We catalyze the emergence of a regional, self-reliant economy that strengthens all Bay Area communities.
Why local? Why now?
Our growing dependence on declining fossil fuels coupled with mounting climate instability are converging to a crisis stage that imperils the long-term viability of the Bay Area's economy, infrastructure, and natural environment.
In response, we believe that vibrant local economies and healthy communities are the answer. They are the best guard against global insecurity, an essential part of achieving social equity, and a vital way to enrich our day-to-day lives.
OUR GOAL:
To increase community livability and local resilience while decreasing fossil fuel use.
To realize this vision, here's what we're working on:
Our Local Clean Energy Campaign is working to build support for clean energy development in our region. Under California law, cities and counties can act as buyers coops by purchasing their own energy in the open market, or by issuing tax-free bonds to invest in their own energy facilities. With your support, we can assume greater control over our energy future and help area cities reach their goal of supplying 50% renewable power to their residents by 2017 — a much higher goal than PG&E's.
Bay Area 2020 Our newest program offers a clear-eyed view of the key challenges we face as a region and an action plan to address them. We are currently piloting a Community Resilience Toolkit with select community groups and are hosting educational forums on localization topics in order to deepen our understanding of the issues we're facing and broaden the dialogue about what resilience should look like. In addition, we are building a Local Resilience Network of self-reliance leaders spanning the nine-county Bay Area in order to better support one another, share best practices, and advance a regional agenda.
Our Use Your Roof! Project is assessing the environmental and economic benefits of rooftop gardens, renewable energy, and rainwater catchment systems, while developing models and tools that designers and neighborhood groups can use to implement their own projects.
Get Involved!
Connect With Local Groups The Bay Area is a hotbed of exciting community-based efforts and nonprofit organizations working to improve our region's quality of life. Visit our Links page to find out more information today!
Donate Today! We strongly urge you to support our efforts to build a more livable a resilient Bay Area and to promote localization opportunities in our region. Make a contribution and help take this vital work to the next level.
Take Part at an Upcoming Event Bay Localize and our partner organizations host regular educational and organizing events on ongoing campaigns, programs, and localization efforts. Visit our Events Calendar to find out more!
Volunteer With Bay Localize! Bay Localize depends on volunteers to forward the important work of localizing our regional economy. There are many volunteer opportunities ranging from working on our various projects, conducting community outreach, fundraising, to research and development. For more information on volunteering, please visit our Volunteer page.