Welcome to Urban Habitat
Urban Habitat builds power in low-income communities and communities of color by combining education, advocacy, research and coalition building to advance environmental, economic and social justice in the Bay Area.
We envision a society where all people live in economically and environmentally healthy neighborhoods. Clean air, land and water are recognized as fundamental human rights. Meaningful employment honors a worker’s right to dignity and a living wage with benefits. Effective public transportation and land-use planning connect people to the resources, opportunities and services to thrive. Affordable housing provides a healthy and safe home for all. And quality education prepares visionary leaders to strengthen our democracy with new ideas, energy and commitment. [MORE]
Program Updates
Social Justice Groups Give MTC, ABAG "D" on Long-Term Regional Plan
OAKLAND, Calif.--With more than $274 billion in public spending and the future shape of the Bay Area at stake, more than 50 members of the 6 Wins for Social Equity Network turned out for the May 11 meeting on the draft "One Bay Area" plan. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) produce the plan jointly; committees of the two groups met today to discuss the draft.
The 6 Wins Network pulls together more than 30 health, faith, environmental and social justice groups who want to ensure that the plan will keep a balanced focus on equity, the environment and jobs. Its Interim Report Card issued today gave MTC and ABAG a "D" average on the components of the draft plan, saying that the plan would not produce "One Bay Area for ALL," but would perpetuate pollution, segregation and sprawl.
Related items:
State of the Region Conference Unites Bay Area Social Equity Leaders
We got together and made it happen. On April 26, Urban Habitat hosted 120 Bay Area leaders for the annual State of the Region Conference at The California Endowment’s Oakland Conference Center. On a day that threatened rain but eventually brought the sun, social justice advocates came together to talk about equity, how to problem-solve, act, and organize.
Urban Habitat President; CEO, Allen Fernandez Smith kicked off the event by celebrating the victories and achievements of the more than 80 organizations in attendance, while outlining the important work being done in the region and all that still needs to be done moving forward.
Panel sessions explored the challenges in more depth, ranging across the board, from local and regional planning issues that affect low-income communities and people of color to the changing geography of race and class, the dissolution of redevelopment agencies, and regional agency reform. Workshops were offered to help social justice advocates build capacity to develop the tools they need to win regional campaigns, fund regional advocacy work, and build stronger inside-outside relationships with progressive decision-makers.
Related items:
Press Release: Richmond General Plan Passes!
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Richmond General Plan Passes!
RICHMOND, Calif. –On Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 12:44 am, the Richmond City Council voted to pass the General Plan 2030 (GP) with a vote of 5-2—Councilmembers Booze and Bates voted ‘no’. Nearly 30 members of the REDI (Richmond Equitable Development Initiative) collaborative filed into an already packed City Council chamber around 8pm Tuesday evening for the second and final round of the GP adoption hearing. The GP agenda item didn’t begin until 10:45pm. Roughly two hours into deliberations, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), then minutes later to approve the Plan.
For Immediate Release
Richmond General Plan Passes!
RICHMOND, Calif. –On Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 12:44 am, the Richmond City Council voted to pass the General Plan 2030 (GP) with a vote of 5-2—Councilmembers Booze and Bates voted ‘no’. Nearly 30 members of the REDI (Richmond Equitable Development Initiative) collaborative filed into an already packed City Council chamber around 8pm Tuesday evening for the second and final round of the GP adoption hearing. The GP agenda item didn’t begin until 10:45pm. Roughly two hours into deliberations, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), then minutes later to approve the Plan.
REDI's Christy Leffall on KPFA's Morning Mix - April 19, 2012
 Subscribe to the RPE podcast feed. Download the mp3. Use the player above. Or use this ITunes link. |
Listen to Christy Leffall, land-use program coordinator and coordinator of the Richmond Equitable Development Initiative (REDI) at Urban Habitat, on KPFA's Morning Mix hosted by Richmond Planning Commissioner Andres Soto that aired on April 19, 2012 at 8:00 am. Leffall gives a recap of the General Plan Rally at the Richmond City Council Chambers on April 17th and subsequent adoption hearing of the General Plan with the Environmental Impact Report, which REDI has been working on for over six years.
REDI members turned out in significant numbers to this meeting. The vote was tabled until next week because the general plan agenda took over four hours, one hour for the staff’s presentation, and another three hours for public testimony where 111 speakers had signed in to speak. The upcoming City council vote on Tuesday, April 24th, 6:30pm at Richmond City Hall. Listen to an edited version of the segment here (or download). Visit, KPFA to hear the full version.
Christy Leffall is currently a Land Use Program Coordinator working in Contra Costa County. Leffall is coordinator of the Richmond Equitable Development Initiative (REDI) in Richmond, CA, which advocates for the adoption and implementation of equitable elements within the city’s updated General Plan.Related items:
Support the Richmond General Plan on Tuesday, April 17
Dear Richmond Community Allies: Finally, after six years of community-based planning, education, and advocacy efforts, the Richmond City Council will vote to adopt the General Plan.
We, the Richmond Equitable Development Initiative (REDI) are excited to attend the General Plan Adoption Hearing to support and urge our allies to put community health and the quality-of-life of city residents first!
When: Tuesday, April 17, 6:30pm
Where: Community Services Building 440 Civic Center Plaza Richmond, CA
We are optimistic that our allies on the City Council will pass the Planning Commission’s recommendations to the General Plan, but We Still Need Your Help!
We ask that you please commit to supporting REDI’s General Plan campaign by doing one or more of the following:
• Call and email our allies on the City Council to adopt the General Plan
• Bring your friends and family to the April 17th adoption hearing
• Speak in support of the General Plan at the adoption hearing
• Forward this attached letter to all of your community allies (Download the PDF here)
