SCENARIO B

• Growth is distributed throughout the valley and follows projected market trends; some more-intense development is focused in walkable centers, preserving other areas for single family homes, open space, and agriculture; people live closer to where they work, learn, and play 

• Countywide spending on transportation is medium; traveling across the valley is slower than most other scenarios; travel without a care is more convenient than in most other scenarios; people spend less time in the car and less money on fuel and maintenance than in most other scenarios  

• The second-lowest emissions of the scenarios; buildings are 35% more energy efficient than they are today; 35% of cars are electric or zero emissions; people drive a medium amount  

• New housing follows projected market trends; a variety of housing options is available; private yards are smaller; housing is more affordable; energy efficiency is improved by 35% 

• Teacher salaries improve, increasing instructional quality; educational collaboration is good; more students obtain post-secondary degrees and certificates; more high-paying jobs in life sciences, professional services, and information technology, benefiting the entire economy  

• Water use per household is reduced by 30%; yards are smaller, and many homes use water-efficient landscaping; low-impact design is used to clean stormwater runoff  

• Many buildings are built in areas with high earthquake risk; construction standards for ground shaking are strengthened; some homes are built in areas with high wildfire risk 

• A medium amount of farmland is converted to homes and businesses; the minimum lot size in agricultural zones is 20 acres, which prevents subdivision for large-lot housing; agricultural production focuses on specialty crops