We continue with our behind-the-scenes look at SSMC’s core programs that help make San Mateo County more sustainable for everyone.

We can’t produce these programs without your support. As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on donors like you to sustain our work. Your donation–big or small–makes a significant difference to a local organization like SSMC.

And a reminder, donors who set up a recurring monthly donation of at least $20 per month will receive an invitation to our fabulous end-of-year donor appreciation event. We have a great event planned with a very special guest. Donate now to be sure you are invited!

Warm regards,

Sarah Hubbard
Executive Director
Sustainable San Mateo County

Indicators Report

SSMC has produced an Indicators Report every year since 1997. This highly anticipated report takes an in-depth look at one critical sustainability issue in San Mateo County, analyzing its impacts and offering resources and policy recommendations to overcome obstacles. It is used every year by government officials and staff, community leaders and advocates to become knowledgeable about a core area of sustainability and get solutions to make our communities more sustainable.

This year, the Indicators Report takes a deep dive into the EV Charging Infrastructure. To reduce the 40% of emissions in our county that come from transportation, we need electric vehicles and the right-sized public and private charging to ensure an equitable transition to clean transportation. Be sure to register here to attend this year’s Indicators Report launch event!

The Indicators Report is produced by SSMC with the help of many experts and volunteers. It takes a full year to produce and serves as a guidebook for years after. Let’s look at how it all comes together!

Behind-the-Scenes

A 12 month process and thousands of hours:

Fall 2023: Solicit input from cities and community leaders and conduct analysis of the county’s biggest needs.
Winter 2024: Write abstracts for 2-3 leading topics and select the final topic.
Spring 2024: Recruit and train a team of volunteers.
Summer-Fall 2024: Identify and interview experts, conduct comprehensive third party research, write outlines and full chapters, create layouts and graphics, put it all together, and launch it throughout the county!

Impact

The Indicators Report holds the county to a higher, data-driven standard and influences local policies and programs.
San Mateo County’s new Community Health Improvement Plan includes plans for addressing many of the issues the 2023 Indicators Report identified, including mental health, homelessness, food insecurity and economic instability.
In its latest rezoning effort, the Redwood City Council expanded opportunities for child care–a core recommendation in the 2023 report.

What’s Next

Launch the 2024 Report and lead the community in a solution focused discussion on Oct 24.
Host a 6-month review to hold our leaders accountable, ensure we’re implementing high impact solutions and learning from our experience.
Evaluate offering the data for cities to display on their own websites.
Add demographic and census-tract data to allow decision-makers to prioritize where improvements are most needed
Start on the 2025 report!

We need your support to offer the Indicators Report and provide the in-depth research that will catapult our cities toward sustainable solutions.

If you value a county that has clean air and clean water, is doing its part to reduce polluting and extreme temperatures and puts policies in place to enable everyone to live a healthy, sustainable life, then we hope you’ll support us and support our work. Your tax-deductible donation directly impacts the sustainability of our county.

Donate Now

Don’t miss the Indicators Report Event October 24th where we will have a panel of experts discussing the report’s findings on the need for EV charging in San Mateo County and how we will meet that need, equitably and efficiently. Register here.

Next up, click here to go behind the scenes of the Sustainability Ideas Bank!