EBLC POLICY PLATFORM

The East Bay Leadership Council’s Policy Platform is the bedrock of our policy advocacy. The Policy Platform, which is updated and approved annually by EBLC’s Board of Directors, outlines EBLC’s policy goals in 8 key areas: Economic Development & Fiscal Policy, Education & Workforce Development, Energy, Environment, Health, Housing, Transportation, and Water.

With the Policy Platform as a robust guideline, EBLC staff is able to conduct efficient and effective advocacy on federal policy, state legislation, regional measures, local projects, and more. Please read through the platform below to learn more about our current priorities.

  • EBLC is dedicated to fostering a robust and competitive economy through policies that promote growth, support local businesses, and create an environment where innovation thrives. We advocate for a balanced fiscal approach that ensures economic vitality while maintaining the financial health of both businesses and communities.

  • EBLC is committed to fostering a strong connection between educational institutions and employers to develop a highly skilled and diverse workforce that meets the needs of today’s economy while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. We advocate for policies and investments that strengthen education pathways, expand access to training programs, and ensure that local talent drives the East Bay’s economic vitality.

  • EBLC is committed to strengthening the economy and fighting climate change through a future that embraces a broad mix of energy sources. Our region relies on a resilient infrastructure, constant innovation, and a dependable fuel supply chain to drive economic activity and job creation. EBLC’s goal is to foster continued energy innovation while maintaining reliability, affordability, and equity, ensuring the East Bay remains competitive in the global economy.

  • EBLC is dedicated to increasing the East Bay’s environmental resiliency in response to the rising challenges brought about by climate change. Wildfire risk, drought, extreme heat episodes, sea-level rise, ecosystem degradation, and worsening air quality all threaten the health and safety of East Bay residents and businesses. The anticipated costs of curbing climate change are growing exponentially, making early intervention a necessity for the economic vitality of the region. EBLC is committed to addressing these issues through supporting mitigation tactics that prioritize equity as well as environmental and economic sustainability.

  • EBLC has a vested interest in improving the healthcare system in the East Bay because a healthy population is essential for sustained economic growth and community well-being. As a leading regional organization representing diverse industries, EBLC recognizes that access to quality healthcare not only supports a productive workforce but also reduces healthcare costs for businesses. By advocating for improved healthcare infrastructure, mental health services, and equitable access, EBLC aims to address disparities, promote public health, and enhance overall quality of life for residents.

  • EBLC recognizes the significant negative economic and quality of life impacts on our communities from the persistent and pervasive housing shortage in the East Bay. To support economic growth and help the region remain a hub of innovation, EBLC will support legislation that reduces barriers to the production of timely and adequate new housing. By advocating for policies that streamline development, reform zoning laws, and promote public-private partnerships, among other priorities, EBLC will help create a more dynamic housing market that will support the needs of East Bay residents. Accordingly, EBLC will support policies that aim to make the East Bay a more affordable place to live.

  • EBLC recognizes that strong, equitable transportation infrastructure is essential for the growth and vitality of our region. Advocating for smart public policy on transportation is crucial because it ensures efficient mobility for residents, reduces traffic congestion, and supports economic development. By investing in sustainable transportation solutions—such as public transit, bike lanes, and road improvements—we can create more connected communities, improve access to jobs and services, and reduce environmental impacts. EBLC will advocate for transportation policies such as these that build a more resilient, prosperous, and inclusive East Bay for all.

  • EBLC is committed to increasing water safety and reliability throughout the region through strategic public policy advocacy. In the face of droughts, floods, habitat degradation, and water storage challenges, EBLC supports a wide range of mitigation efforts to address these mounting issues that balance water accessibility, watershed and habitat protection, long-term sustainability, community resilience, and equity.