FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Colin Parent
(619) 567-6856 - [email protected]
Circulate San Diego Urges City to Reform Community Planning Groups and Provides Options for Compliance with State and Local Laws
San Diego (March 5, 2020) – Today Circulate San Diego submitted a memorandum to the San Diego City Council that presents options for how they can reform Community Planning Groups.
In December of 2019, the City Attorney issued a “preliminary legal analysis,” and found that the City must institute reforms to Community Planning Groups to comply with state and municipal law. Also in December, the City Council’s Land Use and Housing Committee voted unanimously to support 31 meaningful reforms that would democratize Community Planning Groups.
Circulate’s memorandum explains that the Council has several options to comply with the City Attorney’s finding that reform must occur. One option is for the Council to reform the governance of Community Planning Groups to ensure fair and equitable access to local decisionmaking. Alternatively, the Council may choose to treat Community Planning Groups as “independent and recognized,” and remove their various powers and authorities currently granted to them under the City’s many policies.
“The City Attorney made clear that the current structure of Community Planning Groups needs to change,” said Colin Parent, Executive Director and General Counsel. “The City Council has several options for reforms, but taking no action is not one of them.”
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
###
