City Launches First Environmental Justice Plan to Address Equity, Health Concerns

The city is developing its first Environmental Justice Element, a new component of the city’s General Plan aimed at addressing environmental and public health disparities in historically underserved neighborhoods while complying with a state law requiring cities to incorporate environmental justice into long-term planning.

“The Environmental Justice Element will advance the City of Pasadena’s commitment to equity, public health, and environmental sustainability and comply with California Senate Bill 1000 (SB-1000). SB-1000 requires cities to address environmental justice in their General Plans,” according to the city’s website. “Cities are required to identify environmental justice communities and develop goals, policies, implementation programs, and priorities to address disparities across several specific environmental justice topics.”

The Environmental Justice Element will establish goals, policies and implementation strategies designed to reduce environmental burdens and expand access to community resources in neighborhoods identified as environmental justice communities. The effort is required under California Senate Bill 1000, which mandates that cities address environmental justice issues within their General Plans.

City officials define environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes and national origins in the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

The planning effort will focus on several key areas, including reducing exposure to air pollution, contaminated water, hazardous materials and other environmental hazards. The element will also address access to safe, sanitary and affordable housing, healthy and affordable food, public facilities and programs, and opportunities for walking, bicycling and recreation.

In addition, the plan seeks to expand community participation in local government decision-making by identifying and removing barriers that prevent residents from engaging in public processes.

Community outreach is expected to play a central role in developing the plan. City officials said residents, community organizations and stakeholders will be invited to participate through public meetings, workshops, surveys, walking tours and other engagement activities designed to ensure the final document reflects community concerns and priorities.

The city launched the process this spring with outreach events and a community survey. Additional public engagement activities are planned throughout the next year.

During the summer and fall of 2026, city staff will work to identify environmental justice communities through outreach efforts that include pop-up events, a community discussion and two walking and rolling tours.

The next phase, scheduled for winter 2026 through spring 2027, will focus on developing environmental justice policies. Planned activities include additional public outreach events, a second community discussion and a youth summit.

Once completed, the element will become part of Pasadena’s General Plan and help guide future policy decisions, land-use planning and public investments throughout the city.