Office of the City Manager
411 West Ocean Boulevard, 10th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-6711
June 13, 2023
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and a pprove the 2023 Office of Climate Action and Sustainability Work Plan. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Sustainable City Commission Ordinance (Ordinance) was adopted by a unanimous vote of the City Council on May 15, 2007. The Ordinance established the Sustainable City Commission (Commission), requiring that, "Each year the Commission shall prepare a work program outlining the focus for the Commission for review and approval by the City Council."
The attached 2023 Office of Climate Action and Sustainability Work Plan (Work Plan) was unanimously approved by the Commission on April 27, 2023, and in accordance with the Ordinance, is being submitted for City Council review and approval. The Work Plan includes multiple actions to be taken during the 2023 calendar year.
This year’s Work Plan references the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability, as the Office of Sustainability has been incorporated in this new office approved by the City Council in the F iscal Year 2023 budget. The Work Plan also incorporates actions from the Long Beach Climate Action Plan ( LB CAP), as the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability’s scope now includes implementation of the LB CAP. The vision of the LB CAP is to create a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable city by addressing climate change in a way that remedies existing environmental health disparities while also improving health, quality of life, and economic vitality throughout Long Beach. In addition to being consistent with the LB CAP, the Work Plan provides a holistic approach to sustainability and will be used t o guide the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability in its work.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner -McKinley on May 22, 2023 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 25, 2023.
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HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
June 13, 2023
SUSTAINABILITY
The Work Plan is intended to guide the Commission and City staff in implementing the LB CAP, creating green projects, programs and policies, and making recommendations to the City Council over the next year.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 13, 2023, to enable the Commission to move forward with new business at their bimonthly meetings, with the next being held on June 22, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
This Work Plan includes items and actions intended to guide the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability. These items and actions are funded by a combination of funding streams including grant funding, AB 32 Cap and Trade funding to support projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Measure US oil production tax revenues, and an interdepartmental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for services. Sufficient budget to support the Work Plan is currently appropriated. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existin g City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENT – OFFICE OF CLIMATE ACTION AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023 WORK PLAN Office of Climate Action &
Sustainability
2023 Work Plan (DRAFT)
2023 Work Plan
Establish new Office of Climate Action and Sustainability Fill new/existing vacancies and comprehensively merge team responsibilities to perform the work associated with LB CAP implementation Develop Interdepartmental LB CAP Governance Structure
Create citywide working groups responsible for and accountable to fulfill implementation actions in the LB CAP
Update Commission By-Laws
Align Commission purpose and meeting content to support LB CAP implementation
Target Grant Funding
Identify external funding opportunities to support LB CAP implementation Incorporate LB CAP in City Legislative Agenda
Develop and implement state and federal legislative agendas to help implement and develop LB CAP strategies
Establish Staff Communications and Training
Establish and execute an internal citywide communications and training framework to increase awareness of and support for climate action and the LB CAP and the importance of cross-departmental collaboration to achieve successful implementation
Explore support for expanding air quality monitoring
City Leadership and Funding
The City Council adopted the Long Beach Climate Action Plan (LB CAP) in August 2022, which includes climate action goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation goals that focus on the negative impact climate change has on infrastructure, services, and the well-being of the community.
The following are the first steps to begin implementing LB CAP.
Legislative Affairs
Building and Energy
BE-1. Provide Access to Renewably Generated Electricity BE-2. Increase Use of Solar Power
BE-3. Promote Community Solar and Microgrids
BE-4. Develop a Residential and Commercial Energy Assessment and Benchmarking Program
BE-5. Provide Access to Energy Efficiency Financing, Rebates, and Incentives for Building Owners
BE-8. Implement Short-Term Measures to Reduce Emissions Related to Oil and Gas Extraction
Implement Climate Action Plan ActionsBegin work on the following LB CAP Actions assigned to the Office of Climate Actionand Sustainability. 2 2023 Work Plan
Transportation
T-5. Develop an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Master Plan Extreme Heat
EH-1. Increase Presence of Cool Roofs and Cool Walls
EH-3. Enhance and Expand Urban Forest Cover and Vegetation EH-5. Identify Future Vulnerability Potential for Power Outages Related to Extreme Heat and Develop Plans to Prevent Such Outages
Air Quality
AQ-2. Encourage Urban Agriculture Practices that Reduce Air Quality AQ-3. Support the Development of the Long Beach Airport Sustainability Plan AQ-7. Increase Monitoring and Regulation of Oil Extraction and Refining Process
Drought
DRT-1. Continue Development and Implementation of Water Use Efficiency Programs and Implement Additional Water Conservation Programs DRT-2. Enhance Outreach and Education Related to Water Conservation DRT-3. Expand Usage of Green Infrastructure and Green Streets DRT-4. Expand Usage of Recycled Water and Greywater for Non-Potable Use DRT-5. Incorporate Increased Rainfall Capture and Other Actions to Maximize Local Water Supplies and Offset Imported Water
Sea Level Rise and Flooding
FLD-3. Establish a Flood Impacts Monitoring Program
Implement Climate Action Plan Actions (cont.)
3 2023 Work Plan
Policies, Programs, and Services
Launch a residential greenhouse gas reduction program to benefit residents located in disadvantaged community census tracts.
Continue a free program to certify businesses through the California Green Businesses Network (CAGBN) and connect businesses with any resources and incentive programs available to help them go green. Expand outreach and support to BIPOC-owned and disadvantaged businesses through community partnerships.
Coordinate the LEED for Cities certification process and establish a baseline for continuous monitoring of city performance.
Establish a community orchard at Willow Springs Park. Provide support for the creation of edible garden landscapes by local organizations. Continue to provide Edible Garden workshops to educate residents about growing their own food.
Disadvantaged Community GHG-Reduction Program
Partners: Long Beach Utilities, Energy Resources
LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Extreme Heat, Building & Energy Green Business Recognition Program
Partners: Economic Development, Long Beach Utilities,
Public Works, Energy Resources, Development Services
LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Extreme Heat, Drought, Building & Energy LEED for Cities
Partners: Public Works, Parks, Recreation & Marine, Long Beach Utilities, Development Services, Health and Human Services, Office of Equity LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Air Quality, Drought, Building & Energy Edible Landscapes
Partners: Food Finders, Long Beach Public Libraries, Conservation Corps of LB LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Air Quality
4 2023 Work Plan
Policies, Programs, and Services
Administer the UAIZ program, conduct outreach, and provide matchmaking services to encourage adoption on vacant lots in Long Beach.
Develop a micro-grants program to support urban farms, teaching gardens, and community gardens.
Continue the mulch delivery and pick-up programs that benefit residents and local organizations.
Continue parkway tree plantings upon request and fruit tree plantings in front yards under the CAL FIRE Urban Forestry grant.
Support park activation and maintenance with community programs and continue to develop the Native Plant Nursery, support local pollinator populations, develop public art opportunities, and provide Native Plant workshops.
Identify and implement multi-benefit stormwater quality improvements within targeted sub-watersheds along the Los Angeles River through the planting of street trees and other best management practices.
Urban Agriculture Initiatives
Partners: Development Services, Health and Human Services LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Extreme Heat, Air Quality, Drought Mulch Delivery and Pick-up
Partners: West Coast Arborists, Conservation Corps of Long Beach LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Air Quality
Tree Planting
Partners: Public Works, Development Services
LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Extreme Heat, Air Quality
Willow Springs Park Support and Native Plant Nursery
Partners: Parks, Recreation & Marine, Conservation Corps of Long Beach LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Extreme Heat, Air Quality
Watershed and Urban Forestry Initiatives
Partners: Public Works, Conservation Corps of Long Beach LB CAP Sector/Stressor: Extreme Heat, Air Quality, Drought, Flood 5 *Agenda and background materials will be sent before each meeting. In between m research topics for commissioners to prepare for the next meeting.
Month Climate Action Plan Topic Admin Items
January Year in Review
Commission Retreat
Work Plan Presentation
Commission Training
February Sea Level Rise & Flooding Work Plan Review
April Earth Month Celebration
June Drought Chair/Vice Chair Elections
August Extreme Heat, Air Quality
October Building & Energy, Waste
December Transportation
2023 Work Plan
Commission Meetings
*Agenda and background materials will be sent before each meeting. In between meetings, staff anticipates providing supplemental material for Commissioners to consider for ongoing education.
Stewardship, Education, and Special Events
Provide public engagement and service through participatory fieldwork at Willow Springs Park (MLK Day of Service, Monarch Day of Action, Restoration Fridays).
Coordinate expanding opportunities for environmental education and special events, including Earth Month activities, workshops, online features, etc.
Support the planning and execution of the Ranchos Walk in partnership with City Departments and community partners
Environmental Stewardship
Partners: Friends of Willow Springs, Leadership Long Beach, Aquarium of the Pacific, Conservation Corps of LB
Environmental Education and Special Events
Partners: Friends of Willow Springs, Library Services,
Parks, Recreation & Marine, Long Beach City College
Ranchos Walk
Partners: Public Works, Development Services,
Health and Human Services, Walk Long Beach
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