The Sustainability Planning Division at the County of San Diego (County) helps communities thrive while protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We're part of Planning & Development Services and focus on everything from climate action and clean transportation to land and water conservation.

Our division is made up of three teams: Sustainability, Conservation, and Sustainable Groundwater Management. We work with community members, local agencies, businesses, and environmental groups to develop plans that prioritize equity and long-term sustainability. Projects include the 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP), Multiple Species Conservation Program, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and more.

Meet the Sustainability Team!

Our team of ten passionate individuals brings a mix of skills and experience to lead key sustainability efforts across the region with projects including the implementation of the 2024 CAP, Electric Vehicle (EV) Roadmap, and other sustainability-related efforts. Read more about each of us below!

Tyler Farmer is the Chief of the Sustainability Planning Division, and his work includes climate action plan implementation and other sustainability projects. Tyler has a passion for sustainability and has been working on environmentally focused projects for the past 18 years. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys his time with his wife and two kids and sneaks in as much soccer watching as possible.

Meghan Kelly is a Group Program Manager who has been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development, implementation, and monitoring of the County’s CAP since 2018. She has worked on environmental and sustainability focused policies and programs for nearly two decades and is excited to begin implementation of the County’s new CAP. In her free time, Meghan can be found outside gardening, on a hiking trail, or on her surfboard.

Ariel Hamburger is a Land Use/Environmental Planning Manager who supports the team with guidance on program development and implementation. She has worked for the County for nearly a decade. In her prior County roles, she worked on food justice efforts and at the intersection of public health and the built environment. Ariel is a San Diego native and enjoys the local food, music, and arts scene and literally stopping to smell the flowers.

Chad Spoon is a Senior Land Use/Environmental Planner who manages implementation of CAP initiatives that increase mobility and access to clean transportation. He joined the County in 2019, after over a decade of research and program implementation in the fields of active transportation and active living. Outside of work, you’ll find him on the soccer pitch playing or with friends catching the latest game on television. When there’s no soccer to be had, he enjoys running or biking his neighborhood with family.

Alyssa Way is a Senior Land Use/Environmental Planner who manages the implementation of energy programs, and the monitoring and reporting of the CAP. Alyssa has a technical background in air quality and greenhouse gas environmental impact analyses and has developed climate action plans for jurisdictions throughout the state. Along with sustainable planning, she also has experience on the development side from her time with the County’s Parks and Recreation Department where she worked on the construction of new or existing County Parks facilities. Alyssa enjoys being outdoors through hiking the regional trails or adventure traveling.

Hugo Salgado is a Senior Land Use/Environmental Planner who assists with the implementation of the CAP actions that expand mobility options for residents, such as walking, biking, and public transit. Hugo spent 8 years as the active living and active transportation lead at the County’s Public Health Services department and 2 years as an associate air resources specialist at the Air Pollution Control District. He recently joined the Sustainability team in May 2025. Hugo enjoys collecting and riding bicycles, playing music, and supporting the Padres.

America Aceves is an Associate Land Use/Environmental Planner who works on coordination and implementation of the CAP’s monitoring and reporting, assists with contracting and administrative management, and manages general outreach and engagement. America also assists with the implementation of the Equitable Solar Installation Program. America brings over 15 years of community development experience working at various non-profit organizations in the City of Los Angeles and City of Long Beach. America enjoys painting and listening to live music.

Jessica Ceja is an Associate Land Use/Environmental Planner focused on coordinating and implementing the CAP’s Built Environment and Transportation actions. Jessica manages the County’s EV Consumer Guide website, facilitates the interdepartmental Sustainability Task Force, and manages the Employee Commute Program. Jessica brings over five years of experience in planning, public affairs, and community outreach. She has also served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys home improvement projects and spending time with her husband and their dog, Scottie.

Tiffany Nguyen is an Associate Land Use/Environmental Planner who manages the team’s social media, newsletter, and website content. She also supports the research and development of building electrification programs and other energy-related efforts. Additionally, she leads the department’s sustainability commitments. Tiffany brings over five years of experience in various environmental roles and has a passion for making sustainability fun and engaging. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her spending quality time with her corgi at the park, enjoying time with family and friends, or cheering at a hockey game.

Amanda Appel is an Assistant Land Use/Environmental Planner who works on the development of the SOILS Program and other agricultural initiatives that provide support to local producers, strengthen the food system, and increase carbon sequestration on working lands to build climate resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys going on walks to catch up with friends, cooking, or watching women’s sports – both live and on TV.

Stay tuned for upcoming newsletters where we’ll introduce the Conservation and Sustainable Groundwater Management teams!