The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) lauded the City’s commitment to improving health in urban neighborhoods.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana has been honored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) with the prestigious Carmen Ramirez Award for Equity, recognizing its trailblazing efforts to address environmental inequities in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by pollution. The award was presented during SCAG’s Regional Conference and General Assembly, held May 1–2. SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties and 191 cities across more than 38,000 square miles.
Santa Ana received this award for the work of its Environmental Justice Action Committee, a coalition of local residents, public agencies, and community-based nonprofits working together to prioritize cleaner air, safer housing, and equitable access to parks and green spaces.
“This award is a testament to the City of Santa Ana’s commitment to environmental justice and to uplifting the voices of our residents who have been historically underserved,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. “We are proud to lead with equity, transparency, and community partnership as we work to ensure every neighborhood in Santa Ana has a clean, safe, and healthy environment. This recognition reflects the hard work of our staff, community members, and partners who share a vision for a more just and sustainable future. Improving the quality of life of every Santa Ana resident is my top priority.”
Santa Ana’s dedication to environmental justice is deeply embedded in its General Plan, which was adopted by the Santa Ana City Council in 2022. The General Plan incorporates policies aimed at reducing pollution and enhancing public investments in communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. These policies focus on areas with high exposure to pollution in the air, water and soil, often compounded by socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, language barriers and health issues like asthma.
Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES)
In 2022, the City established the Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) section within the Planning and Building Agency to spearhead these efforts. NIES has been instrumental in implementing the General Plan’s environmental justice policies, achieving significant milestones in 2024:
- Community Empowerment: Established the resident-led Environmental Justice Action Committee to guide the prioritization of environmental justice policies through regular engagement.
- Data Transparency: Launched the Environmental Regulated Facilities Map and deployed air quality sensors to provide residents with unprecedented access to critical environmental data for informed decision-making.
- Resource Allocation: Expanded lead testing and localized air quality monitoring.
- Regulatory Action: Utilized the City’s Noxious Uses Ordinance to reduce environmental risk from businesses.
- Community Engagement: Mobilized hundreds of residents through diverse participation in meetings, educational events and policy surveys, ensuring environmental concerns are central to public planning initiatives.
A Model for Other Cities
Santa Ana’s comprehensive approach to environmental justice has set a benchmark for other cities in California and beyond. By integrating community input, data transparency and targeted interventions, the City has created a model for addressing environmental inequities and fostering healthier, more resilient communities.
# # #
About Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world-famous Orange County, California. It is the County Seat, headquarters to national corporations including a Fortune 500 company, and home to a vibrant evening scene and arts community. Over 1,700 City of Santa Ana employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at www.santa-ana.org.