April 2025 ABAG E-News: General Assembly on 6/20; New Census Site; BAHFA Launches Two Funding Opportunities; Applications Open for Summer Youth Programs
MTC and ABAG sent this bulletin at 04/15/2025 10:55 AM PDT
Save the Date: ABAG General Assembly on Friday, June 20
Please mark your calendars for the General Assembly on Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bay Area Metro Center. Delegates will review and approve the 25-26 ABAG Budget & Work Program and hear from a panel of elected officials and other leaders regarding examples of how regional tools and technical assistance have benefited their communities. The event will also feature lunch and a keynote speaker to be announced in the coming weeks.
ABAG-Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently launched a refreshed Bay Area census website. The site features the latest data available from the United States Census Bureau and includes interactive dashboards that break down data by year and location, downloadable data can be used offline and historical data not easily found elsewhere.
Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) Launches Two Funding Opportunities for Housing Preservation
These two funding opportunities will help Bay Area housing preservation practitioners stabilize affordable homes and prevent displacement in neighborhoods with rapidly rising rents. BAHFA will begin accepting applications for both programs on April 21.
The call for new PCA nominations is open through May 2, offering a chance to integrate local priorities for open space, urban greening and recreation into the regional framework. Newly nominated PCAs will be eligible to apply for the next round of PCA Grants. Visit the PCA webpage for an overview of the nomination process and to review resources.
Applications Open for ABAG-MTC Summer Youth Programs
Applications are open for the Estuary Youth Council Program and the Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy for high school students. These programs offer hands-on learning experiences, professional development and interactive sessions on regional policy issues. Slots are limited, and applications close at the end of April.
BayREN's Work Noted in National Sustainability Report
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network Multifamily program is highlighted in a recent Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) report as a model for streamlining processes and reducing hurdles for property owners and contractors to implement energy-saving upgrades. BayREN is also recognized in the report for its commitment to workforce development and training.
Metro Talks Speaker Series Returns to the Bay Area Metro Center
On May 8, Metro Talks returns with “Patient No More! Lessons from the ’77 Disability Sit-In.” Emily Beitiks, Ph.D., Interim Director, Paul K. Longmore Institute of Disability at SFSU will discuss the 25-day disability sit-in at the federal building in San Francisco.
Regional Housing Technical Assistance Program Updates
TOC Policy Technical Assistance – ABAG-MTC staff plan to release technical assistance to assist jurisdictions with Transit Oriented Communities Policy compliance this spring. Expected products include model ordinances for 10 affordable housing policy options as well as detailed policy profiles for the 26 affordable housing policy options with program design considerations, resources and examples.
ADU Affordability Survey – ABAG-MTC staff are working on assumptions regarding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) affordability for the 2025 annual progress report (APR). To be as accurate as possible, we are asking jurisdictions to encourage or require the survey for property owners who apply for an ADU building permit. Guidance for implementation can be found on the ADU Affordability Survey Tool webpage. For questions, please contact Hannah Diaz, hdiaz@bayareametro.gov.
ABAG-Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently launched a refreshed 
These two funding opportunities will help Bay Area housing preservation practitioners stabilize affordable homes and prevent displacement in neighborhoods with rapidly rising rents. BAHFA will begin accepting applications for both programs on April 21. 
The call for new PCA nominations is open through May 2, offering a chance to integrate local priorities for open space, urban greening and recreation into the regional framework. Newly nominated PCAs will be eligible to apply for the next round of PCA Grants. 
