Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2018-56:  A resolution adopting the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. 

To achieve the City Council’s goal of meaningful climate action, City staff have worked with community members, technical experts and a Steering Committee to develop the Flagstaff Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (Plan). The Plan creates a vision and strategic roadmap for the Flagstaff community to address these risks by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate. It was written by the community, for the community—building on our knowledge of projected local climate changes, sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and community vulnerabilities, priorities, ideas and concerns. It focuses on activities that achieve the greatest emission reductions or do the most to increase our community preparedness and in the most cost-effective and equitable manner.

The Plan identifies climate mitigation and adaptation actions, many of which will require a financial investment by the City of Flagstaff.  These initiatives will be addressed through the annual budgetary process.

The Plan includes several strategies that will have long-term impacts on City policy, including but not limited to the Zoning Code, Engineering Standards, and the Solid Waste Code. Each of these policy recommendations will be brought to City Council for discussion and consideration.

Council Goals:
Take meaningful climate change action.  
 
Regional Plan:
Goal E.1. Increase energy efficiency.
Goal E.2. Expand production and use of renewable energy.
Goal E&C.1. Proactively improve and maintain the region’s air quality.
Goal E&C.2 Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal E&C.3 Strengthen community and natural environment resiliency through climate adaptation efforts.
Goal E&C.4. Integrate the best available science into all policies governing the use and conservation of Flagstaff’s natural resources.

No.

Option A. Adopt Resolution 2018-56 as submitted and adopt the Plan to guide City staff.
Option B. Recommend changes to Resolution 2018-56.
Option C. Not adopt Resolution 2018-56 and not establish goals and a planning framework to take meaningful climate action.

In 2017 the City Council established a goal to take meaningful climate action.  As part of this goal, staff were directed to develop a climate action plan.

Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are changing the climate in ways that threaten Flagstaff’s unique amenities and way of life. Projected changes in temperature, snowpack, water availability, and wildfire risk exacerbate existing challenges and introduce new challenges to Flagstaff’s natural resources, economy, infrastructure systems, and quality of life. While we can work to reduce Flagstaff’s contributions to those climate changes, preparing for inevitable impacts of these changes in Flagstaff is necessary.

By taking action now to reduce the community’s emissions and prepare for climate risks, the City of Flagstaff can better protect the wellbeing of its residents for decades to come. There are many community benefits to climate action, while the cost of inaction is incredibly high.

While there are proposed initiatives in the Plan that have financial implications, these initiatives will still be subject to review and approval through the regular budget process in the future. Initiatives will be evaluated against greenhouse gas emission reductions, benefits to the community, return on investment, and financial impact.

Many of the strategies and actions in the Flagstaff Climate Action and Adaptation Plan will enhance quality of life for Flagstaff residents. For example, the introduction of energy-saving equipment and behaviors not only addresses climate goals but can also lower energy costs. This plan prioritizes these “win-win” solutions that benefit both the climate and other facets of the Flagstaff community. Some co-benefits include the following: Support for low-income and disadvantaged communities. When implemented carefully and correctly, actions such as local green job training and subsidy programs for energy efficiency upgrades can be especially helpful for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Public health. Some actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions also promote healthier lifestyles, such as supporting more people walking and biking and eating less carbon-intensive foods.
 
Quality of life and well-being. Many climate actions can also improve quality of life for Flagstaff residents, such as benefits from green jobs to the local economy and creation of more comfortable and inviting homes through energy efficiency improvements. Local habitat, recreation, and aesthetics. In addition to enhancing ecosystem resilience, minimizing heat impacts, and storing carbon, actions that improve natural habitat can also enhance natural beauty and provide recreation opportunities for visitors and residents. Economic stability. Looking ahead can help the Flagstaff community prepare for potential shifts in both climate and visitation. Climate action can help existing businesses be more resilient amidst change, while emerging businesses capitalizing on the need for climate solutions can create high-quality jobs.

CONSULT:
Staff utilized used a number of different strategies to engage more than 1,000 community members in this Plan.

• Four Open House series in January, April, July and October helped staff to update the community on Plan progress and help residents learn about climate change. At these events we asked community members for their concerns, and what type of actions they want to see Flagstaff take.
• Four community forum surveys were posted. We also worked with a Steering Committee to hear differing perspectives from the community.
• Staff spoke at events around the community, hosted informational tables, did radio interviews, and earned media coverage, to expand engagement.