AGENDA DATE: 3/20/2019
TITLE:
Title
Climate Action Plan Update
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Climate Action Plan Update
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Stewart, Harper and Lowe
PRESENTER (S): Andy Lowe
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: During the Board of Supervisor’s FY 20-22 Strategic Plan process Climate Action Planning was prioritized. Specifically, the Board directed staff to develop/implement phase one of the Climate Action Plan to include high level goals and strategies focused around climate protection and resiliency to locally address climate change; further staff was instructed, through the budget process, to develop recommendations for near-term implementation plans following adoption of phase one climate action plan.
The Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Support Local Actions to Reduce Climate Pollution on September 6, 2017 (Attachment A).
On June 6, 2018, the Department of Facilities and Environmental Services staff presented a proposed structure and process to develop a Climate Action Plan. On September 5, 2018, the Board authorized the Chairperson to sign onto the “We Are Still In” declaration (Attachment B).
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resources Stewardship:Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations
DISCUSSION: Staff will provide an update to the Board on progress made in developing Phase I of the Climate Action Plan. Notable actions include:
• the County’s first full-time Climate Program Coordinator position was hired during summer 2018
• Steering Team has been established and has met periodically since October 2018
• Coordination Team has been established and has met bi-monthly since November 2018
• Emission Sector Teams have been established and have met regularly since February 2019
• a press release was issued jointly by County, City, and UVA on February 14, 2019 announcing collaboration in community engagement and introducing a joint website (www.ClimateActionTogether.org)
• a community Open House is planned for March 18, 2019 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the Lane Auditorium lobby to introduce the public to the Climate Action Planning process and to invite feedback and participation
Staff anticipates that a draft Phase I report will be completed and made available to the Board during summer 2019.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no budget impacts associated with this presentation of information.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff welcomes Board questions and feedback regarding the work done to date and the plan and timeline to complete Phase I of the Climate Action Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attach A: September 6, 2017 Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Support Local Actions to Reduce Climate Pollution
Attach B: September 5, 2018 “We Are Still In” Declaration