Community-driven planning for environmental justice in San Diego

Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) is a 28 year old environmental and social justice organization active in the San Diego/Tijuana region. EHC works in low-income Latino neighborhoods where a history of discriminatory land use policies has led to incompatible mixed land use patterns that result in elevated rates of respiratory illness and diminished quality of life. While toxic business have become embedded in these neighborhoods, goods movement associated with the Port of San Diego has added to the cumulative impacts affecting air quality. EHC has developed a community-driven land use model that puts residents at the center of the planning process. The model works to insure that residents' vision for their own neighborhood is the foundation for land use planning processes, and that those currently living in the neighborhood are the primary beneficiaries of redevelopment. Community Action Teams composed of resident leaders go through an intensive leadership development program, conduct research, and use various organizing and advocacy tactics to win positive social change.