Adoption of Environmental Justice Element and Safety Element Update

Published on August 19, 2024

Attend the Planning Commission meeting Monday, Aug. 26 to learn about the City of Menlo Park’s progress in advancing equity and fostering the well-being of community members, particularly in the Belle Haven and Bayfront neighborhoods, which are identified “underserved communities.” The Planning Commission will review and make a recommendation on the City’s first Environmental Justice Element and updates to the Safety Element. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus (100 Terminal Ave.).

The Environmental Justice Element identifies and elevates these top three community-identified priorities for the Belle Haven and Bayfront neighborhoods:

• Priority #1: Provide safe, sanitary, and stable homes;
• Priority #2: Promote access to high quality and affordable food; and
• Priority #3: Reduce pollution exposure and improve air quality.

The update to the Safety Element responds to changes in state law and includes one overarching goal – to ensure a safe community – with the primary topic areas of general safety, geologic and seismic safety and public safety and emergency response.

The Planning Commission is the recommending body to the City Council, who is tentatively scheduled to review and adopt the Environmental Justice and Safety Elements in September. Stay tuned for the meeting date. Please visit the City's Housing Element Update page for more information.