Proposed Council policy updates expand outreach process, build on other initiatives to deliver projects equitably
SAN DIEGO – To ensure more San Diegans are able to provide feedback about infrastructure projects they would like to see prioritized in their neighborhoods, the City of San Diego is updating its policies on how it gathers input. The City is also updating its policies on how to prioritize these investments to be funded more equitably and efficiently.
With the proposed updates to Council Policy 000-32, the City will conduct a citywide public outreach effort at least once every two years to help determine the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. This could include gathering input from community-based organizations, community planning groups and other interested stakeholders and individuals. Focused engagement would occur within the City’s Communities of Concern and historically underserved or structurally excluded communities.
Communities of Concern are identified in the City’s Climate Equity Index as census tracts with very low to low access to opportunity, focusing on communities that face greater barriers to improving their quality of life.
“Public input is critical to the city’s decision-making process to help determine which projects will benefit residents most. To make sure the input is representative and accurate, it’s necessary to include a diversity of organizations and individuals that most closely mirror the city’s demographics,” said the City’s Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “We look forward to continuing to work with community members to identify projects that will most improve the lives of all San Diegans.”
City staff is also proposing to update Council Policy 800-14, which sets the guidelines for how CIP projects are prioritized and funded. The updates include amendments to the factors that must be considered when adding needs to the Five-Year Capital Infrastructure Planning Outlook. These amendments ensure that the guiding principles of the City’s recently adopted initiatives, like the Parks Master Plan, Climate Action Plan and Build Better SD, are incorporated into future neighborhood developments and infrastructure investments.
Each of the recently adopted initiatives set forth clear policies to prioritize infrastructure investments in the areas with the greatest needs and areas that serve the most people.
“The proposed changes to Council policies 000-32 and 800-14 are a step in the right direction to make sure all San Diegans see the benefits of our critical infrastructure projects,” said City Engineer Rania Amen, who is also the City’s Engineering & Capital Projects Director. “We are grateful to everyone who has contributed as we continue improving these critical policies and processes. The desired outcome is to ensure that equity, public safety and quality of life are the top considerations with each project identified for the City’s infrastructure investments.”
The Engineering & Capital Projects Department and the Office of Race and Equity, along with City councilmembers, hosted meetings earlier this year to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. These policy amendments are anticipated to be considered by the City Council’s Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in November, followed by a City Council hearing in December. Residents can read the draft proposals and provide their input on the Infrastructure Project Prioritization – Proposed Council Policy Updates webpage at https://www.sandiego.gov/infrastructure-project-prioritization.
(City of San Diego Release) n
