Welcome to Livable Berkeley

. A New Organization to Support Positive Change. 80% of Berkeley voters defeated a 2002 initiative that would have capped building heights on major streets and limited opportunities for affordable housing and the revitalization of our city. Livable Berkeley emerged from this community consensus as a public voice for a more dynamic, vital and sustainable city.

. University Avenue Strategic Plan and Zoning. Livable Berkeley input informed the City’s new zoning that implements the Univ. Ave. Strategic Plan to ensure the preservation of opportunities for intensive development in appropriate locations. . Mayor’s Permit Task Force. Livable Berkeley helped shape plans to streamline permit regulations.

. Landmarks Preservation Ordinance. Livable Berkeley developed recommendations to strengthen and target the designation of historic landmarks and to clarify the jurisdiction and hierarchy of the bodies reviewing proposed development on sites with historic resources.

. New Housing. Livable Berkeley has reviewed, recommended changes to and provided support for more than half a dozen housing proposals, including three in the downtown and several on major corridors.

. Bus Rapid Transit. Livable Berkeley is working to make bus rapid transit (BRT) a reality in the East Bay, with a design uniquely suited to Berkeley. To this end, we have convened a citizens group known as Friends of BRT and have lobbied local decision makers in favor of BRT service in Berkeley.

. Brower Center. Livable Berkeley expressed strong support for the redevelopment of a downtown parking lot with affordable housing and the environmentally sustainable Brower Center. At the same time, we critiqued the proposed design and its relation to existing commercial development and recommended more intensive development via a significantly taller building on the north side of the site.

. Major Projects. Livable Berkeley has played an active role in the review of a number of major projects, including the plan for 700 University Avenue, where we developed an overall vision for the site; the West Berkeley Bowl, where we supported a new marketplace but identified the need for an improved site design that would relate to the surrounding neighborhood; and the UC Hotel and Conference Center, for which our representatives served on the City’s review Task Force.