For Economic Development Committee [July 24, 2024]
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Colby Cataldi, Director of Community Development
FROM: Paul Gonzales, Community Development Manager
Title
General Plan Update Presentation for the Land Use, Safety, Circulation and Environmental Justice Elements (Master Case No. 2023-019).
Body
BACKGROUND
The General Plan is a policy document approved by the City Council to guide future development within the City. The General Plan is comprised of a minimum of seven (7) elements required by the State of California which include Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise, and Safety.
The City was awarded the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant to update the Land use, Safety, Circulation, and to add the new Environmental Justice (EJ) Element.
Senate Bill 1000 amended Government Code Section 65302 to require cities and counties with disadvantaged communities to incorporate EJ policies as a separate element in the General Plan. Environmental Justice is defined by the state as "the fair treatment of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."
Initiation of the Focused General Plan Update
On June 23, 2020, at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, the Council authorized submittal of a Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for multiple projects including a focused General Plan Update. In December 2022, the City initiated the focused General Plan Update portion of the grant and awarded a professional services agreement to the consulting firm Dudek.
The focused General Plan Update includes amendments to three (3) elements and the creation of a new element (Environmental Justice):
* The Land Use Element is being updated to retain consistency with Housing, Safety, and the new Environmental Justice ...
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