FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 9, 2021

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO Mayor Todd Glorias proposal to create annual funding targets toward green infrastructure projects was unanimously approved by the City Council today, establishing a much-needed Climate Equity Fund to help underserved communities effectively respond to the impacts of climate change.

For too long, our communities of concern have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. The approval from City Council to establish the Climate Equity Fund is an important step to ensure underserved communities directly benefit from our efforts around climate action, said Mayor Gloria. No one in any community should have to fight for the inalienable rights theyve been given which include clean air, water, and a climate-safe environment.

The Climate Equity Index is a tool that measures the level of access to opportunity residents have within a census tract. To be funded, projects must be in areas determined to have very low, low, or moderate access to opportunity in the Climate Equity Index.

The creation of the Climate Equity Fund will supplement resources available to accelerate the implementation of projects that advance climate justice, resilience, and adaptation in disadvantaged communities.

I am very happy to propose the creation of the Climate Equity Fund in partnership with Mayor Gloria, said Councilmember Moreno. We not only accomplish the goal of increasing the equity infrastructure investment to our disadvantaged communities and addressing our Climate Action Plan goals, but we send a strong message to our underserved residents that it is a new day in the City of San Diego.

Annual revenue sources for the Climate Equity Fund will come through the gas tax, the regional half-cent sales tax for local transportation, and gas and electric franchise fees. Which projects will be funded will be determined during the citys annual budget process.

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