Overview
As part of the regional SB 1000 Toolkit, SBCTA/SBCOG developed this builder to support jurisdictions in San Bernardino County with implementation of SB 1000. This builder includes model language of environmental justice goals, policies, and implementation actions that address each of the six component topic areas required by SB 1000 (i.e., pollution exposure, public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, physical activity, and civic engagement). The model language is informed by findings from SBCTA/SBCOG’s regional existing conditions analysis in 2022, which included both a qualitative stakeholder engagement process and a quantitative data regression and spatial analysis. For example, many model goals, policies, objectives, and implementation actions address top EJ concerns raised through the regional existing conditions analysis, such as air pollution, warehouse development, and public transportation. For more details on the regional existing conditions analysis, please see the Appendix.
Local jurisdictions are encouraged to leverage this model language as a reference while developing their own EJ Elements yet should still tailor the language to match their local community’s vision for environmental justice and health equity.
The information included in this builder can be found as a PDF here or in our resource library as “Model Language for Environmental Justice Elements”.
Furthermore, to be fully in compliance with SB 1000, jurisdictions must prioritize the specific improvements and programs that will best address the EJ priorities and needs of their local Priority Equity Communities. So that this requirement can be clearly applied across all EJ goals, policies, and actions, it is recommended that a prioritization provision be included at the very beginning of a general plan’s EJ policy language. An example prioritization provision is provided below.
“It is the overall goal of the Environmental Justice Element to ensure that improvements and programs that address the needs of the City’s Priority Equity Communities are given priority. While this Element’s policy language applies to all residents, the City will prioritize implementation of improvements and programs that would fulfill the needs of residents living in Priority Equity Communities.”
If your jurisdiction is implementing SB 1000 as a standalone element by itself (i.e., not as part of a full general plan update), then it is recommended that a conflict provision be included to avoid unintentionally creating conflict with policy language in other general plan elements that have not been updated as recently. This conflict provision is typically located at the beginning of a general plan’s EJ policy language. An example conflict provision is provided below.
“Wherever the following goals, policies, or actions appear to conflict with others within the General Plan, the goals, policies and actions of the Environmental Justice Element, if viewed as stricter, shall prevail.”
Prioritization Provision
Furthermore, to be fully in compliance with SB 1000, jurisdictions must prioritize the specific improvements and programs that will best address the EJ priorities and needs of their local Priority Equity Communities. So that this requirement can be clearly applied across all EJ goals, policies, and actions, it is recommended that a prioritization provision be included at the very beginning of a general plan’s EJ policy language. An example prioritization provision is provided below.
“It is the overall goal of the Environmental Justice Element to ensure that improvements and programs that address the needs of the City’s Priority Equity Communities are given priority. While this Element’s policy language applies to all residents, the City will prioritize implementation of improvements and programs that would fulfill the needs of residents living in Priority Equity Communities.”
Conflict Provision
If your jurisdiction is implementing SB 1000 as a standalone element by itself (i.e., not as part of a full general plan update), then it is recommended that a conflict provision be included to avoid unintentionally creating conflict with policy language in other general plan elements that have not been updated as recently. This conflict provision is typically located at the beginning of a general plan’s EJ policy language. An example conflict provision is provided below.
“Wherever the following goals, policies, or actions appear to conflict with others within the General Plan, the goals, policies and actions of the Environmental Justice Element, if viewed as stricter, shall prevail.”
General Plan Structure
A general plan’s policy language is typically broken down into three primary categories: goals, policies, and actions. Additionally, general plan elements may include objectives that measure quantitative progress over a specified period of time. This builder includes model goals, policies, and actions for each of the six required SB 1000 topic areas. Below are brief definitions describing each of these terms.
Goals are statements describing the envisioned end state for the community. They are broad in both purpose and aim but are designed specifically to establish directions and outcomes.
The following is an example of a goal: San Bernardino County is a leader in promoting healthy communities through collaboration, prevention, and education.
Policies are specific position statements that support the achievement of goals and serve as guides to a City Council, the County Board of Supervisors, a Planning Commission, other public commissions and boards, and City/County staff when reviewing development proposals and making other decisions. Policies seek to achieve the goals by mandating, encouraging, or permitting certain actions. Language used to describe this intent includes require, conduct, maintain, and implement.
The following is an example of a policy: Increase access to preventative healthcare for residents, especially for residents living in Priority Equity Communities by partnering with community-based health organizations to provide mobile services.
Actions are implementation focused. They are specific programs or strategies to carry out a policy and fulfill a goal. Actions may be ongoing or new and include identified timelines and responsible City/County departments. They establish the “who,” “how”, and “when” for carrying out the “what” and “where” of goals, policies, and objectives.
The following is an example of an action: Pilot a program, in partnership with nonprofit and community health centers, to provide free or low-cost healthcare to low-income households in Priority Equity Communities.
Topic Areas
Reduce Pollution Exposure
Promote Food Access
Promote Physical Activity
Promote Public Facilities
Promote Safe and Sanitary Homes
Promote Civic Engagement
How to Use the Builder
Step 1
Select the “Account” or “My List” buttons at the top of the page to either create an account or sign-in to save your selected goals and actions.
Step 2
Select a topic and explore goals, policies, and actions related to it. You can also visit the data page to find data related to your community.
Step 3
Add your selected goals and actions to your favorites list and go to “My List” to view all of your saved items in one place.
