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Analytic, Data and Information Services |
| The foundation of effective public policy is good analysis. ABAG has developed an outstanding national reputation in economic and demographic analysis and forecasting. Critical to doing good analysis is the maintenance and constant update of ABAG's various data bases: land use, employment and income and demographics. These data bases serve as the basis for forecasts that are used by local planning organizations, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) for travel forecasts. Since the passage of legislation establishing Congestion Management Agencies (CMA) and the Federal ISTEA legislation, ABAG's partnership with MTC and now with CMA's has increased the importance of developing a consistent and realistic region-wide data base to produce coherent and realistic economic and demographic forecasts of the future. The increasing importance of coordinating land use and transportation planning requires substantial effort to produce quality information. Analytic, Data and Information Services role is expected to grow with greater responsibility in developing alternative land use and transportation forecasts for policy makers, and as the needs to undertake impact assessment increases. State policy requires that State facilities construction projects in the Bay Area be consistent with ABAG's projections and those eligible for funding by the Secretary of Transportation. This role has been strengthened recently by MTC policy guidelines for approval of Congestion Management Programs (CMP's). MTC requires that the demographic and economic data used at the county level be based upon the ABAG Projections Series. The Analytic, Data and Information Services Department also provides extensive analysis services to the private sector on a cost-reimbursement basis. |
updated on 06/01/98