As summer draws to a close and schools across the North Bay welcome students back, I am reminded of the significant demographic shifts affecting our region. Our population is aging, immigration is slowing, and the high cost of living is leading many to delay—or forgo—having children. These trends carry far-reaching implications—among them, the closure of our local schools.

In this issue, we share an opinion piece reflecting on why fewer people are choosing to have children and echo the author’s view that we must “design policies that foster a culture that puts the values of family first.” With thoughtful, supportive child care policies, we can make raising children more accessible and desirable—strengthening both our families and the communities we call home.

We also take a look at a new study/plan on how to improve mobility in the North Bay (MASCOTS) and learn how more Americans are spending on outdoor activities and how that trend can help the region.

Enjoy.

Even in the slower pace of summer, major policy shifts continue to ripple through the North Bay and across California. From groundbreaking wins in regional transportation to NBLC’s support for long-overdue CEQA reform, this season is proving pivotal for shaping the future of our communities. At the same time, new research from Beacon Economics is raising urgent questions about the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs—a growing concern for employers and workers alike.

Here's a look at a few key developments we're watching this month.

There is no other way to say it; the last few weeks have been rough. Let us take a moment to acknowledge all that has happened since the last Policy Watch. At that time, our conversations centered on economic concerns, improving mobility in the North Bay and celebrating outstanding leadership. Today, we are faced with a very different tone and more troubling landscape — including reports of ICE raids in our communities, arrests, civil unrest, political violence, the tragic killings of public officials, and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

These are deeply challenging times, marked by continued uncertainty and fear. Through it all, the North Bay Leadership Council will continue to do what we do best and remain steadfast in our mission: to promote sound public policy in the North Bay. We will continue to support each other, focusing on the most pressing priorities where we can have impact regionaly and bring together experts and thought leaders to keep you informed and prepared. We have weathered many challenges before, and we will meet this moment with the same determination and collaboration that define our region.

In this issue we will focus on the SMART initiative, the California State budget and a key findings in a study conducted by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute on the economic impact of mass deportations. I invite you to engage with the critical work underway—from advancing regional transportation to understanding the broader economic forces at play—as we continue building a stronger, more equitable future for the North Bay.