Environmental Justice Element Update
WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
The Environmental Justice (EJ) Element is a state-mandated element in response to Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000), that requires cities and counties that have disadvantaged communities to incorporate Environmental Justice policies into the General Plans to address the “unique or compounded health risks” in the communities by reducing pollution exposure, increasing community assets, and improving overall health.
THE PURPOSE AND RELEVANCE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
The City’s Environmental Justice (Health & Equity) Element will serve as the foundation and guideline for achieving equity and environmental justice goals when implementing a more livable, healthy, and just community for East Palo Alto. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”
Some examples of environmental justice issues are pollution exposure and air quality, access to safe and sanitary homes, access to opportunities for physical activity, and access to effective public services and facilities. See below to check out our EJ Element educational handout to understand the issues and how you can participate.
Learn more about these disparities by viewing the Story Map: https://smcmaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=356f5794ea72447eabcda1e32f1fdcd7
Visit the Environmental Justice Element website for our latest updates: https://envirojusticeplanning.com/
PROJECT PHASE |
SCHEDULE |
|---|---|
Project Coordination and Communication |
Ongoing |
Preliminary Mapping of Existing Conditions |
Completed |
Preparation for Community Engagement |
In progress |
Community Engagement |
In progress - Planning In-Person Workshop @ May 23rd 6PM - 8PM |
Collection and Generation of Data and Maps |
March 2024 - July 2024 |
Summary of Key Issues and Evaluation of Current Plans |
July 2024 - September 2024 |
Preparation of Draft Element with CEQA Review |
October 2024 - March 2025 |
Legislative Outreach and Adoption |
March 2025 - April 2025 |
Environmental Justice Element In-Person Workshop
The City of East Palo Alto invites residents to attend a workshop to discuss and share ideas and input
about environmental justice issues in the East Palo Alto community, including issues related to pollution,
access to healthy food, access to open space, safe housing, adequate public facilities, vulnerability
to climate hazards, and meaningful community engagement.
When: May 23rd, 2024 from 6PM - 8PM
Where: East Palo Alto Family YMCA Community and Launch Pad Rooms
550 Bell St, East Palo Alto
Supporting Documents
| Michelle Huang | Assistant Planner | 650.853.3169 | mhuang@cityofepa.org |
| Salifu Yakubu | Senior Planner | 650.853.3151 | syakubu@cityofepa.org |
Contact Information
1960 Tate Street
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Ph: 650-853-3189
Email: planning@cityofepa.org
Counter Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am - 3:45pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm) Wednesday and Friday virtually and by appointment only
Counter staff will be available virtually and by appointment only on Wednesday and Fridays. Staff can be reached at any time and appointments can be made by emailing staff at planning@cityofepa.org or via this link. Planning staff will continue to respond to emails by the following day or the following Monday for inquiries received on Friday.
In the case of more urgent issues or questions tied directly to an existing project, please contact the project planner or call the mainline (650-853-3189) to be routed to the project planner. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Note: Please drop off all payments/checks attached with relevant application forms in addition to emailing us a copy. Application forms must be attached. Checks without forms attached will not be processed.
All payment for projects will be required to be paid by a check made out to "City of East Palo Alto"
This check will be attached to the planning permit application form and dropped off at a no-contact Drop Box at the address listed above.