In 2002, a Harvard University research study named the City of Sacramento, California, the most diverse and integrated American city. And now, thanks to the city’s innovative 2030 General Plan, Sacramento may soon be one of the nation’s “greenest” cities as well.

PBS&J was the lead consultant in the comprehensive revision and update of Sacramento’s General Plan. With an overarching objective of sustainable development, the new plan incorporates contemporary planning practices, such as smart growth and urban infill strategies, and also integrates principles of environmental, economic, and human sustainability throughout all elements. The plan defines how the public can reduce vehicle trips, conserve energy and water consumption, cut pollution, and enhance the health and quality of life equitably for all residents.

The City of Sacramento 2030 General Plan has recently been recognized for planning excellence by the American Planning Association (APA)—at both the local and state levels. In June, the plan won the APA Sacramento Valley Section Comprehensive Planning Award for a Large Jurisdiction, and then later won the APA California Chapter state award in the same category. The plan will now be submitted to compete at the national level.

City staff will accept the state award in September at the APA California 2009 Conference, which will be held at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe. PBS&J staff in attendance will include Bill Ziebron, project director; Harriet Lai Ross, project manager; Woodie Tescher, technical advisor; and Tracey Ferguson, deputy project manager.