The Bay Conservancy selects projects for funding and staff assistance in order to accomplish goals derived from statute, strategic planning and the advice of stakeholders.

The fundamental goals of the Bay Conservancy are mandated in Section 31162 of its enabling legislation (Chapter 4.5 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code Sections 31160-31165 ) as follows:

• To improve public access to and around the bay, coast, ridgetops, and urban open spaces, consistent with the rights of private property owners, and without having a significant adverse impact on agricultural operations and environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife, including wetlands and other wildlife habitats through completion and operation of regional bay, coast, and ridge trail systems, and local trails connecting to population centers and public facilities, which are part of a regional trail system and are consistent with locally and regionally adopted master plans and general plans, and through the provision and preservation of related facilities, such as interpretive centers, picnic areas, staging areas, and campgrounds.
• To protect, restore, and enhance natural habitats and connecting corridors, watersheds, scenic areas, and other open-space resources of regional importance.
• To assist in the implementation of the policies and programs of the California Coastal Act of 1976 (Division 20(commencing with Section 3000)), the San Francisco Bay Plan, and the adopted plans of local governments and special districts.
• To promote, assist, and enhance projects that provide open space and natural areas that are accessible to urban populations for recreational and educational purposes.

These statutory goals are elaborated upon and focused with strategies and measurable objectives in the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy's components of the Coastal Conservancy's Strategic Plan , which were developed in consultation with the Bay Area Open Space Council, the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture and other community members. Further direction about goals and their implementation is provided in budget appropriations, the statewide bond acts that are the source of most appropriated funds, and incoming grants.