Foster City General Plan Update – Parks & Open Space Element and Conservation Element

The project involves updating two elements of the Foster City General Plan, the Parks and Open Space Element and the Conservation Element, to comply with recent State legislation. Senate Bill (SB) 1425, adopted in 2022, requires that the Open Space Element be updated by January 1, 2026, and that it include expanded policies related to climate resilience and rewilding opportunities. Assembly Bill (AB) 1889, signed into law in 2024, requires that the Conservation Element analyze wildlife movement, habitat connectivity, and the effects of development on natural systems beginning with the next applicable update occurring on or after January 1, 2028. The City updated both Elements concurrently to address these mandates in a timely and comprehensive manner. The updated Elements will revise goals, policies, and implementation strategies related to park and recreation resources, open space preservation, waterfront and habitat protection, climate adaptation, natural resource conservation, and wildlife movement. The project is limited to policy updates within the General Plan and does not include any physical development or construction. The updates will help ensure continued compliance with State law while supporting community priorities related to environmental stewardship, recreational access, sustainability, and long-term climate resilience.