MOBILITY UNBOUND
Imagine a society where everyone is free to move safely and with self-determination; where everyone flourishes socially, culturally and economically, unrestricted by structural barriers within transportation systems.
Achieving this vision of mobility unbound requires a collaborative approach that is grounded in principles of mobility justice. This framework begins with an understanding of the ways that transportation infrastructure and practices have historically excluded or harmed groups of people, particularly communities of color, in order to heal the harms of the past and build transportation systems that work for all.
Building systems that work for everyone requires that we acknowledge the unjust histories of mobility and economic prosperity in American cities.
A mobility justice approach to transportation planning includes facilitating dialogue, funding the participation of people and community organizations who are directly affected, and establishing partnerships that lead to the shared decision-making that is necessary for meaningful repair.
By taking a mobility justice approach, government agencies and elected officials can advance transportation policies, programs, and projects that bring community-driven visions to life.
National City and Southeast San Diego Green Corridor
The Community Connectors project in National City, CA, aims to connect National City and Southeast San Diego by transforming land under a divisive highway into a community park that incorporates reforestation, housing, cultural art, and community-building elements.
The
The National City community is a vibrant and diverse urban area located in San Diego County, California. The community reflects a multicultural tapestry, with residents from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Demographics are influenced by the community’s close proximity to the US-Mexico border, which is only 15 minutes away by car and 30 minutes by trolley [1]. The demographic breakdown is 28% Black, 8% Asian, 5% White, 13% Other, and 3% Two or more races. The majority, at 56%, are Hispanic/Latino [2].
National City features a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, creating a dynamic urban landscape. It includes mixed-use developments that combine residential and commercial elements. The community is also home to several schools.
The
The 805 Freeway is one of many high-volume highways that cut through National City. The resulting physical barriers, traffic proximity and volume, limited access to green space, pollution, and car-centric transportation environment have harmed residents’ quality of life and well-being. I-5 divides the city from its waterfront to the west while I-805 divides the city’s east side. On I-805, developers planned on building a connection to another highway, but after community advocacy and opposition, this Toyon Freeway project was canceled. However, the exit that would have led to this never built freeway, Exit 11A still exists, abruptly leading drivers to a mall complex [3].
The
The Community Connectors project advances the work of the National City Southeast Greenspace Corridor Project, which seeks to unify National City and Southeast San Diego by creating a community space that incorporates arts, culture, biodiversity, and social cohesion elements. That space would take the shape of a seven-acre community park that connects National City and Southeast under the 805 Freeway. This initiative, which community members have been advocating for for over two decades, seeks to preserve the natural environment, promote access to green spaces, and improve conditions that support residents’ well-being, such as safe pathways with essentials like trash cans and shade.
The
Each City Snapshot offers local historical context related to mobility justice. The MOBILITY LEGACIES are organized according to five themes.
These MOBILITY LEGACIES do not provide exhaustive histories of the cities. Rather, they point to harmful policies and decisions and, subsequently, opportunities for repair and reconnection.
