Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is proud to recognize El Concilio of San Mateo County as a 2025 Sustainability Award winner. Since 1980, this dedicated nonprofit has been a cornerstone of support for the Latino, immigrant and underserved communities in San Mateo County, improving quality of life and advancing meaningful policy changes. Watch our video about El Concilio of San Mateo County.
El Concilio’s mission is to increase leadership, education and employment opportunities by ensuring access to vital services. With offices in North Fair Oaks and East Palo Alto, and strategic outreach partnerships in South San Francisco, Daly City, San Mateo and the Coastside, the organization serves over 1,300 community members annually. Its safety-net programs include housing assistance, utility support, benefits assistance and educational outreach. In 2024 alone, El Concilio helped families save over $350,000 in utility assistance, along with heat resilience measures to more than 115 low-income renters.
The environmental justice impact of El Concilio’s work on the immigrant community has been transformative. Through climate justice initiatives, electrification workshops and partnerships like the “Our Communities, Our Bay” project with Stanford University, the organization addresses systemic inequities while empowering residents to advocate for better air quality, heat resilience and sustainable technologies.
El Concilio exemplifies the “3Es” of sustainability:
- Environment: Programs like Climate Ready Ambassadors and the Green Business Initiative promote environmental awareness, energy efficiency and conservation within vulnerable communities.
- Economy: By connecting families to income-qualified energy programs and supporting local businesses in earning Green Business Certificates, El Concilio fosters economic stability and growth.
- Equity: The organization ensures that underserved populations have a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives, from health services to environmental justice.
Under the guidance of a strong management team, led by Executive Director Dr. Ana Avendano, and through robust partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and academic institutions, El Concilio has become a model for inclusive sustainability. Its award-winning Promotoras program not only engages community members but also develops them into leaders who drive systemic change.
SSMC celebrates El Concilio’s remarkable achievements and its unwavering commitment to environmental justice, social equity and economic empowerment in San Mateo County. Together, we can create a more sustainable, inclusive future for all.
