AGENDA DATE: 9/17/2025
TITLE:
Title
Albemarle County Climate Action
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Present a review of Climate Action Program activities since 2021 and preview the Program’s work in FY 26
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Dumars, Harper, Powers
PRESENTER (S): Jamie Powers, Greg Harper
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Board of Supervisors last received an update from the Climate Action Program on September 1, 2021 (21-415). Given the community interest in climate action expressed during the 2025 Budget Town Halls, an update on the Program’s activities is timely. On May 7, 2025, the Board appropriated an additional $300,000 in one-time funds for Fiscal Year 26 to the Climate Action Reserve. The Board directed staff to provide a report to the Board on how the money was being spent before initiating additional projects.
Supported by the report in Attachment A, this presentation will review progress toward achieving the Board’s greenhouse gas emissions targets set in October 2019, activities undertaken to implement the County’s 2020 Climate Action Program, and an overview of planned activities for FY 26.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Resilient, Equitable & Engaged Community - Design programs and services that promote an equitable, engaged and climate-resilient community.
DISCUSSION: The County’s Climate Action Program was established in 2021 to implement the Climate Action Plan since its adoption. Composed of one or two full-time staff, the Program has implemented a variety of projects and initiatives to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Board’s 2030 and 2050 targets. In addition to our mitigation work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Program also launched the County’s climate adaptation and resilience planning process under the name Resilient Together.
To measure progress toward the Board’s goals, the Program has conducted an annual inventory of greenhouse gases emitted within the borders of the County as well as electricity used within the County. Based on the results of those inventories, it appears the County is not on track to reach the Board’s targets. Therefore, a strategic shift in the work of the Program was launched in early 2025. Leaders from throughout the organization have convened as members of the Climate Action Leadership Team to provide leadership intent to our climate action work for FY 26 and beyond.
BUDGET IMPACT: This item is part of the FY 26 Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Board members share feedback and ask questions about the Climate Action Program and signal its support of the proposed use of the Climate Action Funding Pool in FY 26.
ATTACHMENTS:
Att. A – Albemarle County Climate Action (FY 21-FY 25)