to accommodate this projection.
The reasons for concern are that: a) San Rafael is a built -out community and there is very limited room for
new commercial growth; and b) this development equivalent would require major transportation and utility
service infrastructure that would exceed current and planned capacity. The General Plan 2020 includes
policies that are "safeguards," to ensure the planned transportation improvements must be fully funded
and scheduled for implementation in coordination with land development. However, it is important to keep
in mind that the job projections are not currently a requirement and are more of a measure of potential, as
there are no requirements attached to them.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The sole fiscal impact on the creation of this report is the staff time required to monitor and review the Plan Bay
Area process and prepare this report.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the comments on the Draft Preferred Scenario be presented in a letter of comment to
ABAG/MTC. A draft letter has been prepared, which is attached (Attachment 1). If the City Council concurs with
or amends/supplements staff comments, the letter will be finalized for signature by the Mayor and submitted by
the comment deadline date of October 14tH
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Accept Report; or
2. Direct staff to return with responses to questions
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1. Accept Report; and
2. Direct Staff to forward comments on the Preferred Draft Scenario to ABAG and MTC
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft letter to ABAG/MTC
October 3, 2016
CITY OF
0
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PHONE: 415-485-3085
FAX: 415-485-3184
Bay Area Metro Center
ATTN: Miriam Chion and Ken Kirkey
375 Beale St Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94105-2066
Subject: City of San Rafael Comments on Plan Bay Area Draft Preferred Scenario
(City File No. P15-008)
Dear Miriam Chion and Ken Kirkey,
Over the past year, the City of San Rafael has actively been following the revision to Plan
Bay Area 2040. During this process, our staff has reviewed revisions and studies that have
been released and have submitted written comments to ABAG/MTC on behalf of our City.
The latest Draft Preferred Scenario was published in late August 2016 and we have been
diligently reviewing these documents to determine the Plan implications on our City. On
October 3, 2016, the San Rafael City Council reviewed a report on the Draft Preferred
Scenario, including the revised housing and employment projections. Following a lengthy
discussion on the Draft Preferred Scenario, the City Council has directed the preparation of
this letter with comments, which are presented as follows:
Comments on Draft Preferred Scenario
1. The housine- oro iection for San Rafael is reasonable and acceptable. The latest draft
projections show a reduction in housing growth of 330 households since the 2013
draft projections. San Rafael can accommodate the projected additional 3,400
households as projected for 2040. With the addition of 3,400 households San Rafael
would have a total of 25,950 households, by 2040. San Rafael's General Plan 2020
had projected that by 2020 we would have 32,423 housing units. However from
2000 to 2010 our number of households had only grown by 393 units, but by this
account we can reasonably expect that San Rafael accommodate the projected
growth in households.
2. The 2040 iobs proiection growth for San Rafael is ambitious given the built
environment conditions and constrained transportation network. The 2040 jobs
ATTACHMENT 1
1400 FIFTII AVENUE PO Bos 151560 - SAN RAFAEL. CA 94915-1560
WW W.CITYOFSANRAFAEL.ORG
projection (growth of 5,800 jobs citywide) in this latest scenario has been
significantly reduced from the Adopted 2013 Plan Bay Area (by approximately 21%
or 1,540 jobs), but there is still a significant concern regarding the feasibility to
accommodate this projection. The reason why we're concerned is that: a) San Rafael
is a built out community with very limited capacity for new commercial growth; and
b) this development equivalent would require major transportation and utility
service infrastructure improvements that exceed our current and planned capacity.
We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Preferred Scenario
plan. We look forward to a response to our comments. Should you have any questions
regarding the information in this letter please feel free to contact Paul Jensen, our
Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064 or email at
oaul.iensen@citvofsanrafael.org.
Sincerely,
Gary 0. Phillips, Mayor
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
cc: City Council Planning Commission
City Manager City Attorney
Public Works Director Economic Development Director
Community Development Director
ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM
INSTRUCTIONS: Use this cover sheet with each submittal of a staff report before approval
by the City Council. Save staff report (including this cover sheet) along
with all related attachments in the Team Drive (T:) --> CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEMS 4 AGENDA ITEM APPROVAL PROCESS 4 [DEPT -
AGENDA TOPIC]
Agenda Item #
Date of Meeting: 10/3/2016
From: Alan Montes, Planning Manager
Department: Community Development
Date: 9/23/2016
Topic: Plan Bay Area 2040 - Revised Projection Numbers
Subject: The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) have requested input from local jurisdictions to inform the development of the
Draft Preferred Scenario for Plan Bay Area (PBA) 2040
Type: ❑ Resolution ❑ Ordinance
❑ Professional Services Agreement ® Other: Staff Report and Comment Letter
APPROVALS
® Finance Director
Remarks: MM - approved with minor edit - 9/24/2016
® City Attorney
Remarks: LG -Approved 9/26/16 with additional minor revisions and comments.
® Author, review and accept City Attorney / Finance changes
Remarks: All changes have been accepted and the document has been reviewed again after
track changes were accepted
® City Manager
Remarks:
CITY OF
�� 1F01Z��P
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PHONE: 415-485-3085
FAX: 415-485-3184
October 3, 2016 REVISED
Bay Area Metro Center
ATTN: Miriam Chion and Ken Kirkey
375 Beale St Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94105-2066
Subject: City of San Rafael Comments on Plan Bay Area Draft Preferred Scenario
(City File No. P15-008)
Dear Miriam Chion and Ken Kirkey,
Over the past year, the City of San Rafael has actively Lbeen actively following the
inundate to Plan Bay Area 2040. During this process, our staff has reviewed revisions
and studies that have been released and have submitted written comments to ABAG/MTC
on behalf of our City.
The latest Draft Preferred Scenario was published in late August 2016 and we have been
diligently reviewing these a^,.,,mentsthe growth Droiections for this scenario to determine
the Plan implications on our City. On October 3, 2016, the San Rafael City Council reviewed
a report on the Draft Preferred Scenario, including the revised housinghousehold and
employment projections. Following a lengthy discussion on the Draft Preferred Scenario,
the City Council has directed the preparation of this letter with comments, which are
presented as follows:
Comments on Draft Preferred Scenario
The housinehousehold Droiection for San Rafael is reasonable and acceDtable. The
latest draft projections show a reduction in housing growth of 330 households
sineefrom those in the adoDted 2013 ElFaft project onsPlan Bay Area. San RcfApl Pan
ac-eemmodate the r to addit;anal 3,490 households as pr^; *^a feF 2040.
I.Alith the -addition of 3,400 i,euseh d,- San Rafael N „ia -h-ave te-t-al of 29,990
hA,,S^h^i,-IS by 2040. This Droiection is within the household growth Droiection
range of the current San Rafael's General Plan 2020'9'0 had rr-ej *^d that. by
279 we would -2 2 housing units. However from 2000 to 2010, our
number of households had only -Few rg ew by 393 units, but by this account we
ATTACHMENT 1
1400 FIFTH AVENUE • PO BOX 151560 • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915-1560
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can reasonably expect that San Rafael accommodate the projected growth in
households.
2. The 2040 jobs Droiection growth for San Rafael is ambitious given the built
environment conditions and constrained transDortation network. TWhile the 2040
jobs projection (growth of 5,800 jobs citywide) i-^ this latest ccenar- ^presented with
the Draft Preferred Scenario has been signi f4cantl y rreduced from the Adopted 2013
Plan Bay Area (by approximately 21% or 1,540 jobs), bcWthere is still a significant
concern regarding the feasibility to accommodate this projection. The reason why
lve'r^ c^„e-^r„^a ;ss thatAs noted in our Dast comments on Plan Bav Area: a) San
Rafael is a built out community with very limited capacity for new commercial
growth; and b) thlse development equivalent to accommodate some of this job
growth would require major transportation and utility service infrastructure
improvements that exceed our current and planned capacity. In addition, we
understand that a Dortion of this jobs Drojection has been realized as a result of the
surging job growth in the Dast several vears (result of the recovered economvl.
However. our staff has not been able to obtain sDecifics from your staff on this
recent job growth: this information would be helDful for the Citv to better
understand and analvze the jobs Droiection. Lastiv. as job growth varies by
geograDhic area. Drior to further adjustments in this Droiection. it is recommended
that vour staff consult with the Marin Economic Forum. The Marin Economic Forum
is an excellent local source on business and emDlovment trends.
We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Preferred Scenario
planDroiections. We look forward to a response to our comments. Should you have any
questions regarding the information in this letter please feel free to contact Paul Jensen,
our Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064 or email at
Daul.iensenOcitvofsanrafael.org.
Sincerely,
Gary 0. Phillips, Mayor
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
cc: City Council Planning Commission
City Manager City Attorney
Public Works Director Economic Development Director
Community Development Director