Growth Management Director, Jeff Hays, reported staff are conducting an equity audit of the entire Comprehensive Plan. Environmental Justice is defined as, "no group of people, including those from marginalized, racial, ethnic, or socio-economic groups or persons with disabilities should disproportionately bear the cumulative, negative, social, or environmental consequences resulting from land use decisions. Principles of Environmental Justice recognize historically that the largest proportion of environmental burdens come from industrial development, energy production facilities, disposal of waste, and transportation systems and that these burdens often fall on the communities that are least able to withstand the impacts of them (i.e. poor and marginalized communities). Environmental Justice is a principle and practice that emerged historically from people of color organizing to protect their environments, community rights, land, and health." .
The term "underserved" is used in the Comp Plan, but not in the Conservation and Open Space Element. Maps used do not currently include community demographics, nor do they target specific populations. The Element also doesn't focus on hazards to individuals. There may be room for policies, as it relates to inequity for populations living in flood plains and low lying wet areas, for example. Mr. Hays also brought up sustainability practices such as vehicle idling, alternative fuel, renewable energy production, and the Climate Action Plan.
Alison Moss, Transportation Planner, briefly discussed the "Safe Streets for All" plan and will share draft recommendations with the Equity Advisory Board for input.
Stephen Hofstetter, Environmental Protection Director, reported that $15,000 rebates to replace septic tanks are available to contractors.
The Equity Audit, along with the Climate Action Plan, Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), Safe Streets for All, and Bicycle Pedestrian Plan, will lead to amendments of the Comprehensive Plan in 2025.