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Letter from the Executive DirectorIn 2008, Greenbelt Alliance protected natural areas around the Bay, from watersheds to productive farms to wetlands.This past year, myfirst as ExecutiveDirector, GreenbeltAlliance celebrated our50th anniversary andtook time to reflect.We like what we see.The Bay Area is a thriving,diverse metropolissurrounded by oak-studded hills, redwoodforests, and productive farms. GreenbeltAlliance’s tireless advocacy for open spaces andgreat neighborhoods has been a leading forcein making our region the envy of the nation.Reflection was only part of 2008; our talentedstaff and volunteers, led by our Board of Directors,achieved major victories, as you’ll see.A new era also began, one that calls for change.The housing crisis and fluctuating gas priceshave proven that sprawl development is trulyunsustainable. State leaders, working to reducegreenhouse gas pollution, now recognize thatwhere homes are built profoundly impactsglobal warming. In the Bay Area, leaders areworking together to support new patterns ofgrowth that are both environmentally sustainableand socially just.Greenbelt Alliance is ready to lead the way.For 50 years Greenbelt Alliance has been thevoice for creating vibrant, planet- and peoplefriendlycommunities. Now, as the solutionswe have long promoted become increasinglypopular, we will use our solid research, grassrootsactivism, and policy expertise to bringchange to the Bay Area.I am proud to be Greenbelt Alliance’sExecutive Director as we enter this new era.Thank you for your support in 2008. Yourcontinued support, in 2009 and beyond, willhelp Greenbelt Alliance make the Bay Area amodel for the nation and an even better placeto live.Sincerely,Jeremy Madsen[2]