In addition, SANDAG will continue to provide the public forum and decision point for significant regional issues such as growth, environmental management, housing, open space, air quality, energy, fiscal management, economic development, and criminal justice. Citizens—as well as representatives from community, civic, environmental, education, business, special interest groups, and other agencies—contribute to the regional decision–making process by participating in committees as well as by attending workshops and public hearings.

The SANDAG Board of Directors is composed of mayors, councilmembers, and a county supervisor from each of the region's 19 local governments. Supplementing these voting members are advisory representatives from Imperial County, the U.S. Department of Defense, CalTrans, San Diego Unified Port District, Metropolitan Transit Development Board, North San Diego County Transit Development Board, San Diego County Water Authority, and Baja California/Mexico.

This forum provides the ideal foundation for planning and implementing the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program. Slated for completion in 2003, a 20,000 acre preserve system has been designed to protect over sixty species within the seven incorporated cities of the northern County. This program, along with its sister program—the Multiple Species Conservation Program—conserves over 300,000 acres of habitat, making San Diego County one of the largest urban conservation areas in the country.

Restoring and preserving the region's beaches is another priority environmental initiative coordinated by SANDAG. In 2001, the SANDAG Regional Beach Sand Project placed a total of two million cubic yards of clean, beach quality sand on 12 local beaches from Oceanside to Imperial Beach. This $17 million public works effort restored six miles of San Diego region coastline. A 2002 environmental report showed no adverse effects as a result of placing the sand on the beaches.

Also underway is the development of a Regional Comprehensive Plan to establish policies and implement programs to better coordinate transportation, land use, open space, and infrastructure in and among San Diego’s communities. The initial draft plan is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2003. The plan will focus on the interconnected issues of urban form, transportation, healthy ecosystems, county and international borders, economic prosperity, and housing.

A rather significant part of the San Diego region's quality of life depends on its environmental health. Protecting natural resources and reducing urban sprawl are key components of SANDAG's transportation and land use planning efforts.

Jerry Harmon, former Mayor of the City of Escondido, has represented the San Diego region on the Biodiversity Council since 1994. He says, “It is the informal organization that gets things done. The CBC is an ideal forum for state, federal, and local agencies to work together to protect resources and improve communication. CBC meetings provide an opportunity to increase communication and cooperation among the three layers of government, which heretofore has not existed. The founding fathers, Ed Hastey and Doug Wheeler, were leaders in recognizing the need for this organization.”