Supervisors Stress Regionalism at State of the East Bay

Policy problems that cross city and county lines were top of mind at the 2019 State of the East Bay. The event brought together Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle and Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, as the current leaders of their respective boards, to discuss their priorities and answer questions from local employers.

Supervisor Valle kicked off the program with remarks focused on the changing economics of recycling. A complicated topic that touches on new recycling standards in China, rising business costs at home, and the reality that many of the items we toss in the blue bin will not be recycled.

Valle also highlighted that he runs a local nonprofit recycling company and knows firsthand the struggles the industry faces. “Diversion is in jeopardy,” said Valle. “Your recycling will go to landfills.”

Both Supervisors also addressed the changing healthcare landscape in the East Bay and agreed that more outpatient care is helpful. Gioia reiterated that still more needs to be done to ensure that people can get “the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

On the topic of a potential one-cent sales tax to fund transportation across all nine Bay Area counties, Supervisor Valle raised concerns about transit agencies competing against each other for funding. “We may need to govern ourselves in new ways,” said Valle.

Supervisor Gioia understands the need for infrastructure investment but stressed the importance of considering housing in the process. “Any transportation measure needs to have a component that addresses housing," said Gioia. “We need to take a step back and look at linking those two issues.”

Regardless of the topic up for discussion, the Supervisors emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving.

Cross-sector collaboration to solve the region’s problems is at the heart of the EBLC’s work. It is also one of the reasons why we were proud to present State of the East Bay in partnership with the Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group and East Bay Economic Development Alliance.

Continued collaboration between EBLC members, elected officials, and community partners will be key to making a difference on the issues that matter to the East Bay’s economy and quality of life. We look forward to the work ahead.