Environmental Justice Goal 1: Address
unique and compounded health risks
Policy 1.1: Prioritize programs that address the unique and compounded health risks in Underserved Communities.
Policy 1.2: Reduce climate vulnerability in Underserved Communities.
Policy 1.3: Strengthen efforts to collaborate with residents in Underserved Communities on public improvement projects.
Policy 1.4: Prioritize active transportation (walking, bicycling, wheelchair, etc.) improvements, transit incentives, and neighborhood connectivity in Underserved Communities.
Program 1.A: Prioritize addressing the needs of Underserved Communities in the development of the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Program 1.B: Prioritize the needs of those in Underserved Communities when developing Department workplans and
budget recommendations. The departments shall coordinate to ensure consistency and reduce duplication of programs and services for the Underserved Communities and streamline efforts where feasible. Workplans should have specific, measurable goals with achievable deadlines.
Program 1.C: Seek grants that will specifically help address issues in Underserved Communities such as safe housing, increased tree coverage, recreational resources, active transportation, environmental concerns, air quality, and other issues. Apply for at least three of these grants annually, beginning in the year following adoption of this element.
Program 1.D: Ease the permitting process for temporary
street closures in Underserved Communities to facilitate farmers’ markets, arts and craft fairs, bicycle and pedestrian events, and other public events. Inform residents and
organizations in Underserved Communities of the permitting process and how to apply.
Program 1.E: Prioritize infrastructure funding allocated to the City from regional, statewide, and federal entities towards public improvement needs in Underserved Communities and to
address climate change.
Program 1.F: In urban forest management planning, focus efforts for planting street trees in Underserved Communities.
Program 1.G: Consider community solutions for addressing concerns related to parking (e.g., idling and noise, parking availability challenges) and explore the creation of Residential Preferential Parking (RPP) programs.
Program 1.H: Ensure that disaster preparedness planning as described in the Safety Element includes multilingual and multimodal outreach in Menlo Park’s Underserved
Communities.
Program 1.I: An analysis of spending in Underserved
Communities versus the city at-large should be prepared every two years and the results presented publicly to City Council by 2025.
Program 1.J: Create an Urban Forest Master Plan for the City of Menlo Park by 2026, which includes goals and
milestones for Urban Canopy Expansion with a focus on
Underserved Communities. Plant at least 75 trees in
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Underserved Communities annually and expand City watering capacity until the UFMP is adopted.
Program 1.K: Within one year of Element approval and for each subsequent year of the planning period, issue a public report measuring progress, outcomes, and implementation of Environmental Justice Element Policies and Programs. Present the progress report publicly to City Council.
Program 1.L: Map tree canopy gaps in underserved areas
within one year of element adoption and prioritize urban canopy expansion in communities vulnerable to urban heat effects, utilizing tools such as the Tree Equity Score.
Program 1.M: Within two years of Element adoption, begin renovating and retrofitting candidate public buildings in Underserved communities to serve as Climate Resilience Hubs as outlined by the California Strategic Growth Council.
Candidate buildings should be places where the community already regularly gathers, such as libraries, community centers, or the Belle Haven Substation.
Program 1.N: By 2026, create policy for land under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works to require preservation of mature trees (defined as any species greater than 11.5” in diameter measured 54” above grade) during infrastructure modifications using solutions to retain them such as bulb-outs, basin expansion, and sidewalk re-routing.
Program 1.O: Immediately following Element adoption,
review any ongoing, approved, or pending plans for
development and proactively coordinate with developers to help preserve existing trees, immediately replace any that require removal, and explore opportunities to transplant trees and vegetation that has to be removed for development to other places within Underserved Communities. Consider requiring multiple new trees be planted foreach mature tree removed.
Program 1.P: Support grant applications and projects from CBOs, non-profits, and research institutions that will specifically help address issues in Underserved Communities such as safe housing, increased tree coverage, recreational resources, active transportation, environmental concerns, air quality, and other issues.
Program 1.Q: Build city capacity, by hiring additional staff and dedicating additional resources, within the City Arborist department to implement equitable canopy expansion
procedures and promote and maintain healthy and vibrant trees.
Environmental Justice Goal 2: Reduce
pollution exposure and eliminate
environmental inequities
Policy 2.1: Prioritize pollution reduction, air quality, and water quality programs that reduce inequitable exposure in
Underserved Communities.
Policy 2.2: Maximize the positive impacts on environmental quality of Menlo Park’s planning efforts.
Policy 2.3: Advance jurisdiction-wide collaboration to
continually refine nature-based climate solutions that sequester carbon, restore ecosystems, mitigate flooding, and conserve biodiversity.
Policy 2.4: Implement regenerative land management
practices at the city scale. Practice drawdown, reduce
emissions, and improve watershed and human health.
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Policy 2.5: Integrate urban greening into planned and future city infrastructure projects, including road improvements, parks, and private development, such as bioswales, raingardens, and habitat restoration.
Policy 2.6: Focus urban greening projects in areas lacking tree canopy and other urban greenery to provide health and safety benefits to residents, with a focus on underserved communities.
Program 2.A: Work with the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD) and other agencies to improve quality of local air quality monitors and to minimize exposure to air pollution and other hazards in Underserved Communities.
Program 2.B: Work with any identified significant stationary pollutant generators to minimize the generation of pollution through best available control technologies.
Program 2.C: Work with Caltrans to evaluate potential
mitigation measures to reduce noise and air quality impacts from adjacent freeways and highways, particularly those impacting Underserved Communities.
Program 2.D: Review existing standard conditions of
approval for discretionary projects and consider potential additions/enhancements that could further mitigate
environmental issues that may arise during construction Program 2.E: Consider amending the Zoning Code to allow neighborhood-serving retail uses within neighborhoods at key nodes to provide opportunities for retail services and microfulfillment within one-quarter mile of all residences. Permit these neighborhood-serving uses with reduced parking requirements to encourage non-motorized travel to neighborhood retail.
Program 2.F: Within 3 years of Element adoption, work with Caltrans and other agencies to review truck routes and
otherwise pursue reductions to diesel emissions in Underserved Communities.
Program 2.G: Implement and periodically update the City’s 2030 Climate Action Plan to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Program 2.H: Ensure that zoning and other development
regulations require adequate buffering between residential and industrial land uses.
Program 2.I: Ensure the sustained engagement and
involvement of underserved communities in long term
adaptation planning projects related to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Maintain membership of and partnership with the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority during their oversight of levee installations and expansions protecting underserved communities.
Program 2.J: Require and incentivize green infrastructure in future developments and when possible, use green
infrastructure as a preferred alternative.
Program 2.K: Develop a program to work with public and
private landowners to decrease the risk of flooding by advancing watershed management projects that reduce and/or store runoff during rainfall events, including the installation of green infrastructure and Low Impact Development (LID) practices, and improve the condition in the floodplain, for example through floodplain restoration or improvement.
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Program 2.L: Restore and enhance parks, natural lands and large open spaces and explore expansion of the City’s natural areas preservation system through land transfers and
acquisitions of undeveloped/unprotected private and public lands by 2030.
Program 2.M: Adopt a comprehensive and multidepartmental strategy to integrate greening into new city project planning and development.
Program 2.N: Design roadway projects to be attractive and, where possible, to include trees, landscape buffer areas, public art, public space, and other visual enhancements. Emphasize tree planting and landscaping along all streets.
Program 2.O: Establish requirements for major development and redevelopment projects to construct and maintain urban greening projects in the adjacent public right of way.
Program 2.P: Within two years of element adoption, require greening in all new development and redevelopment that
supports other community benefits, such as shade for walking and biking routes. Include greening elements as a primary project scoring criteria for bike improvements.
Program 2. Q: Focus green stormwater improvements for
areas at risk of flooding with an emphasis on underserved communities.
Program 2.R: Coordinate with responsible parties to prevent sewage discharges near the community during large stormwater events. In the event of occurrence, conduct proactive,
extensive, and prolonged community outreach and education to inform underserved communities of protective actions and risks.
Report instances of discharge to City Council promptly.
Program 2.S: Within two years of Element adoption convene a Disaster Preparedness and Response commission or working group dedicated to improving coordination between volunteer groups, area CERTs, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, Schools, Faith leaders, City Staff and other first response organizations.
Program 2.T: After element adoption, conduct annual
disaster preparedness fairs in Underserved Communities and regularly conduct proactive outreach and engagement to
encourage residents to sign up for emergency alert systems.
Program 2.U: Provide material and logistical support to volunteer organizations, NGOs, and CBOs active in times of disaster.
Program 2.V: Within 3 years of Element adoption, update floodplain management regulations to align with the latest State and OneShoreline recommendations and incorporate future conditions brought on by climate change, including future increases in flooding, sea level rise, and groundwater rise.
Program 2.W: Within two years, maximize the Benefits of the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) to the greatest extent possible to reduce the costs of flood insurance on Underserved Communities. The City should establish participation in CRS and realize the full extent of the program’s benefits, which reduce flood insurance premiums and can help save lives and property when a flood occurs.
Program 2.X: Within one year of element adoption, work with SAMTrans, Meta, and any other large employers who use
buses within city jurisdiction to ensure only electric buses are running through communities or create a feasible path to earliest possible implementation. Coordinate with School Districts to support their adoption and use of electric buses.
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Program 2.Y: Within 3 years create an illegal dumping hotline or reporting website to streamline responses and amelioration of illegal dumps. Coordinate with Recology to ensure illegal trash dumps are cleared within 72 hours. Conduct proactive outreach to ensure families are aware of free trash pickup days.
Program 2.Z: Ensure efforts by other agencies to ameliorate hazardous, polluted, or toxic sites are incorporating sea-level rise and groundwater rise in their remediation decisions. Report progress on site cleanup annually to City Council and affected communities.
Program 2.AA: Within one year of Element adoption, begin proactive education and outreach about Air Quality and
protective actions that can be taken to minimize exposure.
Support the distribution of air purifiers or other air cleaning devices within underserved communities and vulnerable
residents and include reports on progress every other year.
Program 2.AB: Within two years of Element adoption, install cameras in areas where garbage is regularly dumped. Post signs outlining the consequences of illegal dumping in locations where it regularly occurs.
Program 2.AC: Encourage shared commute programs and
alternative methods of travel for city events, meetings, and official business.
Program 2.AD: Consider installing distributed solarpanels and battery storage over city owned parking lots for resiliency and heat reduction.
Program 2.AE: Reduce Minimum Parking Requirements and
Set parking Maximums for commercial development.
Program 2.AF: Work with public utilities to identify
opportunities to move electrical cables underground to promote resilience during storms.
Explore reclassification of streets in disadvantaged communities to reduce speed limits and limit cut-through traffic and allowed uses.
Program 2.AG: Within three years of Element Adoption,
coordinate with Caltrans to install improved vegetative buffers between adjacent freeways and highways to reduce noise and air quality impacts.
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Environmental Justice Goal 3: Equitably
provide appropriate public facilities to
individuals and communities
Policy 3.1: Prioritize public facility programs that provide appropriate public facilities in Underserved Communities.
Policy 3.2: Public facilities shall be accessible to all community members, especially those in Underserved Communities.
Policy 3.3: Support community health programs and best practices that increase access to public health resources for Underserved Communities in collaboration with County health services.
Policy 3.4: Encourage a range of health services in locations that are convenient and accessible to the community.
Policy 3.5: Coordinate with local school districts, transit agencies, and other public agencies to provide adequate public facilities, improvements, and programs in Underserved Communities
Program 3.A: Ensure the City provides equitable public
improvements (e.g., siting and funding) to Underserved Communities.
Program 3.B: Consider high-speed internet access as essential infrastructure to be provided in Underserved Communities. This is critical to reduce/eliminate inequities in communication and educational opportunities. Work with internet service providers to support affordable access for low-income households, potentially in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions or state agencies. Conduct community workshops to improve internet literacy and technological skills.
Program 3.C: Work with local stakeholders (such as school districts or companies) to analyze joint use agreements at local schools to enable recreational fields to be used by the community at appropriate times within one year of Element adoption.
Program 3.D: Consider affordable childcare and after school care (particularly on-site after school care) as community amenities eligible for City funding support in Underserved Communities.
Program 3.E: Provide a park system that provides all residents of all ages, income levels, genders, and lifestyles, with access to parks, community centers, sports fields, trails, libraries, and other amenities.
Program 3.F: Ensure that new public facilities are well designed, energy efficient, maintained, and compatible with adjacent land uses.
Program 3.G: Fully implement the City’s Transportation Master Plan in Underserved communities within four years of Element Adoption. Support citywide efforts to create a network of safe, accessible (including ADA accessible where appropriate) and appealing pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Issue a report on progress two years following element adoption.
Program 3.H: Encourage local transit providers to establish and maintain routes and services that provide Underserved Communities with convenient access to health service facilities.
Program 3.I: Continue to pursue strategies including partnerships with other transportation providers to provide a comprehensive system of para-transit service for seniors and people of all abilities and enhance service within the city and to regional public facilities, especially for access to health care and other needs.
Program 3.J: Identify means of support for a city-wide
paramedicine program providing health care delivery, pop-up clinics, and home visits, especially to those most vulnerable or underserved, such as seniors and residents of Underserved Communities through partnering with health care services.
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Program 3.K: Provide a community health clinic in Belle Haven through partnerships or other agreements with a health care specialist within 5 years of Element Adoption. Work with developers to prioritize the inclusion of a pharmacy in addition to plans to develop a grocery store.
Program 3.L: Offer yoga classes at new community center.
Program 3.M: Offer substantially reduced costs for recreation activities, particularly to residents of underserved communities.
Program 3.N: Explore opportunities to sponsor regular
community physical activites, such as walking groups or hiking programs for each age group.
Program 3.O: Provide a community bank or banking services in Belle Haven through partnerships or other agreements with a banking specialist within 8 years of Element Adoption.
Program 3.P: Provide public restroom facilities at all parks within 3 years of Element Adoption.
Program 3.Q: Ensure equitable access to programs at the new community center by ensuring subsidized rates and proactive, multilingual, and multimodal outreach for residents of underserved communities.
Program 3.R: Expand hours for public recreation facilities to at least 9pm Monday through Friday to allow working people to take advantage of the facilities and remain open on weekends.
Program 3.S: Work with relevant departments to install
infrastructure allowing for easily disposal of pet and animal waste at parks and along highly trafficked streets.
Program 3.T: Monitor programming at community centers for usage, popularity, and equitable accesss. Update programming and outreach methods to address inequitable access.
Program 3.U: Ensure there is a safe, well-lit, and highly visible path connecting residential areas to the new community center.
Program 3.V: Include murals that reflect the diversity and culture of underserved communities at community centers and throughout the neighborhood. Include community artifacts and testaments to community history in the community center.
Program 3.W: Ensure community programming for all age groups, including older teens and older adults not considered seniors.
Program 3.X: Honor all culturally relevant holiday events at the community center to foster a feeling of belonging among all residents.
Program 3.Y: Work with schools to understand preferred amenities and activities that can be included at community center.
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Environmental Justice Goal 4: Promote
access to affordable healthy and highquality foods
Policy 4.1: Prioritize adequate food access to fresh and healthy foods for all residents, particularly those in Underserved Communities.
Program 4.A: Work with grocery stores and online food
service delivery and meal providers to provide increased access to high-quality affordable and healthy food. Encourage and support the acceptance of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program), CalFresh, and any other governmental food assistance program and reduced or waived delivery fees to combat food insecurity.
Program 4.B: Encourage and facilitate the establishment and operation of a farmer’s market(s), farm stands, ethnic markets, mobile health food markets, and convenience/corner stores (that sell healthy foods including fresh produce) in Underserved Communities. Within one year, coordinate and implement a recurring physical farmer’s market at the Community Center or Library in underserved communities.
Program 4.C: Encourage healthy food options including
vegan and vegetarian options at all municipal buildings and at City events where food is made available by the City. Prefer providing food from local small businesses or local farmers.
Program 4.D: Encourage and simplify the process of
developing community gardens within or adjacent to
neighborhoods and housing development sites. This could include allowing community gardens as an amenity in required open space areas of new multifamily and mixed-use
development projects, identifying properties suitable for community gardens on vacant or undeveloped lots, or other opportunities for community-supported agriculture within the community. Facilitate the creation of one new community garden within three years of Element adoption.
Program 4.E: Facilitate the installation of community gardens at senior centers and senior housing facilities. Facilitate the completion of at least one such installation within three years of Element adoption.
Program 4.F: Inform low-income households and people
experiencing homelessness about food assistance programs through multilingual fliers, community events, information at shelters and food banks, as well as other appropriate outreach methods and the Homeless Outreach Team. Connect them with CBOs or non-profits who can help them apply and receive assistance.
Program 4.G: Offer free or subsidized space at Farmer’s Markets for local farmers who offer healthy, fresh, and affordable food for Underserved Communities. Conduct
widespread outreach and engagement to advertise these
markets.
Program 4.G: Create programs that make smaller planter
boxes or garden beds accessible for apartment dwellers.
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Environmental Justice Goal 5: Provide safe
and sanitary homes for all residents
Policy 5.1: Prioritize housing programs that provide safe and sanitary homes in Underserved Communities.
Policy 5.2: Maintain and develop safe and sanitary housing across all locations and affordability ranges.
Policy 5.3: Support housing development distribution
throughout the city and not concentrated within Menlo Park’s Underserved Communities.
Program 5.A: Identify and resolve, to the extent feasible, any potential toxic soil contamination, particularly in Underserved Communities.
Program 5.B: Support the Low Income Household Water
Assistance Program (LIHWAP) administered by the California Department of Community Services and Development with
outreach to potentially eligible households.
Program 5.C: As part of an anti-displacement strategy, create a rental inventory to determine renter stability, monitor price fluctuations and evictions in the community, and determine the number of vacant homes by the first quarter of 2025.
Program 5.D: Create or partner with providers to provide a multilingual tenant protection hotline for renters with questions.
If such resources already exist, conduct proactive outreach and education to inform the community of available resources. Hold culturally competent, in-language outreach workshops at least three times per year, beginning no later than 2024. Provide an annual update on progress.
Program 5.E: As part of an anti-displacement program and to ensure stable housing, create a right to legal counsel for tenants facing eviction. Conduct community outreach, education, an engagement to ensure renters are aware of this resource.
Include progress reports on usage annually.
Program 5.F: Create a Community Land trust or other fiscal vehicle to purchase land to develop for deeply affordable housing.
Program 5.G: Create a program/conduct community outreach to help prospective first-time homeowners navigate the process.
Reach out to NGOs/CBOs who conduct this work to facilitate workshops for residents in underserved communities.
Program 5.6: Within two years of Element adoption, conduct a feasibility analysis to determine the potential to expand current rent control laws to apply to single family homes and newer construction. Explore possibilities for exceeding rent control standards established by state law.
Program 5.7: As a condition for City-level incentives for electrification of rental properties, that any upfront investment costs are not passed along to tenants through rent increases, or by other means. This ordinance should go into effect by January 2024, along with other high priority Housing Element antidisplacement programs, as described in Housing Element Program H2.EProgram 5.8: Explore the creation of a new
ordinance to prohibit rent increases for a period of time following a code enforcement against a landlord.
Environmental Justice Goal 6: Encourage
physical activity and active transportation
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Policy 6.1: Prioritize programs that encourage physical activity in Underserved Communities.
Policy 6.2: Support physically active lifestyles through investment in complete streets and active transportation (walking, bicycling, wheelchair, etc.) and safety in Underserved Communities
Policy 6.3: Prioritize the implementation of traffic and transit improvements in Underserved Communities that reduce the speed of vehicles, limit cut through traffic, and make streets comfortable and accessible places for everyone to use.
Policy 6.4: Integrate green stormwater infrastructure into traffic calming improvements.
Program 6.A: Identify and eliminate, barriers to outdoor physical activity, such as damaged, incomplete, blocked, or littered sidewalks and bike paths, lack of safe street crossings and direct connections, excessive speeding, insufficient lighting, and lack of landscaping and shade trees along streets in Underserved Communities.
Program 6.B: Develop and implement education campaigns
to increase the safety and comfort of people waking, bicycling and taking transit. These efforts should include education for people using all modes.
Program 6.C: Within two years of Element adoption, install on Ivy Dr., Hamilton Avenue, and at public buildings and parks, adequately bright lighting to encourage walking and safe travel.
Subsequently, conduct community outreach to identify other streets and locations with inadequate lighting.
Program 6D: Within two years of Element Adoption,
create safe pedestrian street crossings at all Willow Road intersections.
Program 6E: Within one year of Element Adoption,
coordinate with CalTrans to change traffic light timing for left turns into the neighborhood when there is no West bound traffic.
Program 6F: Install barriers to excessive speeds and
stop signs that flash when car approaches
Program 6G: Within one year of element adoption, begin the process of removing polls, signs, or other impediments in the center of sidewalks and place in street or in the public right of way. Coordinate with relevant agencies and authorities or seek waivers for instances of conflict with state mandates.
Program 6H: Work with RCSD to hire crossing guards.
Program 6I: Install bike lanes on Ivy Drive.
Program 6.J: Within a year of Element Adoption, improve the enforcement of speed limits in Underserved communities, particularly around schools during drop-off and pick-up periods.
Program 6.K: When upgrading or installing transportation infrastructure, prioritize the usage of Universal Design principles and design strategies that allow access for all people.
Program 6.M: Prioritize opportunities to expand pedestrian connections within and between neighborhoods.
Environmental Justice Goal 7: Create
equitable civic and community engagement
Policy 7.1: Prioritize civic and community engagement programs that enhance the participation and inclusion of Underserved Communities.
Policy 7.2: Keep residents informed about governmental meetings and actions.
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Policy 7.3: Treat all members of the community fairly and promote equity and capacity building toward creating a healthy environment and just community.
Policy 7.4: Ensure transparency and accessibility in government and decision making.
Program 7.A: Promote and evaluate capacity-building efforts to educate and involve traditionally underrepresented populations and those in Underserved Communities, in the public decision-making process.
Program 7.B: Partner with community-based organizations that have relationships, trust and cultural competency with target communities to outreach on local initiatives and issues.
Program 7.C: Distribute City information such as numbers to call for enforcement, programs, housing needs, and general City information in Underserved Communities and in appropriate languages.
Program 7.D: Create internal policies to ensure representation from all districts on City boards and commissions within one year of Element adoption.
Program 7.E: Ensure that all City activities are conducted in a fair, predictable, and transparent manner.
Program 7.F: Inform the public on decisions – and seek feedback on decisions – using multiple communication methods, including traditional and online forms of communication.
Program 7.G: Proactively engage the community in planning decisions that affect their health and well-being.
Program 7.H: Evaluate protocols around scheduling of public meetings to allow for a wide range of participation options.
Program 7.I: Initiate outreach efforts as early as possible in the decisionmaking process before significant resources have been invested.
Program 7.J: Support local media, including alternative media, in publicizing accurate information and the community’s opinions about planning efforts in the city.
Program 7.K: Inform the public on City-run and other programs that provide support for household rehabilitation, utility bill expenses, and other costs that put low-income households at risk of displacement.
Program 7.L: Utilize culturally appropriate approaches to public participation and involvement.
Program 7.M: Conduct broad outreach on public hearings that affect the environment in languages used by the community.
Program 7.N: Provide all written notices and other announcements in multiple languages.
Program 7.O: Offer interpretation services at all meetings and workshops on issues affecting the environment.
Program 7.P: Consider offering childcare at key meetings and workshops on environmental issues affecting entire neighborhoods and the city as a whole.
Program 7.Q: Annually evaluate the City’s progress in involving the broader community in decisions affecting the environment and quality of life.
Program 7.R: Conduct open meetings on issues affecting land use and the environment.
Program 7.S: Coordinate outreach efforts between City departments to avoid duplication and ensure that all Menlo Park community stakeholders receive notification and information.
Program 7.T: Develop educational workshops for City staff to understand social injustice and housing needs pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Program 7.U: Consistently provide training for decision makers, City staff, applicants, and public on social justice issues that affect community members.
Program 7.V: Fund bias and sensitivity training for law enforcement who may interact with historically discriminated groups, particularly people with disabilities and developmental disabilities by 2025. Include an annual progress report.
Program 7.W: Continually evaluate City laws, ordinances, practices that hinder equity.
Program 7.X: Within two years of Element adoption, hire and train two dedicated outreach worker to connect residents in underserved communities with pre-existing city and state resources as well as encourage resident participation in public meetings, events, and decision making.
Program 7.Y: Within two years of Element adoption develop and implement a system to compensate City Councilors and Planning Page F-1.99
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Commissioners for the time they spend in their positions to make the positions more accessible to residents of Underserved Communities.
Program 7.Z: Twice annually, beginning immediately following Element Adoption, conduct City Council meetings in Underserved Communities. Program 7.AA: When a meeting will have a
disproportionate effect on an Underserved Community, look to schedule all public meetings regarding that topic in underserved communities.
Program 7.AB: Within two years, establish policies and practices to fairly compensate residents from underserved communities for their time and expertise in service of city projects.
Program 7.AC: Conduct annual evaluations of outreach
methods to ensure equitable engagement in public processes from residents of underserved communities. Adjust outreach strategies to reflect best practices and results.
Program 7.AD: Consider the creation of a Para-Transit services like shuttles to help residents attend public functions.
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Goal # Program # Sample Program Text Program Topics Sample Program # Lead City Department or Division
Supporting City Deparment or Division and other resources FundingSource Urgency Effort/Cost Impact Program Score Staff Recommendation Goal # the program will fall under in the Revised Public Review Draft EJ Element Revised Public Review Draft EJ Element Program #
Program text in the CRC-generated document that collected community suggestions and was published for June 20, 2023 Study Session (Staff Report Attachment Q) Topic(s) that the program can be categorized by (e.g., healthy food access, climate change, transportation) Program # in the CRC-generated document that collected community suggestions and was published for June 20, 2023 Study Session (Staff Report Attachment Q) City department/division with primary lead responsibility Supporting City department/division or other resources such as communitybased organizations Potential primary funding source
Level of urgency or need for the action (especially including community input about needs)Rating of 1-3 with 3 being the highest urgency Estimated level of effort or cost necessary to implement the action)Rating of 1-3 with 3 being the highest effort/cost Anticipated impact or value of the action to the community (which can be qualitative)Rating of 1-3 with 3 being the highest impact Urgency rating +Effort/Cost rating+Impact ratingA higher score generally - but not always - equals a program that will be prioritized Staff recommendation for program text and prioritization based on refinement of community feedback and program scoring 4B
Inform low-income households and people
experiencing homelessness about food assistance programs through multilingual fliers, community events, information at shelters and food banks, as well as other appropriate outreach methods and the Homeless Outreach Team. Connect them with CBOs or nonprofits who can help them apply and receive assistance.
Healthy Food Access; PublicPrivate Partnerships
4.F Housing Division
Outreach Partners, Homeless Outreach Team, Non-Profit Organizations General Fund, Outside Grants
3115
Collaborate with community-based organizations and/or nonprofits to inform lowincome households and people experiencing homelessness about food assistance programs Begin outreach by mid2024.
Sample Refinement Framework Matrix
ATTACHMENT Q
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GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND
SAFETY ELEMENTS STUDY SESSION
June 20, 2023
F1-PRESENTATION
STUDY SESSION PURPOSE
Review the Environmental Justice (EJ) and Safety
Elements and their regulatory context
Revisit community outreach completed so far and
common feedback received
Introduce a recommended refinement framework
Receive guidance/confirmation from the City Council
and Planning Commission regarding the recommended
refinement framework
Receive community feedback
GENERAL PLAN
BACKGROUND
4 General Plan
Open Space
Conservation
Circulation
Land Use
Noise
Environmental
Justice*
Safety*
Housing*
The General Plan
guides planning
decisions across
the community
* Housing Element
Update Project
component
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
Goals
Broad desired results
Policies
Principles or approaches to achieve goals
Programs
Precise actions to implement policies and goals
5 IMPLEMENTING GENERAL PLAN
ELEMENTS
6 Dec. 2022: Draft EJ and Safety Elements published
Jan. 2023: Housing Element adopted and SEIR certified (Upcoming June 27 City Council meeting to review draft revisions to Housing Element) Feb. 2023: Two community meetings at Belle Haven Branch Library to introduce the draft EJ and Safety Elements
June 2023: Study Session 1
Fall 2023: Study Session 2 will present additional community feedback refinement results and recommended policies,
programs, and prioritization with revised Draft EJ and Safety Elements
MAJOR MILESTONES
OVERVIEW:
SAFETY ELEMENT
Element purpose: To identify and appraise risks in the community and provide high-level strategies for mitigating risks and ensuring the wellness of the community, city services, and infrastructure Last update: 2013
Current update: Focused update to address new State-required topics – Climate change adaptation and resiliency
– Wildfire hazards and risks
– Identify residential developments without at least 2 emergency evacuation routes Aligned with:
– San Mateo County Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (2021) – City’s 2030 Climate Action Plan (CAP)
– San Mateo County’s 2015 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) 8 SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
9 Collaborative effort:
– 36 planning partners, including all 20 cities/townships in the county Community involvement:
– Over 2,000 survey responses received
Contents specific to Menlo Park:
– Risk and vulnerability assessment
– Mitigation actions to reduce injury and damage
– Assessment of capability to implement mitigation actions – Hazards risk ranking: 1) flood, 2) earthquake, and 3) sea level rise/climate change
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
10 City Code Updates
Collaboration with
County and State
Agencies
Development
Application Review
Coordination Across
Organizations
(e.g., Police, Fire)
SAFETY ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
11 Safety Element policies cover the topic areas listed below.
Specific implementing programs are associated with these topics. General Safety Policies
– New Policy: Mitigation and Disaster Recovery Funding
Geologic and Seismic Safety Policies
Hazardous Materials Policies
Flood Control, Tsunami and Dam Safety Policies
Fire Safety Policies
Public Safety and Emergency Response Policies
– New Policies: Public Health; Heat Adaptation
– New Programs: Senior Outreach; Public Communication; Public Heat Respite; Heat Island Minimization; Emergency Preparedness for Sensitive Populations SAFETY ELEMENT GOAL:
ASSURE A SAFE COMMUNITY
OVERVIEW:
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
ELEMENT
13 WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
The fair treatment of people of all races,
cultures, and incomes with respect to the
development, adoption, implementation,
and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies.
- State of CA Assembly Bill No.1628 (2019)
14 WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF PLANNING
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
To foster well-being and eliminate unique,
unequal, and unfair public health risks in the
Menlo Park neighborhoods where those risks
are concentrated.
15 REGULATORY CONTEXT:
SENATE BILL 1000 (SB 1000)
Local governments are required to analyze
whether they have “Disadvantaged
Communities” in their jurisdictions and
develop an EJ Element if they are present.
Based on community outreach, these
neighborhoods are being called
“Underserved Communities” in Menlo Park.
16 REGULATORY CONTEXT:
GOVERNMENT CODE 65302(H)(1)
EJ Element required topic areas:
1. Prioritize the Needs of Underserved Communities
2. Reduce Pollution Exposure
3. Improve Access to Public Facilities
4. Promote Food Access
5. Promote Safe and Sanitary Housing
6. Promote Physical Activity
7. Promote Civic Engagement
17 HOW DO WE PLAN FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE?
18 Belle
Haven
Bayfront
Underserved
Communities
1. LOCATE COMMUNITIES THAT
FACE UNIQUE, UNEQUAL, AND
UNFAIR HEALTH RISKS
Menlo Park
Neighborhoods
19 1. Address unique and compounded health risks.
2. Reduce pollution exposure and eliminate environmental inequities.
3. Equitably provide appropriate public facilities to individuals and communities.
4. Promote access to affordable healthy and high-quality foods.
5. Provide safe and sanitary homes for all residents.
6. Encourage physical activity and active transportation.
7. Create equitable civic and community engagement.
2. TAKE ACTION TO REDUCE THOSE
UNIQUE, UNEQUAL, AND UNFAIR HEALTH
RISKS
*EJ Element Goals align with State-required topic areas OVERVIEW:
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
AND FEEDBACK THEMES
21 COMPLETED OUTREACH AND
MILESTONES
July 2021
Housing Element Update
Project Introduction Webinar
August 2021
Community
Housing Element Update
Survey
August 2021
Community Meeting:
Housing Equity, Safety, and
Environmental Justice
August 2021
Pop-up Meetings:
Downtown Farmers Market (2)
Belle Haven Shopping Center
Mi Tierra Linda
April 2022
Neighborhood Profiles
Released
April 2022
Community Meeting:
Introduction to Environmental
Justice and Safety
May 2022
CRC Outreach Meetings
Belle Haven (3)
May – July 2022
Menlo Park Environmental
Justice and Safety Survey
December 2022
Draft EJ and Safety
Elements Released
March - June 2021
Countywide LHMP Outreach
Events (12)
June 2021
CRC LHMP Community
Event
February 2023
Community meetings:
Environmental Justice and
Safety Elements (2)
SAFETY ELEMENT
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
22 General Safety
– Develop policies for and manage risks from life sciences and bio-tech industry
Geologic and Seismic Safety
– Acknowledge the presence and regulatory impact of earthquakerelated maps prepared by the CA Geological Survey – Address concerns for the HayWired Scenario and its potential impacts
Public Safety and Emergency Response
– Follow FEMA guidance for a Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management
– Emphasize collaboration following evidence-based practices EJ ELEMENT GOAL 1:
ADDRESS UNIQUE AND
COMPOUNDED HEALTH RISKS
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
23 Asthma and other respiratory issues are community concerns due to the increase in construction
Heat-related health issues are concerns that can be supported with increased access to air-conditioned public spaces
Danger to pedestrians, particularly children, can be minimized with more school crossing guards
24 Rapid development in Belle Haven and Bayfront increases concerns for pollution and traffic congestion
Address traffic congestion by increasing signage and reevaluating signal light timing
Address illegal dumping and increase area security
Noise pollution is a concern, particularly from speeding cars/Highway 101 Address flooding and pothole issues in Belle Haven and Bayfront Interest in incentives and support for air purification tools EJ ELEMENT GOAL 2:
REDUCE POLLUTION EXPOSURE AND
ELIMINATE ENVIRONMENTAL INEQUITIES
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
25 Increase the tree canopy in and around Belle Haven and the Bayfront area Menlo Park Community Campus (MPCC) should prioritize affordable educational classes and training programs for the community Encourage local hiring for MPCC
Desire for a health clinic, pharmacy, bank, and an affordable grocery store Concerns for less school-access opportunity for Belle Haven students Provide animal waste disposal stations, enhanced street cleaning, and more stop signs
EJ ELEMENT GOAL 3:
EQUITABLY PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC
FACILITIES TO INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
26 Interest for a subsidized farmer’s market – near MPCC is desirable The relatively high cost and low-quality food provided at schools is a concern
Stores and services geared toward persons of color and seniors are desirable
EJ ELEMENT GOAL 4:
PROMOTE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHY
AND HIGH-QUALITY FOODS
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
27 Build new housing sensibly and spread-out higher density housing citywide
Interest in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) but concern about lengthy, complicated, and expensive process
City should help with pest management
Concern for the unhoused
City should explore rent control and/or tax breaks
City should prioritize anti-displacement measures and affordable housing EJ ELEMENT GOAL 5:
PROVIDE SAFE AND SANITARY HOMES
FOR ALL RESIDENTS
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
28 Repair sidewalks and potholes and increase accessibility Increase lighting along streets and at parks (especially important for kids and seniors)
Increase bike lanes and safe walkways
EJ ELEMENT GOAL 6:
ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
29 Prioritize resources/information for low-income individuals, especially important for persons living with disabilities
A desire for greater communication by the City regarding upcoming construction projects and their potential impacts
A desire for greater programs and services to help the communities engage/participate, especially those north of Highway 101 Hold more public meetings in Belle Haven
EJ ELEMENT GOAL 7:
CREATE EQUITABLE CIVIC AND
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK THEMES
EJ ELEMENT:
RECOMMENDED
REFINEMENT FRAMEWORK
EJ ELEMENT
REFINEMENT FRAMEWORK OBJECTIVES
31 1. Translate community feedback into a list of
actionable policies and programs that reflect:
• Robust community input
• City resources, capacity, and authority
2. Practice transparent decision-making
3. Establish accountability processes for EJ
Element implementation and tracking over time
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
32 Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Cross-reference
across other elements
to omit duplicates
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail (Attachment Q)
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
33 Group proposed policies/programs
by theme/topic
Put programs in logical order for
implementation
Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Theme
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
34 Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Theme
Example: Tree Canopy
1. Map tree canopy gaps in underserved areas
2. Require preservation of mature trees
3. Proactively coordinate with developers to help
preserve, replace, and/or transplant trees
4. Focus efforts for planting street trees in
Underserved Communities
5. Create an Urban Forest Master Plan
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
35 Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Theme Timeframe
1. Short Term
2. Medium term
3. Long Term
Include specific time horizons
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
36 Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Theme Timeframe Urgency
Score programs
Including community-identified
needs/levels of urgency
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
37 Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Theme Timeframe Urgency Effort/Cost
Score programs
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail
INTEGRATING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
INTO EJ POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
38 Goal
Proposed
Policy or
Program
Theme Timeframe Urgency Effort/Cost Impact
Score programs
Highest priorities =
high need
low cost
high impact
*See sample matrix in staff report for more detail
39 Prioritize policies/programs that directly shape City decision-making processes to ensure Underserved Communities in Menlo Park are being prioritized in program implementation and across City functions Policies/programs with highest urgency and/or that require less effort or less funds should be prioritized as short-term
Long-term and/or high-cost policies/programs can be a high priority if they are high impact. These programs may require phased implementation
Some community-identified needs may require long term policies/programs to allow time for the thinking, collaboration, and outreach that is needed to determine how to best address those needs through actionable programs
REFINEMENT FRAMEWORK
CONSIDERATIONS
40 Departments Responsible for Implementation
Potential Partners
Funding Sources
Metrics for Tracking Progress
Reporting Processes
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN MAY INCLUDE:
41 EJ AND SAFETY ELEMENTS STUDY
SESSION FEEDBACK PROMPTS
Is the recommended refinement framework for the EJ
Element appropriate?
What community feedback themes, topic areas, or policies and programs have the greatest urgency/highest
prioritization?
42 Study Session 1 feedback will help inform the revision of the draft EJ and Safety Elements
Study Session 2 (tentatively fall 2023)
– Present revised draft EJ and Safety Elements, which would further incorporate the community, City Council, and Planning Commission feedback, including recommended policies and programs and prioritization
– Following Study Session 2, additional refinements, as needed, would be made to the EJ and Safety Elements
Planning Commission recommendation and City Council action (tentatively winter 2023/2024)
– Planning Commission would make a recommendation regarding adoption of the elements to the City Council and the City Council would be the final reviewing/approving body
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