County Receives 2026 Beacon Leadership and Innovation Award

10/21/26

The County of San Diego (County) is honored to be selected for a 2026 Beacon Leadership & Innovation Award from the Institute for Local Government (ILG). ILG is a nonprofit organization that supports California local governments through training, technical assistance, and resources. Through its Beacon Program, ILG recognizes innovative local efforts to advance sustainability, climate resilience, and equitable community outcomes.

The County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted by the Board of Supervisors in September 2024, outlines 21 measures and 70 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Beyond emissions reductions, the CAP supports public health, protects natural resources, streamlines housing development, and invests in programs and resources that help communities thrive.

County staff tabling at an event

The County received the Beacon award in the category of, “Equity and Engagement in Climate Resilience and Adaptation” for the robust community engagement that informed the development of the CAP. The award demonstrates the County’s commitment to advancing equity in the planning process. Furthermore, ILG provided this award to the County for the substantiated positive results of CAP development.

Since adoption, the CAP has supported new programs and investments that deliver environmental and community benefits. In 2025, the County reduced an estimated 259,481 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂e), bringing the County 35% of the way toward its 2030 emissions reduction target in the CAP. Additionally, 55% of CAP investments went to frontline communities, supporting efforts to expand access to clean transportation, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Examples of CAP-supported initiatives include the Zero-Emission Equipment Voucher Program, which helps eligible residents, businesses, and agricultural producers transition to electric equipment; the Electric Vehicle Charger Program, which supports publicly accessible EV charging; and the Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program (EDTPP), which offers free trees to eligible communities. The County also supports habitat conservation through the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP).

To learn more about the County’s climate goals and initiatives, visit the Climate Action Plan webpage and explore the programs and resources page.