HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/7/2026 Item 8a, SLO Chamber of CommerceGarret Olson
President/CEO
895 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo,
CA 93401
805.786.2761
April 7, 2026
Mayor Erica A. Stewart and Members of the City Council
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mayor Stewart and Councilmembers,
On behalf of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, thank you for the opportunity to provide input
as you consider direction for the 2027 Climate Action Plan update.
We appreciate the City's thoughtful and transparent assessment of its progress to date —recognizing
both areas of success and where meaningful challenges remain. It is clear that transportation
emissions continue to represent the most significant barrier to achieving our shared climate goals.
As you consider next steps, we encourage the City to focus on the root cause of these emissions: the
relationship between where people live and where they work. This is not solely a climate issue —it is
also a land use and economic issue that requires an integrated approach.
From the Chamber's perspective, aligning the Climate Action Plan with the Housing Element and the
Land Use and Circulation Element is essential. By prioritizing housing production in proximity to jobs,
we can reduce vehicle miles traveled, support our workforce, and make measurable progress toward
emission reductions.
We also encourage the City to thoughtfully consider how success is defined. Measuring greenhouse
gas emissions on a per capita or per service population basis provides a more accurate reflection of
San Luis Obispo's impact —particularly as we continue to grow. Demonstrating that we can reduce our
carbon footprint while accommodating economic and population growth positions our city as a true
leader in climate action.
Additionally, we support continued investment in local clean energy generation to ensure we can meet
increasing demand as electrification expands.
At its core, this is an opportunity. By aligning climate, housing, land use, and economic strategies, San
Luis Obispo can advance a more sustainable, resilient, and livable future.
We look forward to continuing to partner with the City on this important work.
Sincerely,
Garret Olson
President & CEO
fW
Rachel Whalen
Director of Governmental Affairs