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emphasizes the high quality of life in Pleasanton, its diversified economic base, its goal of developing a safe, convenient and uncongested circulation system, and its commitment to sustainable community principles and to minimizing health and safety hazards. This new vision statement has guided the development of the General Plan, including policies and programs related to sustainability, the long -term fiscal health of the City, subregional planning and collaboration, community participation, and the continued vitality of Pleasanton's economic base. Sustainable Development. The concept of sustainability (drawing from the environment only those resources that are necessary and can be used or recycled perpetually) is woven throughout the General Plan document. It is reflected in policies that call for long -term fiscal sustainability for the City, and in goals of conserving natural resources, reducing energy use, creating a healthy community, and in emitting fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gases. This theme is reflected in goals, policies and programs in the Land Use, Circulation, Conservation and Open Space, Water, Air Quality and Climate Change, Energy, Economic and Fiscal and Subregional Planning Elements. Additional General Plan Elements. An Energy Element and a Water Element are new in this General Plan update and address topics of interest to the Pleasanton community and that relate to the theme of sustainable development. Planning Concepts. The draft General Plan incorporates planning concepts that facilitate sustainable development such as a new Mixed Use land use designation for Hacienda and property adjacent to the new BART station, and an emphasis on providing additional housing opportunities near transit and in the Downtown. The General Plan also acknowledges its responsibility to reduce greenhouse gases and its contribution to climate change. The draft General Plan incorporates greenhouse gas reduction measures by promoting development that encourages the use of public transit, walking and biking, and promoting energy efficiency in daily living and commerce. It is important to note here that regardless of the Mixed Use designation, Policy 17 of the proposed General Plan specifies that the "location of land uses, appropriate floor area ratios, and residential densities in mixed use areas will be determined by the City Council through the planned unit development process or through the preparation of specific plans. In any case, the number of housing units in the Pleasanton Planning Area may not exceed 29,000." Measures PP and QQ. These measures, both affecting hillside development and the definition of housing units in Pleasanton, were passed by the voters in November 2008. The Draft General Plan reflects these measures in the Land Use and Conservation and Open Space Elements of the General Plan. Circulation Network Changes. The proposed General Plan removes consideration of a future interchange at 1 -680 and West Las Positas Boulevard from the circulation network and incorporates the concept of "gateway Page 4 of 8