Investing in Our Transportation Infrastructure

A Vision for the Future

Using Our Resources Wisely

Working With Our Neighbors

Information and Technology

Public Safety

Streamlining Decisions

Focus on the Future

The San Diego Region

The SANDAG Board of Directors

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Using Our Resources Wisely

The region has made great strides in improving the water quality and supply, reducing urban runoff which can pollute our beaches, increasing options for alternative energy resources, and preserving our natural environment.

SANDAG is working with the California Coastal Conservancy to develop an inventory of marine habitats along the San Diego region coastline. SANDAG will host the Nearshore Habitat Inventory Web site on the SANDAG Web site. The Web site will contain the habitat classification system as well as functions for habitat mapping, a bibliography search, a photo gallery of ecotypes, and a data function for scientists to submit data on recent studies.

Significant progress was made in preserving and protecting the environment with the unanimous approval of the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program. Culminating 10 years of work and consensus building, this comprehensive program will preserve nearly 20,000 acres of undeveloped land in North County. The program encompasses the seven Cities of Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Solana Beach. The designated habitat weaves together contiguous parcels of land to offer wildlife open space corridors to protect 51 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals. It complements the Multiple Species Conservation Program in metro and south San Diego.

Demonstrating the agency’s flexibility as well as its ability to get projects completed, SANDAG put tons of sand on a dozen beaches up and down the coastline. The current Shoreline Management program measures the results of the project and looks at any potential affects on the marine environment. To date, the beach sand replenishment is working for both beachgoers and the marine environment.

SANDAG has been asked to expand its role in implementing the Regional Energy Strategy. A new Energy Task Force has been established by SANDAG to move forward to implement the Strategy’s energy policy and action plan. It contains specific objectives for increased opportunities for energy development, energy efficiency, renewable resources and large and small scale, highly efficient electric generation facilities. While this initiative remains subject to the acquisition of funding, increased efforts in these areas will create substantial economic and environmental benefits for the region.