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Climate group presents 12 actions Redmond should start by 2027 to meet deep-emissions targets
Summary
People for Climate Action urged the council to begin 12 city-level climate actions — focused on buildings and transportation — by 2027 to keep a target of 80% emissions reduction by 2050 within reach; the council received the presentation during public comment.
A climate advocacy group urged the Redmond City Council on Aug. 4 to adopt a set of 12 critical city actions and to begin implementation by 2027, arguing that delay will make the city’s 2050 emissions-reduction targets harder to meet.
David Morton of People for Climate Action (PCA) presented the report “12 critical city climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Morton said the report focuses on the two largest sources of community emissions — existing buildings and transportation — which together account for more than 80 percent of Redmond’s community greenhouse gas emissions. PCA recommends four building-related actions: expand the Energy Smart Eastside program beyond heat pumps to include weatherization and heat-pump water heaters; create decarbonization programs for multifamily and small commercial buildings; adopt electrification ordinances for large buildings; and require home energy score postings to improve market awareness.
On transportation, PCA recommended five actions: promote public transit by increasing frequency, reducing fares and coordinating regionally; expand safe biking and pedestrian pathways citywide; support employer programs that encourage alternatives to driving; expand electric-vehicle charging and require infrastructure in new multifamily buildings; and promote EV charging retrofits in existing multifamily buildings. Morton also urged two supporting actions: establish community education programs and create dedicated funding streams to sustain programs long term. He emphasized climate equity and the need for technical and financial assistance to lower-income households.
Morton told the council that because these measures take years to reach full impact, they should be underway by late 2027 to help the city reach an 80% reduction target by 2050. He recommended that Redmond update its climate action plan to incorporate the 12 actions, establish dedicated funding, and begin implementation planning immediately. The council received the presentation during the public-comment portion; no council vote or specific commitment was announced at the Aug. 4 meeting.
