The California Legislature created the Air District in 1955 as the first regional air pollution control agency in the country, recognizing that air emissions overflow political boundaries. The nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area form a regional air basin, sharing common geographical features and weather patterns, and therefore similar air pollution burdens, which cannot be addressed by counties acting on their own. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the public agency entrusted with regulating stationary sources of air pollution in the nine counties that surround San Francisco Bay: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern Sonoma counties. Vision A healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident. Mission To protect and improve public health, air quality, and the global climate. Core Values Excellence - Air District programs and policies are founded on science, developed with technical expertise, and executed with quality. Leadership - The Air District will be at the forefront of air quality improvement and will pioneer new strategies to achieve healthy air and protect the climate. Collaboration - Involving, listening, and engaging all stakeholders, including partner agencies, to create broad acceptance for healthy air solutions. Dedication - Committed staff that live and believe the Air District’s mission. Equity - All Bay Area residents have the right to breathe clean air.