PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeremy Bloom
(619) 841-2258
[email protected]
Circulate San Diego Announces 2024 Momentum Award Winners
San Diego, November 17, 2024— Circulate San Diego, a nonprofit organization committed to improving mobility and sustainability in the region, celebrated its 25th anniversary and recognized outstanding individuals and public agencies at its annual Momentum Awards ceremony. Held at the Quartyard in Downtown San Diego, the event brought together over 200 attendees, including elected officials, SANDAG and MTS representatives, and key figures from the transportation and land use sectors.
Circulate San Diego’s CEO, Colin Parent, reflected on the organization’s legacy, saying, “For a quarter of a century, Circulate and our predecessor organizations have been the leading voice in land use and mobility policy, pioneering innovative solutions that shape our region's future.”
The awards ceremony featured the presentation of seven community-nominated awards and the Walk-The-Walk Award. The Walk-The-Walk Award is given to local and statewide leaders who are actively advancing mobility choices and sustainable growth. This year's honorees included California State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and City of San Diego Councilman Kent Lee.
During his acceptance speech, Secretary Omishakin emphasized his commitment to improving street safety and building efficient transportation systems. He highlighted the various departments within the California State Transportation Agency working to enhance street safety through increased funding for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) and expand the state’s public transportation initiatives that promote sustainability and smart growth. The event featured pre-recorded remarks from, Secretary Omishakin, which are now accessible online.
Circulate San Diego was proud to recognize so many great projects and individuals in San Diego. We are grateful that so many people came out to celebrate our region’s progress.
All award winners are listed below. Photos from the event are attached to this release.
A downloadable copy of this Press Release is available here.
2024 Momentum Award Winners
Safe Streets and Vision Zero Award
Winner: Pershing Bikeway (SANDAG) - The Pershing Bikeway, a 2.3-mile project led by SANDAG, enhances safety, mobility, and connectivity between North Park, Downtown San Diego, and Balboa Park. With separated bike lanes, traffic-calming measures, and a dedicated walking path, it ensures safer travel for all ages and abilities. The bikeway also addresses infrastructure resilience with underground storm drains to mitigate flooding. By promoting active transportation and sustainability, it improves quality of life and supports local businesses during construction. Project Partners included the City of San Diego, Caltrans, and many advocacy groups.
Public Transit Connectivity Award
Winner: Oceanside Transit Center Revitalization (NCTD)- The Oceanside Transit Center Revitalization is a collaborative effort between Toll Brothers Apartment Living and the North County Transit District (NCTD) that is transforming the transit center into a vibrant, mixed-use hub with modern facilities, mixed-income housing, and retail spaces designed to foster a lively and connected community. The project improves the transit experience with relocated bus terminals for easier pedestrian access to train platforms and enhanced connectivity across BREEZE buses, SPRINTER rail, COASTER commuter trains, and paratransit services. Features like secure bike parking, shaded waiting areas, and traffic-calming measures make the center more user-friendly, while integrating market-rate and affordable housing in a transit-rich area promotes sustainable urban living. With pedestrian-friendly design, public art, and water-wise landscaping reflecting Oceanside’s coastal character, the project aligns with local, regional, and state goals to reduce car dependence and encourage active transportation. NCTD and its partners are setting a new standard in transit-oriented development and paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future. Project partners included Toll Brothers Apartment Living, Arcadis Inc., Stantec, ANT Strategic Communications, and McCullough Landscape Architects.
Innovation Award
Winner: Puesta del Sol / Amanecer Apartments (Community HousingWorks) - The Puesta del Sol and Amanecer Apartments provide affordable housing in Linda Vista, offering 96 units for families and 59 units for older adults. The development includes wrap-around services for vulnerable populations, such as former foster youth and veterans. The design features energy-efficient solutions, EV charging stations, and GreenPoint Rated certification. Its proximity to transit, shopping, and recreation promotes a car-free lifestyle, enhancing the neighborhood with play areas, gardens, and improved sidewalks.
Public Voice Award
Winner: RideSD - RideSD is a dedicated watchdog group advocating for world-class public transit in San Diego. The group has pushed for impactful changes, such as the Metropolitan Transit System's adoption of contactless fare payment, making transit more accessible and reducing congestion. Through community-building and advocacy, RideSD fosters dialogue among transit advocates, city officials, and professionals, ensuring diverse perspectives in planning for a more connected and sustainable transit future.
MidCoast Award
Winner: Pepper Canyon West Living and Learning Neighborhood (UC San Diego) - UC San Diego’s Pepper Canyon West project addresses housing needs while benefiting the wider community. Located next to the Blue Line Trolley, it provides 194 cohousing apartments, retail, dining, and open spaces. It offers affordable rents and promotes sustainable living with bike storage, carsharing, and immediate access to transit. The project also enriches campus life with amenities like public art and a weekly farmers market, encouraging walking, biking, and transit use.
Sustainable Growth Award
Winner: City of San Diego Planning Department – This award recognizes the City of San Diego’s Planning Department for initiatives like the University Community Plan Update, Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment, and Blueprint SD initiative. These projects prioritize housing, transit, and walkability, fostering sustainable growth by adding homes near transit and reducing car reliance. By aligning growth with climate and equity goals, they aim to create more livable, accessible neighborhoods.
Advocate Award
Winner: Maria Cortez (City Heights CDC) - Maria Cortez is honored for her lifelong advocacy in City Heights, including her work saving homes from demolition and launching the Youth Opportunity Pass for free transit. She led the Visions Project, which transformed SR-15 into Teralta Park, reconnecting the community. Maria’s grassroots efforts continue to improve housing conditions and create a safer, more equitable City Heights.
Walk the Walk Awards
Winner #1: California State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin - Secretary Omishakin is recognized for his leadership in advancing safer streets, sustainable transportation, and equitable mobility across California. Under his leadership, the state has increased funding for public and active transportation programs, particularly the Active Transportation Program (ATP), and secured long-term funding for transit infrastructure. His work has shaped transportation policy, promoting a healthier, more connected California.
Winner #2: Councilmember Kent Lee - Councilmember Kent Lee is honored for his leadership on affordable housing and safer streets in San Diego. He championed the University City Community Plan Update, which will improve regional mobility and provide affordable housing along the Mid-Coast Trolley corridor. As Chair of key committees, he has worked to address dangerous intersections and advance citywide housing policies.
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