Social Equity & Green Jobs
To successfully implement the CAP, economic and equity factors must be taken into consideration. Low-income, minority, and other communities of concern are expected to be most impacted by future climate changes. Therefore, the City’s CAP includes the consideration of socially equitable climate adaptation, equitable implementation of mitigation measures, and a focus on green jobs.
The following section provides information related to programs and projects the City has implemented that address social equity and green jobs.
Social Equity
Equity & the CAP
The impacts of climate change will affect members of the community in different ways and to varying degrees. Addressing equity in the implementation of greenhouse gas (GHG) reducing measures ensures the just distribution of the benefits of climate adaption and mitigation efforts. Social equity is a broad subject that reaches beyond the capacity of the Climate Action Plan (CAP); therefore, the City continues to address equity in a holistic manner through the City’s General Plan and across multiple departments. The following section summarizes the City’s progress on addressing social equity through various well-established programs, in addition to new programs and initiatives.
Underserved and underrepresented communities often do not have the same level as participation in planning processes. Thus, the City has worked to engage community members of diverse backgrounds by attending various city-wide events to promote climate action plan related opportunities. In 2023, staff attended 13 community events. Events attended by city sustainability staff included the Spring Egg Hunt, Cyclovia, Spring and Holiday Street Fairs, Dia de los Muertos, Small Business Resource Fair, Zero Waste Fair, and farmers’ markets.
Last updated July 10, 2024
Social Equity
Equitable Energy
In 2019, City Council authorized the formation of a Community Choice Energy program, called San Diego Community Power (SDCP) along with four other member cities: San Diego, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and La Mesa. The agency offers advantages over the incumbent utility, including less carbon intensive energy procured for customers over time at competitive prices and oversight by local jurisdictions instead of private shareholders. SDCP also has the option to reinvest profits into expanding carbon-free service options and customer programs.
San Diego Community Power (SDCP), which the City formed along with four other member cities, offers many equitable energy programs. These programs seek to increase access to renewable energy and energy efficiency programs for low-income customers or those located in disadvantaged communities. In 2023, SDCP released its final Community Power Plan (CPP). In the plan, possible customer programs include energy education, application assistance, community solar green tariffs, building electrification assistance energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging stations, transportation electrification, and more. SDCP continues to announce new programs and initiatives to make energy more equitable for Encinitans and their other customers.
Last updated July 10, 2024
Equitable Housing
Housing Choice Voucher & Community Development Block Grants
The City continues to address equity through existing affordable housing programs and planning for future affordable housing. Ongoing programs include the City’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 rental assistance) and Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Since 1995 the city of Encinitas Housing Authority (EHA) has operated a Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. The Section 8 Program offers financial rental assistance to low-income Encinitas households through a voucher-based program. The program is very popular with an ongoing wait list. Additionally, the city has managed a CDBG program since 2011. The CDBG program facilitates the administration of federal funding for housing related projects to create a suitable living environment, to provide decent housing, or to create economic opportunities for low-to-moderate income households and communities.
The City’s Housing Element identifies existing and projected housing needs in order to preserve, improve, and develop housing for all economic segments of the community, in addition to demonstrating how the city will accommodate its fair share of regional housing. The City’s Housing Element identifies existing and projected housing needs in order to preserve, improve and develop housing for all economic segments of the community, in addition to demonstrating how the city will accommodate its fair share of regional housing.
Last updated July 10, 2024
Equitable Housing
Housing Element
The City’s Housing Element identifies existing and projected housing needs in order to preserve, improve and develop housing for all economic segments of the community, in addition to demonstrating how the City will accommodate its fair share of regional housing.
In 2021, the City initiated a review of the barriers to racial and ethnic equity in the City as part of its 6th Cycle Housing Element Program 3H, which calls for an equity study of any potential discriminatory or inequitable, housing-related policies or practices. The study focused on examining existing policies and practices employed by the City and private actors in Encinitas’ housing market, such as land-use policies, and lending and rental practices. The study conducted stakeholder engagement, city and regional data analysis, and community forums for residents and local businesses to engage in conversations about equity. The study’s findings will compare national best practices and emerging research to address any issues found. The study’s recommendations will provide a guiding framework for the City of Encinitas to consider in addressing the drivers of racial and ethnic inequality in housing. The study is anticipated to be complete in late 2023.
Last updated May 11, 2023
Green Jobs
Economic Development & Green Jobs
The City fosters green jobs in our local community and around the region through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP). Development and completion of the various CAP measures will create a need for more green jobs in Encinitas and the region.
Development and completion of the various CAP measures will create a need for more green jobs in Encinitas. For example, with the new building ordinances in place, establishing requirements for energy efficiency and renewable energy, new workers will be needed in the development and construction industry who have technical knowledge and skills in solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency. Similarly, the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Regulations (EMC 23.26) and the water districts’ on-going water conservation programs foster a need of businesses specialized in green landscape design and installation.
The City’s Economic Development program directly supports the growth of green jobs through targeted workshops, trainings, and support to the City’s four economic development organizations: Cardiff 101, Encinitas 101, Leucadia 101, and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce. These organizations are the heart of the City’s business community and are encouraged to participate in implementation of the CAP. The City encourages organizations and businesses that have sustainable business models and practice and promote sustainable habits.
Many of the City’s restaurants, non-profits, shops, service providers, and lodging locations are leading by example, setting green standards, and paving the way for others in Encinitas to do the same.
Last updated May 11, 2023
Green Jobs
San Diego Community Power
Through its procurement of renewable energy, San Diego Community Power (SDCP) is committed to supporting local green jobs and building San Diego County’s green economy. The agency works closely with clean energy generators to provide its member communities clean energy. The Jacumba Valley Ranch (JVR) Energy Park—located in southeastern San Diego County—is a solar and storage facility commissioned by SDCP in 2021. Construction on the project began in early 2022 and created approximately 350 construction jobs, utilizing a Project Labor Agreement with local unions. As SDCP grows its energy portfolio, offering a greater proportion of renewable electricity to customers, more new renewable energy projects will be commissioned like JVR Energy Park. These projects will create local construction, maintenance, and management jobs in the clean technology sector.
Last updated May 11, 2023