Land Use and Development
Emeryville is a small city that punches far above its weight. We are a regional biotech hub, a major commercial center, and a vibrant place to live. But we operate within a hard boundary: we only have 1.2 square miles of land.
Because space is our most precious resource, we have zero margin for error. Once a building goes up, we don’t get a do-over. Every square foot of new development must be intentional, evaluated against our General Plan, and held to the highest standard of public accountability.
- Partnering with Good Corporate Neighbors: Major commercial and life science projects shouldn’t just build offices or lab space—they must actively support our local economy, generate sustainable municipal revenue, and deliver tangible community benefits like infrastructure upgrades and green space.
- Housing Must Serve All Income Levels: Residential projects must be dense, transit-oriented, and genuinely affordable across the income spectrum—ensuring our service workers, teachers, artists, and seniors can afford to stay in Emeryville.
- Strict General Plan Alignment: Holding every proposal to the highest standards of our General Plan isn’t about stopping growth—it’s about making sure Emeryville’s growth actually serves the people who call this city home.