California Association of Environmental Professionals Recognizes Port of San Diego for Outstanding Planning, Public Education and Environmental Analysis

The Port of San Diego has received three awards from the California Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) for outstanding planning, public education, and environmental analysis. The Port was recognized at AEP's annual conference and awards program on April 7, 2025.

"At the Port of San Diego, progress is anchored in people, and these awards reflect our dedication to community collaboration as we plan for the future of our region," said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "As environmental champions for San Diego Bay, we know we must continue to work together and carefully to develop a healthy and sustainable waterfront."

These most recent awards represent statewide recognition and excellence in the following areas:

Outstanding Planning Document: The Port was recognized for outstanding planning with its Port Master Plan Update (PMPU). The San Diego Unified Port District Act and the California Coastal Act require a Port Master Plan. Since 2013, the Port has been working on updating its Port Master Plan to reflect changes in the needs and priorities of Californians and the region's growth. The PMPU represents the Port's planning for the "future of the Port" and is a comprehensive 30-year vision for Port Tidelands. The goal of the PMPU is to safeguard San Diego Bay's natural resources while fostering responsible development and inclusive community participation.

Outstanding Public Involvement/Education Program: The Port was recognized for outstanding public involvement and education through the development of the PMPU as well as the Pepper Park Improvements project. Development of the PMPU has been informed by extensive public outreach including 21 public events, nearly 500 stakeholder meetings, and over 40 public Board hearings. The Port is also collaborating closely with the community to make improvements to Pepper Park as part of efforts to update and enhance amenities on the National City Bayfront. Construction for the Pepper Park Improvements project began in 2024 and its design was informed by public outreach through workshops, surveys, and pop-up events.

Outstanding Environmental Analysis Document: The Port was also recognized for its environmental analysis supporting the PMPU. A key component of the PMPU is the Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), which provides assessment of the environmental consequences of the plan. The report includes strategies such as conserving sensitive habitats, promoting water and air quality, and creating a framework for addressing long-term climate risks.

In 2024, the San Diego Chapter of AEP also recognized the Port at a regional level in these categories.

The Port's recognition is also representative of the work of supporting consulting firms including Ascent Environmental, Ridgeline Environmental, Nexus Planning & Research, Civitas, Summit Planning Group, Intersecting Metrics, and Chen Ryan Associates.