After reaching a peak in 1985 and bottoming out in 1992, housing starts are once again increasing. From 1992 to 1996, Silicon Valley added 25,940 housing units. Jobs in the region, meanwhile, increased 125,000. Total housing starts in 1996, estimated at 7,000, are half the 1985 peak of 14,000. The main reasons housing supply lags demand include lack of appropriately zoned land, resistance to higher-density housing and some lengthy development approval processes.
Air quality is fundamental to the health of our people, nature and our economy.
In a 21st century community, people will recognize the interdependence of the economy and environment and change behavior to prevent further degradation of our environment. The number of days Silicon Valley air exceeds ozone standards is an indicator of air contamination. Ozone is the main component of smog and is created when organic emissions are exposed to sunlight. However, the region exceeded the stricter state standard on 24 days. More than half the toxic air contamination in the Bay Area comes from vehicles.