First CA city plan to address climate change after CA Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (General Plan), 2008
SAN DIEGO, CA
San Diego General Plan. Photo from the American Planning Association.
HOW IT CAN BENEFIT YOU
As of 2015, more than half of the world’s population is living in cities. So city policies can make a big impact to protect our health and planet.
Less than 4% of land in San Diego was available for development as of 2008. So San Diego created a General Plan based on the City of Villages smart growth strategy of mixed-use (residential and commercial) neighborhoods that:
- Have green buildings and clean technology industries.
- Are walkable, accessible by public transit water and energy efficient.
- Preserve open spaces and urban forests.
WHY IT'S A LEADING PROGRAM
It was the first California city general plan to address climate change after the CA Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 passed requiring CA to reduce its pollution (greenhouse gas emissions) to 1990 levels by 2020.
GOAL
To provide a policy framework for how San Diego should plan for projected growth and public services for 20 to 30 years.
WHO CAN TAKE ACTION
City staff and community members worked on, and can update the plan.
SUPPORT & OPPOSITION
Watch this video on how the planning process involved 260 public meetings and got unanimous buy-in from City Council, and received the 2010 American Planning Association Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan.
ISSUES & BARRIERS
Some of the main issues were balancing needs for outward expansion and investment in existing communities, addressing infrastructure and environmental justice, preserving neighborhoods, and comprehensively incorporating sustainability.
LEGAL ISSUES
City planners followed the general plan guidance offered by the California Office of Planning and Research.
BUDGET TO COORDINATE THE PROGRAM
The majority of the plan was prepared by city staff. They worked with consultants to update the plan.
CONTACT
Nancy Bragado, Deputy Director, Planning Department, City of San Diego, 619-533-4549, nsbragado@sandiego.gov
LAST UPDATED
September 15, 2015