Imperial planning commission hears presentation on proposed environmental justice element

The City of Imperial Planning Commission on Aug. 13 heard a presentation from Hannah Stomakovich, program manager at the Institute for Local Government, on development of an environmental justice element intended to identify disadvantaged neighborhoods and set policies and programs to address unequal environmental burdens.

Stomakovich told commissioners the element is intended to "identify underserved neighborhoods in Imperial City and set policies and programs to address inequalities caused by environmental burdens." She said SB 1000 requires cities and counties with disadvantaged communities to incorporate environmental justice policies into general plans.

The presentation outlined a multi-step development process led by consultant Ascent and supported by the Institute for Local Government. Stomakovich said Ascent will prepare an existing-conditions report to summarize local data and health conditions; an outline and policy framework to guide the element; and the draft environmental justice element itself. To identify disadvantaged areas the team will overlay multiple datasets and local information, and supplement the analysis with input from residents.

Public engagement tactics described included an initial community survey, follow-up one-on-one interviews, tabling at community events, workshops and an advisory committee of residents that would meet monthly in hybrid format. Stomakovich said materials and recruitment information are being translated into Spanish and that the project will provide simultaneous Spanish translation for meetings when Spanish-speaking participants sign up.

Stomakovich described targeted outreach to groups that the team said are less likely to participate in traditional public processes: youth, working families, Spanish-speaking residents and seniors. She said the project will run at least two survey rounds (an initial survey and a later prioritization survey), host community workshops and publish a draft element for public comment before finalizing the document. The presentation noted the team may adjust the schedule to avoid holiday periods and allow adequate time for participation.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation. City staff asked commissioners and community members to share names of residents who might serve on or help recruit for the advisory committee.

The project team and staff said they will return to the commission with drafts and public-engagement materials as the work progresses.