General Plan Environmental Justice Update
Stanislaus County is updating its General Plan by developing environmental justice-related policies that prioritize the needs of environmentally burdened and under-resourced unincorporated communities and integrating those policies into the General Plan.
Senate Bill (SB) 1000, also known as the Planning for Healthy Communities Act, was signed into law in 2016. SB 1000 requires local agencies to identify low-income communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental burdens (“disadvantaged communities”), and adopt environmental justice goals, objectives, and policies into the General Plan to address the unique or compounded health risks in these areas.
Topics that must be addressed by environmental justice policies include:
- Reduce health risks of disadvantaged communities
- Address pollution exposures
- Improve air quality
- Promote access to public facilities
- Promote food access
- Promote safe and sanitary housing
- Support physical activity
- Promote civic engagement
The State defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins, with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies,” (Government Code § 65040.12(e)).
The following communities have been identified as Disadvantaged Communities in unincorporated Stanislaus County.
- Crows Landing
- Westley
- Grayson
- Monterey Park Tract
- Cowan Tract
- Salida
- Spencer-Marshall (West Modesto)
- Rouse-Colorado (West Modesto)
- Bret Harte (South Modesto)
- Parklawn (South Modesto)
- Riverdale Park Tract
- Airport
- Empire
- Keyes
Diverse public input is important to ensure the goals and policies developed during this process reflect the priorities and values of Stanislaus County residents and workers. If you're a resident or worker within the unincorporated County, we need your feedback!
Here are some ways to get involved:
- Take the Community Issues Survey
- E-mail us at moc.ytnuocnats@gninnalp or call (209)525-6330 to join our mailing list and receive General Plan project email updates.
- If you live or work in unincorporated Stanislaus County, participate in upcoming public meetings, or other events.
Upcoming events
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Past events
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We are here
Phase One: Community Goal and Needs Assessment
April - June 2026
- Identify Priority Communities
- Community Survey
- Mapping Exercise
- Community Needs Assessment Workshops
Phase Two: Draft Policy Development
June - September 2026
- Public Release of Draft Policies
- 30-day Public Review Period
- Draft Policy Review Community Workshops
Phase Three: Final Plan Adoption
September - December 2026
- Final Policies Developed
- Planning Commission Public Hearing
- Board of Supervisors Public Hearing
