The Port of San Diego has been recognized by the Association of Environmental Professionals San Diego Chapter with two awards celebrating the agency's planning initiatives for the bay. The honors spotlight efforts by the Port's Sustainability and Innovation division to balance development with ecological protection.
One award went to the Trust Lands Use Plan, which stood out in the Outstanding Planning Document category. The plan addresses nearly 7,900 acres of underwater areas and water surfaces within San Diego Bay, guiding how those submerged spaces can be used. According to officials, the plan emerged from extensive public outreach and establishes guidelines that accommodate current activities while encouraging future uses aligned with public trust principles including navigation, recreation, and environmental care. Nexus Planning & Research assisted in developing the document.
Jason Giffen, who serves as Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer for the Port, emphasized the organization's dedication to environmental stewardship. He noted that the agency relies on strategic, evidence-based planning to comply with regulations at multiple government levels while pioneering methods to preserve waterfront access for coming generations.
The Port also earned finalist recognition for its Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub in the Outstanding Environmental Analysis Document category. The Association of Environmental Professionals is a national nonprofit with members dedicated to the built and natural environment, offering professional development and educational opportunities in the field.
The Port of San Diego operates as a special district managing 34 miles of bayfront across five municipalities without relying on tax revenue, instead generating income through its varied holdings to fund public services and amenities.