APCD Public Participation Plan

In partnership with MIG, Pueblo Planning co-developed the 2022 – 2025 Public Participation Plan for the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. The Public Participation Plan serves as the guiding document informing how APCD engages and builds relationships with the community. As part of this process, APCD, MIG, and Pueblo Planning partnered with five Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) – Casa Familiar, El Cajon Collaborative, Environmental Health Coalition, Bayside Community Center, and Vista Community Clinic – and 106 community members County-wide to help co-develop the practices and principles that would inform and help shape the District’s Public Participation Plan. Pueblo Planning co-facilitated engagement efforts with the community—particularly with those who are disproportionately impacted by air quality issues – across seven community listening sessions, 1-1 interviews with five CBOs, and one workshop with CBOs.

Throughout the engagement efforts, CBO’s and community members received an informed introduction to APCD including who they are and what services they provide. Additionally, community members shared their personal experiences with air quality in their communities and they provided feedback to shape future engagement and relationship building efforts. The District’s partnership with the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and community members County-wide helped to begin the conversation around co-developing the practices and principles that inform and help shape the District’s Public Participation Plan. The information obtained through the engagement efforts with community members and CBOs helped to identify key points to focus on, including: ongoing relationship building and trust; education and empowerment; outreach and communications; and community engagement. As such, the Public Participation Plan intends to ensure the public is involved in the District’s processes and key issues related to air quality.