Region Gives Itself a Poor 'Report Card'

SAN DEIGO-A poll of local business leaders, elected officials, environmentalists and community groups gives this city poor grades when it comes to housing and transportation and a mere average mark when it comes to the environment.

The lone bright spot was the state of the local economy, which was given a grade of B+. The survey was conducted by the San Diego Association of Governments, a regional planning agency that is charged with helping to guide the area’s growth over the next 20 years.

SANDAG based its findings on responses from about 500 individuals and groups. Transportation and housing both garnered grades of D+, which the agency says indicates the need for smarter planning that includes the construction of higher-density apartment projects.

The agency says it will conduct its survey annually to gauge how well the region is protecting its once-vaunted quality of life as it attempts to accommodate a fast-growing population.