County Honored with Multiple 2025 Awards for Leadership in Sustainability and Resilience

08/19/25

So far this year, the County of San Diego (County) has earned multiple local and national honors for innovative programs, sustainable infrastructure, and collaborative planning efforts. These achievements highlight the ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and regional leadership. They also reflect the hard work and creativity of County staff and partners who develop forward-thinking solutions, build strong regional collaborations, and deliver projects that make a lasting positive impact. The County remains commited to advancing these efforts and continuing to address today’s challenges while preparing for a more resilient, sustainable future.

2024 Climate Action Plan Earned Merit Award for Resilience and Sustainability Planning

Climate Action Plan Team Accepts Award

The County’s 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP) was recently honored with a Merit Award for Resilience and Sustainability Planning by the San Diego Section of the American Planning Association (APA). This award celebrates outstanding efforts to reduce environmental impacts and build greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient communities. Our CAP team proudly accepted the award, which recognizes the County’s commitment to long-term sustainability, equity, and regional climate readiness.

This award category notably honors plans that are innovative, well-integrated into broader planning efforts, grounded in robust public engagement, and effective in creating meaningful change. The 2024 CAP stood out for its forward-looking approach to resilience, addressing the impacts of climate change, especially in communities that are most at risk. The CAP connects closely with other County planning efforts and public priorities, like improving air quality, supporting clean energy, and investing in public health and equity. For regular updates on the CAP, sign up for our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Conservation Team Received National Association of Counties Achievement Award

The County Planning & Development Services Conservation Team’s Annual Voluntary Conservation and Land Management Assistance Worshop received the National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the Planning category. The NACo Achievement Awards program recognizes innovative county government programs in 18 categories covering a wide spectrum of county responsibilities.

Since 2022, the Conservation Team has hosted an annual regional workshop to connect property owners, farmers, and land managers with programs that provide funding opportunities and technical assistance for conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County, United States Fish and Wildlife Services’ Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

County staff and their regional partners also produce a workbook with a comprehensive list of funding and assistance programs available to property owners and land managers in San Diego County. The workbook can be used as a stand-alone resource throughout the year for those interested in these types of programs. Overall, the workshop is a great example of intergovernmental collaboration for the benefit of the region’s natural resources.

You can read a recap of the 2025 Voluntary Conservation and Land Management Assistance Workshop in the CAP newsletter article from May.

Two County Department of Public Works Projects Honored with Project of the Year Awards

Public Works Estrella Project Aerial Shot

The Estrella County Park Biofiltration and Trash Capture Project received Project of the Year Award in the Sustainable/Green category for its innovative use of green infrastructure to improve water quality and build community climate resilience. The project transformed an undeveloped neighborhood park into a climate-smart asset featuring biofiltration basins, drought-tolerant landscaping, and a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station. Completed in Fall of 2024, the project treats runoff from 22 acres and prevents approximately 18 gallons of trash from entering local waterways each year.

Public Works Los Coches Project Aerial Shot

The Los Coches Dry Weather Diversion Pilot Project was honored with Project of the Year Award in the Environment category for its forward-thinking design that improves water quality and supports local water reuse. The project includes a regional-scale trash capture system and an innovative diversion feature that redirects dry weather flows to the sanitary sewer for treatment and reuse. Completed in July of 2024, the project contributes 1.3 million gallons per year to the local water supply and removes approximately 139 gallons of trash annually from nearby waterways.

DPW continues to expand its portfolio of sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects. Six additional green infrastructure projects are scheduled to enter the design phase in the coming months, and two more are on track to begin construction by early 2026. To learn more about upcoming initiatives and award-winning projects, visit the Green Infrastructure page and the DPW Awards page.