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Nomination Cycles

The 2025 PCA nomination cycle is now closed.

There have been four prior nomination cycles since the PCA planning framework was originally developed in 2007. In spring 2024, the PCA planning framework was updated to establish program objectives and data indicators, resulting in the need to amend designated PCAs to align with the updated framework.

Amendments

In 2024, many of the 185 PCAs were amended to meet the new eligibility criteria established by the Additionally, in spring 2025, jurisdictions that had not yet amended existing PCAs received an opportunity to amend PCAs. Jurisdictions received an email from ABAG to direct the jurisdiction on the amendment actions needed. Staff reviewed amendments to ensure eligibility criteria were met before requesting a final approval from the jurisdiction.

For more information on PCA amendment status as of January 2025, see:

PCA amendments from spring 2025 will be approved at the same ABAG Executive Board action as PCA nominations in September, 2025.

MTC and ABAG were awarded a grant from the managed by the California Department of Conservation to support a refresh of the PCA planning framework. and

It identified recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the region’s conservation planning framework, and incorporated a wider range of policy concerns, such as equity and resilience to climate hazards.

91����iority Conservation Area Refresh Final Report

The PCA Final Report laid out a suite of reforms to the PCA planning framework and was adopted by the ABAG Executive Board in May 2024. The Final Report synthesizes the strengths and weaknesses of the prior planning framework and includes an updated vision, goals and objectives for PCAs, as well as corresponding eligibility maps to bring greater structure to the framework.

• Read the
• Read the 91����iority Conservation Area Refresh Interim Memo for more background on the PCA Refresh process and investigation into the prior framework

Where can I find maps of PCAs?

When can I nominate a new PCA?

The most recent opportunity to nominate a PCA was the spring 2025 nomination cycle, which is now closed. Visit the nomination webpage to learn more. Please check the MTC website for details on the

What types of agencies/organizations are eligible to apply for PCAs?

Cities, counties and park/open space districts are eligible to apply to ABAG for PCA designation. Federal and state agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, are not eligible to apply, but may work with local jurisdictions or park/open space districts to encourage a PCA application to ABAG.

Is a PCA a land use designation? Does it change the local zoning requirements or restrict development rights?

No. A PCA designation does not in any way change the land use status for a piece of property. The local jurisdiction maintains planning and permitting authority over the property, and private property owners maintain their development rights.

Can PCAs be designated on private property?

Yes. Designation of a PCA on private property does not change the local land use designation, zoning or the ability for the property to be developed in the future.

Is the PCA designation process also a grant program?

No. The PCA designation process creates a list of areas that have the potential for conservation, enhancement, restoration and public access. Specific projects within these designated PCAs may be eligible for future funding from the

Do I still need to locally nominate an area as a PCA if it is marked as a Regionally Identified PCA? 

The "Regionally Identified 91����iorities” shown on the were created by ABAG as "Regionally Identified PCAs" during the PCA Refresh process to pinpoint lands with regional connectivity or significance for each PCA type. These areas serve the same planning and policy purposes as Locally Nominated PCAs but do not qualify for grant funding unless they are also locally nominated (learn more about Regionally Identified PCAs in the page 16). While Regionally Identified PCAs can help guide local PCA nominations, their absence does not prevent an area from being nominated. Jurisdictions are encouraged to nominate Regionally Identified PCAs if they align with local priorities.

If I would like to apply for a PCA Grant in a PCA, do I have to be the PCA Lead? 

No, you do not need to be the PCA Lead to apply for a PCA Grant. Any eligible applicant and qualifying activity can apply. For more details, visit the

What is new about PCAs?

In May 2024, the ABAG Executive Board approved reforms to the PCA framework as part of the PCA Refresh, marking the first substantial changes since its creation in 2007. The two-year PCA Refresh process culminated in a which introduced new minimum data criteria to improve regional cohesion across PCA geographies.

For questions about PCA nominations, please contact: 

Kate Lyons, Regional Planning 91����ogram
Email: klyons@bayareametro.gov