Environmental coalitions in Alameda County are making great strides to guarantee that all inhabitants have access to a healthy and clean environment. The City of Alameda is taking the lead in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change, while also aiming to provide diverse and affordable housing for all residents with the goal of eliminating homelessness. Environmental justice is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, culture, ability, nationality, or income. To guarantee that this right is upheld, the geographic area of the element has been extended to include low-income census districts in Hayward Acres, Castro Valley, and San Lorenzo (as well as Ashland and Cherryland).
Policy work is being done to build on existing objectives, policies, and actions, fill any gaps to ensure that all environmental justice element requirements are addressed, and identify any additional issues based on community input through a strong community engagement process. Alameda is also preparing a comprehensive urban forestry plan for the entire city. This plan will update the city's existing street tree plan and expand the reach to include park trees, trees in easement areas, trees near the power lines maintained by Alameda Municipal Power, and trees on private and other properties that do not belong to the city of Alameda. The objectives of environmental coalitions in Alameda County are clear: they are striving to make sure that all residents have access to a healthy and clean environment. Through their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide diverse and affordable housing for all residents, they are working hard to ensure that environmental justice is upheld for everyone.
