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Local Action Makes a Difference SSMC empowers local government and community-based efforts with data, solutions and training to create a sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient San Mateo County now and for future generations. SSMC's 7th Annual Online Auction is Live - CLICK HERE TO SHOP Who We Serve Local Government Decision Makers Compare your city and get proven solutions to make your best decisions. Sustainability Dashboard | Ideas Bank | Indicators Report Community Changemakers Turn concern into impact with data and proven [...]

Our 28th Annual Awards Celebration Nominations and applications are now open! SSMC has presented 195 awards to local sustainability champions since 1999. Our Awards Program is an inspiring celebration and “must attend” event that pays tribute to those working to make our region truly sustainable. Click here to see eligibility and criteria and submit a nomination or application for the 2027 awards. See our press release. We recognize leaders in the following categories: Sustainability Awards: The work of Sustainability Award winners must have an impact in San Mateo County on at least one of the three E’s of sustainability: [...]

Eligibility and Criteria for Awards Sustainable San Mateo County’s annual awards are highly coveted by those committed to advancing sustainability. They recognize an extraordinary commitment to the long-term health of our communities and planet, for ourselves and future generations. Award winners will be announced and tickets to the Awards Celebration in the Spring of 2027 will be available for purchase in January 2027! See below to nominate a Sustainability Award winner and apply for the Green Building Award. Sustainability Awards Nominate an Award Winner - nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, October [...]

Data to Prioritize Action The Sustainability Dashboard helps local policymakers and communities focus their efforts and resources to create a healthy, thriving county. CLICK HERE to use the Dashboard The Sustainability Dashboard is a one-stop visual tool and database for policymakers and community leaders to identify where their communities have made progress, where they are vulnerable and how they compare to other neighborhoods. The Dashboard includes data on demographics, climate mitigation, economic security and more. August 2026 Update! We have launched the expanded version of the Sustainability Dashboard, which offers location-specific reports. Watch [...]

SSMC's Sustainability Gala & Auction The first annual Sustainability Gala & Auction was a great success! We thank the nearly 150 committed community members and leaders who came out to support SSMC. We also thank the hundreds of supporters who visited and bid on our items in our 7th Annual Online Auction. Everyone who participated is supporting SSMC's county-wide work and helping to build the kind of community we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. For over 30 years, SSMC has served as a unique catalyst for change, blending data-driven insights with community inspiration to advocate for social [...]

Congratulations to Our 2026 Award Winners! Since 1999, SSMC with our partners, has recognized pioneers in sustainability. Awards have been given to 188 individuals and organizations that have applied their passions and skills to making our communities, county and world more sustainable. 2026 marks our 27th anniversary, and we are thrilled to recognize the 2026 awardees who have demonstrated how local action creates the ripples necessary for broad, lasting impact! Our awardees will be recognized at our 27th Annual Sustainability Awards Celebration on March 25 at the South San Francisco Conference Center. Click here to learn more about [...]

The Power of Plant Based Eating As reported in our 2025 Indicators Report, “Local Food Actions for a Cooler Future,” food consumption is the third largest contributor to greenhouse gases – after transportation and heating and cooling our homes and buildings. For individuals, cities and organizations who are concerned about climate change, the resources below will help you take action. Check back often as we add more resources. To submit a resource, email it to info@sustainablesanmateo.org. Resources to Take Action Recipes and Cooking Goodeatings.com - A blog [...]

Eligibility and Criteria for Awards Sustainable San Mateo County’s annual awards are highly coveted by those committed to advancing sustainability. They recognize an extraordinary commitment to the long-term health of our communities and planet, for ourselves and future generations. Applications are now closed. Award winners will be announced and tickets to the Awards Celebration on March 25, 2026 will be available for purchase in January 2026! Green Building Award Applications are now closed. Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) and American Institute of Architects San Mateo County (AIASMC) have jointly presented [...]

Our 27th Annual Awards Celebration Since 1999, SSMC has honored 188 local sustainability champions at our signature Awards Program, an event many in the county consider a "must-attend" highlight of the year. For 2026, we are thrilled to evolve this tradition into a dynamic new format designed to be more accessible and inclusive than ever! We’ve traded the formal sit-down dinner and auction for a high-energy, interactive format with a lower ticket price, designed to foster the connections that move the needle on sustainability. This year, we hosted an energized evening at the South San Francisco Conference Center featuring expanded [...]

Youth Are Our Future The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a unique opportunity for young leaders ages 15-24 to collaborate on environmental and social sustainability solutions and amplify youth voices in local decision-making. Applications for the 2026-2027 YAC Cohort have closed. Grow Work alongside sustainability professionals, local government leaders and community organizations. Lead Gain leadership and advocacy experience. Learn how to have your voice heard. Impact Help shape real projects that drive meaningful change in San Mateo County. YAC's Mission [...]