ATTACHMENT A
CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCE PLAN (CARP)
REVISED DRAFT WITH REDLINES
CITY OF PACIFICA
Climate Action &
AdaptationResilience Plan Natalia (8 years old)
May July 9, 2025
Acknowledgements
City Council
Sue Beckmeyer, Mayor
Christine Boles, Mayor pro Tem
Mary Bier, Councilmember
Mayra Espinosa, Councilmember
Greg Wright, Councilmember
Climate Action and Adaptation Resilience Plan
Task Force
Maria Barr
Kim Finale
Kai Martin
Monica Meagher
Margo Meiman
Rick Nahass
Dave Plumb
Carl Schwab
Nancy Tierney
Youth CAAP CARP 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.
Ben (6 years old)
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 Resilience Plan
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 CAAPPlan 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.
Ava (8 years old)
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................................................ i Land Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................................................ iii 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
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 CARP Goals and Actions.......................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Assessing Impact of the CARP .............................................................................................................................................. 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 .................................................................................................................................................................. 44
6.1 Grant Funding ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
6.2 Sustainability Coordinator and Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body .................................... 46
6.3 Pacifica Youth Involvement ................................................................................................................................................... 48 7 Monitoring and Adjustments .............................................................................................................................................. 49 8 Timeline .............................................................................................................................................................................. 51 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 Substantial 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 Commented [EB1]: The Table of Contents is not
current/accurate. It will be updated in the Final
Adopted CARP
SECTION 1
Introduction
Introduction
We are pleased to share Pacifica’s updated Climate
Action and AdaptationResilience Plan (CAAPCARP)
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, a climate action task force was
formed, when with the City Council appointeding a
dedicated group of Pacificans to come together
with the mission of updatingupdate the City’s original 2014 Climate Action Plan. The task force was originally charged with updating the Plan to be a
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. However, as
the planning process advanced, it became clear
that while the plan would include strategies supporting climate adaptation, its primary focus would be on greenhouse gas reduction, community resilience, and actionable initiatives. Comprehensive climate hazard and vulnerability assessments—typically included in a full adaptation plan—are being addressed through other City initiatives and planning efforts. To better reflect the scope and intent of the final document, the City Council voted in
2025 to rename it the Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
In the next section, you’ll see the progress we’ve
made since then. This updated CAAPCARP 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 jurisdictionscities 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, among others, to hear your thoughts about
the climate challenges we face and the changes
you’d like to see. In December 2024, we hosted focus groups to gather more input on key goals and focus areas for the CAAPCARP. 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
CAAPCARP 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.
SECTION 2
Summary
Summary
This CAAPCARP provides a comprehensive list of recommended programs, policies and actions to implement for a more sustainable and resilient Pacifica.
These recommendations offer a range of strategies for
the City Council to consider each year through its annual Strategic Goal Setting process, with implementation decisions guided by legal, financial, and operational feasibility. The strategies aim to reduce emissions, conserve energy, increase resiliency, and position the City to pursue climate-related funding opportunities. Adoption of this CAAPCARP 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, zeroemission 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:
• Cut overall GHG emissions by 55,641 metric tons, a 32% reduction • Reduced GHG emissions from the building energy sector by 36% • Reduced GHG emissions from the
transportation sector by 30%
• Reduced GHG emissions from the solid waste
sector by 22%
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 CAAPCARP. These
climate-related laws and regulations are summarized in Appendix H. Some of the most relevant goals include:
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.
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 zero-emission, increasing to 51% in 2028 and reaching 100% by 2035.
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 CAAPCARP 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 CAAPCARP also
identifies specific strategies which can be implemented today to meet these goals. These actions are outlined beginning on page 18.
Methodology
The 2030 CAAPCARP 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 CARP.
The Task Force was also guided by information
from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), an international nongovernmental 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
& and Pedestrian Plan. The CAAPCARP is consistent with and builds on these documents.
The CAAPCARP 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 CAAPCARP 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, CAAPCARP 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. While broader climate hazard and
vulnerability assessments are being addressed
through other City initiatives, this CARP includes
strategies that align with and support those efforts,
helping to guide near- and mid-term actions that
enhance community safety, sustainability, and resilience.This CAAP describes the process the City of Pacifica will embark on to develop tangible actions
and adaptation measures necessary in the shortand 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
the efforts of residents’ and businesses’ efforts to
find funding to decarbonize their buildings, vehicles, and lifestyles.
Full Implementation
To most effectively maintain the momentum of this
planning effort and move into implementationensure accountability, a full-time Sustainability Coordinator position should be established, as well as a standing Council-appointed body to advise Council
on priorities, opportunities, progress, and ensure
accountability.community Environmental Commission. Continued outreach to various voices in the Pacifica community is imperative as CAAP actions
are carried out. The Council-appointed body Staff
will provide annual progress reports, including updated GHG inventories, when available, and will prepare an update to the CAAPCARP after five
years. Continued outreach to diverse voices in the
Pacifica community will remain imperative throughout implementation and future plan updates to ensure the CARP reflects evolving community needs and priorities.
SECTION 3
Background &
Progress Reports
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 Pacifica’s 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 Council established the City Task Force in
2023 who then embarked on this CARP 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 CAAPCARP 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 cCounty, including
Pacifica. The first year of these measurements was
2005, which became the baseline year used by the
2030 CAAPCARP 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 CO2e), and all numbers are rounded to the next
whole number as shown in Table 1.
a
Table 1. Pacifica GHG Emissions Over Time
Sector/Subsector 2005 GHG Emissions (MT CO e) 2021 GHG Emissions (MT CO e) Percent 2 2 Change(%)
Building Energy 79,669 51,359 -36%
Electricity
Natural Gas
79,669
2,046
49,208 -36%
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
Notes: N/A = not applicable.
174,883 119,242 -32%
* 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
man- dating 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.”
a
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, mixed- use 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. a
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:
• 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 third-party vendor.
• Delivered 12.7 million gallons of recycled
water to North Coast County Water District
(NCCWD) for their distribution.
• Completed 17 Capital Improvement Projects for the Wastewater Division, including projects that improved energy efficiency.
7. Deployed Pacifican fire companies and fire
chief officers to major wildfire incidents
throughout California through the statewide
Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
8. 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 General Plan update on July 11,
2022.
2. Submitted the Housing Element for state approval on January 22, 2024.
3. Adopted the Local Coastal Land Use Plan,
which received California Coastal Commission certification on May 8, 2025.Submitted the Local Coastal Land Use Plan to the California Coastal Commission for review and certification on March 21, 2025.
4. Developed the Sharp Park Specific Plan during multiple community meetings from 2020 to 2022; currently awaiting Coastal
Commission approval.
5. Adopted the 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. a
•
•
https://nccwd.com
a
SECTION 4
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Targets
a
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Pacifica
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 on 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
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.
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.
a
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
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. scenarios :business-as-usual (BAU) and legislativeadjusted (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 Association of Bay Area Government’s Plan Bay
Area 2050 projections.4
a
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 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 a
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 CAAPCARP are aspirational and will be adjusted every one to two years by the
Council-appointed CARP implementation body, 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:
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
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. a
SECTION 5
CAAPCARP Goals
and Actions
a
This CAAPCARP 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
Adoptionadoption of this CAAPCARP demonstrates
Pacifica’s commitment desire toto reducing reduce
GHG emissions and adapting to climate changebuild
resilience, helping make ensure Pacifica remains an
even more a 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. a
Assessing Impact of the 2030 CAAPCARP
This CAAPCARP outlines recommended goals and
actions for each sector to achieve our Pacifica’s objectives. The Task Force used the following considerations criteria and 'co-benefits' as guiding principles while evaluating to evaluate potential actions:
• GHG Emissions Reduction: Potential to reduce GHG emissions. • Climate Adaptation: Potential to increase resilience to risks incurred by extreme heat, fire, flooding, landslides, street damage, erosion, and degraded waterways. • Environmental Health Improvement: Potential to adopt nature-based solutions; potential to protect environmentally vulnerable areas. • 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
Approach
The goals and actions in the CAAPCARP 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 CAAPCARP’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 CAAPCARP’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.
CAAPCARP 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.
a
Community Engagement
Engaging the community is a central componentcore pillar of Pacifica’s CAAPCARP. A focus on eEducation, transparency, and collaboration are integrated throughout is key to achieving our climate goals across all four of the CAAPCARP’s focus areas: Buildings and Energy; Transportation and Land Use; Food, Consumption, and Waste; and Resilience
and Adaptation. Following these four focus areasIn
addition, Section 5 includes outlines specific goals
and actions to further enhance community engagement in the short- and medium-term to ensure that CAAPCARP actions are effectively implemented,
that youth are engaged actively included in the process, and that community outreach and education remain are at the forefront of Pacifica’s climate efforts.
The Task Force’s outreach efforts revealed strong
community interest and support in the CAAPfor climate action, 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 CAAPCARP focus areas. This campaign would could serve to 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:
• 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. • 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.
• Public Communication Across Platforms: Use
of city websites, social media, and bulletin
boards to deliver coordinated messaging on the
CAAPCARP 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 the community, Pacificans will be better positioned to meet the City’s climate goals for the benefit of our its collective future.
a
How to Read the “Action Tables”
The following sections contain actions for the City
intends to undertake to consider undertaking over
the course of the next five years. During its annual
goal-setting process, City Council may determine
which CARP Action Table items to pursue in the upcoming year, along with any ongoing actions.
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. Likewise,
while some long-term actions may take several
years to fully implement, early steps toward those
goals can begin within the near term to lay essential groundwork.
The time frames are roughly the following:
Short: to be completed initiated within 1-2 years
Medium: to be completed initiated within 2-5
years
Long: to be completed afterinitiated within 5+
years
Where applicable, actions are followed by an icon that indicates which existing City document the action builds upon or complements:
General Plan Housing Element Local Coastal
Land Use Plan
Sharp Park
Specific Plan
Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan
a
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 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. a
Buildings and Energy Goals
E1. Reduce GHG emissions from the building sector by 24% below 2021 levels by 2030.
GHG Reductions: 13,807 MT CO2e
Action Description 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
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body, 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,
and educate public, especially
income-qualified homeowners.
Low $ Long
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
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, consistent
with State law.
Med $ Short CDD: Building Division
Updated building
standards implemented
E1.5
Implement Analyze the viability of implementing Reach
Code standards 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. 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.
Commented [EB2]: Clarification on Definition of
Multi-Family
In this context, the definition of "multi-family" depends on how it is defined by Build It Green, which does not readily align with the City’s standard classifications. A clear threshold for applicability—such as whether it includes attached single-family units, multiple single-family units on a single lot, or buildings with three or more units—
could not be easily identified. Staff recommend retaining the current language as written. a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
E1.6 Analyze the viability of adopting Adopt a "Zero NOx" reach code for new construction by
December 2025.
Med $ Short CDD: Building Division
Report to Council
on viability of
adopting reach
codes Reach code
in place; number
of new construction projects completed under new
code
E1.7
Analyze the viability of adopting Adopt a "Zero NOx" reach code for existing buildings by
December 20257 matching to
Bay Area Air District (BAAD)
Zero NOx rules.
Med $ Short CDD: Building Division
Report to Council
on viability of
adopting reach
codes 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,
and 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 CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body, 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
E2. Reduce GHG emissions from wastewater treatment 10% below 2021 levels by 2030.
Action Description 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
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
CAAPCARP implementation report
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
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
CAAPCARP implementation report
a
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 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.
a
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.
GHG Reductions: 6,133 MT CO2e
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
T1.1
Launch the creation and In
2025, initiate the 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 and 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
T1.2
Complete all actions outlined
in Pacifica's 2020 Bike and Pedestrian (Bike/Ped) Master Plan by 2040. Starting in
2025, implement formal semiannual 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
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
T1.3
Promote transit use by highlighting transit options in City communications and establishing auto-enrollment in
Clipper START for incomequalified 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 Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
T2.1
Create Analyze the viability of
creating a policy to eliminate/reduce minimum parking
requirements for new developments in Metropolitan Transit Authority Priority Development Areas.
Med $$ Med CDD: Planning Division
Report to council
on policy viability
Increased development potential
(esp. infill); Specific plans; funding solutions
T2.2
Develop projects incorporating Complete Streets approaches, pavement-to-parks, and other permeable surface
options and green infrastructure.
Med $$ Long
CDD: Planning Division, PWD: Engineering Division,
PB&R
Specific plan provisions; infrastructure design code
updates
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 Description GHG Cost Effort 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
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
T3.2 Install 25 EV Chargers at Municipal Facilities by 2030. Med $$ LongMed PWD, PCE Number of Municipal EV chargers installed
T3.3
Install 508 EV charging stations by 2030; for more information about E-bikes and Ebike chargers, please see Appendix I.
High $$$ Long
CDD: Building Division Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body,
PCE, RICAPS
Number of public
and private EV
chargers installed
T4. Increase Pacifica EV use to 50% by 2030.
GHG Reductions: 15,506 MT CO2e
Action Description 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-oflife 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 CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body 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 Department, Environmental Commission Number of community members
reached through
EV Education and
Outreach programs
a
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.
Food, Consumption, and Waste Goals
F1. Prioritize education to community and City staff about sustainable food and consumption practices.
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
F1.1
Sup-port campaigns like
StopFood-Waste.org and “Food
Too Good to Waste” with tips
on how to shop, store, and
cook to minimize food waste.
Low $ Med
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
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 sup- ported agriculture (CSA) programs; Consult with local organizations such as Pacifica Gardens and
Master Gardeners on educational outreach.
Supportive
$ Short
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
Visitors to the
Pacifica Farmers’
market; Number
of people enrolled
in CSA programs
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. 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.
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
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 CommissionHR
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 20256. 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
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
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 Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
F2.1
Establish community-based reuse hubs (like Urban Ore in Berke-ley) that accepts common house-hold items, including clothing and toys.
Low $$ Med
Economic Development Department, Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body Number of re-use
hubs; Number of
people who visit
re-use hubs
F2.2
Pro-mote San Mateo County’s
“Library of Things” and work
with the County to establish a
tool-lending library.
Low $$ Med
Economic Development Department, Library, Environmental CommissionCouncilappointed implementation body Number and types
of loans; Number
of people who
borrow items
F2.3
Identify barriers keeping
small, local re-tailers from operating store-fronts along Palmetto Avenue.
Low $ Med
Economic Development Department
Barriers identified;
Number of fully
utilized storefronts on Palmetto
F2.4
Continue to amplify local businesses via Shop Pacifica and other innovative pro-grams. Low $ Short
Economic Development Department
Number of businesses advertised
via Shop Pacifica;
Dollars spent in
Pacifica
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
F2.5
Consider establishing a policy/ordinance 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/ordinance
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: 15,506 MT CO2e
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
F3.1
Establish Consider establishing a food recovery program for restaurants by December
2027, consistent with state
law. 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 PWD: Field Services Division Findings included
in second annual
CAAPCARP implementation report
F3.3
Work with Recology to double
the number of ZEV or Biogas
vehicles at Recology by 2030. Med $ Long
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body, 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; Aassist Recology as needed to ensure individual business compliance with recycling and composting
practices consistent with Title
6, Chapter 5 of the Municipal
Code and ensure they are
aware of Recology-offered services, like waste audits.
Low $ Long
Environmental
CommissionPW,
CDD, Recology
Number of corporate waste audits
completed
a
Resilience and Adaptation
The CAAPCARP 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
CAAPthe CARP, 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
Pacifica’s 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. It also recommends actions that support the policies and objectives of Pacifica’s recently certified Local Coastal Land Use
Plan (LCLUP). The LCLUP ad-dresses the social, economic, and physical impacts of coastal hazards and sea level rise, establishing strategies to protect
homes, businesses, infrastructure, and coastal resources. The CARP is intended to complement the LCLUP by advancing actions that reinforce the
LCLUP’s goals, particularly in the areas of shoreline
adaptation and resilience. 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 aligned with these efforts include the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project and the
Esplanade Avenue Bluffs Project. More information
on these projects can be found here.
Resilience and Adaption Goals
R1. Secure funding to support adaptation and resilience strategies and actions.
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. a
Action Description 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 CDD: Planning Division, 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
a
Action Description 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 AdoptA-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-ATree 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”
R2. Implement grey infrastructure and nature-based solutions to improve resilience, water conservation, and adaptation of Pacifica. a
Action Description 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
CAAPCARP 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
Under the direction of the
Shoreline Adaptation Program, eExplore alternatives
to hardening coastline
(such as artificial reef at
Sharp Park) 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 $$ Med PWD: Engineering
Number of dune
restoration projects completed;
square footage
of dunes restored
R2.8
Plan for coastal erosion and
storm surges by developing
a policy that requires new
or upgraded infrastructure
to consider high-risk zones.
Low $$$ Long CDD, PWD
Policy in place;
number of projects or structures constructed in highrisk zone a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
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 Consider adoption of
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 Consider adoption of
regulations, in accordance
with state law, that limit development in landslideprone 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
R2.1413
Work with the community
and local agencies to manage vegetation and/or trees
as appropriate and reduce
fuel load via goat grazing
at the WUI; Explore additional wildfire risk reduction methods.
Low $ Med
Fire, Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body Acres grazed
R2.1514
Incentivize and encourage
building retrofit programs
and home hardening 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
R2.1615
Require Confirm roofing
and siding materials with
fire retardants in high fire
risk zones are used, as required to comply with
Chapter 7A of Fire Code.
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
a
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
R2.1716
Collaborate with stakeholders citywide to identify and consider potential naturebased solutions (NBS)
throughout the shoreline
adaptation and resilience
planning process, consistent with the policies of
the LCLUP.
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 CDD: Planning
DivisionPWD
Council-directed
partnerships on
potential NBS;
Approval, funding, design, and
completion of a
NBS project(s),
pursuant to
shore-line adaptation and resilience planning
process.Completion of the
Pacifica Coastal
Resilience Opportunity Study;
Findings reported in annual
CAAP implementation report
R3. Create a plan for distributed back-up renewable energy sources that are available to all Pacifica residents.
Action Description 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
a
R4. Strengthen the City’s and community’s emergency response capacity by developing near-term resources to minimize impact and support rapid recovery.
Action Description GHG Cost Effort 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
a
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 CAAPCARP: 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 CAAPCARP.
Action Description GHG Cost Effort Timeframe Lead Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
C1.1
Form a Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body in 2025.
Supportive
$ Short City Manager’s Office
Formation of
Commissionthe
body
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, and city committees/commissions as appropriate, to facilitate CAAPCARPrelated idea and resource sharing between City staff.
Supportive
$ Short
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
Calendar in place
and followed
C2. Ensure youth engagement in the implementation of the CAAPCARP.
C1. Adopt processes and resources to ensure implementation of the CAAPCARP.
C2. Ensure youth engagement in the implementation of the CAAPCARP.
C3 P i iti it th d d ti
a
Action Description 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
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
Establish group
and solicit volunteers in 2025
C2.2
Create City and local school
district partnerships incentivizing families and youth Carpooling, using public transit, walking, or biking.
LowMed $ Medium
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body, 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 Description 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
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body, 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
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
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
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body
Number of attendees at events
C3.4
Continue/increase education
and awareness of wildfire preparedness
Supportive
$ Short
Environmental
CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation
body, Emergency
Preparedness and
Safety Commission
Number of public
education workshops
a
Achieving the Target
If fully implemented, the measures and actions identified in the Pacifica CAAPCARP 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. 13,087 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
Together, the GHG mitigation goals and actions in the CAAPCARP provide Pacifica with the GHG emission reductions necessary to achieve Pacifica’s 2030 GHG emission reduction target (see Table 3). This CAAPCARP’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
a
SECTION 6
Implementation
a
The Pacifica CAAPCARP serves as a roadmap for
achieving the City’s GHG emissions reduction targets while preparing for the impacts of climate change. The CAAPCARP 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. At the direction of the City Council, and implemented by staff with the support of a Councilappointed implementation body, the CARP’s success will be driven by establishing dedicated staffing, performing regular monitoring, and continuing to engage the community throughout the implementation process.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.
a
Grant Funding
This CAAPCARP was designed to position the City to pursue new local, regional, state, and federal funding sources. The Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body 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 CAAPCARP, 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 CommissionCouncil-Appointed Implementation Body To direct the implementation of the measures and actions outlined in this CAAPCARP, the City should create a full-time Sustainability Coordinator position and a n Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body 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 standing body would serve as the foundation of the CAAPCARP implementation process.
Sustainability Coordinator
The City should hire a Sustainability Coordinator (or Sustainability Program Manager), whose primary responsibility will be to implement this CAAPCARP, 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 sustain- ability efforts.
Responsibilities of the Sustainability Coordinator should include, but are not limited to:
• Deliver an annual report to update the City Council, residents, and other interested parties on progress in implementing CAAPCARP actions.
• Coordinate and facilitate sustainability projects and initiatives in all phases of execution to meet the objectives set forth by the CAAPCARP. • Research and apply for grants that support the City’s climate goals, such as projects related to electrification and transportation. • Review and coordinate sustainability initiatives in the CAAPCARP with other City of Pacifica plans, including the General Plan and Local Coastal Land Use Plan. • Coordinate with City departments, commissions, county departments, and other organizations to implement CAAPCARP actions. • Participate in local and regional collaborations with agencies such as PCE, RICAPS, City/County Association of Governments, CivicWell, and Sustainable San Mateo County. • 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. a
Environmental CommissionCouncil-Appointed Implementation Body For these actions to be implemented, it will be crucial to establish an Environmental Commission Council-appointed implementation body to keep the work of this CAAPCARP moving forward. As evidenced by the volunteer CAAPCARP 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 Pacifica community members hold. This would also hold true for a future Environmental Commissionthe future standing body.
A City Sustainability Coordinator will be essential to guide the workflow of the future Environmental Commissionimplementation body 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 CAAPCARP and totaled approximately $100k. By com- parison, 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 Council should establish an Environmental Commissionappoint a standing body 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 that bodye Commission:
• The Commission body should be comprised of five to seven members from the community, including one high school or college student.
• Members should serve up to two 2-year terms; the student should serve one term or two 1-year terms. • The Commission body should meet regularly, approximately once per month. • Members should be appointed by the City Council.
Commission Priorities of the Council-Appointed Body
• Advise and recommend on the implementation of the CAAPCARP, 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 CAAPCARP on related City plans, such as the General Plan and Local Coastal Land Use Plan, and ensure coordination across these plans on environmental issues. • Ensure that the City’s vulnerable communities, including the unhoused and those living in high- climate risk areas, have a voice in policies and pro- grams to protect their communities from harmful environmental impacts.
• 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. • 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.
• Advise and assist City staff in identifying and applying for grants that support environmental conservation and protection.
a
Pacifica Youth Involvement
This section was authored by two youth advocates
who worked with the 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 Task Force has welcomed youth voices, giving space for a variety of perspectives. Furthermore, by being welcomed into
the Task Force, we have been given the opportunities to gain experience in being part of making a change.
For example, youth members of the Task Force presented to Pacifica City Council about the need to engage and partner with student groups in the
CAAPCARP 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 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.” a
SECTION 7
Monitoring &
Adjustments
a
To ensure that the emissions targets described in
this CAAPCARP are met, the City will identify additional voluntary or mandatory measures to include in the CAAPCARP.
The City of Pacifica will establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) every year for each action listed in this CAAPCARP, 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 CAAPCARP actions. The
annual report will detail lessons learned and make
recommendations for changes to the implementation strategy or the CAAPCARP 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 CAAPCARP.
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 CAAPCARP to ensure
that the City is on track to meet its GHG emissions
reduction goals.
a
SECTION 8
Timeline
a
The following timeline lists the major milestones in the CAAPCARP 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 CAAPCARP every five years.
Milestone Target Date
CAAPCARP Adopted 0507/2025
Sustainability Coordinator position created 10/2025
Environmental CommissionCouncil-appointed implementation body established 10/2025 First annual CAAPCARP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 0610/2026 GHG Inventory for 2025 received from Rincon 10/2026
Second annual CAAPCARP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 0610/2027 Third annual CAAPCARP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 0610/2028 GHG Inventory for 2027 received from Rincon 10/2028
Fourth annual CAAPCARP Implementation report, followed by 30-day public comment period 0610/2029 Five-year formal update of CAAPCARP 0610/2030