South Coast AQMD kicked off its pilot Community Engagement Tour on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, joining Youth Leadership Advisory Council (YLAC) member Jordan Salcido for a neighborhood tour in the Whittier area. The effort reflects a growing emphasis on building in-person connections within communities affected by air quality challenges.

The visit centered on gaining first-hand insight into the lived experiences of residents in Salcido’s community. Salcido—who works with coalitions in Whittier, La Puente, and Hacienda Heights—expressed appreciation for the agency’s commitment to learning directly from community members. “It meant a lot to have folks from the agency come out and learn about the history and challenges our community faces and highlight the important work taking place on the ground. I look forward to seeing how this opens more channels of communication and ongoing discussions regarding environmental justice and the role South Coast AQMD plays in shaping more healthy, vibrant and thriving communities,” she said.

During the half-day tour, the outreach team visited key locations to better understand local air quality concerns and the community work underway to address them.

This pilot initiative is expected to expand in 2026, with a goal of engaging at least four YLAC members each year. By spending time directly in the neighborhoods they serve, South Coast AQMD aims to strengthen relationships, elevate local voices, and inform more responsive air quality strategies. The tour represents a meaningful step in bridging institutional knowledge with community realities and reinforces the agency’s commitment to inclusive and informed air quality management.