Social Equity & Green Jobs
To successfully implement the Climate Action Plan (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.
Last updated May 11, 2023
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.
In 2020, SDCP established a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to advise the SDCP Board of Directors. Committee members include representatives from SDCP’s five member cities and its diverse citizenry. The CAC’s Fiscal Year 2021-22 work plan included the following focus areas which promote social equity: prioritization of equitable outcomes, development of an equitable and inclusive workforce policy, and providing SDCP Board with input on community outreach as it relates to electricity rates for disadvantaged communities and community solar. In 2023, SDCP released a final Community Power Plan (CPP). In the plan, possible 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 April 2, 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) and through the implementation of other various programs and partnerships.
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
Encinitas BCycle
In 2021, the City entered into an agreement with BCycle—one of the largest and longest standing bike share companies in the United States—to manage a bikeshare program for the City of Encinitas. The pilot program officially launched January 2022 with 131 docking stations and 67 electric bikes available for public use. Throughout 2022, there were 3,215 unique riders contributing to two million calories burned.
The BCycle bikeshare directly added several green jobs to the region and promotes affordable alternative transportation, both of which are goals outlined in the City’s CAP. A BCycle bike may be rented for as little as $7 for a half hour. Passes may also be purchased on a monthly or annual basis for a cost of $30 or $150, respectively. After a successful first pilot year in 2022, the City and BCycle agreed to extended the license agreement through the end of 2023. With the extension of the agreement BCycle will expand ridership and outreach and plans to develop a program to enable low-income community members to rent BCycle bikes at no cost.
Last updated May 11, 2023