Transforming Malls & Office Parks | Metropolitan Transportation Commission Thursday, April 16, 2026 Update Transforming Malls & Office Parks Creating New Neighborhoods from Aging Malls & Underused Office Parks By transforming aging malls and office parks into neighborhoods, Bay Area communities could add more than 150,000 homes at all income levels, create new public spaces and provide local services. The Bay Fair Specific Plan is a transformative vision for 53-acres around the Bay Fair BART station in San Leandro. Supported by a MTC Priority Development Area planning grant, it will transition a shopping center into a neighborhood with community-serving retail, open spaces, offices and a range of housing types. Credit Van Meter Williams Pollack ALLP MTC is working with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and communities throughout the region to help solve the Bay Area housing crisis and advance equity. One solution identified in Plan Bay Area 2050+ – the region’s long-range plan for transportation, housing, the economy, and the environment – is to transform aging malls and office parks into residential neighborhoods. This strategy is part of the 3Ps framework of housing protection, preservation and production. This comprehensive approach aims to create a future in which every Bay Area resident enjoys the bedrock of a strong, vibrant community: a safe, stable, affordable, high-quality home. Making the Strategy a Reality In the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Implementation Plan , MTC-ABAG staff identified actions the agencies can take to help make this strategy a reality: Strategically align existing programs, including financial resources and technical assistance, especially through the: Regional Housing Technical Assistance Program Priority Development Area (PDA) Planning Program PDA Technical Assistance Grants Program Seek eligible new funding sources to promote planning and redevelopment of malls and office parks in PDAs and other growth geographies Identify redevelopment opportunities and challenges. Partner with local jurisdictions, community members, property owners, affordable housing developers and other stakeholders to speed up the redevelopment of aging malls and office parks. Webinar: Malls & Office Parks Reuse Challenges & Opportunities In this webinar, staff highlighted findings on challenges and opportunities in transforming aging shopping malls and office parks into vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods, a key strategy for addressing the region’s severe housing shortage. Watch the recording of the Transforming Aging Malls and Office Parks webinar. Technical Assistance: Aging Malls & Office Parks Transformation Work Group Designed for local planning, housing and economic development staff, the work group’s six workshops focus on planning, housing and implementation. Each session includes practical takeaway information, resources and tools. Visit the work group page. Bay Area Aging Malls & Office Parks Transformation White Paper This white paper will inform implementation strategy for local governments and support the next long-range regional plan. It answers questions about challenges and barriers in the Bay Area; roles for public sector and local governments; and opportunities to provide more affordable housing and advance equity. Read the white paper. Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) The Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) is a powerful new funding tool to address the Bay Area’s chronic housing affordability challenges. Learn more about BAHFA. Related News January 13, 2025 The Bay Area Housing Finance Authority: Major Achievements and a Look Ahead October 17, 2024 Oakland Celebrates Groundbreaking For New Affordable Housing for Seniors October 4, 2024 BAHFA Closes First Priority Sites Pilot Loan August 14, 2024 BAHFA, ABAG Leaders Issue Statement on Withdrawal of Housing Bond Measure from November Ballot June 26, 2024 BAHFA to Place $20 Billion Affordable Housing Bond Measure on November Ballot Plan Bay Area 2050+ Plan Bay Area 2050+ is the current long-range regional plan. It charts a course for a Bay Area that is affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant for all residents through 2050 and beyond. Visit PlanBayArea.org to learn more.