Pasadena residents have until Friday, July 31 to weigh in on a new chapter of the city's General Plan that would target pollution, health disparities, and housing inequities across neighborhoods.

The Planning Department opened a public survey for the city's first Environmental Justice Element, a policy framework required under California Senate Bill 1000 (signed in 2016). The state law mandates that cities with disadvantaged communities add an EJ Element to their General Plans, addressing how environmental burdens fall unevenly on certain neighborhoods.

The survey covers housing, transportation, public health, and environmental sustainability. Responses will feed into data analysis and policy development for the element, the city says.

The City Council approved a $339,652 contract with consulting firm Dudek at its Monday, November 17, 2025 meeting to prepare the element over an initial two-year term, with an option for a one-year extension. The contract passed on the consent calendar.

Outreach began at Pasadena's Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 23 at La Pintoresca Park. The city plans bilingual engagement in English and Spanish, including pop-up events, community workshops, and youth meetings.

The Pasadena Ledger contacted the Planning Department for comment but did not receive a response.

Residents can take the survey online at bit.ly/EJpasadena. A Spanish-language version is available at bit.ly/imPasadena. More information on the EJ Element and upcoming outreach events is posted at bit.ly/PasadenaEJelement, or residents can email [email protected]. All survey responses are due by Friday, July 31, 2026.