Underrepresented Groups

Public Perceptions of Underrepresentation

To understand who is missing from public engagement, staff met with community members and stakeholders in 2023 and 2024 about their perception of underrepresented groups in the City’s decision-making processes.

Staff sought input from City-affiliated groups like the Focused Discussion Group, Climate Equity Working Group, San Diego Promise Zone Partners and Community Planners Committee. Members of the Mayoral Advisory Boards and the Chollas Creek Coalition (a place-based advocacy group composed of community-based organizations and residents in the Chollas Creek area) also shared insight with staff about their perceptions of underrepresented groups.

Overall, discussions with local stakeholders revealed that they perceived youth and working people with limited time as the most underrepresented groups in the public engagement process. Other frequently highlighted underrepresented groups were parents/caregivers, people with disabilities, people who speak English as a second language, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, older adults and people experiencing homelessness. Based on discussion about inclusive engagement and who is missing from public engagement, stakeholder groups interviewed by City staff acknowledged underrepresentation from many groups across San Diego, not just the ones they shared.