CITY OF PACIFICA
May 2025
Climate Action &
Adaptation Plan
Natalia (8 years old)
Acknowledgements
Pacifica City Council
Sue Beckmeyer, Mayor
Christine Boles, Mayor pro Tem
Mary Bier, Councilmember
Mayra Espinosa, Councilmember
Greg Wright, Councilmember
Pacifica Climate Action Task Force
Maria Barr
Kim Finale
Kai Martin
Monica Meagher
Margo Meiman
Rick Nahass
Dave Plumb
Carl Schwab
Nancy Tierney
Youth CAAP Taskforce
Calvin Chan, Terra Nova High School Student
Ava Litz, Terra Nova High School Student
Pacifica City Staff
Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager
Samantha Updegrave, Community
Development Director
Elizabeth Brooks, Management Analyst II
Brittany Hernandez, Program Manager
Gabriel Trevino, CivicSpark Fellow (former)
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Ryan Gardner
Anna Yip
Emily Saul
Joanna Thelen
MIG Consultants
Noé Noyola
Zora Whitfield
Some photos have been provided by
Stephen Johnson Photography.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
i | Acknowledgements
Land Acknowledgement
City of Pacifica's Land Acknowledgement:
The City of Pacifica acknowledges that we occupy the
unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone
peoples, who are the original inhabitants of the San
Francisco Peninsula. We honor the Ramaytush Ohlone
peoples for their enduring commitment to Mother Earth.
As the Indigenous protectors of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramaytush Ohlone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. We affirm their sovereign rights as First Peoples and wish to pay our
respects to the ancestors, elders, and relatives of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples.
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Task
Force recommends reinforcing the City of Pacifica’s
Land Acknowledgement to guide the City's role as
stewards of the land in kinship with all the species
that live here. Essential to achieving the implied
ideals of “affirming their sovereign rights as First
Peoples and wishing to pay our respects to the
ancestors, elders and relatives of the Ramaytush
Ohlone peoples” and “their enduring commitment to
Mother Earth,” there must be an ongoing consideration of the meaning of the land acknowledgement in policy decisions and a willingness to work with the
descendants of these original people, even if their
tribal status is unrecognized.
Further the City will demonstrate appreciation of
how the Indigenous people were able to live in
harmony with the land, retaining its resources over
millennia. What this means for the implementation of
the CAAP is to consider the implications of decisions
about land use and development considering history.
The Task Force remembers that this coastal land
(Ramma) was inhabited by original caretakers, the
Ramaytush Ohlone peoples. Generationally, they
protected and cultivated the land of the sandhill
cranes (Pruristak), connecting themselves with the
natural world, and the great Pacific Ocean (umu). The
beaches (wish) are sacred and have long been cared
for by the villages (timiktak) who honored this land.
The City of Pacifica and its residents recognize and
stand with the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples. Their
traditions remind us of our shared responsibility to
respect and protect the environment. Honoring their
presence ensures a collective effort in planning for
climate change for generations to come.
See Appendix B for definitions.
Ben (6 years old)Ava (8 years old)
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Land Acknowledgement
Contents
Acknowledgements ...............................................................................................................................................................................................i Land Acknowledgement .................................................................................................................................................................................... iii 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................................1 2 Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Methodology................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 3 Background and Progress Report ............................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Pacifica 2014 Climate Action Plan .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 4 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Targets ............................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Pacifica ........................................................................................................................................ 14 5 CAAP Goals and Actions ..........................................................................................................................................................................18
5.1 Assessing Impact of the 2030 CAAP ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
5.2 Methodology............................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.3 Community Engagement........................................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.4 How to Read the “Action Tables” .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
5.5 Buildings and Energy .................................................................................................................................................................................23
5.6 Transportation and Land Use................................................................................................................................................................... 27
5.7 Food, Consumption, and Waste ............................................................................................................................................................... 32
5.8 Resilience and Adaptation......................................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.9 Community Engagement........................................................................................................................................................................... 42 6 Implementation ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
6.1 Grant Funding .............................................................................................................................................................................................48
6.2 Sustainability Coordinator and Environmental Commission...............................................................................................................48
6.3 Pacifica Youth Involvement.......................................................................................................................................................................50 7 Monitoring and Adjustments .................................................................................................................................................................51 8 Timeline.....................................................................................................................................................................................................53 Figures
Figure 1 Pacifica 2021 GHG Emissions by Sector ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2 Pacifica 2021, 2030, and 2045 GHG Emissions by Sector.......................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 3 Pacifica GHG Emissions Target and Forecast ............................................................................................................................................. 17 Appendices
Appendix A Glossary of Terms and Acronyms..........................................................................................................................................................A-1 Appendix B Ramaytush Word Bank .......................................................................................................................................................................... A-4 Appendix C Community Engagement....................................................................................................................................................................... A-6 Appendix D Summary of Key Findings.....................................................................................................................................................................A-17 Appendix E Youth Competition................................................................................................................................................................................ A-35 Appendix F Pacifica Substanital Evidence Report................................................................................................................................................. A-38 Appendix G Funding Sources .................................................................................................................................................................................... A-68 Appendix H Policy, Climate Legislation and Regulations .......................................................................................................................................A-71 Appendix I Considerations for E-Bikes and E-Bike Chargers .............................................................................................................................. A-81 Appendix J Sustainability Coordinator Sample Job Descriptions from Other Bay Area Cities....................................................................... A-83 City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Table of Contents
SECTION 1
Introduction
Introduction
We are pleased to share Pacifica’s updated Climate
Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) for 2030! Our
community is deeply connected to the stunning
beaches and natural landscapes that make Pacifica
such a special place to call home. We want to ensure
that Pacifica continues to thrive—supporting local
businesses, schools, and organizations while preserving the unique character of our city.
As a coastal community, we’re already seeing the
effects of climate change; severe weather, wildfires,
flooding, and rising sea levels. That’s why taking
meaningful action now is so important.
In late 2023, the CAAP Task Force was formed, with
the City Council appointing a dedicated group of
Pacificans to come together with the mission of
updating the City’s original 2014 Climate Action Plan.
In the next section, you’ll see the progress we’ve
made since then. This updated CAAP outlines clear
goals and actions for the next five years, guiding us
toward 2030. It aligns with regional efforts including
the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning
Support (RICAPS) Program framework, a collaborative
initiative involving all 20 cities in San Mateo County
and the County itself, to help local governments
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet
the state of California’s climate goals.
Creating this plan was a true community effort.
Throughout 2024, the Task Force connected with residents at local events like Whale Fest and Fog Fest to hear your thoughts about the climate challenges we
face and the changes you’d like to see. In December,
we hosted focus groups to gather more input on key
goals and focus areas for the CAAP. Thanks to your
thoughtful feedback and creative ideas, this plan
reflects shared values and hopes of our community.
We’re especially inspired by the involvement of
Pacifica’s youth—our next generation of leaders.
Local high school students played an active role
throughout the process, contributing their perspectives and hopes for the future, which you’ll find highlighted in the Implementation section of this report.
This plan is truly by the community, for the community. Its goals are ambitious yet achievable, offering clear guidelines for tackling climate change
together. From actions the City of Pacifica can take
to steps we can all adopt in our daily lives, the CAAP
emphasizes collaboration—across City departments like Parks, Beaches, and Recreation, as well as with local and regional organizations. We’re also
committed to providing educational resources
to empower every resident with the tools and
knowledge to make climate-positive choices.
Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Pacifica for generations to come.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
2 Introduction | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan SECTION 2
Summary
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
3 Summary
This CAAP provides a comprehensive list of recommended programs, policies and actions to implement for a more sustainable and resilient Pacifica. These
recommendations aim to reduce emissions, conserve energy, increase resiliency, and position the City to pursue climate-related funding opportunities.
Adoption of this CAAP commits Pacifica to take
action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate
change, making Pacifica an even more beautiful and
healthy place to live, work, and play.
This plan builds on the City’s 2014 Climate Action
Plan, which established a goal of reducing emissions
by 35% compared to 2005 levels by the year 2020.
By 2021, Pacifica had achieved a 32% reduction in
overall emissions, falling short of this goal but still making significant progress. However, the City has
exceeded California’s goal of reducing emissions by
20% by 2020, demonstrating the community's ability
to address climate change in a meaningful way.
The biggest emissions reductions came from the
community’s transition to Peninsula Clean Energy,
which supplies less carbon-intensive, cleaner electricity, and from on-road transportation due to more fuel-efficient cars, zero-emission vehicles, and fewer
vehicle miles travelled.
As of 2021, Pacifica had made measurable progress
in reducing GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels,
including the following key achievements:
y Cut overall GHG emissions by 55,641
metric tons, a 32% reduction
y Reduced GHG emissions from the
building energy sector by 36%
y Reduced GHG emissions from the
transportation sector by 30%
y Reduced GHG emissions from the solid
waste sector by 22%
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
4 Summary | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan The state of California and many of its individual
counties, including the County of San Mateo, have
been leaders in establishing ambitious climate policy
that has helped push communities towards GHG
emissions reductions. The California Air Resources
Board (CARB) also passed a Scoping Plan and
Roadmap in 2022, which outlines the state’s path to
carbon neutrality and provides important context
for local plans like this CAAP. These climate-related
laws and regulations are summarized in Appendix H.
Some of the most relevant goals include:
y AB 1279 – The California Climate Crisis Act
(2022): Calls for carbon neutrality and a reduction
in GHG emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by
2045, with an intermediate goal of at least 40%
below the 1990 level by 2030.
y CARB Advanced Clean Cars II (2023): Starting in
2026, requires that 35% of new passenger vehicles
and light-duty trucks sold in California will be zeroemission, increasing to 51% in 2028 and reaching 100% by 2035.
y San Mateo County's Community Climate
Action Plan (2022): The Community Climate
Action Plan (CCAP) outlines priority actions to
achieve a 45% reduction of GHG emissions from
1990 levels by 2030, and carbon neutrality within
unincorporated areas by 2040.
Pacifica’s CAAP has identified several key goals for
aligning with these state and regional goals and
ensuring Pacifica does its fair share in addressing
climate change. The CAAP also identifies specific
strategies which can be implemented today to meet
these goals. These actions are outlined beginning
on page 18.
Some of the key goals
in this 2030 CAAP are:
y Reduce GHG emissions at least 45%
below 1990 levels by 2030.
y Reduce GHG emissions in buildings by
24% below 2021 levels by 2030.
y Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 12%
below 2021 levels by 2030.
y Increase Pacifica EV use to
50% by 2030.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
5 Summary | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Methodology
The 2030 CAAP Task Force included members from
diverse areas of expertise, including sustainability
managers from outside organizations and individuals with experience implementing resiliency and adaptation practices and reducing GHG emissions
through the adoption of solar panels, batteries, heat
pumps and zero emission vehicles. The Task Force
was guided by the county-wide climate collaborative
RICAPS Program, which provides similar guidance for
all jurisdictions conducting climate action planning
and implementation work. The County contracted
with the consulting firm, Rincon Consulting, Inc.
(Rincon), to support RICAPS through meeting facilitation support and technical assistance, including conducting GHG emissions inventories for all jurisdictions. Pacifica tiered off of the County’s agreement with Rincon to provide support for Pacifica’s CAAP.
The Task Force was also guided by information from
the International Council for Local Environmental
Initiatives (ICLEI), an international non-governmental
organization that promotes sustainable development. Sustainable San Mateo County also provided expertise. The original 2014 Pacifica Climate Action Plan was consulted as the basis for this report
update, and the Task Force looked at best practices
from other cities’ Climate Action Plans. The Task
Force also considered these City documents: [G]
General Plan, [H] Housing Element, [L] Local Coastal
Land Use Plan, [S] Sharp Park Specific Plan and [B]
Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. The CAAP is consistent
with and builds on these documents.
The CAAP provides a structure for reducing emissions in four broad areas: (1) buildings and energy; (2) transportation and land use; (3) food, consumption,
and waste; and (4) resilience and adaptation. It
also emphasizes the importance of community
engagement to support successful implementation.
The CAAP focuses on the City’s municipal operations as well as ways that residents, organizations, and businesses can contribute to Pacifica’s emission
reduction goals. Consultants, City staff, CAAP Task
Force members, community groups, and everyday
citizens were engaged in the planning process to
achieve the best path forward for Pacifica.
Why Resilience & Adaptation
Even if all emissions were eliminated today, we
would still see climate change impacts in the
future, including sea-level rise, hotter temperatures, extreme weather, and increased fire risk.
Pacifica understands the importance of laying out
a framework for enhancing Pacifica’s long-term
resilience to these impacts. This CAAP describes the
process the City of Pacifica will embark on to develop
tangible actions and adaptation measures necessary
in the short- and mid-term that will lead to long-term
resilience for our city.
Community Investment
Not all Pacifica residents will be able to make investments in sustainable upgrades for their homes and vehicles. City government will need to support residents’ and businesses’ efforts to find funding to decarbonize their buildings, vehicles, and lifestyles.
Full Implementation
To maintain momentum and ensure accountability,
a full-time Sustainability Coordinator position
should be established, as well as a community
Environmental Commission. Continued outreach to
various voices in the Pacifica community is imperative as CAAP actions are carried out. Staff will provide annual progress reports, including updated
GHG inventories, and will prepare an update to the
CAAP after five years.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
6 Summary | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Background and
Progress Report
SECTION 3
Background &
Progress Reports
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
7 Pacifica 2014 Climate Action Plan
Pacifica formed a Climate Action Task Force in July
2014 (2014 Task Force) made up of Pacificans with
knowledge of climate change and the actions needed
to fight it. The plan they created was designed to
be a blueprint for our community’s response to the
challenges posed by climate change. The 2014 Task
Force used the Clean Air and Climate Protection
greenhouse gas inventory calculator to determine
the amount of GHG emissions being emitted by the
city and residents of Pacifica.
The state of California aimed to reduce emissions by
20% from 1990 levels by 2020. This goal was equivalent to a 15% reduction from 2005 levels by 2020.
The 2014 Task Force believed Pacifica should take a
leadership role relative to the state’s goal and set a
more aggressive target to reduce community wide
emissions by 35% from 2005 levels by 2020.
With a reduction in GHG emissions of almost 30% in
2021 compared to 2005 levels, Pacifica was close to
reaching this ambitious goal. The greatest reduction
was in electricity, due to San Mateo County’s
adoption of Peninsula Clean Energy as the county’s
official electricity provider. With the horizon date
of the 2014 CAP in the past, the City embarked on a
CAAP update to guide the City through the next five
years of climate action. To support this effort, the
2030 CAAP Task Force was established in May 2023.
One of the functions of the 2030 CAAP Task Force,
established in 2023, was to evaluate the achievement
of all the goals set in the 2014 Climate Action Plan.
Data from 2021 was used for this assessment,
because 2020 data was not available. San Mateo
County contracted with the consulting company,
Rincon, to conduct GHG emissions inventories of
each of the twenty cities in the county, including
Pacifica. The first year of these measurements was
2005, which became the baseline year used by the
2030 CAAP Task Force.
In addition to the highlights listed earlier in the
Summary section, the table below provides a
detailed report of emissions reductions made
between 2005 and 2021. Emissions are measured
in metric tons of CO2 (MT CO2
e), and all numbers
are rounded to the next whole number as shown
in Table 1.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
8 Background and Progress Report | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Table 1. Pacifica GHG Emissions Over Time
Sector/Subsector 2005 GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) 2021 GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) Percent Change(%)
Building Energy 79,669 51,359 -36%
Electricity 79,6692,046
-36%
Natural Gas 49,208
Stationary Sources* N/A 104 N/A
Transportation 85,603 59,589 -30%
On-Road Transportation 83,188 57,381 -31%
Off-Road Equipment 2,414 2,208 -9%
Solid Waste 9,432 7,392 -22%
Landfilled Waste 9,194 7,392 -20%
Alternative Daily Cover 238 0 -100%
Water and Wastewater 179 902 404%
Wastewater Treatment** 179 841 370%
Water Use* N/A 60 N/A
Total GHG Emissions 174,883 119,242 -32%
Notes: N/A = not applicable.
* Stationary Sources and Water Use GHG emissions were not available for 2005. ** A change in calculation methodology between the 2005 and 2021 inventories likely accounts for the increase in Wastewater Treatment emissions.
Other Goals and Actions in the 2014 Plan, and Actual Results Adopting Reach Codes to promote
electrification instead of gas.
Action taken: Pacifica adopted an All-Electric Reach
Code in 2019, requiring electric space and water
heating in new residential construction and mandating all-electric systems for new non-residential and multi-unit buildings.
Action taken: In 2022, the City adopted a more
ambitious Reach Code that expanded the natural
gas ban to all uses in new buildings constructed
after January 1, 2023. The only exception was for
for-profit restaurants in new commercial spaces
within mixed-use buildings, subject to specific criteria. Following a 2024 court ruling that invalidated Berkeley’s gas ban, Pacifica’s Reach Code is currently
unenforceable.
Implementing California’s new Organics
Recycling law to promote composting.
Action taken: In 2022, Pacifica notified residents
about California’s new organics recycling law (SB
1383), which requires residents to separate organic
waste into compost bins. However, the City has not
enforced this law locally and instead relies on voluntary compliance from the community.
Adoption of the Disposable Food-ware
Ordinance, reducing plastic and waste.
Action taken: Pacifica City Council adopted the
San Mateo County Model Disposable Food Ware
Ordinance on March 14, 2022. It became effective
October 2022 and states: “Reusable Food ware and
Utensils shall be provided to dine-in customers.”
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
9 Background and Progress Report | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Completing a heritage tree ordinance
update to protect and preserve
more trees.
Action taken: A new tree ordinance was passed
February 2020 to protect and preserve heritage trees
in Pacifica. The ordinance places more restrictions on
tree removal.
Developing an EV Charging Station
strategy to support grant applications
for EV infrastructure.
Action taken: The City received $475,666 from the
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) Local Government
Grant Program to install Electric Vehicle charging
stations at City Government Buildings.
Completing a 2040 General Plan
Update that prioritizes in-fill, mixeduse development and discourages auto-dependent development on the
periphery of Pacifica.
Action taken: The City Council adopted the updated
2040 General Plan in July 2022. The new General
Plan took effect 30 days later in August 2022.
Pacifica also submitted its Housing Element Plan
in January 2024, which is pending approval by the
California Department of Housing and Community
Development.
Replacing old City fleet vehicles with
hybrid or more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Action taken: The City of Pacifica partnered with
Stanford University student consultants for two
quarters in 2022 to develop an electric vehicle implementation strategy. Currently, the City has four hybrid vehicles in its fleet. The City received a grant from Peninsula Clean Energy to purchase an EV truck.
Implementing hybrid work schedules for
employees, helping to reduce commute
emissions.
Action taken: The City uses flexible work schedules
that allow many staff to work remotely two days
per week.
Creating more bike lanes and sidewalk
improvements pursuant to an updated
Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan to help
promote walking and biking.
Action taken: A new comprehensive Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan for the City of Pacifica was
adopted in February 2020.
Planning for solar power at the
Community Center, renovated Civic
Center, and Calera Creek Water
Recycling Plant.
Action taken: Solar panels have been installed at
the Community Center and at the Calera Creek Water
Recycling Plant. The City designed the Civic Center
campus to accommodate solar panels, which will be
installed when funding is secured.
Partnering with Peninsula Clean Energy
and opting in all accounts (public and
private) for their renewable energy
portfolio.
Action taken: The City of Pacifica, as well as all other cities in San Mateo County, switched their source of
electricity from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to PCE.
PCE has become the default electricity power provider for all Pacificans.
Incorporating energy efficiency
measures into the new Civic Center
project, such as using electric water
heaters instead of gas ones, and
renovating existing structures rather
than demolishing and constructing
new ones.
Action taken: The Civic Center project has been
completed; heat pump water heaters have been
installed at the Community Center and at other
public works facilities.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
10 Background and Progress Report | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Related Efforts Initiated by the City of Pacifica Since 2014 A. City Facilities/Property/Building Improvements
1. Replaced all street lights with LED 100%.
Lights have been replaced with LEDs at parks,
tennis courts, the Community Center, Police
Department, and a few other municipal
buildings.
2. Participated in San Mateo County Energy
Watch Program.
3. Installed the Warning Lights School
Crosswalk Project.
4. Replaced light fixtures in the Pacifica
Community Center, Fire Station 72, Fire
Department, Sanchez Library, Sharp Park
Library, City Hall, Police Department,
Planning building, PB&R building, Fairmont
West Day Care, Corporate Yard, Fairmont
West Preschool, and Public Works building.
5. Installed adaptive streetlights on Highway 1
at Reina del Mar and Fassler.
6. Completed major improvements and maintenance at the Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant to stay in compliance with regulations,
including:
7. Safely treated and processed 1,378 wet tons
(342 dry tons) of solid waste from the wastewater system (biosolids), which were then applied to fields by a third-party vendor.
8. Delivered 12.7 million gallons of recycled
water to North Coast County Water District
(NCCWD) for their distribution.
9. Completed 17 Capital Improvement Projects
for the Wastewater Division, including
projects that improved energy efficiency.
10. Deployed Pacifican fire companies and fire
chief officers to major wildfire incidents
throughout California through the statewide
Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
11. Implemented a new firefighting tool called
a “Smothering Blanket” to suppress electric
vehicle and battery fires, which are resistant
to water-based firefighting methods.
B. City Policies, Programs, and Ordinances
1. Approved a [G] General Plan update on
July 11, 2022.
2. Submitted the [H] Housing Element for state
approval on January 22, 2024.
3. Submitted the [L] Local Coastal Land Use
Plan to the California Coastal Commission for
review and certification on March 21, 2025.
4. Developed the [S] Sharp Park Specific Plan
during multiple community meetings from
2020 to 2022; currently awaiting Coastal
Commission approval.
5. Adopted the [B] Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
in February 2020.
6. Established Reach Codes in 2019. Adopted
streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems (PMC Sec. 8-4.04).
7. Approved a zoning amendment in 2017 to
require EV charging stations in new city and
commercial developments.
8. Established Zero-Waste policy for municipal
operations.
9. Obtained City approval for an Emergency
Shelter Ordinance.
10. Provided permit fee assistance for solar
installation
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
11 Background and Progress Report | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan North Coast County Water District – Building for the Future NCCWD's new 9673 sq. ft. headquarters will be
an all-electric building, with zero reliance on
natural gas. Solar panels, batteries and heat
pumps in the new NCCWD HQ are estimated to
reduce the building's grid power usage by 85%. HQ
construction will include recycled redwood boards
from an old water tank. This project is expected to
be completed by December 2025.
Additional efforts include:
y NCCWD aims to reduce emissions in water distribution by 10% from 2024 levels by 2030. y NCCWD intends to convert five of its vehicle fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2030, and the entire fleet by 2045.
For more information about NCCWD and its water conservation credits and rebates, please visit: https://nccwd.com
Cody (10 years old)Unknown Artist
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
12 Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Emissions
Targets
Background and
Progress Report
SECTION 4
Greenhouse
Gas Emissions
Targets
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
13 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Pacifica
1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). AR5 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2014. Accessed May 2025 at: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/syr/.
2. EPA. Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. Available at: Accessed in December 2024 at: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator. Accessed April 2025.
3. The inventories exclude point source industrial emissions because these emissions activities are generally outside the jurisdictional control of the City and are instead regulated by the State’s Cap-and-Trade program.
Pacifica conducted its first inventory of GHG emissions for 2005, which serves as the baseline year for measuring future GHG emissions reductions.
Beginning in 2010, new community GHG inventories
are completed every two years, enabling Pacifica to
track progress over time.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory Methodology
The inventories were created following the methodologies of the ICLEI, specifically using the United States Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Version 1.2 (Community
Protocol). The GHG inventories were conducted
using the latest available data sources, emission
factors, and Global Warming Potentials from the
Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change’s Fifth
Assessment Report (AR5).1 AR5 Global Warming
Potentials were selected to align with CARB’s 2017
Climate Change Scoping Plan and 2022 Scoping Plan
for Achieving Carbon Neutrality.
The GHG emissions inventories emphasize the three
GHGs most pertinent to local government policy:
carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous
oxide (N2O). These gases make up the majority of
community GHG emissions. Other gases, including
hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur
hexafluoride, are mainly released through private
sector manufacturing and electricity transmission.
These are regulated at the State level and thus have
been excluded from Pacifica’s inventories. To allow
for comparison across GHG emissions sources, all
emissions are converted to the equivalent of one
metric ton of carbon dioxide, or MT CO2e. One MT
CO2e is the equivalent of using 113 gallons of gasoline or driving 2,568 miles in a standard combustion
vehicle.2
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory Sectors
The GHG inventories cover sectors related to the
community activities within the City of Pacifica that
the local government can control or influence. These
sectors include:
Building Electricity: Emissions from the consumption of electricity in residential and nonresidential buildings.
Building Natural Gas: Emissions from the consumption of natural gas in residential and nonresidential buildings.
On-road Transportation: Emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels and use of electricity in passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and buses.
Off-road Equipment: Emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels (i.e., diesel, gasoline, and natural gas) in equipment not typically used on
roads, such as construction, agricultural, lawn and
garden, and recreational vehicles.
Solid Waste: Emissions from the decomposition of
waste generated by the community in landfills and
the processing of such waste.
Water: Emissions from the electricity used to
extract, treat, convey, and distribute local and
imported water.
Wastewater: Emissions from wastewater treatment
processing, discharge, and infrastructure.
Other sectors, like industrial and agricultural emissions, were excluded due to jurisdictional control limitations or State legislation considerations.3 The
included sectors follow the best practices outlined in
the Community Protocol.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
14 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Targets | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2021 Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Inventory Results
In 2021, Pacifica emitted an estimated 119,242 metric
tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e) from
the energy, transportation, solid waste, water, and
wastewater sectors. In comparison to the baseline
year 2005, that is about a 32% decrease in total community GHG emissions.
As illustrated below, the two largest sources of
emissions in Pacifica are on-road transportation,
accounting for 48% of total emissions, and building
natural gas use, making up 41% of total emissions.
Figure 1. Pacifica 2021 GHG Emissions by Sector
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Forecasts
A GHG emissions inventory establishes a baseline
emissions total for a specific year, but annual GHG
emissions fluctuate over time due to factors like
population growth, job changes, new technologies,
and legislation. The Pacifica GHG emissions forecast
projects future emission changes from 2021 based
on forecasted changes in population, households,
and employment, as well as existing State legislation
aimed at reducing GHG emissions through 2045.
This section provides estimates of future emissions
for Pacifica under two scenarios: business-as-usual
(BAU) and legislative-adjusted (adjusted).
BAU Forecast: Provides a forecast of how future
GHG emissions would change if current activities
continued as they did in 2021 absent any policies or
legislation that would reduce local emissions. The
BAU forecast is based on growth trends projected
in population, housing, employment, and transportation activity over time, consistent with the City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
15 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Targets | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Association of Bay Area Government’s Plan Bay Area
2050 projections.4
Adjusted Forecast: Provides a forecast of how currently adopted State legislation would reduce GHG emissions from the business-as-usual scenario. The
legislative-adjusted scenario represents the State’s
contribution to reducing local GHG emissions to
meet State goals without any additional contribution
from local policies or actions. The adjusted forecast
incorporates the impact of State regulations that
provide GHG emissions reduction potential to offer
a more accurate picture of future GHG emissions
growth and the responsibility of the City for further
GHG emissions reduction. The adjusted forecast
incorporates GHG emissions reductions from the
Renewables Portfolio Standard, the Title 24 of the
4. Association of Bay Area Governments and Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Forecasting and Modeling Report (October 2021). Accessed May 2025 at:
https://planbayarea.org/sites/default/files/documents/Plan_Bay_Area_2050_Forecasting_Modeling_Report_October_2021.pdf.
California Code of Regulations (i.e., the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards), and several transportation programs (i.e., Advanced Clean Cars Program, Advanced Clean Trucks, Pavley Standards, Innovative
Clean Transit).
The results of the BAU and adjusted forecast for 2030
and 2045 are illustrated below. The BAU forecast
(i.e., dotted line) shows an increase in GHG emissions
in all sectors, which are directly influenced by projected demographic growth in Pacifica. The adjusted forecast (i.e., bars) shows a more gradual increase in
total GHG emissions. Emissions from electricity and
water decrease to zero in 2045 while on-road transportation and building natural gas remain the two largest sources of GHG emissions in Pacifica.
Figure 2. Pacifica 2021, 2030, and 2045 GHG Emissions by Sector City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
16 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Targets | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2030 GHG Emissions
Reduction Targets
To align with State goals and guide local action to
reduce GHG emissions, Pacifica has set GHG emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. The targets listed in this CAAP are aspirational and will be adjusted every one to two years by a standing commission, along with Pacifica sustainability staff.
Pacifica’s 2030 and 2045 GHG emissions reduction
targets aim to align with or exceed the State’s goals
established by Senate Bill 32 and Assembly Bill 1279,
defined as follows:
5. According to the Association of Environmental Professionals’ Beyond 2020 and Newhall final white paper, in the 2008 AB 32 Scoping Plan, the recommended target for local governments to meet 1990 levels was 15% below “current” levels by 2020, where “current” levels were construed as baseline years between 2005-2008.
Thus, reduction targets relative to 1990 levels are translated to reduction targets relative to 2005 levels by applying a 15% change in emissions.
Association of Environmental Professionals (2016). Final White Paper Beyond 2020 and Newhall: A Field Guide to New CEQA Greenhouse Gas Thresholds and Climate Action Plan Targets for California. Accessed January 2025 at: A Field Guide to New CEQA Greenhouse Gas Thresholds and Climate Action Plan Targets for California.
Senate Bill 32: Mandates a 40% reduction in
Statewide GHG emissions below 1990 levels by 2030.
CARB’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan outlines
the path to achieve this goal.
Assembly Bill 1279: Required California to achieve
carbon neutrality no later than 2045, defined as an
85% reduction in Statewide GHG emissions below
1990 levels
To exceed and align with these State goals, Pacifica
will aim to reduce GHG emissions by 45% below
1990 levels, equivalent to reducing GHG emissions
by 53.3% below 2005 levels,5 by 2030. Figure 3
shows the 2030 and 2045 targets in mass emissions in relation to 2005, 2021, and forecasted GHG emissions.
Figure 3. Pacifica GHG Emissions Target and Forecast
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
17 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Targets | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
18 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Targets | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan CAAP Goals and
Actions
Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Emissions
Targets
Background and
Progress Report
SECTION 5
CAAP Goals
and Actions
This CAAP provides a list of recommended actions
aimed at reducing emissions, increasing resilience,
conserving energy, and positioning the City to pursue
climate-related funding opportunities. The adoption
of this CAAP demonstrates Pacifica’s commitment
to reducing GHG emissions and adapting to climate
change, helping make Pacifica an even more beautiful and healthy place to live, work, and play.
The projects, programs, and policies described in the
sections below offer Pacifica a viable path towards
reducing emissions and increasing resilience. These,
combined with emission reductions resulting from
the adoption of state and regional policies, will align Pacifica’s emissions reduction goals with those set
in San Mateo County’s 2022 CCAP. Although Pacifica
is not within the scope of the County’s CCAP, which
focuses on the unincorporated communities in San
Mateo County, regional alignment will be key to
work collectively towards shared goals. For more
information about the CCAP and other relevant laws,
regulations and policy statements, see Appendix H.
Goals and actions aimed at reducing GHG emissions
and increasing resilience are categorized by four
main sections:
1. Buildings and Energy
2. Transportation and Land Use
3. Food, Consumption, and Waste
4. Resilience and Adaptation
An additional section outlines goals and actions
focused on community engagement to support
effective implementation.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
19 Assessing Impact of the 2030 CAAP
This CAAP outlines recommended goals and actions
for each sector to achieve our objectives. The
Task Force used the following considerations and
'co-benefits' as guiding principles while evaluating
potential actions:
y GHG Emissions Reduction: Potential to reduce
GHG emissions.
y Climate Adaptation: Potential to increase resilience to risks incurred by extreme heat, fire, flooding, landslides, street damage, erosion, and
degraded waterways.
y Environmental Health Improvement: Potential
to adopt nature-based solutions; potential to
protect environmentally vulnerable areas.
y Public Health Improvement: Potential to
improve air quality, improve pedestrian and
bike safety, increase community transportation
options, promote use and reuse of locally
sourced products, and promote local economic
development.
y Equity: Potential to ensure that all Pacifica community members, including renters, people experiencing housing insecurity, youth and elderly populations, and those with limited transit access, can benefit from and participate in climate action.
y Economic Development: Potential to optimize
land use and access to services; potential to
plan sustainable neighborhoods consistent with
Pacifica’s General Plan, Local Coastal Land Use
Plan, Housing Element, and specific plans (e.g.
Sharp Park).
y Feasibility: Potential to obtain county, regional,
state, and federal funding; potential to be implemented with existing resources; potential to be implemented in a timely manner.
Methodology
The goals and actions in the CAAP were developed by
subcommittees of the Task Force using background
research, expert consultation, and community input.
Subcommittees assessed feasible future actions
for Pacifica across the CAAP’s four focus areas:
Buildings and Energy; Transportation and Land Use;
Food, Consumption, and Waste; and Resilience and
Adaptation.
Proposed actions were selected and prioritized
based on their potential to reduce local GHG emissions, implementation cost, potential to attain external funding (e.g., local, state, and federal
grants), feasibility given the City’s administrative
capacity, ease of measuring progress, and public
support. Community input was centered throughout
the development of the goals and actions, and this
CAAP’s goals reflect feedback gathered at multiple
public meetings and community events.
These subcommittees determined potential actions
for the City of Pacifica using a variety of sources,
including Sustainable San Mateo County’s Idea
Bank, ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
Knowledge Bank, C40 Cities Climate Leadership
Group Knowledge Hub, Rincon’s Scenario Planning
and Reduction Quantification tool, Rincon’s GHG
inventory, Project Drawdown, Fossil Free Buildings
Silicon Valley, Climate Ready San Mateo County
Initiative, the American Society of Adaptation
Professionals, Thrive Alliance, Collective Resilience,
and other cities’ climate action and adaptation
plans. CAAP actions were also informed by local
planning documents, including San Mateo County’s
RICAPS template and Pacifica’s General Plan, Bike
and Ped Plan, Local Coastal Land Use Plan, and
Housing Element.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
20 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Community Engagement
Engaging the community is a central component of
Pacifica’s CAAP. A focus on education, transparency,
and collaboration is key to achieving our climate
goals across all four of the CAAP’s focus areas:
Buildings and Energy; Transportation and Land Use;
Food, Consumption, and Waste; and Resilience and
Adaptation. Following these four focus areas, Section
5 includes goals and actions to enhance community
engagement in the short- and medium-term to
ensure that CAAP actions are implemented, that
youth are engaged in the process, and that community outreach and education are at the forefront.
The Task Force’s outreach efforts revealed strong
community interest and support in the CAAP, particularly for nature-based solutions and climate resilience strategies. A unified outreach campaign, like a 'Climate Awareness Campaign', could serve as the
central platform for promoting key climate actions
across all CAAP focus areas. This campaign would
educate the community on locally relevant climate
topics through public workshops, citywide events,
school programs, and digital resources about how
everyday choices contribute to a more resilient and
thriving Pacifica.
Key elements of the Task Force’s integrated community engagement strategy include:
y Accessible Educational Resources: Centralized
information on topics such as home electrification, energy-efficient upgrades, sustainable food practices, public transportation, and wildfire
risk reduction, including available rebates and
incentives.
y Community Events and Campaigns: Multi-topic
outreach events (e.g., eco fairs, Community Center
workshops) that encourage participation across
age groups and interests, combining demonstrations on topics such as EV charging, food waste reduction, and wildfire preparedness.
y Public Communication Across Platforms: Use
of city websites and bulletin boards to deliver
coordinated messaging on the CAAP focus areas
so the public can engage with ongoing implementation efforts.
By fostering understanding of the role of individuals
and businesses in driving local change, and by
encouraging active participation across all sectors of
our community, Pacificans will be better positioned
to meet the City’s climate goals for the benefit of our collective future.
How to Read the “Action Tables”
The following sections contain actions the City
intends to undertake over the course of the next
five years. The “GHG” column refers to the potential
for the action to reduce GHG emissions. Many of
the actions show a low potential for reducing GHG
emissions, but they are included because they are
essential for adapting to a changing climate and/or
because they provide additional co-benefits.
The “Time Frame” column in each table indicates
the amount of time it may require for an action to
be completed. It should be noted that many actions
will be ongoing after they are implemented. For
example, the City intends to build a web page with
“green” resources and information for residents. The
time frame for creating that page is short (within one
year), but maintenance and updating of the page will
be a continual effort. The time frames are roughly
the following:
Short: to be completed within 1-2 years
Medium: to be completed within 2-5 years
Long: to be completed after 5+ years
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
21 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Where applicable, actions are followed by an icon that indicates which existing City document the action builds upon or complements:
Pacifica’s
General Plan
Housing
Element
Local Coastal
Land Use Plan
Sharp Park
Specific Plan
Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
22 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Buildings and Energy
Buildings and Energy focuses on practical strategies to reduce GHG emissions from the built environment, such as transitioning to a clean energy grid, improving energy efficiency, and adopting
sustainable building practices. This includes emissions associated with energy used in potable water distribution and wastewater treatment. Energy and
water use are linked; energy is needed to transport
and treat potable water, treat wastewater, and
heat domestic hot water in homes and businesses
across Pacifica.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Electricity and natural gas are the most common
energy sources used in buildings, and most buildings
in California are mixed-fuel, meaning they use both
natural gas and electricity. Electricity is primarily
used in buildings to provide lighting, refrigeration,
ventilation, cooling and to power computers,
phones, and displays. Natural gas is currently used
in buildings to provide space heating, water heating,
cooking, and clothes drying. While buildings use both
natural gas and electricity, nearly all building GHG
emissions are due to natural gas combustion. By
electrifying buildings, using carbon-free electricity
instead of gas, we can decarbonize the building
sector. In 2023 buildings in the residential and commercial/industrial sectors accounted for 42% of total emissions in Pacifica, with 40% resulting from natural
gas consumption in buildings and 2% resulting from
electricity consumption in buildings.
New rules from the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (Bay Area Air District) will phase out the sale and installation of water heaters and furnaces that
produce nitrogen oxides (NOx)—pollutants that contribute to smog and harm human health. Starting in 2027 for residential water heaters, 2029 for furnaces,
and 2031 for commercial and multifamily water
heaters, only zero-NOx appliances (those that do not
emit nitrogen oxides) can be sold or installed in the
Bay Area. Currently, only electric appliances such
as heat pump water heaters and space heaters can
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
23 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan meet this threshold. By following these rules, Pacifica will help reduce GHG emissions and improve local air
quality. To begin phasing out natural gas earlier, this CAAP recommends that the City adopt local Reach
Codes that require zero-NOx appliances in both new
construction and existing buildings ahead of the
regional deadlines.
Buildings and Energy Goals
E1. Reduce GHG emissions from the building sector by 24% below 2021 levels by 2030.
E2. Reduce GHG emissions from wastewater treatment 10% below 2021 levels by 2030.
E1. Reduce GHG emissions from the building sector by 24% below 2021 levels by 2030.
GHG Reductions: 13,807 MT CO2e
Action Buildings and Energy Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
E1.1
Work with Peninsula Clean
Energy (PCE) to monitor and
reduce opt-out rates; strive
for 100% PCE participation of
residents and PG&E customers
within City boundaries.
Low $ Short Environmental
Commission, PCE
Number of
PG&E customers
enrolled in PCE
E1.2
By 2027, assist residents in
making home electrification
upgrades by: 1) streamlining
the permit processes for
home electrification upgrades,
such as panel upgrades and
installation of heat pumps; 2)
changing zoning requirements
to ease restrictions on where
heat pumps can be placed.
Med $ Long
Community
Development
Department (CDD):
Planning and
Building Divisions
Number of
permits pulled
for home electrification retrofits
and new builds;
Reduction in
time to approve
permits in 2030 as
compared to 2027
E1.3
Partner with funding agencies
to offer incentives for residents to install rooftop solar, balcony-mounted solar panels,
and home battery storage
systems by December 2027.
Low $ Long
Environmental
Commission
Number of homes
with balcony or
rooftop solar
and batteries
E1.4
Establish building standards in
alignment with Build it Green’s
“green point” rating, especially
for multifamily projects; collaborate with Build it Green to recommend standards for Pacifica.
Med $ Short CDD: Building Division
Updated building
standards
implemented
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
24 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Buildings and Energy Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
E1.5
Implement Reach Code
standard for low-carbon
construction materials,
including low-carbon concrete by December 2027;
encourage use of repurposed
materials in construction.
Med $ Long CDD: Building Division
Reach code in
place; Number
of new construction projects
completed
under new code
E1.6
Adopt a "Zero NOx" reach
code for new construction
by December 2025.
Med $ Short CDD: Building Division
Reach code in
place; number
of new construction projects
completed
under new code
E1.7
Adopt a "Zero NOx" reach
code for existing buildings
by December 2027 matching
to Bay Area Air District
(BAAD) Zero NOx rules.
Med $ Short CDD: Building Division
Reach code in
place; Number
of permits pulled
for water heaters
and furnaces
E1.8
Adopt a Sustainable Practices
Purchasing Policy for City
operations such as San Mateo
County's Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing
Policy by December 2027.
Low $ Med City Manager’s Office
Number of purchases made
that comply with
definition of
"environmentally
preferable"
E1.9
Establish a Zero-Waste
Policy for municipal operations by December 2027.Low $ Short City Manager’s Office Policy in place E1.10
Prioritize outreach to building
owners and residents
regarding: the benefits of “deep
renovations” to improve energy
efficiency when remodeling
benefits of deconstruction
(vs demolition) when remodeling water ordinances and
how to reduce use of water (in
collaboration with NCCWD).
Updates on permitting and
zoning requirements (see E1.2).
Low $ Short CDD , Environmental
Commission, NCCWD
Outreach program
in place; Number
of building owners
doing deep renovations; Number
of building
owners practicing
deconstruction;
Water usage
rates; Number of
permits pulled
for home electrification retrofits
and new builds
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
25 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan E2. Reduce GHG emissions from wastewater treatment 10% below 2021 levels by 2030.
Action Buildings and Energy Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
E2.1
Promote residential graywater
use by: a) educating City staff
on existing plumbing codes, b)
following up with community
outreach about the benefits of
greywater systems, c) exploring
the feasibility of graywater mandates for new construction.
Low $ Short
CDD:
Building
Division,
NCCWD
a) Number of trainings
held for City staff; b)
Program in place for
community outreach;
c) Findings included in
annual CAAP implementation report
E2.2
Complete Ultraviolet
Disinfection Replacement
Project, which is projected to
reduce energy use by 85%.
Med $$ Short
PWD:
Wastewater
Division
New disinfection
system installed
E2.3
Investigate options for
transporting 'Class A' solid
waste to receiving entities
located closer to Pacifica
than those currently used.
Med $ Med
PWD:
Wastewater
Division
Findings included in
second annual CAAP
implementation report
Hanson (9 years old)Harvey (10 years old)
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
26 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Transportation and Land Use
Carbon Intensity of Fuels,
Vehicle Efficiency, and
Vehicle Miles Travelled
Reducing emissions from the transportation sector
requires addressing three primary components: 1)
switching to carbon-free fuels, 2) increasing vehicle
fuel efficiency, and 3) reducing vehicle miles travelled (VMT). Gasoline and diesel, the two primary fuel types used to power vehicles across the state,
create 48% of Pacifica’s GHG emissions. Transitioning
from fossil fuels to carbon-free electricity is key to
reducing emissions in the transportation sector. As
the electricity grid increasingly relies on renewable
energy sources, the emissions reduction potential of
replacing gasoline and diesel vehicles with electric
ones continues to grow, similar to the benefits seen
with electrifying fossil fuel equipment in buildings.
While decarbonizing our vehicles can significantly
reduce GHG emissions from transportation, reducing
VMT can also contribute to GHG emissions reductions while also providing important co-benefits.
The Challenges of Reducing
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
and Associated Co‑Benefits
VMT reduction is achieved by switching from driving
personal vehicles to other modes of transportation
like walking, biking, transit, and even carpools.
However, achieving VMT reductions has been challenging in California. Fully understanding the factors that lead to increased VMT is challenging, but contributing factors likely include: economic growth, lack of affordable housing near urban cores, urban
sprawl, lack of viable public transportation options,
cheap gasoline, and streets that discourage pedestrian or bicycle access. By providing improved active transportation infrastructure, programs to incentivize alternative transportation, and more mobility-focused urban planning, Pacifica can work to reduce VMT over time.
The benefits of integrated planning and sustainable
development go far beyond simply reducing the
GHG emissions that contribute to climate change
and its damaging effects. Inclusive communities are
designed to provide housing options for all income,
ability, and age groups, and enable community
members to use a range of transportation options
that reduce congestion, improve air quality, and
increase economic development.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
27 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Transportation and Land Use Goals
T1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 12% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels through increased public transit, walking, and biking.
T2. Reduce GHG emissions through land use changes.
T3. Increase total number of public EV charging stations from 32 to 540 by 2030.
T4. Increase Pacifica EV use to 50% by 2030.
T1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 12% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels through increased public transit, walking, and biking.
GHG Reductions: 6,133 MT CO2e
Action Transportation and Land Use Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead
Key
Performance
Indicator (KPI)
T1.1
Launch the creation and development of
a Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) Plan in 2025 to be completed
by 2030. Suggested projects:
Implement all day limited stop bus service
from Linda Mar with one stop only in
Rockaway, Sharp Park, and Manor to BART/
Caltrain Mon-Fri; include beach shuttles
for weekends and special events.
Work with San Mateo County Transit
Authority (SMCTA) to explore traffic solutions that make bus service faster, such as queue jumps and signal priority.
Work with SMCTA to plan bus stop improvements for bike/pedestrian access and additional amenities, such as more bike parking, benches, shelter, light, real time wayfinding,
and protection from temperature extremes.
Work with Caltrans to plan major roadway
projects, such as bike/pedestrian CA1
overcrossing prioritizing in high congestion
areas (Rockaway, Reina Del Mar) and other
major CA1 roadway projects that reduce
congestion and provide bike/ped safety.
Work with MTC/SamTrans to promote
ease of use of the transit and bus system
and explore microtransit expansion.
Collaborate with SamTrans to maximize bus access for students travelling to and from Pacifica schools.
Med $$ Short
CDD, PWD,
Parks, Beaches
& Recreation
(PB&R)
(a) TDM Plan
Developed and
Approved; (b)
Plans for at least
one new limited
stop bus service
established;
(c) At least one
major CA1
roadway project
shovel ready
for obtaining
grant funding
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
28 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Transportation and Land Use Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead
Key
Performance
Indicator (KPI)
T1.2
Complete all actions outlined in Pacifica's
2020 Bike and Pedestrian (Bike/Ped)
Master Plan by 2040. Starting in 2025,
implement formal semi-annual status
review of projects and upcoming
actions from the Bike/Ped Plan.
Update the Bike/Ped Plan before 2030,
to include a feasibility study for a community bike share program by working with the Metropolitan Transit Commission
(MTC), City Council Association of
Governments (C/CAG) and Bay Wheels.
Low $ Long
PB&R
Department
and
Commission,
PWD
Semi-annual
reviews conducted; One
update to the
Bike/Ped Plan
including bikeshare feasibility study
before 2030
T1.3
Promote transit use by highlighting transit
options in City communications and
establishing auto-enrollment in Clipper
START for income-qualified residents.
Med $ Short Economic
Development
Number of outreach channels
and frequency
of posts, (e.g.
social media,
PR, paid ads,
etc.); Number
of Pacifica
transit trips
originating
in Pacifica
START enrollees
T2. Reduce GHG emissions through land use changes.
Action Transportation and Land Use Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
T2.1
Create policy to eliminate/
reduce minimum parking requirements for new developments in Metropolitan Transit Authority Priority
Development Areas.
Med $$ Med
CDD:
Planning
Division
Increased development potential
(esp. infill);
Specific plans;
funding solutions
T2.2
Develop projects incorporating
Complete Streets approaches,
pavement-to-parks, and other
permeable surface options
and green infrastructure.
Med $$ Long
CDD: Planning
Division,
PWD:
Engineering
Division,
PB&R
Specific plan provisions; infrastructure
design code updates
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
29 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Transportation and Land Use Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
T2.3
Focus on infill development, especially on underutilized sites and those served by pedestrian and
transit routes.
Med $$ Long
CDD:
Planning
Division
Specific plans;
Funding solutions
T2.4
Create housing solutions for different
populations, including low-income
individuals and seniors, and for
interim and permanent housing.
Med $$ Long
CDD:
Planning
Division
Number of
defined projects
with financing
T3. Increase total number of public EV charging stations from 32 to 540 by 2030.
Action Transportation and Land Use
Actions GHG CostEffort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) T3.1
Prepare an EV readiness plan by
2026 that requires CalGreen Tier 2
EV charging and includes cost estimates to expand EV infrastructure.
Low $ Short PWD Plan in place
T3.2 Install 25 EV Chargers at
Municipal Facilities by 2030. Med $$ Long PWD; PCE Number of Municipal EV chargers installed T3.3
Install 508 EV charging stations by 2030; for more information about E-bikes and E-bike chargers, please see Appendix I
High $$$ Long
Environmental
Commission;
PCE; RICAPS
Number of public
and private EV
chargers installed
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
30 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan T4. Increase Pacifica EV use to 50% by 2030.
GHG Reductions: 15,506 MT CO2e
Action Transportation and Land Use
Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) T4.1
Electrify the City's entire light
duty Fleet by 2035. Create EV
buying guide for City vehicle purchases to mandate end-of-life vehicle conversion by 2027.
Med $$ Long PWD
Number of EVs
purchased by City;
Development of
EV Buying Guide
T4.2
Create incentives for low-cost
EV-charging for City employees
in Pacifica, including childcare
workers, and coordinate with
Pacifica School District to explore
charging options for teachers.
High $$ Long
Economic
Development,
Human
Resources
Department,
Environmental
Commission
Number of City
employees and
teachers who install
EV charging stations
in their homes.
T4.3
Partner with organizations to
establish an EV Education and
Outreach program for the community that includes information about incentives for switching to
EV by 2025. Continually update
the EV Education and Outreach
program until community
reaches 100% EV adoption.
High $$ Long
Economic
Development,
Human
Resources
Department,
Environmental
Commission
Number of community members
reached through
EV Education and
Outreach programs
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
31 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Food, Consumption, and Waste
The food, consumption, and waste systems contribute to climate change by emitting GHG at every stage of production, distribution, use, and disposal.
By minimizing over-consumption and waste, we can
also minimize associated GHG emissions. The basic
principles of “Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair,
Recycle” are things each of us can do in our daily
lives to have an impact. Encouraging local reuse of
items in the community and supporting local Pacifica
businesses not only supports climate actions but also
supports our local economy.
Food, Consumption, and Waste Goals
F1. Prioritize education to community and City staff about sustainable food and consumption practices.
F2. Increase local spending on food within Pacifica by 25% by 2030.
F3. Reduce GHG emissions from the solid waste sector by 75% below 2021 levels by 2030.
F1. Prioritize education to community and City staff about sustainable food and consumption practices.
Action Food, Consumption,
and Waste Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance
Indicator (KPI)
F1.1
Support campaigns like
StopFoodWaste.org
and “Food Too Good to
Waste” with tips on how
to shop, store, and cook
to minimize food waste.
Low $ Med Environmental
Commission
Communication
campaigns
supported
F1.2
Promote healthy diets
that emphasize seasonal
vegetables, plant-based
proteins, and less processed foods through
supporting the local
farmer's market and
local community supported agriculture (CSA)
programs; Consult with
local organizations such
as Pacifica Gardens and
Master Gardeners on
educational outreach.
Supportive $ Short Environmental
Commission
Visitors to the
Pacifica Farmers’
market; Number
of people enrolled
in CSA programs
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
32 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Food, Consumption,
and Waste Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance
Indicator (KPI)
F1.3
By 2027, install water
refill stations in every
City building and phase
out the sale and use of
single-use water bottles.
Low $ Med PWD
Number of water
refill stations in City
buildings; Percentage
of City buildings with
water refill stations
F1.4
Communicate to City
employees the City’s
zero waste policy (see
E1.9) and conduct
training on how to
achieve zero waste.
Low $ Med
City Manager’s
Office,
Environmental
Commission
Training developed
and delivered
to City staff
F1.5
Establish a procurement
policy that prohibits
single-use plastics
(i.e. utensils, cups) for
City buildings and City
events by December
2025. Provide reusable
or compostable service
ware instead.
Low $ Short City
Manager’s Office
Policy adopted; Policy
compliance rates
F1.6
Provide training to
businesses regarding
the City's Disposable
Foodware Ordinance.
Enforce the ordinance.
Low $ Med Environmental
Commission
Training developed
and delivered;
Number of
businesses in
compliance with the
Disposable Foodware
Ordinance
F2. Increase local spending in Pacifica by 25% by 2030.
Action Food, Consumption,
and Waste Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) F2.1
Establish community-based re-use hubs (like
Urban Ore in Berkeley)
that accepts common
household items, including
clothing and toys.
Low $$ Med
Economic
Development,
Environmental
Commission
Number of re-use hubs;
Number of people who
visit re-use hubs
F2.2
Promote San Mateo
County’s “Library of
Things” and work with
the County to establish
a tool-lending library.
Low $$ Med
Economic
Development,
Library,
Environmental
Commission
Number and types of
loans; Number of people
who borrow items
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
33 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Food, Consumption,
and Waste Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) F2.3
Identify barriers keeping
small, local retailers from
operating storefronts
along Palmetto Avenue.
Low $ Med Economic
Development
Barriers identified;
Number of fully utilized
storefronts on Palmetto
F2.4
Continue to amplify
local businesses via
Shop Pacifica and other
innovative programs.
Low $ Short Economic
Development
Number of businesses advertised via
Shop Pacifica; Dollars
spent in Pacifica
F2.5
Consider establishing
a policy that requires
building materials
from within a 500-mile
radius from the job site.
Encourage the purchase of
locally sourced products.
Med $ Med CDD:
Building Division
Policy adoption;
Percentage of
projects using locally
sourced materials
F3. Reduce GHG emissions from the solid waste sector by 75% below 2021 levels by 2030.
GHG Reductions: 6,634 MT CO2e
Action Food, Consumption,
and Waste Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance
Indicator (KPI)
F3.1
Establish a food recovery
program for restaurants by
December 2027. Work with
Recology to identify potential
stores and restaurants.
Low $ Med
Economic Development
(Department or
Committee), Recology
Number of
restaurants participating; Pounds
of food recovered
F3.2
Assess opportunities to use
biochar, compost, mulch,
and biofuels by June 2027.
Low $ Med
Public Works
Department (PWD):
Field Services Division
Findings included
in second annual
CAAP implementation report
F3.3
Work with Recology to double
the number of ZEV or Biogas
vehicles at Recology by 2030.
Med $ Long
Environmental
Commission, Recology
Number of ZEVs
or Biogas vehicles
at Recology
F3.4
Work with Recology to
conduct corporate waste
audits for all corporate customers at least every 4 years; assist Recology as needed to
ensure individual business
compliance with recycling
and composting practices.
Low $ Long
Environmental
Commission, Recology
Number of corporate waste
audits completed
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
34 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Resilience and Adaptation
The CAAP Task Force defines resilience as the ability
of a system to anticipate and recover from the
effects of a potentially hazardous event in a timely
and efficient manner. Adaptation is adjustment to
changing environmental conditions.
By integrating resilience and adaptation into our
CAAP, Pacifica aims to ensure that the City is not only equipped to handle the immediate challenges posed
by climate change but also positioned to thrive in
the face of long-term environmental shifts. This dual
approach strengthens our capacity to protect both
human and natural systems, promoting a holistic
strategy for climate action.
As a coastal community, erosion, storm impacts, and
sea level rise are very real concerns for Pacificans.
This plan includes adaptation solutions like green
infrastructure, dune restoration, and alternatives to
hardening the coastline. The City of Pacifica has been
working to modify its draft Local Coastal Land Use
Program (LCLUP) update by incorporating findings
of how sea level rise and erosion will impact social,
economic, and physical coastal resources including
homes, businesses, and critical facilities and infrastructure; and strategies that will prepare the City to deal with these impacts. Current projects include
the Beach Boulevard Seawall and Infrastructure
Resiliency Project and the Esplanade Avenue Bluffs
Project. More information can be found here.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
35 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Resilience and Adaption Goals
R1. Secure funding to support adaptation and resilience strategies and actions.
R2. Implement grey infrastructure and nature-based solutions to improve resilience, water conservation, and adaptation of Pacifica.
R3. Create a plan for distributed back-up renewable energy sources that are available to all Pacifica residents.
R4. Strengthen the City’s and community’s emergency response capacity by developing near-term resources to minimize impact and support rapid recovery.
R1. Secure funding to support adaptation and resilience strategies and actions.
Action Resilience and Adaptation Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
R1.1
Explore conducting a Climate
Change Vulnerability Assessment to
identify critical infrastructure (such
as utilities, and transportation corridors) at highest risk from climate impacts, including but not limited
to continued shoreline erosion.
Low $ Mid
Community
Development
Department (CDD):
Planning Division;
Public Works
Department (PWD)
Completion of
Climate Change
Vulnerability
Assessment
R1.2
Collaborate with Emergency
Preparedness and Safety
Commission and Economic
Development Committee to draft
Community & Business Resilience
Plans for extreme weather
and prolonged power outages,
including potential locations for
Community Resiliency Hubs.
Low $ Short
Emergency
Preparedness and
Safety Commission;
Economic
Development
Committee
Plan drafted and
distributed to
local businesses
and community;
Plan posted on
City website
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
36 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Resilience and Adaptation Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
R1.3
Adopt a goal to increase Pacifica
urban area tree canopy coverage
from 19% to 25%. The following
projects support this action:
1. Update the existing Pacifica
Tree Ordinance in 2025 to add
the phrasing “Protect, preserve,
and replace trees” in support of
the canopy goal. Ensure that the
canopy is replaced whenever
protected trees are removed.
2. By 2026 establish a tree maintenance schedule and plan, including watering for new trees.
3. By 2026, incorporate Arbor
Day and Tree City USA into
a City committee or commission. Develop a subcommittee that collaborates with Tree City Pacifica and other
citizens groups to celebrate
Arbor Day and fulfill annual
Tree City USA requirements.
4. By 2027 create an Adopt-A-Tree
Program. Form a subcommittee
of the Beautification Advisory
Committee to work with citizens to adopt new City trees by signing watering agreements.
Develop incentives for residents
to plant trees on their property.
By 2030 create an Urban Forest
and Street Tree Plan. Hire a consultant that works with City staff, Tree City Pacifica, and citizens to
create Urban Forest and Street
Tree Plans. Incorporate the
Canopy Goal into Urban Forest
and Street Tree into the plan.
Med $ Med PWD, PB&R
Tree canopy
goal adopted;
Urban area tree
canopy coverage; Creation
of Adopt-A-Tree
Program;
Creation of an
Urban Forest and
Street Tree Plan
Note: Regional
(county, state,
federal, etc.
lands) within
Pacifica are
not included
in the “Pacifica
Urban Area.”
Note: Per the
current tree
ordinance:
“Protected trees
shall mean and
include all trees
on public and
private property
within the City
of Pacifica which
have a trunk with
a diameter of 12
inches or greater
at 54 inches
above grade”
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
37 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan R2. Implement grey infrastructure and nature-based solutions to improve resilience, water conservation, and adaptation of Pacifica.
Action Resilience and Adaptation Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
R2.1
Develop green infrastructure
projects, such as increasing
permeable surfaces for parking
lots, streets, sidewalks, and
vegetation.
Low $ Med CDD, PWD,
PB&R Number of projects
R2.2
Maintain current bioswales
and identify additional project
sites for new bioswales, such
as Sharp Park, by December
2026.
Low $ Short PWD, CDD
Bioswales maintained; New bioswale
projects designed
and implemented
R2.3
Work with San Mateo County
and NCCWD to promote the
County's rain barrel rebate
program and educate residents
about stormwater pollution;
Communicate the benefits of
green roofs to building owners.
Med $ Med
PWD, NCCWD,
San Mateo
County
Number of residents
reached through
rebate and outreach
programs; Number of
rain barrels installed;
Gallons of rainwater
captured; Amount of
rebates provided
R2.4
Investigate the health and environmental benefits, and feasibility of, a citywide artificial turf ban by December 2027.
Low $ Short PWD, PB&R
Findings included in
annual CAAP implementation report
R2.5
Update City permitting criteria to require permeable and cooler pavement methods for
new and upgraded residential
and commercial projects.
Low $ Med CDD
Permitting criteria
updated; Total
square footage of
permeable/cool
pavement installed
R2.6
Explore alternatives to hardening
coastline and share findings with
community members; plan for
and develop such projects, i.e.
artificial reef at Sharp Park.
Low $$ Med PWD:
Engineering
Identification of
preferred alternatives; Number of
community meetings
held/ community
members engaged
with; Incorporation
of alternatives into
Coastal Plan
R2.7
Prioritize dune restoration
projects to promote a healthy
coastal ecosystem.
Low $$ Med PWD:
Engineering
Number of dune restoration projects completed; square footage of dunes restored
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
38 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Resilience and Adaptation Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
R2.8
Plan for coastal erosion and
storm surges by developing
a policy that requires new or
upgraded infrastructure to
consider high-risk zones.
Low $$$ Long
Community
Development,
Public Works
Policy in place;
number of projects or
structures constructed
in high-risk zone
R2.9
Incorporate relocation of at-risk
critical infrastructure into the
City’s Capital Improvement Plan to
take strategic advantage of State
and Federal funding support.
Low $ Long PWD
Inclusion of relocation
projects in Capital
Improvement Plan
R2.10
Adopt regulations to require
all new roofing and reroofing
projects to meet or exceed
the most current cool roof
efficiency standards.
Low $ Med CDD
Relevant municipal
code updated;
Compliance rate
R2.11
Adopt regulations, in accordance
with state law, that limit development in landslide-prone areas.
Low $ Short CDD: Planning
Division
Regulations
implemented
R2.12
Stabilize landslide prone hillsides with native stabilizing shrubs and trees (Oak, etc.).
Low $ Med CDD
Number of stabilizing shrubs or trees
planted; Number of
acres stabilized
R2.13
Restrict development, in
compliance with state law,
in the Wildland-Urban
Interface (WUI).
Low $ Short CDD
Adoption of updated
development restrictions or guidelines
for the WUI
R2.14
Work with the community and
local agencies to manage vegetation and reduce fuel load via goat grazing at the WUI;
Explore additional wildfire
risk reduction methods.
Low $ Med
Fire,
Environmental
Commission /
Acres grazed
R2.15
Incentivize and encourage building
retrofit programs to promote
defensible space, removal of
highly flammable invasive species,
and planting of fire-resistant
native species. Assist members
of vulnerable neighborhoods
to access these programs.
Low $ Med Fire, CDD,
PWD
Number of building
retrofits completed to improve
defensible space
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
39 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Resilience and Adaptation Actions GHG Cost
Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
R2.16
Require roofing and siding
materials with fire retardants
in high fire risk zones.
Low $ Med CDD
Adoption of updated
building code or
ordinance requiring
fire-retardant materials; Percentage
of new or renovated buildings in
high fire risk zones
using fire-retardant
roofing and siding
R2.17
Collaborate with the Pacifica
Land Trust (PLT) to pursue
Nature-Based Solutions
(NBS) resiliency projects.
1. Work with PLT on the
Pacifica Coastal Resilience
Opportunity Study, which
seeks to identify potential
sites for NBS resiliency
projects to protect existing
homes and city infrastructure.
2. Develop actionable next steps
from study results, including
the implementation of NBS
projects; Adopt the study
to supplement the CAAP.
Partner with Open Space and
Parkland Advisory Committee
(OSPAC) and the PB&R
Commission to identify and inform
on projects in potential open
space, recreational opportunities,
and additional risk assessments.
Low $ Med PWD
Completion
of the Pacifica
Coastal Resilience
Opportunity Study;
Findings reported in
annual CAAP implementation report
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
40 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan R3. Create a plan for distributed, back-up renewable energy sources that are available to all Pacifica residents.
Action Resilience and
Adaptation Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) R3.1
Initiate research and planning
for the installation and
connection of microgrids
and virtual power plants;
Establish policies that
encourage development
of microgrids in new and
existing building projects
by December 2027.
Low $ Long
PWD:
Engineering
Number of buildings with
backup power during
grid outages; Number of
buildings that lost power
during grid outage;
Adoption of policies
R4. Strengthen the City’s and community’s emergency response capacity by developing near-term resources to minimize impact and support rapid recovery.
Action Resilience and
Adaptation Actions GHG CostEffort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) R4.1
Develop partnerships with
nonprofits that assist with
Emergency Response by
leveraging County Emergency
Response, Emergency
Preparedness Committee,
Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT),
community resources,
and nonprofits/NGOs
such as Team Rubicon.
Low $ Short Police, Fire
Number of formal partnerships established
with nonprofits or NGOs
for emergency response
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
41 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Community Engagement
In order for the goals and actions in this plan to be
implemented to their fullest extent, the support
and involvement of the entire Pacifica community is
essential. This requires a commitment to meaningful
and consistent engagement across all groups, with a
focus on reaching Pacifica’s diverse populations, vulnerable communities, and youth, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be informed, involved, and
represented in the city’s climate efforts. The following community engagement goals and actions are designed to help advance and support the initiatives outlined across the four previous sections of the CAAP: Buildings and Energy; Transportation
and Land Use; Food, Consumption, and Waste; and
Resilience and Adaptation.
Community Engagement Goals
C1. Adopt processes and resources to ensure implementation of the CAAP.
C2. Ensure youth engagement in the implementation of the CAAP.
C3. Prioritize community outreach and education.
C1. Adopt processes and resources to ensure implementation of the CAAP.
Action Community Engagement
Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) C1.1
Form an Environmental
Commission in 2025. Supportive $ Short City Manager’s Office Formation of
Commission
C1.2 Hire a Sustainability
Coordinator in 2025. Supportive $$ Short City Manager’s Office Position created;
Position filled
C1.3
Develop a calendar for
ongoing and regular
check-ins with each City
department head and staff
to facilitate CAAP-related
idea and resource sharing
between City staff.
Supportive $ Short Environmental
Commission
Calendar in place
and followed
C2. Ensure youth engagement in the implementation of the CAAP.
Action Community Engagement
Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) C2.1
Support the formation
of a youth-led climate
action group focused on
finding solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate
change at a local level.
Supportive $ Short Environmental
Commission
Establish group
and solicit volunteers in 2025
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
42 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Action Community Engagement
Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) C2.2
Create City and local school
district partnerships incentivizing families and youth carpooling, using public
transit, walking, or biking.
Low-Med $ Medium
Environmental
Commission;
Pacifica School
District; Jefferson
Union High School
District; SamTrans
Number of new
partnerships;
Number of students using alternative modes of
transit to get to/
from school
C3. Prioritize community outreach and education.
Action Community Engagement
Actions GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI) C3.1
Create and maintain a
web page that provides
resources for home
energy efficiency and
electrification, especially
programs offered by
Peninsula Clean Energy
(PCE), by December 2025.
Supportive $ Short
Environmental
Commission,
Community
Development
Department
(CDD)
Page is created;
Site maintenance
schedule established and followed
C3.2
Host workshops and
community events at
local libraries and the
Community Center on
topics like nature-based
solutions, pickling or
other food preservation,
low-carbon eating, fix-it
clinics, and other practices
for sustainable living.
Supportive $ Short Environmental
Commission
Number of workshops per year;
Number of
attendees at events
C3.3
Use centralized bulletin
boards at or near City Hall
and the Community Center,
updated monthly, to inform
and educate residents
on topics listed in C3.2.
Supportive $ Short Environmental
Commission
Number of
attendees at events
C3.4
Continue/increase education and awareness of
wildfire preparedness
Supportive $ Short
Environmental
Commission;
Emergency
Preparedness
and Safety
Commission
Number of public
education workshops
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
43 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Achieving the Target
If fully implemented, the measures and actions identified in the Pacifica CAAP would make substantial progress toward reducing Pacifica’s GHG emissions. Table 2 summarizes the GHG mitigation goals and the GHG emission reductions they would achieve in 2030 upon the implementation of their actions.
Table 2. Pacifica CAP GHG Emission Reduction Summary
Goal Goal Text
2030 GHG Emission
Reduction Potential (MT
CO2e)
Buildings and Energy
Goal E1 Reduce GHG emissions from the building sector by 24% in 2030. 13,807 Goal E2 Reduce GHG emissions from wastewater
treatment 10% below 2021 levels by 2030. Supportive
Transportation and Land Use
Goal T1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 12% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels through increased public transit, walking, and biking. 6,133 Goal T2 Reduce GHG emissions through land use changes. Supportive Goal T3 Increase total number of public EV charging stations from 32 to 540 by 2030. Supportive Goal T4 Increase Pacifica EV use to 50% by 2030. 15,506 Food, Consumption, and Waste
Goal F1 Prioritize education to community and City staff about sustainable food and consumption practices. Supportive
Goal F2 Increase local spending on food within Pacifica by 25% by 2030. Supportive Goal F3 Reduce GHG emissions from the solid waste
sector by 75% below 2021 level by 2030. 6,634
Total 42,080
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
44 CAAP Goals and Actions | Achieving the Target
Together, the GHG mitigation goals and actions in the CAAP provide Pacifica with the GHG emission reductions necessary to achieve Pacifica’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target (see Table 3). This CAAP’s goals and actions also make substantial progress on Pacifica’s 2045 carbon neutrality target by establishing the foundations for citywide decarbonization through electrification, clean energy, and a more circular economy.
Table 3. City of Pacifica GHG Emissions Reductions Pathway GHG Emission Forecast or Reduction Target 2030 GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) Adjusted Forecast 123,674
GHG Emissions Reductions (from full implementation of goals) (42,080) GHG Emissions Remaining (after goals reductions) 81,595 GHG Emission Reduction Target 81,758
GHG Emissions Gap (between remaining GHG emissions and target) (163) Target Anticipated to be Met? Yes Andy (8 years old) Ava (8 years old) Beau (10 years old)
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
45 CAAP Goals and Actions | Achieving the Target
Implementation
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
46 CAAP Goals and Actions | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan CAAP Goals and
Actions
Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Emissions
Targets
Background and
Progress Report
SECTION 6
Implementation
The Pacifica CAAP serves as a roadmap for achieving
the City’s GHG emissions reduction targets while
preparing for the impacts of climate change. The
CAAP outlines implementable policies and actions
that align with state legislation and set a foundation
for achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Although
the Plan is designed to meet near- and long-term
goals, it will require dedicated time and resources to
be successfully implemented. By establishing dedicated staffing, performing regular monitoring, and continuing to engage the community throughout the
implementation process, the City of Pacifica will have
greater success implementing this CAAP. This chapter
focuses on identifying the existing and required
resources for implementation, recommended community involvement, and monitoring guidelines. Jolene (7 years old) Matias (2 years old) City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
47 Implementation | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Grant Funding
This CAAP was designed to position the City to
pursue new local, regional, state, and federal
funding sources. The Environmental Commission
and Sustainability Coordinator (discussed in detail
below) will support efforts to research and apply for
these funding opportunities (see Appendix G for a
list of potential grants). Securing grant funding will be critical to implementing some of the larger and more
impactful strategies included in the CAAP, including
developing new infrastructure like EV chargers and
bike/pedestrian improvements. The City should
continue to partner with regional initiatives like
the RICAPS program to help secure funding and
implement regional priorities.
Sustainability Coordinator
and Environmental Commission
To direct the implementation of the measures and
actions outlined in this CAAP, the City should create
a full-time Sustainability Coordinator position and
an Environmental Commission comprised of volunteer community members. Devoting at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) position to sustainability
would increase the City’s ability to achieve its climate goals. Currently, the City has a 0.75 FTE allocation
for sustainability efforts, and these responsibilities
are shared by two staff members. The creation of a
dedicated sustainability coordinator position and an
environmental commission would serve as the foundation of the CAAP implementation process.
Sustainability Coordinator
The City should hire a Sustainability Coordinator (or
Sustainability Program Manager), whose primary
responsibility will be to implement this CAAP, report
out on progress, and produce subsequent updates.
If City funds are insufficient initially to dedicate a
full-time position to this role, a staff member (e.g.,
management analyst) should manage this program,
with at least 75% of their time dedicated to sustainability efforts.
Responsibilities of the Sustainability Coordinator
should include, but are not limited to:
y Deliver an annual report to update the City
Council, residents, and other interested parties on
progress in implementing CAAP actions.
y Coordinate and facilitate sustainability projects
and initiatives in all phases of execution to meet
the objectives set forth by the CAAP.
y Research and apply for grants that support the
City’s climate goals, such as projects related to
electrification and transportation.
y Review and coordinate sustainability initiatives
in the CAAP with other City of Pacifica plans,
including the General Plan and Local Coastal
Land Use Plan.
y Coordinate with City departments, commissions,
county departments, and other organizations to
implement CAAP actions.
y Participate in local and regional collaborations
with agencies such as PCE, RICAPS, City/County
Association of Governments, CivicWell, and
Sustainable San Mateo County.
y Create and maintain an easily accessible page
on the City website with resources for residents,
such as rebate and incentive programs from
PCE, building electrification resources, solar programs, etc.
See Appendix J for sample job descriptions from
other Bay Area cities.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
48 Implementation | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Environmental Commission
For these actions to be implemented, it will be crucial to establish an Environmental Commission to keep
the work of this CAAP moving forward. As evidenced by the volunteer CAAP Task Force, resident volunteers provide tremendous value to the City of
Pacifica. The estimated value for an hour of volunteer
work in California is $38.61 (Source: Independent
Sector and University of Maryland). Estimating that
each Task Force member dedicated approximately
150 hours over a year equates to roughly $58,000
for the year (for ten Task Force members) — a great
bargain considering the amount of expertise and
local knowledge that our community members hold.
This would also hold true for a future Environmental
Commission.
A City Sustainability Coordinator will be essential
to guide the workflow of the future Environmental
Commission and to facilitate collaboration with other
City Staff and Departments. Many other jurisdictions
in San Mateo County employ at least one full-time
sustainability staff position. Hiring consultants (such as Rincon and MIG) was important for technical
assistance and community engagement support for
the CAAP and totaled approximately $100k. By comparison, if consultants were to have been hired to do the work of the Task Force and City Staff, estimated
costs would be upwards of $250k-$300k.
The City should establish an Environmental
Commission of volunteer local citizens dedicated
to advising the City Council and City Staff on
matters involving environmental protection, climate
change, and sustainability. Below are recommendations regarding the composition and terms of the Commission:
y The Commission should be comprised of five to
seven members from the community, including
one high school or college student.
y Members should serve up to two 2-year terms;
the student should serve one term or two
1-year terms.
y The Commission should meet regularly, approximately once per month. y Members should be appointed by the City Council.
Commission Priorities
y Advise and recommend on the implementation
of the 2025 CAAP, including regular monitoring
and reporting on progress; Collaborate with the
Sustainability Coordinator to prepare an annual
progress report to Council; Evaluate timing and
format to update the CAAP on related City plans,
such as the General Plan and Local Coastal Land
Use Plan, and ensure coordination across these
plans on environmental issues.
y Ensure that the City’s vulnerable communities,
including the unhoused and those living in highclimate risk areas, have a voice in policies and programs to protect their communities from harmful environmental impacts.
y Partner with other community organizations on
efforts to protect the environment. Examples
include Tree City Pacifica on meeting urban tree
canopy goal, Pacific Beach Coalition on waste
reduction, and Open Space and Parkland Advisory
Committee (OSPAC) on protecting the ecosystem.
Seek input from community members in advance
of annual report publication.
y Pursue sustainability initiatives with the City,
schools, and community groups through City-led
events on the topics of habitat protection, healthy
air, surface water runoff quality, water conservation, waste reduction, climate adaptation, and other related topics.
y Advise and assist City staff in identifying and
applying for grants that support environmental
conservation and protection.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
49 Implementation | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Pacifica Youth Involvement
This section was authored by two youth advocates
who worked with the CAAP Task Force — Ava Litz and
Calvin Chan of Terra Nova High School.
“As youths living in Pacifica, we have witnessed
firsthand the effects of climate change on our community. From the sky turning orange in 2020 as a result of extreme wildfires or extreme weather
such as extreme heat waves that our community is
unprepared for. Though we are taught about climate
change in school and on social media, there are not
many systematic opportunities for youth to take
action. The City of Pacifica’s CAAP Task Force has
welcomed youth voices, giving space for a variety
of perspectives. Furthermore, by being welcomed
into the CAAP Task Force, we have been given the
opportunities to gain experience in being part of
making a change.
For example, youth members of the CAAP Task Force
presented to Pacifica City Council about the need to
engage and partner with student groups in the CAAP
implementation process. Our youth community will
be hurt the most by climate change, as it’s our future
at stake. Therefore, working together with youth
groups to adapt to climate change will improve the
lives of Pacifica’s youth today, and create a better,
cleaner, more beautiful city for generations.
By participating in portions of the City of Pacifica's
CAAP Task Force, we [the youth] have been able to
learn how positive change is feasible and has given
us the space to share our voices and opinions with an
audience who is excited to hear what we have to say.”
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
50 Implementation | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Monitoring and
Adjustments
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
51 Implementation | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Implementation CAAP Goals and
Actions
Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Emissions
Targets
Background and
Progress Report
SECTION 7
Monitoring &
Adjustments
To ensure that the emissions targets described in
this CAAP are met, the City will identify additional
voluntary or mandatory measures to include in
the CAAP.
The City of Pacifica will establish and track key
performance indicators (KPIs) every year for each
action listed in this CAAP, including actions to reduce consumption-based emissions. The Sustainability
Coordinator will post progress on KPIs on the City’s
website twice a year.
Through the RICAPS program, Pacifica will consider
participating in a countywide goal for KPIs agreed
to by all cities in San Mateo County. Those KPIs will
be posted and tracked on the County’s website.
Examples of common KPIs are the number of
solar installations, number of EV charging stations
installed, number of homes retrofitted, number of
EVs purchased, number of heat pump water heaters
and/or space heaters installed, etc.
The Sustainability Coordinator will track the emissions, resource savings, equity and inclusion dimensions, and any other effects of each implemented action.
The Sustainability Coordinator will issue an annual
report to update the City Council, residents, and
other interested stakeholders on the progress made
in implementing the CAAP actions. The annual report
will detail lessons learned and make recommendations for changes to the implementation strategy or the CAAP itself. Following the release of the annual
report, a 30-day public comment period will be open
to allow for community input on the implementation
of the CAAP.
The City may need to “course correct” based on the
results of the GHG inventories. Pacifica may modify
and/or add new actions to the CAAP to ensure
that the City is on track to meet its GHG emissions
reduction goals.
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
52 Monitoring and Adjustments | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Timeline Implementation CAAP Goals and
Actions
Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Emissions
Targets
Background and
Progress Report
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
53 SECTION 8
Timeline
The following timeline lists the major milestones in the CAAP implementation process. Progress and updates to this schedule should be submitted to the City Council and the public as part of an annual Plan Implementation Report. Note that GHG inventories will be available through the County-wide climate collaborative RICAPS Program every two years. The City will complete a formal update of the CAAP every five years.
Milestone Target Date
CAAP Adopted 05/2025
Sustainability Coordinator position created 10/2025
Environmental Commission established 10/2025
First annual CAAP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 06/2026 GHG Inventory for 2025 received from Rincon 10/2026
Second annual CAAP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 06/2027 Third annual CAAP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 06/2028 GHG Inventory for 2027 received from Rincon 10/2028
Fourth annual CAAP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 06/2029 Five-year formal update of CAAP 06/2030 Mira (8 years old) Raena (7 years old)
City of Pacifica | Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
54 Timeline | City of Pacifica Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Amelia (11 years old)