With vibrant commercial corridors like University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights is shaped by immigrant and refugee communities from around the world. As one of San Diego’s highest transit-ridership communities, it’s also home to tens of thousands of climate heroes who walk, bike, and ride transit every day.

However, quality of life in communities south of Interstate 8, including City Heights, has been undermined. Decades of disinvestment, exclusion from planning processes, and decisions that prioritize high-volume car traffic over transit and Complete Streets have contributed to traffic violence, health disparities, high transportation costs, limited park access, inefficient transit, and poor air quality.

Our Transportation & Planning Program works alongside residents and public agencies to change that by advancing policy, systems, and environmental solutions that support healthier, more livable neighborhoods.

We believe residents should shape the future of their community. Through creative, accessible, and engaging approaches, we’re redefining urban planning in San Diego and making it possible for everyday people to influence decisions that impact their neighborhoods, city, and region.

We don’t just plan—we partner with residents to implement.

By combining community-driven planning with advocacy, we help turn ideas into action and real results. This approach builds strengthens and empowers residents to take an active role in shaping their community.