The City of Berkeley has been working with the community for the last two years to develop a new Environmental Justice Element and update the Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element to the City’s General Plan.  

Berkeley faces a diverse range of hazards, including earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat, many of which are being intensified by climate change and require coordinated and proactive planning. The Disaster Preparedness and Safety Element brings these efforts together under a single framework, linking hazard mitigation, emergency response, and long-term climate change resilience policies. 

The Environmental Justice (EJ) Element advances health equity, considers longstanding patterns of environmental harm, and strengthens community resilience. This Element provides a framework to reduce pollution burdens, improve access to essential services, expand opportunities for civic participation, and safeguard the cultural identity of communities most affected by historical and ongoing inequities. 

Guided by the requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 1000, SB 1035, and informed by extensive community engagement, the Draft Disaster Preparedness & Safety Element and Draft Environmental Justice Element are available on the City's web page for review and public comment through November 15, 2026.

The associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document for these draft elements is available on the City's web page for review and public comment through October 26, 2026.

For more information, including the draft documents and instructions on how to provide public comment, please see the City's web page.