The Hollister City Council held a significant meeting on December 3, 2024, focusing on the adoption of the revised General Plan, Climate Action Plan, Agricultural Lands Preservation Program, and the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The meeting was led by Planning Manager Eva Kelly, who introduced the key documents that reflect changes requested by the council during a previous study session in September 2023.

The revised General Plan serves as a blueprint for the city's growth and development over the next 20 years. It includes updates to comply with state laws and incorporates community feedback. Notable changes include a reduction in the agricultural land preservation requirement from a 2:1 to a 1:1 ratio, meaning for every acre developed, one acre of agricultural land must be preserved. Additionally, the North Gateway commercial designation has been updated to allow for mixed-use developments.

David Early from PlaceWorks presented the General Plan, emphasizing its importance in guiding future development and infrastructure policies. He noted that the plan includes legally required elements such as land use, housing, and health and safety, while also adding new elements on arts, economic development, and environmental justice.

The Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against climate change. It outlines strategies across eight sectors, including sustainable energy, transportation, and agriculture, to meet state targets for emission reductions. The plan sets ambitious goals of achieving a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and reaching net carbon neutrality by 2045.

The council's discussions also highlighted the need for specific plans to be developed for newly designated areas before any development can proceed. This ensures that comprehensive planning is conducted to guide future growth responsibly.

As the council prepares to adopt these critical documents, the meeting underscores Hollister's commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, setting the stage for future growth aligned with community values and state regulations. The next steps will involve finalizing the adoption process and implementing the strategies outlined in the plans.