California is hurtling toward a changed climate with increasing velocity. In a state plagued by drought and wildfires, it’s essential that we do everything we can to mitigate the crisis. The Plan for the Future Bill (SB 932) is a critical step in the right direction. The bill will accelerate the transition to green cities that not only reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also create safer and healthier communities.
The Plan for the Future Bill will:
SB 932 is an ambitious piece of legislation — and that’s exactly what we need in the face of a crisis as dire as our warming planet.
California requires local government bodies to create a general plan outlining long-term planning goals and tactics.
Every California city and county must create a general plan.
Typically, local governments must update their general plans every 10 to 15 years. In practice, cities and counties don’t always update their plans within the specified time frame, and the California Office of Planning and Research may grant extensions. Local governments must give a yearly progress report to the state on the housing element of their plans.
The Plan for the Future Bill would require every California city and county to update the circulation element of its general plan by June 30, 2024, to include a “balanced, multi-modal network” that facilitates active transportation.
The OPR website calls general plans a “blueprint” for the future. In many cases, general plans don’t dictate specific future projects but outline a community’s priorities and goals, which will guide future planning.
The Plan for the Future Bill adds teeth to the circulation element of general plans by requiring that cities begin construction of the Complete Streets envisioned in their revised plans within two years.
1017 L Street #288
Sacramento, CA 95814
© California Bicycle Coalition 2023
Governor Signs SB 932, Plan for the Future Bill
/by Kevin ClaxtonFor Immediate Release: 9/29/22
Contact: CalBike Kevin Claxton, 909.274.0137, Kevin@CalBike.org
Plan for the Future Bill Signed by Governor
SB 932 will accelerate green cities and active transportation
Sacramento, CA – Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 932, the Plan for the Future Bill.
SB 932 requires a county or city to identify high-injury streets and intersections in its General Plan and prioritize safety improvements to reduce traffic collisions.
SB 932 will also create an annual grant program to award funding to help cities implement timely and effective short-term efforts to mitigate bicycle, pedestrian, and other active transportation. The Act mandates that cities and counties begin to implement those plans within two years after the adoption of the new circulation element.
Though California has been leading efforts to create safer streets, traffic deaths have dramatically increased in recent years. In some cities, the most dangerous streets and corridors have been identified, but no plans exist to remedy these deadly situations. In other cases, safety measures detailed in General Plans are never built.
“By putting active transportation safety and access at the center of local planning, SB 932 will create more livable communities in California,” said Jared Sanchez, CalBike Senior Policy Advocate. “And mandating planning for safe active transportation is essential to meeting California’s emissions reduction goals,”
The bill’s author, Senator Portantino, said, “This bill is not just about cyclists; it’s about the safety of everyone who ventures into the public right of way. SB 932 is an effective way to mitigate injuries and fatalities. The Governor’s signature on this important public safety bill will yield positive change for our communities.”
Marc Vukcevich, Co-Director of State Policy at Streets for All, said, “SB 932 is a transformative policy that will require cities and counties to plan for biking and walking as transportation. This bill will also have cities address their high injury networks of streets in a time when roadway fatalities of both drivers and pedestrians are at an all-time high.”
CalBike and Streets for All are sponsors of Senator Portantino’s Plan for the Future Bill.