HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 15 - COUNCIL READING FILE_c_Cimate Action Plan - Volume 1Stories from 2035
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
VOLUME 1
Climate Action Plan for
Community Recovery
slocity.org/climateactionplan
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035
Table of
Contents
A Note from the City Manager i
Introduction 1
Path to Carbon Neutrality 2
Imagine the Future 5
Morning with the Kids 6
Lunch Break 8
Busy Afternoon 10
Weekend Coffee 12
Out and About 14
Campus Commute 16
Telling Your Story 18
Acknowledgments 19
The City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery includes
Volume 1: Stories from 2035, Volume 2: Technical Foundations and Work Program,
and technical appendices. The full plan is available at slocity.org/climateactionplan.
i | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
The City of San Luis Obispo is proud
to present this Climate Action Plan for
Community Recovery. Our community
has a long tradition of environmental
stewardship that continues today with
overwhelming support for issues like
protecting and maintaining open space
and achieving ambitious climate action.
This Climate Action Plan continues that
tradition by setting the community on a
trajectory to achieving one of the most
ambitious climate targets in the nation:
carbon neutrality by 2035.
We are at a pivotal and historic
moment as we face the public health
and economic impacts of COVID-19,
come to terms with environmental
injustice, and confront head-on
the escalating impacts of a rapidly
changing climate. While there is no
cure-all for these challenges, the
transformational actions presented
in this Climate Action Plan, along
with their focus on equity, economic
opportunity, and resiliency provide
the foundation for a more healthy and
vibrant San Luis Obispo.
This Climate Action Plan was
developed with input from over one
thousand community members and
years of research and technical, cutting
edge work. Now it is time to undertake
the hard task of implementing this
ambitious Climate Action Plan. At the
City, we will need to innovate and learn
in ways that will push us beyond what
we had previously thought possible. I
am confident that our talented City staff
and the engaged community that we
serve are up to the challenge.
We boldly embrace this important
moment and will need the Council’s
and Community’s support to make it
happen. We can do it, we have to.
Derek Johnson, City Manager
A Note
from the
City Manager
Introduction
Due to decades of rapidly increasing global greenhouse gas emissions and insufficient climate
action at all levels of government and industry, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations have
reached a level that guarantees substantial and unavoidable impacts for the foreseeable future.
In response to the need for ambitious climate action, this Climate Action Plan for Community
Recovery (Climate Action Plan) establishes a communitywide goal of carbon neutrality by 2035,
adopts six sector specific goals, and provides foundational actions to establish a trajectory toward
carbon neutrality. The underlying assumptions and technical details that support this Climate
Action Plan are provided briefly in this document and in detail in Volume 2 (available at slocity.org/
climateactionplan).
Addressing climate change presents the City and community with an opportunity to use resources
more effectively, improve community equity and well-being, and support an economy that is set to
recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and thrive in a rapidly changing 21st century.
This Climate Action Plan is about addressing greenhouse gas emissions, but it is also about
supporting a more equitable and resilient community. It is about creating a community that welcomes
all and provides a healthy, safe, and thriving environment as it rapidly reduces its carbon footprint.
It is about the ways we imagine ourselves living here over the next 15 years and beyond.
What follows is a brief overview of the City’s technical approach to carbon neutrality followed by six
short stories that capture moments of San Luis Obispo daily life in 2035. These stories, compiled
from the nearly 90 short stories submitted by community members, show what is possible if we take
the bold actions outlined in this Climate Action Plan.
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 1
What About Adaptation and Resilience?
The community has expressed considerable interest in climate adaptation and resiliency. The
City is taking proactive measures to ensure community resiliency and has initiated a city-wide
strategic approach to climate adaptation through the updates to the Safety Element of the
General Plan, which includes a comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment.
-102,410
State Laws & Programs
-39,010
Green Buildings
-26,740
397,710
MTCO2e
State laws and programs, including energy efficiency requirements for development and low carbon fuel standards, will continue to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community.
The Clean Energy Systems pillar is focused on bringing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to San Luis Obispo. The City will continue to provide access to carbon-free electricity, while ensuring that the natural gas grid is as clean, safe, and reliable as possible.
The Green Buildings pillar addresses emissions that occur from energy use in buildings by focusing on new and existing buildings separately with equity focused programs that reduce emissions and energy costs, while increasing indoor air quality and comfort.
Path to
Carbon
Neutrality
Clean Energy Systems
2035 Emissions Forecast
2 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
-64,170
Circular Economy
-47,300 Natural Solutions
-7,050
111,030MTCO2e
Transportation is the biggest greenhouse gas emissions sector in the community. The actions in the Connected Community pillar focus on allowing in-town trips to be completed via foot, bike, and low emissions transit and supports regional trips to be completed with electric vehicles.
The Circular Economy pillar is focused on diverting food scraps and yard waste from the landfill to the high-tech regional “anaerobic digester” that creates high quality compost and clean energy.
The Natural Solutions pillar is focused on removing emissions from the atmosphere. The City will engage in projects that use natural plant processes to store carbon in the soil, including tree planting and enhanced soil health.
Path to
Carbon
Neutrality
Connected Community
2035 Emissions Remaining
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goals
The Climate Action Plan establishes a goal of carbon neutrality by 2035 and includes 27 foundational
actions organized into six pillars. Each pillar represents a greenhouse gas emissions sector and has its
own goal. The six pillars and goals are:
1. Lead by Example - Carbon neutral government operations by 2030 (not included in community
reductions, see Volume 2 for details)
2. Clean Energy Systems - 100 percent carbon free electricity by 2020
3. Green Buildings - No net new emissions from buildings’ onsite energy use by 2020; 50
percent reduction in existing building onsite emissions by 2030
4. Connected Community - Achieve General Plan mode split objective by 2030 and 40 percent
of vehicle miles travelled by electric vehicles by 2030
5. Circular Economy - 75 percent diversion of landfilled organic waste by 2025; 90 percent
by 2035
6. Natural Solutions - Increase carbon sequestration on the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt
and Urban Forest through compost application-based carbon farming activities
and tree planting; ongoing through 2035
As illustrated in the figure below, full implementation of the Climate Action Plan’s foundational actions in
support of achieving these goals puts the City on a trajectory towards carbon neutrality. Volume 2 provides
additional information about the pillars, goals, and foundational actions.
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 3
4 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 5
The following stories highlight each action in the Climate Action Plan
and the ways they will strengthen our community.
The “Stories from 2035” were compiled from nearly 90 short stories
submitted by community members in early 2020 and reflect the
culmination of a community outreach effort that interacted with dozens
of organizations and businesses and over 1,000 community members.
For more information about how community input informed the Climate
Action Plan, see Volume 2 at slocity.org/climateactionplan.
Now, let go of the present and imagine a future that has recovered from
the impacts of COVID-19; a carbon neutral future that is cleaner, more
resilient, and more equitable.
Here are some stories
from life in 2035 ___
Imagine
the Future
It is a warm, pleasant morning.
One of those days where there is not a
cloud in the sky, a day perfect for getting
into the hills with the kids. With shoes
tied and lunches packed, the little ones
and I head out the door to grab the free
bus (1) across town. I see it approaching
and take their tiny hands in mine to catch it
just in time. Even though the electric buses
(2) have been around for a few years, I am
still not used to how quiet they are. We settle
into our seats and the beautiful trees (3) that
line the road cast shadows on our laps as we
pass by. My son leans across me, pushing his
face against the glass. I can’t help but smile to
myself. When we arrive at the bus stop by our
favorite trail, we see the native saplings and tall
grasses (4) and step out into all the possibilities of a
Saturday in nature.
Morning with the Kids
6 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
NATURAL
SOLUTIONS
The City plans to assess the feasibility of a free-to-the-
user transit ridership program. This would allow community
members to utilize the City’s transit system at no cost.
Learn more about Connected 4.4 on page 55 in Volume 2.
In 2020, the City will begin implementing its Transit
Electrification Strategy which details the transition to zero-
emissions technologies.
Learn more about Connected 4.1 on page 51 in Volume 2.
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CONNECTED COMMUNITY
The City plans to develop its first Urban
Forest Master Plan which will identify future
tree planting opportunities throughout the
City.
Learn more about Natural Solutions 2.1 on
page 70 in Volume 2.
In 2021, the City is going to conduct a
Carbon Farming Study and Pilot Project
with the intent for expansion in the future.
Compost applied to open spaces will result
in more robust plant growth to sequester
carbon from the atmosphere.
Learn more about Natural Solutions 1.1 on
page 68 in Volume 2.
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2
How We Got Here
Morning with the Kids
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 7
LunchBreak
My watch chimes noon: lunch time.
It is time to take a mid-day break. I find a cool spot to
eat my lunch in the shade. Five months into a new
all-electric multi-use building for the City, my crew is
entering the final phase of construction (1). I look up
at the progress we’ve made and think back to the
times I called the City’s building support hotline
(2) during the initial transition period to all-electric
buildings. As a contractor that’s done projects in
the City for over 20 years, I’ve seen my industry
change in endlessly exciting ways. Carbon-
neutral buildings used to seem so futuristic
and far-off. Now, it’s nothing out of the
ordinary – all municipal buildings are carbon
neutral (3). Actually, most city buildings are
carbon neutral (4), and even the ones that
have not yet been retrofitted are the least
carbon intensive (5) we have ever seen.
And despite the number of wildfires
each season rising, we don’t have to
worry about power interruptions (6).
All-around, things have improved
drastically and I’m proud to have
been a part of that process. I can’t
help but wonder… what’s next!?
8 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
ENERGY
In 2020, the City launched Monterey Bay Community Power and
expects to achieve a 98% participation rate while advocating for
programs and that support equity and achieve maximum local
benefit.
Learn more about Energy 1.1 on page 30 in Volume 2.
The City will partner with SoCal Gas to research options for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the
existing natural gas grid.
Learn more about Energy 3.1 on page 33 in Volume 2.
The City will work with MBCP and PG&E to develop a regional
grid reliability strategy.
Learn more about Energy 2.1 on page 32 in Volume 2.
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
The City plans to research methods
to support local contractors and
labor.
Learn more about Leadership 2.2 on
page 27 in Volume 2.
In 2021, the City plans to adopt a
municipal carbon neutrality plan.
Learn more about Leadership 1.1 on
page 23 in Volume 2.
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How We Got Here
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 9
Passing through the door at 1:00 pm sharp,
the office is bustling this Monday
afternoon. I barely have the chance to
dock the bike (1) I used for lunch and
set my bag down at my desk before a
notification appears on my computer that
contracts are ready for signature. I open
the contract with a developer whose latest
project is bringing two hundred all-electric
(3) new residential units to San Luis Obispo; I
sign my name on the “CEO” line. As the head
of a company that designs and manufactures
(4) residential charging devices for electric
vehicles, our operations have expanded in a
way I could have never imagined. Electric car
ownership —along with demand for our product—
continually grows each quarter as the City expands
its EV infrastructure (2). As boxes of our product are
wheeled back to the loading dock to start off today’s
deliveries, I weave through the workspace - an old
warehouse the team acquired in 2028 and was able
to completely retrofit (5) a year later. I pluck a small
box off the top of the stack as it moves past me and run
my hands over the textured cardboard - the company,
along with a few other local manufacturers, jointly
committed to using all recycled packaging a few years
back when we joined the community climate collaborative
(6). Admiring the bustling workspace, I feel grateful knowing
that my business and so many others can thrive in the ever-
expanding green local economy.
Busy Afternoon
10 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
CONNECTED
COMMUNITY
By 2021, the City plans to launch a micro mobility program.
Learn more about Connected 2.2 on page 48 in Volume 2.
The City will develop and begin implementing an electric mobility plan to achieve a goal of 40 percent electric vehicle miles traveled by 2035.
Learn more about Connected 6.1 on
page 57 in Volume 2.
GREEN
BUILDINGS
In 2020, the City will begin implementing the Clean Energy Choice Program for New Buildings.
Learn more about Buildings 1.1 on page 36 in Volume 2.
The City plans to develop and implement a strategic and equity-focused building retrofit program in 2021.
Learn more about Buildings 2.1 on page 38 in Volume 2.
LEAD BY
EXAMPLE
The City plans to include carbon neutrality, social equity, and a focus on developing a green local economy in the updated Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Learn more about Leadership 2.1 on page 25 in Volume 2.
The City will continue supporting and empowering community collaboration for climate action.
Learn more about Leadership 3.1 on page 28 of Volume 2.
1
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5How We Got Here
4
6
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 11
Weekend Coffee
First things first this brisk Sunday: coffee.
Perched next to my partner at a table outside of our
favorite café, I savor each sip. Soon, this slow start to the
day will give way to a long list of errands. Only a short
walk away from the natural foods co-op, we need to
stock up for the week ahead. He grabs both of our
plates and scrapes the leftover food into the green
bin (1) on the other side of the patio as I prepare a
grocery list. Hesitating with the napkins we used,
he consults a brightly colored sign (2) that hangs
above the receptacles to find its rightful place.
The new section of the Utilities Department
(3) distributes updated placards each year—I
don’t think I have seen a waste bin in town
without one! As he spins around, he narrowly
avoids bumping into the barista passing
by with a tray full of muffins and scones.
Just beyond the fenced-in area (4) where
the larger waste bins are housed, a
man from the local food bank takes
the leftovers (5) in exchange for a
friendly greeting. I shake my head
knowingly at my partner from across
the patio as he laughs and shrugs
his shoulders. Slinging my cotton
grocery bag across my shoulder
and grabbing his hand, we make
our way down the sidewalk
against the gentle breeze.
12 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The City plans to adopt an ordinance requiring
organic waste subscription for all residential
and commercial customers by 2022.
Learn more about Circular Economy 1.1 on page
61 in Volume 2.
The City plans to develop and implement a
waste stream education program for HOA/
Property Managers and the commercial sector.
Learn more about Circular Economy 1.3 on page
63 of Volume 2.
The City plans to develop and expand
funding for a Solid Waste section
in the Utilities Department in 2020.
Learn more about Circular Economy 2.2 on page
65 in Volume 2.
The City will update the Municipal Code solid
waste section and bin enclosure standards.
Learn more about Circular Economy 2.1 on page
64 in Volume 2.
The City plans to develop and implement
program to increase edible food rescue by
20%.
Learn more about Circular Economy 1.2 on page
62 in Volume 2.
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4
2
How We Got Here
5
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 13
Peering out the window to the sky above,
examining the gray clouds and gusty
winds that rattle the last leaves of the year
free from their trees, I button my jacket up
tightly and gather my purse. As I enter the
hallway, the kids that live one door down
(nearly the same age as my grandchildren)
race by me as their mother apologetically
waves from behind. I chuckle and begin
heading down the stairs. My building consists
of a dozen or so residential units above a small
grocer in the heart of downtown (1) that were
built during the affordable housing boom; I was
one of the first residents to move in. Upon pushing
open the door, I am greeted by a busy pedestrian
lane (2) full of holiday shoppers. I gently bump
elbows and bags as I stroll down the road towards
the parking garage (3) surrounded by new businesses
and residences. While I barely have need for my
electric car living in the middle of town, it’s the quickest
option for getting down to the five-cities area where my
son and his family live. I quicken my step as I picture my
grandchildren’s smiling faces - I don’t want to be late for
dinner!
Out and About
14 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
CONNECTED COMMUNITY
In 2020, the City will complete
the 2019-21 Housing Element
of the General Plan Update and
Flexible Zoning Requirements for
Downtown.
Learn more about Connected 5.1
on page 56 in Volume 2.
The City plans to complete
and begin implementing the
Active Transportation Plan
in late 2020.
Learn more about
Connected 2.1 on page 46
in Volume 2.
The City plans to establish
an approach to take
advantage of new and
existing parking garages to
serve residential and visitor
uses.
Learn more about
Connected 3.1 on page 49 in
Volume 2.
1 2 3
How We Got Here
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 15
Campus Commute
I glimpse up at the ticking clock on the wall
and notice I’ve lost track of time. Speeding to the front
of the secondhand store, I shout a hurried goodbye at
my manager and—before he even has the chance to
respond—I’m pacing down the street. If I don’t hurry,
I’ll be tardy to class. Pulling out my phone, I open
the SLO Mobility app (1) and assess my options
for getting to campus. Each bus route stops at the
main terminal downtown every ten minutes (2),
so I quickly pivot to head straight there. With just
a few taps within the app, I’m able to request
that the bus drops me off (3) right in front of
the academic building my class is in. It’s only
a couple blocks away from the route’s typical
stop, but it will save me precious time. A
bright green check appears on my screen,
indicating my request was immediately
accepted. A rush of relief comes over
me as I round the corner to a bench
next to the terminal. Stopping to catch
my breath, I feel a sense of calm
and security knowing how easy and
accessible all the different mobility
options are. Students walk, bike, or
take the bus everywhere (4); almost
no one owns a car. Instead of
having to worry about how I will
get around, I’m glad my biggest
concern is keeping an eye on
the clock.
16 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
In 2021, the City plans to develop
consistent methods to track and report
mode-split metrics of residents and
community members.
Learn more about Connected 1.1 on page
43 in Volume 2.
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CONNECTED COMMUNITY
The City plans to develop a “Mobility as a Service”
platform for people to easily use all modes of low-carbon
mobility in the City beginning in 2021.
Learn more about Connected 1.2 on page 44 in Volume 2.
In 2020, the City will implement the existing Short-Range
Transit Plan to shorten headways.
Learn more about Connected 4.2 on page 53 in Volume 2.
Through the 2022 Short-Range Transit Plan, the City plans
to explore innovative transit options, including on-demand
deviated routes.
Learn more about Connected 4.3 on page 54 in Volume 2.
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How We Got Here
V OLUME 1 : STORIES FROM 2035 | 17
18 | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
Thank you for imagining the future with us. The vision presented here is one that highlights
actions the City will take over the next several years (see Volume 2 for details about how the
plan will be implemented).
However, we know that local organizations, businesses, and community members will also
need to take ambitious action if the community is going to achieve its climate action goals. If
you are feeling inspired to tell your own story about life in a carbon neutral San Luis Obispo,
consider the prompt below and share your story with us at slocity.org/climateactionplan.
2035 Story Activity
The year is 2035. The place I live has .
To get home from my job, I .
In 2020, was an issue in San Luis Obispo.
Now that has changed because .
In 2035, I finally get to ,
because .
Telling Your
Story
Acknowledgement s
VOLUME 1: STORIES FROM 2035 | 19
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Heidi Harmon
Vice Mayor Aaron Gomez
Council Member Carlyn Christianson
Council Member Andy Pease
Council Member Erica A. Stewart
CITY MANAGEMENT
Derek Johnson, City Manager
Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager
Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
CITY STAFF
Stephen Ames, Gamaliel Anguiano, Mychal Boerman, Michael Codron,
Tyler Corey, Adam Fukushima, Bob Hill, Jordan Lane, Teresa McClish,
Chris Read, Luke Schwartz, Shawna Scott, Dylan Stafforini, and many
others.
CIVICSPARK FELLOWS
Bryan Iwamoto
Marina Mendes
Francisco Pares
Shannon Pressler
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPORT
Carolyne Sysmans
CONSULTING SUPPORT
AMF Media Group
Fehr & Peers
HIP Investor, Inc.
Placeworks, Inc.
Raimi + Associates
Rincon Consultants
A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES, AND
OVER 1,000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT
CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PLAN.
slocity.org/
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