About
The Environmental Justice Workgroup (Workgroup) informs regional government climate and social equity initiatives. The desired outcome is for communities systemically impacted by environmental injustices to have shared power in advancing sustainability efforts that affect their lives. The Workgroup believes “environmental justice and climate justice are achieved when transformative, collaborative actions are taken to adapt to climate change and address structural and systemic inequities—while upholding Tribal equity and values—so all people and nature can live harmoniously in healthy, safe, prosperous, and inclusive communities.”
Since 2024, the Workgroup has informed 25 different initiatives ranging from the County’s Food Justice Community Action Plan, Green Industries and High Road Jobs initiative, Climate Action Plan, Energy Access Resilience and Capacity study, the Office of Emergency Services’ Emergency Operations Plan, Public Health Services’ Climate Adaptation Plan, Pauma Tribal Farm, San Diego Air Pollution Control District policies, and more. Over 40 presenters have consulted with the Workgroup since its inception. The Workgroup feedback is directly incorporated into the effort they are advising on.
Workgroup members collaboratively create their priorities plan based on their lived experience and regional data. This informs what climate initiatives come forward to the group for advisement and the site visits the group takes together for increased awareness about a topic.
Meetings and membership
The 21-member Workgroup meets approximately eight times a year. Members serve two- or three-year terms.
The Workgroup includes a diversity of perspectives. It is comprised of residents from across the county, Tribal members, representatives from community-based organizations, academics and researchers, people of color, immigrants and refugees, elders, and youth.
The membership application period is now open through August 31, 2026. For more information about becoming a member, please visit https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/ejw-2026 or contact us at osej@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Presenter participation
If you are affiliated with a local government or regional public agency and are seeking early and meaningful advisement from the Workgroup, please submit a request through the Presenter Intake Form, linked below. Please allow up to two weeks for a response.
View the Presenter Intake Form
Note: For effective engagement with the Workgroup, please review the Presenter Guide.
Contact
For questions or additional information, contact Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice at osej@sdcounty.ca.gov.
