San Diego Creates ‘Climate Equity Fund’ For Disadvantaged Communities

From KPBS news, March 9, 2021:

The San Diego City Council has voted to establish a climate equity fund that aims to help disadvantaged communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

Low-income communities of color already suffer disproportionately from poor air quality and extreme heat, and often lack parks, safe streets and other amenities that make neighborhoods more livable in a warming planet.

The fund would dedicate a portion of city tax and fee revenues to make up for those deficits. Projects could include bike lanes, sidewalks, streetlights and park improvements.

Eligibility for funding would be based on the city's climate equity index, which compiles environmental, health, economic and other data. The vast majority of eligible neighborhoods are south of Interstate-8.

The climate equity fund is expected to receive about $4.8 million in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Article: https://www.kpbs.org/news/2021/mar/09/san-diego-climate-equity-fund-disa...

Contact page for KPBS: https://www.kpbs.org/contact-us