Redlands adopts Climate Action Plan 2050, directs staff to return with implementation details

The Redlands City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan 2050 by unanimous vote, directing staff to return with detailed policies, cost estimates and monitoring metrics to implement the plan's greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

City staff and consultant presentations: Jasmine Serrato, the city's associate planner and project manager, summarized the update process and said the 2017 Climate Action Plan set earlier per‑capita targets that the city has not met. She said new state legislation and guidance required updating targets and strategies. Consultant Claire Cucera (from the firm that prepared the 2017 plan) told council the city's per‑capita greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 were about 7.7 metric tons CO2e and that, under a business‑as‑usual trajectory adjusted for state actions, Redlands would not reach state goals without additional measures.

Adopted target and strategy: The adopted plan sets a long‑term per‑capita greenhouse gas target consistent with state guidance and includes a preferred strategy that blends transportation electrification, building energy measures, waste diversion and urban greening. The consultant reported the preferred strategy would require large reductions primarily in the transportation sector, with additional reductions from building electrification and solid waste programs, and noted that implementation will rely in part on state actions (electric utilities, vehicle standards) and local investments.

Public comment and council discussion: Speakers included representatives of local climate nonprofit Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (Anka) who supported the plan but emphasized the need for funding and implementation of supportive measures; Ron Running (Anka) said he was concerned about heavy reliance on EV charger deployment for a majority of the plan's reductions. Other commenters urged stronger action on infill housing and faster electrification. Some residents and at least one speaker questioned projections and urged better coordination with state regulators and the utilities on incentives and grid capacity.

City manager framing and next steps: The city manager told the council that adoption gives staff direction to return with ordinances, regulations, incentive programs and budget estimates; adoption does not immediately change code or impose costs on residents. Staff and the consultant recommended a monitoring program with periodic greenhouse gas inventories and scheduled public reporting. Council members asked for stronger equity, funding and reporting commitments; several urged the city to prioritize low‑income neighborhoods, urban tree canopy and buy‑in for community programs.

Ending: With Resolution No. 8696 adopted, staff will compile an implementation schedule, identify potential funding sources and return to council with regulatory proposals, impact estimates and an annual reporting schedule.