Two new City of San Diego advisory boards are set to begin this summer on the all-important work of tackling climate risk and protecting the natural environment.

The recently seated Climate Advisory Board, which held its first meeting in June, will advise the Mayor, City Council and City departments on issues related to climate, environmental justice, climate equity, sustainability and energy policy. Actions will include developing recommendations on how the City can engage residents, communities and nongovernmental organizations to guide the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, and looking at how the City can engage in climate issues at the state and federal levels.

The Resiliency Advisory Board, which is currently advancing member nominations for appointment, will advise the Mayor and Council on natural resource conservation, climate resiliency and adaptation, wetlands, habitat preservation, biodiversity, and the Climate Resilient SD Plan. The Board will help develop a cooperative and supportive relationship between the City and stakeholders in the resiliency, open space, indigenous and environmental justice communities.

“I am deeply grateful to the dedicated people who have stepped up to serve on these new advisory boards,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Their commitment and expertise will be invaluable as we work to protect San Diego’s natural environment and safeguard our residents from the pressing challenges of climate change. These boards are crucial to our efforts in implementing our Climate Action Plan and Climate Resilience Plan, ensuring a better future for our city.”

“I am proud to have led the formation of the Climate Advisory and Resiliency Advisory Boards. They are the product of considerable stakeholder input and a need for open participation in our City’s Climate Action Plan and Climate Resilient SD Plan,” said Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, Chair of the Environment Committee. “Our environmental challenges require a coalition of diverse voices and perspectives. Safeguarding our region’s natural resources and cultivating climate action solutions must engage experts, government and the public. I appreciate those volunteering on these advisory boards.”

The Climate Advisory Board consists of 15 appointees – six appointed by the Mayor and one by each City Councilmember representing their respective districts. At its first meeting June 4, the board unanimously selected Tanisha-Jean Martin of the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition as its chairperson. The board’s next meeting is today, Friday, July 19.

There is currently one vacancy on the climate board, for Council District 8. Meetings are open to the public and as vacancies arise in the future there will be opportunities to appoint new members. For more information, please visit the Climate Advisory Board webpage. Interested applicants may apply for the board via the online application system.

Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in decarbonization, mobility or planning, land use, public health related to climate change, climate or environmental science, finance or economics; or those representing labor organizations, the renewable energy industry, environmental or energy justice organizations, zero waste or circular economy, the clean technology industry, youth climate leadership, or are a citizen of a federally recognized tribe. 

The Resiliency Advisory Board will consist of 11 members, two appointed by the Mayor with the remaining nine members including one representative from each Council district. Visit the Resiliency Advisory Board website for more information. Interested applicants may visit the online application system.

For the Resiliency board, preference will be given to applicants who have expertise in climate resiliency and adaptation, climate or environmental science, biodiversity or biology, outdoor recreation access, emergency readiness or response, food security, agriculture, or natural resource conservation; or those representing environmental justice organizations, labor organizations, youth leadership, or a citizen of a federally recognized tribe.

“The creation of the Climate and Resiliency advisory boards is an important step for the City of San Diego in our commitment to our Climate Action Plan and our determination to proactively ensure our City continues to thrive in the face of ongoing climate challenges,” said Heather Werner, interim director of the City’s Sustainability and Mobility Department.

The City of San Diego’s Office of Boards and Commissions was created in 2018 to support the day-to-day operations for the City's 49 boards and commissions. Visit the City’s website to learn more about boards and commissions and how to apply for vacancies.