2024-77
Last Revised January 2022
Professional Services Agreement between June 3, 2024
City of Rancho Cordova and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 18 of 20
requires a credit to Federal funds when participating equipment with a fair market value greater than $5,000 is credited to the project.
11.8 Disputes.
11.8.1 Any dispute, other than audit, concerning a question of fact arising under this contract that is not disposed of by agreement shall be decided by a committee consisting of City’s Contract Administrator, Mr. Edgar Medina, P.E., who may consider written or verbal information submitted by Professional.
11.8.2 Not later than 30 days after completion of all work under the contract, Professional may request review by City Council of unresolved claims or disputes, other than audit. The request for review will be submitted in writing.
11.8.3 Neither the pendency of a dispute, nor its consideration by the committee will excuse Professional from full and timely performance in accordance with the terms of this contract.
11.9 Cost Principles.
11.9.1 Professional agrees that the Contract Cost Principles and Procedures, 48 CFR, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, Chapter 1, Part 31.000 et seq., shall be used to determine the cost allowability of individual items.
11.9.2 Professional also agrees to comply with federal procedures in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
11.9.3 Any costs for which payment has been made to Professional that are determined by subsequent audit to be unallowable under 2 CFR, Part 200 and 48 CFR, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, Chapter 1, Part 31.000 et seq., are subject to repayment by Professional to LOCAL AGENCY.
11.9.4 All subcontracts in excess of $25,000 shall contain the above provisions.
11.10 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation. - RESERVED
11.11 Covenant Against Contingent Fees. The Professional warrants that he/she has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working for the Professional; to solicit or secure this Agreement; and that he/she has not paid or agreed to pay any company or person other than a bona fide employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or any other consideration, contingent upon or resulting from the award, or formation of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty, the City shall have the right to annul this Agreement without liability, or at its discretion; to deduct from the contract price or consideration, or otherwise recover the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or contingent ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
2024-77
Last Revised January 2022
Professional Services Agreement between June 3, 2024
City of Rancho Cordova and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 19 of 20
fee.
11.12 Funding Requirements.
11.12.1 It is mutually understood between the parties that this Agreement may have been written before ascertaining the availability of funds or appropriation of funds, for the mutual benefit of both parties, in order to avoid program and fiscal delays that would occur if the Agreement were executed after that determination was made.
11.12.2 This Agreement is valid and enforceable only, if sufficient funds are made available to City for the purpose of this Agreement. In addition, this Agreement is subject to any additional restrictions, limitations, conditions, or any statute enacted by the Congress, State Legislature, or City Council that may affect the provisions, terms, or funding of this contract in any manner.
11.12.3 It is mutually agreed that if sufficient funds are not appropriated, this Agreement may be amended to reflect any reduction in funds.
11.12.4 City has the option to void the contract under the 30-day termination clause pursuant to Article VI, or by mutual agreement to amend the contract to reflect any reduction of funds.
11.13 Claims Filed by City’s Construction Contractor.
11.13.1 If claims are filed by City’s construction contractor relating to work performed by Professional’s personnel, and additional information or assistance from Professional’s personnel is required in order to evaluate or defend against such claims; Professional agrees to make its personnel available for consultation with City’s construction contract administration and legal staff and for testimony, if necessary, at depositions and at trial or arbitration proceedings.
11.13.2 Professional’s personnel that City considers essential to assist in defending against construction contractor claims will be made available on reasonable notice from City. Consultation or testimony will be reimbursed at the same rates, including travel costs that are being paid for Professional’s personnel services under this Agreement.
11.13.3 Services of Professional’s personnel in connection with City’s construction contractor claims will be performed pursuant to a written Agreement amendment, if necessary, extending the termination date of this Agreement in order to resolve the construction claims.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
2024-77
Last Revised January 2022
Professional Services Agreement between June 3, 2024
City of Rancho Cordova and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 20 of 20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above, which date shall be considered by the Parties to be the effective date of this Agreement.
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA PROFESSIONAL
______________________________ ______________________________ Micah Runner, City Manager Dave Mills, Operations Leader
Date: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Attest:
Stacy Leitner, CMC, City Clerk
Date: ____________________
Approved as to Form:
______________________________
Adam U. Lindgren, City Attorney
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
Professional Services Agreement between June 6, 2022
City of Rancho Cordova and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. --Exhibit A Page 1 of 1
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Refer to Attached Proposal
.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
Scope of Work
TASK 1: EXISTING CONDITIONS
Purpose: To understand where we are going, we need to first take a look at where we are now. The Kittelson team will conduct a comprehensive data collection, inventory, and system assessment to understand destinations, trip patterns, and related equity, social, economic, or health issues that may be addressed through multimodal investments.
1.1 Project Development Team
We will work with the City to form a Project Development Team (PDT) and hold up to eight (8) PDT meetings. The PDT will include planning and engineering staff from the City, as well as representatives from key partner agencies (e.g., SacRT, Caltrans, SACOG) and any other agencies/organizations found relevant in the initial phases of the project (e.g., Bicycling Advocates for Rancho Cordova). The PDT will be tasked with helping guide the Plan’s development and reviewing interim deliverables. Meetings will be scheduled to milestone deliverables or phases of the project (e.g., community engagement plan, draft existing conditions report, draft walking and biking networks, etc.). PDT meetings are assumed to be virtual and last up to 90 minutes each.
1.2 Literature Review and State of the Practice
Literature Review
Building on the understanding we built from the recent Roundabout Feasibility Study, Kittelson will review relevant city, regional, and state plans and studies with a focus on identifying relevant goals, policies, projects, and needs to inform the ATP . We will develop an initial list of plans to review, with the final list to be approved by City staff. A review of existing programs in the city, countywide efforts, and regional efforts by SACOG, such as Safe Routes to School, will also be conducted. The review will highlight synergies and any discrepancies between plans to be addressed in the project process. In addition to the aforementioned efforts, design standards will be reviewed to identify constraints and opportunities which may affect project development.
Kittelson recently completed the Rancho Cordova Roundabout Feasibility Study Report. We are familiar with the City of Rancho Cordova’s data structure and available roadway data. We’ll leverage this familiarity and coordinate with the General Plan Update team to streamline our existing conditions documentation to focus more effort on capturing changes and developing analyses to inform the ATP .
State of the Practice
We will develop a case study review of up to five Active Transportation Plans from regions in California. The Kittelson team may draw from our work developing and implementing similar ATPs in a variety of contexts, including the Cities of Dublin and Hayward, where we developed their local active transportation networks in a similar land use context, or the City of Redding, where we helped the City move forward with implementation including successful ATP Cycle 6 applications.
At City staff’s discretion, we will also include a review of up to five (5) of similar locations outside of California via our national and international networks to ensure the City not only has the key lessons learned in California, but also nationwide or internationally.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
We propose to conclude this effort with an educational workshop for City staff and partners to discuss best practices and lessons learned that may be integrated into the Plan.
1.3 Establish Existing Conditions
The Kittelson team will undertake an extensive data collection effort to understand current uses and trends for bicyclists and pedestrians in the city. Data collection will include, but not be limited to, pedestrian and bicyclist counts, travel routes, bike parking statistics, and collision data involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
Data Compilation. The team will work with City staff to compile, review, map, and analyze all available existing conditions data (see Table 1) to understand current and planned multimodal transportation conditions in Rancho Cordova.
City Staff Input/Feedback. A critical step in understanding where we are is hearing directly from you – what is working, what isn’t, what challenges you are facing, changes in where growth is expected to occur, what projects are in the pipeline, etc.
Public Web Map. In conjunction with the first digital survey, Kittelson will develop a public-facing web map, or coordinate with the City to establish a similar tool using MetroQuest, where community members can identify issues, opportunities, and constraints. This could include mapping destinations, routes they take or want to take, near miss crashes, and other needs.
Verification & Field Reviews. The Kittelson team will conduct targeted field reviews and bike rides to verify data and observe conditions as needed. Client staff will be invited to join us for these reviews. The on-the-ground discussions help inform potential network routes and facility types and align the project team on goals and outcomes for the ATP .
Table 1. Data Compilation
Data
Source
Traffic counts
• City’s open data for traffic counts
• City’s recently updated travel model for link volumes Mode share
• American Community Survey
Existing and planned multimodal facilities
• City’s existing ATP and recent update shared with
Kittelson during Roundabout plan
Transit data
• Publicly available from SacRT
Roadway characteristic data
• Integrated into Roundabout Plan database
Injury/fatal crash data
• Publicly available from TIMS
Land use data and environmental data
• Integrated into Roundabout Plan database
Demographic data and equity indicators
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
• Integrated into Roundabout Plan database
Travel patterns using Replica data to see where short trips (<2 miles) are and where people are going.
• Available for use with existing Kittelson Replica
license
1.4 Data Collection
Our team has budgeted for up to 120 hours of staff time to collect additional bicycle and pedestrian facility data as needed. This may include aerial review of walking and biking facilities, traffic calming features, crosswalks, bicycle parking, intersection treatments, or other desired data as determined in coordination with City staff. This includes 40 hours to inventory bicycle parking (first through aerial imagery with in-person supplement). Additionally, we have included up to 20 bicycle/pedestrian counts in the budget estimate to supplement existing data from the City.
1.5 Goals and Objectives
Working with City staff and the PDT, goals and objectives for the project will be developed. These goals, objectives, and policies will reflect those identified in the various plans assessed, best practices, and integration with the General Plan Update. They will guide solution development and prioritization. These could include, but are not limited to: accessibility, comfort, access to opportunity and essential needs, all ages and abilities, and safety, among others.
To begin the process, Kittelson proposes to lead a collaborative brainstorming workshop with City staff and the PDT to begin idea generation and develop a shared vision and understanding.
Elements which could be discussed include the desired direction or future vision for biking in Rancho Cordova, example goals and policies from other places, and aspirational cities or counties to research.
1.6 Document Existing Conditions
The data and information generated through these subtasks will be compiled into a graphic and easy-to-understand Draft Existing Conditions Report. Based on a consolidated set of comments, Kittelson will prepare the Final Existing Conditions Report. We will also develop presentation materials, infographics, and other elements, as needed, for presentation of the materials to the community, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
Task 1 Deliverables
• Draft and Final Existing Conditions Report
• GIS Inventory of Existing Active Transportation Facilities and Supportive Infrastructure • PDT Meetings, Agendas, and Notes (8)
TASK 2: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Purpose: We understand community and stakeholder engagement is critical in developing a successful Plan, and that engagement comes in different forms. For this ATP to efficiently guide future implementation actions and funding decisions, we must build relationships with partners and develop trust and understanding with the many communities of Rancho Cordova.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
We envision a community engagement process organized into the following phases:
• Listen First and Understand will focus on obtaining perspectives and opinions from the public and stakeholders regarding current transportation systems, where and how people travel in each community area of Rancho Cordova today, the places they want to go, and their vision for travel in the future.
• What Can Be Done? will facilitate discussion on the range of options and ways the Plan can complete the Active Transportation Network. This phase will also include discussion regarding potential facility types and/or traffic calming tools to understand what people are interested in or want to know more about in each neighborhood. • Presenting the Plan will focus on presenting the Plan, educating community members on its features, and drawing connections between the comments received and the final network and solutions.
2.1 Outreach Management and Listening and Engagement Plan The Kittelson team will develop a listening and engagement plan to reach all residents, especially the hard-to-reach and underserved members of the community in all areas of the city.
2.2 Community Awareness and Education Program
Early community education and awareness are essential for developing a successful citywide ATP because community members may not understand and/or appreciate the value of creating safer environments for active transportation. They also need to learn and understand how planners develop an active transportation network to build stronger connections for key destinations and improve the traveling experience for those who choose to walk, bike, or take transit, or have limited mobility options. At the start of the project, the Kittelson team will develop and implement a community awareness and education program to create a shared understanding of the Plan, the elements, and the potential community benefits.
Community education and awareness should be based on the “why and how. ” Why is the City’s Active Transportation Plan important? Why is it important to proactively engage with vulnerable communities who may have been historically left out of this conversation? How will planners evaluate and develop a citywide Active Transportation Plan and what benefits will the community get from the Plan?
The community education and awareness program will leverage the City’s existing communication links as well as those of community-based organizations (CBOs) and local media to help explain and promote the plan and the planning process.
2.3 Community Education and Awareness Materials
The Kittelson team, in coordination with the City communications department and project team, will develop communication materials which may include hand-outs (e.g., informational brochures, comment cards, and fact sheets). All printed materials will have an electronic version that can be distributed through social media and placed on the project webpage.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
Communication Collateral and Translations
AIM will develop outreach materials to assist with notification, including flyers, poster boards, maps, social media graphics, and/or promotional project introduction videos (one (1) video up to 60 seconds with the script provided by City staff). All promotional materials will be translated into Spanish (with Russian and Tagalog) where requested.
Project Webpage
AIM will develop content for the project website for the City’s website. Content will include updated project information and timeline/schedule, community outreach summaries photos, and/or project maps.
Social Media Content
AIM will develop social media content for the City’s social media platforms to build community awareness about the Plan and share key milestones throughout the process. Social media updates include photos or animated short clips to maintain an interesting and informative social media presence.
Direct Mailer Notification
AIM will prepare and mail project information flyers to properties and tenants at least two times during the ATP development, to update the constituents of the project. (The City will be responsible for identifying mailers as well as covering ODC at the rate for identified areas.) Stakeholder Identification and Database Development
AIM will develop and maintain a stakeholder database throughout the Plan. This database will include stakeholder name, contact information as well as the preferred method of contact and potential key concerns and/or areas of study interest. Key stakeholders may include but are not limited to, the following: CBOs, cultural and faith-based groups, housing organizations, business improvement districts, advocacy groups, and schools.
2.4 Key Stakeholder/CBO Outreach Interviews
AIM will coordinate and facilitate up to six key stakeholder/CBO focus group/1x1 meetings. Our team of professional facilitators will work with the project team and City staff to develop on-point and easy-to-understand meeting agendas and presentation content.
The meetings will be facilitated to discuss project goals, constraints and opportunities, evaluation criteria, project prioritization, and other important elements. The purpose of key stakeholder meetings and/or 1x1 conversations is to provide opportunities to engage stakeholders in project planning and identify needs.
2.5 Online Survey
AIM will develop and promote up to two online surveys to better understand the active transportation needs of Rancho Cordova residents. The first survey will consist of a map-based questionnaire that allows participants to identify locations where they would like to bike/walk or have biking/walking concerns. The second survey will ask participants to weigh in on specific projects.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
AIM will run the surveys for up to three weeks at a time and will promote the survey through Rancho Cordova communication channels, such as newsletters or social media, and stakeholder and CBO communication channels.
2.6 Community Touchpoints/Events
AIM will partner with the City or trusted CBOs to hold two community touchpoints. Touchpoints may take the form of traditional meetings/workshops, community walking audits, community listening sessions, or community organization meetings, as recommended by people participating in community engagement conversations during the PDT meeting on the community engagement plan.
Regardless of the form, AIM will coordinate with trusted interpreters to provide live interpretation and translated materials in culturally relevant languages. The Phase 1 touchpoint will center on providing input into the Plan’s goals and vision and inform the Existing Conditions Report. The Phase 2 touchpoint will center on ground-truthing themes that emerged from Phase 1 engagement activities and gathering feedback on Draft Plan elements.
AIM, in coordination with the City, will determine the meeting venues, schedule them, and make all meeting arrangements, including drafting meeting notices for distribution to known stakeholders.
AIM will prepare agendas, sign-in sheets, comment sheets, signage, and other print materials; facilitate meeting proceedings; assist with exhibits and a PowerPoint presentation (as applicable); provide refreshments, record public comments and assist with appropriate responses; and prepare detailed meeting reports.
2.7 Pop-Up Workshops
Pop-up workshops are effective to meet the community where they are. Each pop-up workshop will take place at a community destination, local event, or high pedestrian key shopping center.
AIM recommends three rounds of two pop-up events, one in the phase of development of the ATP .
The events ideally will be held in different neighborhood communities with the guidance of local CBOs to ensure the events are attended and representative. AIM will plan, provide all supplies, and coordinate all logistics for the three sets of pop-up workshops. AIM will develop engagement activities, board displays, interactive community engagement activities, informational fact sheets and brochures, and comment cards.
2.8 Leadership and City Council Updates
The team will work with City staff to provide regular updates and communication to City leadership, City Council liaisons, and City committee meetings. We will hold up to three (3) study sessions with City leadership to update them on the project and gather input on the Plan’s progress at key stages.
We will also provide up to two (2) updates to City Council via study sessions or a presentation on the ATP and progress in addition to the adoption meetings associated with the Final ATP in Task 4.
Task 2 Deliverables
• Listening and Engagement Plan
• Community Education and Awareness Activities and Materials • Project Webpage Content
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
• Key Stakeholder/CBO Outreach Interviews (up to 6)
• Online Surveys (2)
• Community Touchpoints/Events (2)
• Pop-Up Workshops (up to 6)
• Leadership Update Meetings (3)
• City Council Update Meetings (2)
• Community Engagement Summaries
TASK 3: PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS
Purpose: This task will form the backbone of the ATP , providing the technical analysis to support the community engagement in determine appropriate walking and biking networks citywide. The task will also help lay the groundwork for implementation with a toolbox of solutions tailored to the city, appropriate cost estimates, and policy and programmatic recommendations.
3.1 Demand and Level of Traffic Stress Analyses
In order to develop a complete network that meets the needs of the Rancho Cordova community, it is critical to understand where people want to go and how comfortable they are getting there. We will conduct a demand analysis to identify desire lines, networks, and gaps and a Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) analysis to assess the availability of appropriate routes.
Active Transportation Demand: We will employ various metrics to understand where people are currently traveling by foot or bike, where short trips are being taken that may easily be converted to active modes, or where demographic and transportation characteristics suggest a propensity for more active transportation use. Potential data sources include American Community Survey demographic and travel mode data, Replica origin/destination and modal data (Figure 3 on the previous page), Strava, and data collected as part of Task 2.
Walking and Biking Level of Traffic Stress: We will calculate LTS, a measurement of the comfort felt by an individual when walking or biking on any street, for all streets to determine low-stress connections and where improving existing facilities could connect existing low-stress “islands. ” We know the City recently updated its travel demand model and has a wealth of traffic volume data available on its online GIS Data Hub. We will work with that volume data and City-provided posted speed limit and existing bikeway data. .
Collision Analysis: We will develop a collision analysis of bicycle- and pedestrian-related crashes collected in Task 1. The analysis will allow comparison with the locations and trends identified in the City’s Local Roadway Safety Plan. We will use the analysis to highlight key focus areas for improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety based on systemic crash risk factors using roadway characteristic and land use data.
Matt Braughton and Mike Alston have been working with regional and local jurisdiction partners to develop walking and biking HINs and priority projects as part of the C/CAG Countywide LRSP for San Mateo County. A key component of this effort has been the identification of facility types and characteristics associated with increased crash risk for people walking and biking.
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
Equity (& Health) Analysis: We will overlay socioeconomic, equity, and health information with data evaluated in above tasks to identify locations currently underserved or only served with low- quality multimodal connections. We can leverage the same data sources we used in the City’s Roundabout Plan—USDOT Areas of Persistent Poverty and Historically Disadvantaged Communities, CalEnviroScreen 4.0, Healthy Places Index 3.0, and SACOG Disadvantaged Communities.
Community Comments Analysis: All comments received from the web map, surveys, community meetings, and touchpoints up to this point will be analyzed and mapped to identify where gaps and community interest overlap. As noted in the Collision Analysis task, comments will also be considered for actual and perceived safety issues.
Key Destinations Analysis: We will map the destinations identified through engagement as well as those uncovered in the data inventory and then work to understand access. We will identify destination and land use information and verify with the City. We will develop “walksheds” defining where people can walk within defined amounts of time from transit stations/centers, schools, employment centers, shopping and dining, educational facilities, and other destinations and compared to available infrastructure.
Functional Street Analysis: We will look at transit routes, freight routes, and functional classification data to understand where there may be conflicting priorities on streets which impact active transportation. If available, this analysis may also utilize the City’s Travel Demand Model or Replica data to identify streets with excess capacity which may be most eligible for repurposing for active travel.
3.2 Identification of Major Gaps
At this point, the project team will have a full understanding of potential desire lines for active travel. The Kittelson team will conduct the following tasks to identify gaps:
Network Identification
Based on efforts conducted in previous tasks, our team will recommend a complete and connected active transportation network that enables people of all ages and abilities to safely and conveniently get where they want to go. The network will be made up of a layering system that includes local routes, off-street integration, and regional connections.
We will leverage the analyses described in Task 3.1 as well as community feedback to identify the ATP network.
Gap Identification
The results from the data collection efforts and analyses for connectivity, LTS, safety, equity, comments, and others will be overlaid to identify gaps to be addressed. We will use the gaps to identify projects in later phases to help link people to the places that matter most to them. Gaps may include:
• Safety
• Small Gaps in the system
• Existing Facility Improvements
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
• Intersection Improvements
• Trail Connections
We will also consider programming and access opportunities in recognition that often the communities that need access to active transportation facilities most are also the ones who face the largest barriers. Programmatic opportunities to address these issues can help to uplift communities and build support.
3.3 Recommended Walking and Biking Network
Building off of previous tasks, we will identify walking and biking projects to bridge network gaps and better connect people who live, work, and travel in Rancho Cordova to the places they want to go and people they want to see. Together, they will expand accessibility and improve access for all.
This effort will include the following tasks:
Recommend Bicycle Projects
Projects will be developed to close the gaps identified the gap analysis. The projects will identify the appropriate facility type considering the potential users. Additionally, existing routes will be evaluated for facility upgrades to ensure continuity of user experience within the network. All projects will be identified with an eye towards seamless connectivity for users. Projects with potential to be implemented via quick build or low cost strategies will be noted.
Where appropriate, additional design considerations will be identified and incorporated into project descriptions for electric bikes or other new mobility technologies, such as wider facilities or further separation between users.
Recommended Pedestrian Projects
We will identify pedestrian projects, giving special attention to first- and last-mile connections to destinations and transit to facilitate the highest level of multimodal usage. Additionally, special care will be taken to consider accessibility for people with disabilities where the appropriate data is available, and all projects identified will include guidance to ensure they meet the needs of all users.
3.4 Typology and Toolbox
We will develop a toolbox with recommended facility typologies. Those typologies will align to the existing and proposed conditions across the city, so that the recommended typologies can be deployed to cover the full range of scenarios that exist citywide. We will leverage our nationwide experience with developing design guidance and applying performance-based principles to include recommended dimensions and a range of material options. This typology toolbox will include bicycle and pedestrian facilities of the type that will be included as recommendations for the city’s walking and biking network.
The typology toolbox will note where certain facilities present maintenance challenges (e.g., sweeping challenges for separated bike lanes) or confer advantages (e.g., quick-build material options that avoid ongoing maintenance costs and challenges).
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
3.5 Cost Estimates
Using the typologies, available cost estimating databases, input from the City, and recent design experience across California, we will prepare cost estimates for the identified and recommended typologies. We will provide variable cost ranges for the deployment of different materials across each typology (e.g., a concrete curb extension versus one constructed from quick-build materials).
3.6 Policy and Program Recommendations
In addition to the network and infrastructure recommendations we will identify in the Plan, we also will use the data and information gleaned in Task 1 to recommend policy and program recommendations to help build an active transportation culture among City departments and the traveling public. These recommendations may include, for example, incorporating an active transportation checklist into development review. Example recommendations also include partnering with, for example, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Civic Thread, and Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates to provide educational opportunities or distribute bike helmets and lights.
3.7 Prioritization and Implementation Plan
Kittelson will work with the City to identify a prioritization methodology for ranking projects. The primary goal of the prioritization process is to identify those projects that have the greatest benefit for improving bicycle and pedestrian mobility, safety, and operations. The secondary goal will be consideration of feasibility factors like cost and right of way. The prioritization methodology may include both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as:
• Crash History
• Community Feedback
• Environment / VMT Reduction
• Demand
• Connectivity
• Social Equity
• Project Cost
• Grant Funding Eligibility
Other factors which should be considered are those projects which can be completed based on the repaving project schedule as well as those which might be developer-funded via proposed or likely developments.
Our approach in developing a prioritization methodology will be to keep it simple, transparent, and flexible to allow stakeholders and members of the public to understand and participate in the process.
Task 3 Deliverables
• Analysis Results and Maps (LTS, collision, equity and health, community comments, key destinations, functional street resiliency)
• Walking and Bicycling Networks with Facility Types
• Preferred Typologies/Guidelines Toolbox
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
• High-level Cost Estimates for Walking and Bicycling Improvements • Ongoing Maintenance Cost Plan
• Policy and Program Recommendations
• Implementation Strategy
TASK 4: DRAFT AND FINAL PLAN
Purpose: Each of the previous three tasks will lead to the development of the ATP . The Rancho Cordova ATP will be an easy-to-read and graphical documentation of the vision for active transportation in the city and will pave the path to implementation.
The Administrative Draft Plan will include the Existing Conditions Report, Listening & Engagement Plan, Engagement Summaries, preferred pedestrian infrastructure types, bikeway selection guidelines, Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks, planning-level cost estimates, and an Implementation Strategy. The Administrative Draft Plan will be reviewed by City staff and the PDT.
The project team will incorporate comments. A Public Draft Plan will be shared on the project website for a month-long public review period. A list and summary of comments received on the Public Draft Plan will be created. The Final Plan will include further edits based on staff, stakeholder, and community input. The final set of documents will be presented to City Council for final approval. This should be done no later than March 2026.
4.1 Draft and Final ATP
The Kittelson team will prepare a visually engaging Draft ATP using the results of previous tasks and best practices. Our team includes extremely talented in-house graphic designers who are experienced in producing highly graphical, technically accurate, and easy-to-understand plan documents and guidance. We will incorporate needed changes from each round of review by City staff and the PDT (Administrative Draft, Public Draft, and Presentations) into the final document for approval. The Public Draft Plan will be shared to the City to post for a month-long review period.
Kittelson will provide a comment summary and integrate final feedback into the Final ATP for City Council adoption.
4.2 Present Draft ATP to City Council
After the submittal of the Draft ATP , Kittelson will prepare materials for and, as desired, present on the project recommendations and Draft ATP to the City Council for review and comment. We will summarize comments and incorporate into the preparation of the Final ATP .
4.3 Final Adoption
The Kittelson team will be with you the entire way to approval. We will work with you to develop visually engaging presentation materials for the Final Rancho Cordova ATP and, as desired, present or support the presentation on the final report to the City Council for adoption.
Task 4 Deliverables
• Administrative Draft Rancho Cordova ATP
• Public Draft ATP
• Staff reports and presentation materials
• Final ATP approved by City Council
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
• City Council Resolution
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
Professional Services Agreement between June 6, 2022
City of Rancho Cordova and Kittelson & Associates, Inc. --Exhibit B Page 1 of 1
EXHIBIT B
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
Refer to Attached Compensation Schedule
ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
Project Name: City of Rancho Cordova Active Transportation Plan Project Manager: Amanda Leahy
KAI Project Number: 30340
Date: May 07, 2024
LABOR ESTIMATE - City of Rancho Cordova Active Transportation Plan Task Amanda Leahy Matt Braughton Laurence Lewis Mike Alston Marissa Tucker-Borquez Kyle Benne Dhawal Kataria Chris Romano Wade Scarbrough Alex Reasbeck Gladys Cornell Katie DeMaio Senior Project Coordinator
Project
Coordinator Darlene Tran
Task Notes Staff Project Manager Project Principal Quality Manager Deputy Project Manager Planner Senior Technician (Graphics/GIS) Planner Associate Planner Principal Engineer Senior Urban Planner 001 Existing Conditions
1.1 Project Development Team 32 2 24 16 74 $15,895
1.2 Literature Review & State of the Practice 4 2 20 2 28 $5,585
1.3 Establish Existing Conditions 4 2 2 12 16 20 2 58 $10,426
1.4 Data Collection 1 2 120 123 $16,584
1.5 Goals and Objectives 4 2 1 2 8 17 $3,532
1.6 Document Existing Conditions 4 2 1 4 12 16 32 71 $12,908 Reimbursable Expense $4,000
Task #001 - Subtotal 49 8 4 34 32 32 88 4 0 0 120 0 0 0 0 0 371 $68,931 002 Community Engagement
2.1 Outreach Management/Listening & Engagement Plan 4 2 2 8 4 12 4 36 $6,554
2.2 Community Awareness & Education Program 4 2 6 10 6 12 40 $7,439
2.3 Community Education & Awareness Materials 4 1 6 2 18 28 17 76 $10,762
2.4 Key Stakeholder/CBO Outreach Interviews 4 1 12 8 10 22 16 32 4 109 $16,976
2.5 Online Survey (2) 2 1 4 9 11 19 25 8 79 $11,629
2.6 Pop Up Events (6) 16 8 8 28 32 60 6 158 $22,655
2.7 Community Touchpoints (2) 16 8 12 12 25 53 69 195 $27,932
2.8 Leadership & City Council Updates 16 6 1 6 29 $6,718 Reimbursable Expense $2,250
Task #002 - Subtotal 66 29 3 30 0 0 32 0 0 0 0 49 98 150 226 39 722 $112,915 003 Plan Development and Analysis
3.1 Plan Development and Analysis 8 6 12 4 48 8 86 $17,198
3.2 Gap Identification 4 1 8 4 16 2 35 $6,923
3.3 Recommended Walking and Biking Network 8 4 2 10 8 12 40 6 90 $17,430
3.4 Typology and Toolbox 6 4 2 8 20 4 6 36 86 $16,640
3.5 Cost Estimates 2 2 8 8 6 26 $5,666
3.6 Policy and Program Recommendations 2 2 6 16 4 30 $6,057
3.7 Prioritization and Implementation Plan 4 2 2 8 4 16 2 2 40 $8,320 Reimbursable Expense $0
Task #003 - Subtotal 34 21 6 60 20 12 164 26 14 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 393 $78,234 004 Draft and Final Plan
4.1 Draft and Final ATP 12 4 2 20 6 35 80 12 2 173 $32,728
4.2 Present Draft ATP to City Council 8 4 12 $2,840
4.3 Final Adoption 8 4 8 20 $4,323
Reimbursable Expense $0
Task #004 - Subtotal 28 12 2 20 6 35 88 12 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 205 $39,891 005 Optional Tasks
5.1 Additional Coordination & Project Management Support 30 16 16 62 $14,150
5.2 Additional Graphics 6 12 30 12 60 $10,824
Reimbursable Expense $0
Task #005 - Subtotal 36 16 0 28 30 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 122 $24,974 TOTAL HOURS 213 86 15 172 88 91 372 42 16 36 120 49 98 150 226 39 LABOR RATE $232.24 $245.59 $309.11 $203.31 $174.55 $146.23 $185.36 $228.86 $266.88 $160.99 $132.88 $238.30 $170.72 $115.99 $97.85 $188.13 LABOR COST $49,467 $21,121 $4,637 $34,969 $15,360 $13,307 $68,954 $9,612 $4,270 $5,796 $15,946 $11,677 $16,731 $17,399 $22,114 $7,337 1,813 $318,695 Rates shown above are for budgeting purposes only. Additional staff may be billed at the time services are performed. $6,250
Reimbursable Expenses:
Multimodal Counts (20) $4,000
Travel Expenses $400
Engagement Collateral $1,850
Total $6,250
$324,945
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET
TOTAL HOURS TOTAL LABOR
TOTAL REIMBURSABLES
Project Budget Form
WORK TASK/
TASK HOURS
WORK TASK/
TASK COST
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. AIM Consulting
Transportation Analyst
Kittelson & Associates Inc. H:\30\30340 - Rancho Cordova ATP\admin\30340_Budget and Tracking_2024-05-07 ITEM 13.5.
ATTACHMENT 2
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 2
ITEM 13.6.
DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Stefan Heisler, Housing Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH 350
SACRAMENTO AND OSCAR BALAGUER REGARDING
SACRAMENTO SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. 23WM000101
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adoption of the Resolution would authorize the City Manager to execute a Settlement Agreement with Petitioners 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer to fully resolve the pending matter: 350 Sacramento, et al. v. City of Rancho Cordova, et al., Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 23WM000101, filed October 19, 2023 (the Lawsuit).
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopted a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) on September 18, 2023, by Resolutions No. 137-2023 and No. 138-2023, respectively. The CAAP was adopted as a “qualified climate action plan,” meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The City filed a CEQA Notice of Determination with the County Recorder on September 20, 2023.
On October 19, 2023, the nonprofit 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer (Petitioners) filed the Lawsuit challenging the approvals under CEQA, that the City’s CAAP and IS/ND violate or otherwise do not fully comply with CEQA. The City and Petitioners have agreed to a Settlement Agreement to resolve the Lawsuit. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement (Attachment 2), the City will rescind the CAAP as a CEQA “qualified climate action plan” and the associated IS/ND, and pay the Petitioners $75,000 as fees and costs incurred in the Lawsuit.
The City may in the future reconsider the CAAP for re-adoption as a CEQA “qualified climate action plan” but will subject the future CAAP to additional environmental review in accordance with CEQA requirements. Following rescission of the CAAP, the City may also consider readopting the CAAP as a merely advisory plan that does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) and would not provide CEQA streamlining benefits to future development projects.
City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 2
NEXT STEPS
Adoption of the Resolution would allow the City Manager to execute the Settlement Agreement (Attachment 2). Immediately after, and consistent with the Settlement Agreement, the City Council would consider a Resolution to rescind the CAAP and associated CEQA IS/ND that were adopted on September 18, 2023.
Following execution of the Settlement Agreement, and within five (5) business days of receiving notice of the City’s rescission action, Petitioners would dismiss the Lawsuit with prejudice.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
Adoption of the Resolution will incur a one-time impact to the City's General Fund of $75,000.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution
2. Settlement Agreement
ITEM 13.6. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. XX-2024 Page 1 of 2
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
RESOLUTION NO. XX-2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA, STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH 350 SACRAMENTO AND OSCAR BALAGUER REGARDING SACRAMENTO SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. 23WM000101
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Cordova (City) launched the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to establish a greenhouse gas reduction goal, create a set of strategies to meet the goal, and adapt to the impacts of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP establishes a framework of implementable, measurable prioritized actions and identifies a trajectory to align with statewide GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045, bring the City into compliance with California legislation to reduce GHG emissions, and address climate risk; and
WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) (SCH#2023060063) was prepared for the CAAP and circulated for public review in accordance with CEQA requirements and on September 18, 2023, the IS/ND was adopted by the City Council by Resolution No.137- 2023; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the CAAP on September 18, 2023, as a “qualified climate action plan,” meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Resolution No. 138-2023; and
WHEREAS, the City filed a CEQA Notice of Determination with the County Recorder on September 20, 2023; and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2023, the nonprofit 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer (Petitioners) filed a lawsuit, 350 Sacramento, et al. v. City of Rancho Cordova, et al., Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 23WM000101 (the Lawsuit), challenging the approvals under CEQA, that the City’s CAAP and IS/ND violate or otherwise do not fully comply with CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the City and Petitioners have agreed to a Settlement Agreement to resolve the Lawsuit, whereby the City will rescind the CAAP as a CEQA “qualified climate action plan” and the associated IS/ND, and pay the Petitioners a sum of $75,000 as fees and costs incurred in the Lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to execute the Settlement Agreement and fully resolve the Lawsuit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA does hereby authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Settlement Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, and take other such actions as necessary to implement the Settlement Agreement and resolve the Lawsuit.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 3rd
ITEM 13.6. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. XX-2024 Page 2 of 2 day of June 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
David Sander, Mayor
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
Confidential Settlement Communication
1 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This Settlement Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the last date of execution of the Agreement (“Effective Date”) by and between Petitioners 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer (“Petitioners”) and Respondents City of Rancho Cordova and City Council for the City of Rancho Cordova (“Respondent” or “City”).
Petitioners and the City are hereinafter referred to collectively as “the Parties” and sometimes referred to individually as a “Party.”
This Agreement memorializes the understanding of the Parties and is entered into by the Parties to fully resolve the following pending matter: 350 Sacramento, et al. v.
City of Rancho Cordova, et al. (Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 23WM000101) (filed October 19, 2023) (the “Lawsuit”).
RECITALS
A. Certain disputes and controversies have arisen between Petitioners and Respondent concerning the City’s 2023 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (“CAAP”) and the Initial Study / Negative Declaration (“IS/ND”) for the CAAP. These disputes have resulted in the Lawsuit. The Parties’ disputes are also anticipated to result in additional litigation with respect to future development projects resulting in significant delay in development unless a global settlement is reached. The Parties enter into this Agreement to avoid the delay and risks of costly litigation without conceding any liability or wrongdoing.
B. The City prepared its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (“CAAP”) and an Initial Study / Negative Declaration (“IS/ND”) for the CAAP, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”). On September 18, 2023, the City Council approved the CAAP and IS/ND by adopting Resolutions 137-2023 and 138-2023, respectively (the “Approvals”).
C. Petitioners participated in the administrative process leading to the Approvals. On September 20, 2023, the City filed a CEQA Notice of Determination with the County Recorder and with the State Clearinghouse in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
D. On October 19, 2023, Petitioners filed the Lawsuit, which consists of a Petition for Writ of Mandate and Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief (“Petition”) challenging the Approvals under CEQA.
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
Confidential Settlement Communication
2 E. The Parties have engaged in productive, good faith settlement discussions and now wish to finally resolve the Lawsuit, without further proceedings, through entry of a stipulated judgment according to the terms described herein.
F. It is the intention of the Parties to fully and completely settle and resolve all the claims, demands, prayers, and causes of action at issue in the Lawsuit. These expressly include all claims, current and future, that the City’s 2023 CAAP and IS/ND violate or otherwise do not fully comply with CEQA, as well as all of Petitioners’ causes of actions in the Lawsuit and any claims for costs and attorneys’ fees and all claims, demands, prayers, or causes of action arising out of the CAAP and IS/ND.
NOW THEREFORE, for good cause and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to the recitals above and to the following terms:
AGREEMENT
1 Recitals and Definitions Incorporated. Each recital and definition set forth above is incorporated herein by reference and is made part of this Agreement.
2. ACTIONS BY THE CITY:
a. Within forty (40) business days of the Effective Date, the City Council will consider rescinding (1) approval of the CAAP as a “qualified CAP” under CEQA sufficient for streamlined environmental review and (2) adoption of the associated IS/ND. If the City Council votes to rescind approval of the CAAP and adoption of the IS/ND, the City shall promptly provide Petitioners with notice of its rescission action.
b. If a “qualified CAP” is reconsidered for adoption, it will be subjected to environmental review in accordance with CEQA requirements. c. Within fourteen (14) business days of receiving notice of the Request for Dismissal described below, the City shall promptly pay Petitioners a total and final sum of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) (“Payment”) as reimbursement for fees and costs incurred in the Lawsuit. Payment shall be made to “Coast Law Group Client Trust Account” and sent to Coast Law Group LLP, 1140 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, attention Livia B. Beaudin.
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
Confidential Settlement Communication
3 3. ACTIONS BY PETITIONERS: Petitioners agree to the following:
a. Dismissal of Lawsuit. Within five (5) business days of receiving notice of the City’s rescission action described in Section 2.a., above, Petitioners shall dismiss the Lawsuit with prejudice. Petitioners shall promptly provide Respondents with notice of the Request for Dismissal.
b. Release of Liability. Upon satisfaction of the conditions described in Section 2, above, Petitioners shall immediately release, remise, and forever discharge the City from all claims and liability for any damages, losses, costs or attorneys’ fees pertaining to the Lawsuit or which form the basis for the Lawsuit. Petitioners’ release of Respondents includes Respondents’ agents, employees, representatives, officers, directors, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, assigns, successors in interest, shareholders, attorneys, insurers, and adjusters. Petitioners’ release of liability includes Petitioners’ claims under CEQA, and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of the Lawsuit including any and all of Petitioners’ costs or attorneys’ fees. c. Reservation of Rights. Petitioners reserve the right to participate in the administrative process for any future CAP the City may propose.
4. NO ADMISSION OF LIABILITY: This Agreement affects the settlement of claims that are denied and contested, and nothing contained in this Agreement should be construed as an admission by any Party to this Agreement of any liability of any kind to any other Party. The City specifically denies any liability connected with the claims alleged in the Lawsuit.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES: Each of the Parties to this Agreement represents, warrants to, and agrees with, each other Party to this Agreement as follows:
a. The descriptive headings and titles used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this Agreement. b. Each Party to this Agreement has received independent legal advice from its attorneys with respect to the advisability of making the settlement provided for herein, and with respect to the advisability of executing this Agreement. c. This Agreement contains all of the representations and the entire understanding and Agreement among the Parties with respect to the matters described in the Agreement. Correspondence, memoranda, and oral and written Agreements that originated before the date of this Agreement are replaced in total by this Agreement unless otherwise expressly stated in this Agreement.
d. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by written agreement executed by all of the Parties.
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
Confidential Settlement Communication
4 e. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any person, other than the Parties, any rights or benefits under or by reason of this Agreement. There are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement. f. In any litigation between the Parties regarding this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover, in addition to such other relief as may be granted, its reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs.
g. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one Agreement. One or more signatures on this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile or by PDF or JPEG attachment to an email, and each such signature shall constitute an original and valid signature.
h. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the Parties shall amend this Agreement and/or take other action necessary to achieve the intent of this Agreement in a manner consistent with the ruling of the court. i. The individuals signing this Agreement on behalf of each Party represent and warrant that they have full authority and are duly authorized to do so on behalf of the Party they represent.
j. The Parties shall cooperate to ensure that the steps necessary to implement this Agreement are carried out. The Parties to this Agreement agree to execute any further documentation that may be required to carry out the purpose of this Agreement and perform all acts necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Agreement.
If any dispute related to the terms of this agreement arises between or among the Parties, the Parties will first meet and discuss the dispute in good faith in an attempt to resolve it prior to sending a Notice of Default.
6. Waivers:
a. The City agrees to waive any affirmative defenses based on Petitioners’ Dismissal of the Lawsuit in any future lawsuit(s) filed by the Petitioners challenging the City’s possible future approval of a “qualified” CAAP under CEQA.
b. Waiver of Lawsuit Fees, Costs, and Expenses. the City waives any claim against Petitioners for any costs, expenses, or attorneys’ fees associated with the Lawsuit, including but not limited to costs related to preparation of the administrative record.
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
Confidential Settlement Communication
5 7. Dispute Resolution
a. Notice of Default. Failure or unreasonable delay in the performance of any material provision herein shall constitute a default under this Agreement. In the event of a default, the Party alleging such default shall give the defaulting Party not less thirty (30) days’ written notice of default (“Notice of Default”). The Notice of Default shall specify the nature of the alleged default and a reasonable manner and period of time in which said default may be satisfactorily cured. A Notice of Default shall be given in the manner set forth in Section 9, herein. b. Cure Period. Within thirty (30) days of the date a Notice of Default is given, the defaulting party shall provide evidence establishing it was never, in fact, in default or shall cure the default; provided, however, that if the nature of the alleged default is such that it cannot be reasonably cured within such 30-day period, the commencement of the cure within such time period and the diligent prosecution to completion of the cure shall be deemed a cure within such period. During any period of curing, the Party charged shall not be considered in default for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement. If the default is cured, then no default shall exist or be deemed to have existed and the noticing Party shall take no further action. After proper notice and the expiration of such cure period without cure, enforcement may be undertaken as set forth in this Agreement.
8. Enforcement. This Agreement is binding and may be enforced as a contract with all applicable remedies at law or equity. Any Party may avail themselves of the remedies provided herein or otherwise available at law or equity.
9. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing by regular mail, overnight courier, or facsimile to:
If to the City:
City of Rancho Cordova
Attn: City Attorney Adam Lindgren
Deputy City Attorney Palmer Hilton
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Tel: (916) 556-1531
Fax: (916) 556-1516
Emails: [email protected], [email protected]
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
Confidential Settlement Communication
6 With a copy to:
Meyers Nave
Attn: Timothy D. Cremin
1999 Harrison Street, 9th Floor
Oakland, California 94612
Tel: (510) 808-2000
Fax: (510) 444-1108
Email: [email protected]
If to Petitioners:
Patricia Moore
Phone: (209) 327-3629
Email: [email protected]
Oscar Balaguer
Email: [email protected]
With a copy to:
HOLDER LAW GROUP
Jason W. Holder (SBN 232402)
1980 Mountain Blvd., Ste. 211
Oakland, CA 94611
Tel.: (510) 338-3759
Email: [email protected]
COAST LAW GROUP, LLP
Livia B. Beaudin (SBN 259434)
1140 South Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Tel.: 760-942-8505
Email: [email protected]
[Signatures on following page.]
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
Confidential Settlement Communication
7 Dated: May _____, 2024 City of Rancho Cordova
________________________________
Dated: May 3, 2024 350 Sacramento
________________________________
Patricia Moore, Executive Director
________________________________
Oscar Balaguer, CAP Team Chair
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Dated: May _____, 2024 _______________________________
Adam Lindgren
City Attorney, City of Rancho Cordova
Dated: May 3, 2024 _______________________________
Jason Holder
Counsel for Petitioners 350 Sacramento and
Oscar Balaguer
ITEM 13.6.
ATTACHMENT 2
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 2
ITEM 13.7.
DATE: June 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Stefan Heisler, Housing Manager
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION RESCINDING THE RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE
ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN AND CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE
DECLARATION, AND READOPTING THE RANCHO CORDOVA
CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN AS AN ADVISORY
PLAN THAT DOES NOT MEET CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION
15183.5(B)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Consistent with the approved Settlement Agreement with 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer regarding Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 23WM000101, adoption of the Resolution would rescind the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) adopted on September 18, 2023. Adoption of the Resolution would also readopt the CAAP as an advisory plan that does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopted the CAAP and CEQA IS/ND on September 18, 2023, as a “qualified climate action plan,” meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Resolutions No. 137-2023 and No. 138- 2023. The City filed a CEQA Notice of Determination with the County Recorder on September 20, 2023.
On October 19, 2023, the nonprofit 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer (Petitioners) filed a lawsuit challenging the approvals under CEQA, that the City’s CAAP and IS/ND violate or otherwise do not fully comply with CEQA. The City and Petitioners have agreed to a Settlement Agreement to resolve the lawsuit. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the City will rescind the CAAP as a CEQA “qualified climate action plan” and the associated IS/ND.
Adoption of the Resolution would readopt the CAAP as a non-CEQA “qualified climate action plan” that would not provide the CEQA streamlining benefits for future development projects of
City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 2
a plan meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b). Minor edits and updates have been made to the CAAP document to make it explicitly clear that this readopted plan does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b). Specifically, edits were made to Table of Contents page v, and pages ES-10, 5-1, 5-4, 5-5, and 5-6.
The City may in the future reconsider the CAAP for re-adoption as a CEQA “qualified climate action plan” but will subject the future CAAP to additional environmental review in accordance with CEQA requirements.
CAAP IMPLMENTATION
Following re-adoption of the CAAP, staff will begin implementation of CAAP measures.
However, as a non-CEQA “qualified climate action plan” there is no requirement to implement the CAAP. Staff will return to the City Council on an annual or biannual basis to determine implementation priorities along with any General Fund impacts. It is suggested that the City prepare a monitoring report every two years and update the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory and the CAAP every five years.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
As a non-CEQA “qualified climate action plan” that does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b), the readopted CAAP is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies). The planning activities under this project identify strategies and measures the City can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and identify strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Actions to be taken under these strategies and measures have not yet been approved, adopted, or funded. The readopted CAAP is a planning document that involves no ground or resource disturbance itself. This project is Statutorily Exempt under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15262 Feasibility and Planning Studies as the project only involves identifying strategies and measures for possible future actions which the City of Rancho Cordova has not approved, adopted, or funded. The readopted CAAP creates no legally binding effect on later activities.
These strategies and measures, if implemented, would have a positive impact on air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Individual implementation actions will be subject to the appropriate level of additional environmental analysis.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
There is no additional fiscal impact with the requested action. The readopted CAAP is a planning document identifying prioritized actions for further development and implementation.
Prioritized CAAP actions that require approval by the City Council will be brought back to the City Council for review and approval, including allocating funds, approving ordinances, or other actions.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution
2. CEQA Notice of Exemption
3. Updated Climate Action and Adaptation Plan for Readoption
4. Updated Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Appendices
ITEM 13.7. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. XX-2024 Page 1 of 2
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
RESOLUTION NO. XX-2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA, STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING THE RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE ACTION AND
ADAPTATION PLAN AND CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) INITIAL
STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND READOPTING THE RANCHO CORDOVA
CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN AS AN ADVISORY PLAN THAT DOES NOT MEET CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15183.5(B)
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Cordova (City) launched the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to establish a greenhouse gas reduction goal, create a set of strategies to meet the goal, and adapt to the impacts of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP establishes a framework of implementable, measurable prioritized actions and identifies a trajectory to align with statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 2030 and 2045, bring the City into compliance with California legislation to reduce GHG emissions, and address climate risk; and
WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) (SCH#2023060063) was prepared for the CAAP and circulated for public review in accordance with CEQA requirements and on September 18, 2023, and the IS/ND was adopted by the City Council by Resolution No. 137-2023; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the CAAP on September 18, 2023, as a “qualified climate action plan,” meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Resolution No. 138-2023; and
WHEREAS, the City filed a CEQA Notice of Determination with the County Recorder on September 20, 2023; and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2023, the nonprofit 350 Sacramento and Oscar Balaguer (Petitioners) filed a lawsuit challenging the approvals under CEQA, that the City’s CAAP and IS/ND violate or otherwise do not fully comply with CEQA; and WHEREAS, the City and Petitioners have agreed to a Settlement Agreement to resolve the lawsuit, whereby the City will rescind the CAAP as a CEQA “qualified climate action plan” and the associated IS/ND; and
WHEREAS, the City Council authorized the execution of the Settlement Agreement on June 3, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to rescind the CAAP and associated IS/ND, and readopt the CAAP as an advisory plan that does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions; and WHEREAS, the CAAP to be readopted has been edited and updated to be clear that it does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) for a “qualified climate action plan;” and
ITEM 13.7. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. XX-2024 Page 2 of 2 WHEREAS, re-adoption of the CAAP, as a plan that does not meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b), is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 3, Division 6 (State CEQA Guidelines) Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA AS FOLLOWS:
1. The City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova does hereby rescind Resolutions No. 137-2023 and No. 138-2023, rescinding the CAAP IS/ND and the adopted CAAP which was a CEQA “qualified climate action plan,” respectively.
2. The City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova hereby readopts the CAAP, as updated, as a plan that does not meet CEQA Guidelines 15183.5(b) for a “qualified climate action plan” and finds this project to be exempt from further CEQA analysis pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262, Feasibility and Planning Studies.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 3rd day of June 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
David Sander, Mayor
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
1 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
To: Office of Planning and Research From: City of Rancho Cordova 1400 Tenth Street Community Development Department
Sacramento, CA 95814 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
County Clerk-Recorder
Sacramento County
600 8th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Project Title: CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN, READOPTED JUNE 2024
Project Location: Applies citywide to the City of Rancho Cordova (Sacramento County) Assessor’s Parcel Number(s): Applies citywide to the City of Rancho Cordova (Sacramento County) Project Description: The Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) is a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience. The purposes of the CAAP are to identify strategies and measures the City of Rancho Cordova can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and set forth strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Lead Agency: City of Rancho Cordova
Applicant: City of Rancho Cordova
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Exemption Status: Ministerial [Section 21080(b); 15268]; Declared Emergency [Section 21080(b)(3); 15269(a)];
Emergency Project [Section 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)];
General Rule [Section 15061(b)(3)];
Categorical Exemption [Section 15301(a), Existing Facilities]; Approval of Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges [Section 21080(b)(8)(D)]; Statutory Exemption [Section 15262, Feasibility and Planning Studies].
REASONS WHY THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT OR DOES NOT REQUIRE FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION:
The project is exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15262, Feasibility and Planning Studies , which states:
A project involving only feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions which the agency, board, or commission has not approved, adopted, or funded does not require the preparation of an EIR or Negative Declaration but does require consideration of environmental factors. This section does not apply to the adoption of a plan that will have a legally binding effect on later activities.
The planning activities under this project identify strategies and measures the city can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and identify strategies to ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 2
2 adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change. Actions to be taken under these strategies and measures have not yet been approved, adopted, or funded.
The CAAP is a planning document that involves no ground or resource disturbance itself. This project is Statutorily Exempt under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15262 Feasibility and Planning Studies as the project only involves identifying strategies and measures for possible future actions, which the City of Rancho Cordova has not approved, adopted, or funded.
The CEQA “Qualified” CAAP under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b), adopted on September 18, 2023, and Notice of Determination filed on September 20, 2023 under SCH2023060063, which may have created a legally binding effect on later activities for CEQA streamlining, has been rescinded. In its place, this readopted CAAP does not meet CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) for “Qualified” climate action plans, and does not create any legally binding effect on later activities. These strategies and measures, if implemented, would have a positive impact on air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Individual implementation actions will be subject to the appropriate level of additional environmental analysis at the time of future implementation.
By __________________________________
Stefan Heisler, Environmental Coordinator
City of Rancho Cordova
(916) 851-8757
June 3, 2024
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 2
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
Climate Action
& Adaptation Plan
July 2023
Updated as of June 2024
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Table of Contents
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page i
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overview .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ES.1 Plan Development .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. ES.1 Community Engagement ............................................................................................................................................................................................... ES.1 Emissions Inventory and Reduction Targets .................................................................................................................................................... ES.2 Plan At A Glance ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ES.4 Emission Reduction Measures .............................................................................................................................................................................. ES.4 Adaptation Strategies .................................................................................................................................................................................................. ES.7 2022 Rancho Cordova Climate Action Plan Public Opinion Survey ............................................................................................. ES.8 Implementation Strategy ................................................................................................................................................................................................ ES.8 Monitoring Strategy ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... ES.9 California Environmental Quality Act and Plan .......................................................................................................................................... ES.10 Plan Organization ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. ES.10 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan ......................................................................................................... 1.1
1.1.1 Why is the Plan Important? .............................................................................................................................................................. 1.1
1.1.2 Plan Goals ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.2
1.2 Summary of the Plan Development Process ....................................................................................................................................... 1.2
1.2.1 Plan Development ................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.3
1.2.2 Community Engagement .................................................................................................................................................................... 1.3
1.3 2022 Rancho Cordova Climate Action Plan Public Opinion Survey .................................................................................. 1.5
1.4 Project Website ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1.5
1.5 Regional Climate Planning Efforts ................................................................................................................................................................. 1.6
1.6 How to Read This Plan ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1.7
1.6.1 Organization ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1.7
1.6.2 Reduction and Adaptation Framework .................................................................................................................................... 1.7 CHAPTER 2: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY
2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2.1
2.2 Baseline Inventory .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2.1
2.2.1 Rancho Cordova’s Emissions Inventory ................................................................................................................................... 2.2
2.3 Emissions Forecasts ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2.3
2.3.1 Future Emissions without Legislative Reductions (Business-As-Usual Forecast)......................................... 2.4
2.3.2 Future Emissions with Legislative Reductions (Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast) ................................ 2.4
2.4 Emissions Reduction Targets ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2.6
2.5 Local Emissions Gap ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 2.7 ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Table of Contents
Ra ncho Cordova
Page ii Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
CHAPTER 3: EMISSIONS REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND MEASURES
3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3.1
3.2 Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures .................................................................................................................................... 3.1
3.3 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy Development....................................................................................................................... 3.2
3.3.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Summary ............................................................................................................. 3.2
3.3.2 Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures .................................................................................................................... 3.4 Getting To, From, and Around the City (On-road Transportation Sector) ................................................................. 3.6 Using Energy in Homes and Businesses (Building Energy Sector) ...................................................................................... 3.14 Using Equipment for Landscaping and Construction (Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Sector) ............. 3.18 Using Water and Disposing of Waste at Homes and Businesses (Water and Solid Waste Sectors) ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3.21 Planting and Managing Trees (Carbon Sequestration Sector) .............................................................................................. 3.24 CHAPTER 4: CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE
4.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4.1
4.2 Climate Adaptation and Vulnerability ........................................................................................................................................................ 4.1
4.3 Adaptation Planning Process ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4.2
4.4 Vulnerability Assessment Overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 4.3
4.5 Vulnerability Assessment Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 4.4
4.5.1 Climate Hazards Facing the City ................................................................................................................................................... 4.4
4.5.2 City’s Adaptive Capacity .................................................................................................................................................................. 4.10
4.5.3 Vulnerability Scoring ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4.10
4.6 Adaptation Strategies .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4.11 CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
5.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5.1
5.2 Implementation Strategy ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5.2
5.3 Monitoring and Updates ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5.2
5.4 California Environmental Quality Act and the Plan ......................................................................................................................... 5.4
5.5 Funding Sources ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5.6 ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
List of Figures
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page iii
List of Figures
Figure ES 1 Rancho Cordova’s 2019 communitywide emissions equivalencies Figure ES 2 Rancho Cordova’s Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast by Sector, 2030 Emission Reduction Target: 36% below 1990 levels, and 2045 Emission Reduction Goal: 81% below 1990 levels Figure 1.1 Components of the CAAP development process
Figure 2.1 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Figure 2.2 Rancho Cordova 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, BAU Forecast, and Legislative- Adjusted BAU Forecast for 2030 and 2045
Figure 2.3 Rancho Cordova’s Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast by Sector, 2030 Emission Reduction Target: 36% below 2019 levels, and 2045 Emission Reduction Goal: 81% below 2019 levels Figure 3.1 GHG Emissions Reductions from Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures in 2030 Figure 3.2 Summary of Potential GHG Emissions Reductions from Measures Identified In This Plan Figure 3.3 How to Read Strategies and Measures
Figure 4.1 Adaptation Planning Process
Figure 4.2 Floodplains and Critical Facilities in the City of Rancho Cordova Figure 5.1 Key Components of Implementing and Monitoring the Plan ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
List of Tables
Ra ncho Cordova
Page iv Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
List of Tables
Table ES 1 Summary of Emissions Reduction Strategy Framework identified in the Plan Table ES 2 Summary of Adaptation Strategies identified in the Plan Table ES 2 City’s Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe Table 2.1 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Table 2.2 Rancho Cordova Demographic and Vehicle Miles Traveled Projections Table 2.3 Summary of Legislative Reductions Applied in the Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast Table 2.4 Rancho Cordova 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, BAU Forecast, and Legislative- Adjusted BAU Forecast for 2030 and 2045 (MTCO2e/year)
Table 3.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Summary
Table 3.2 Strategy Transportation-1
Table 3.3 Strategy Transportation-2
Table 3.4 Strategy Transportation-3
Table 3.5 Strategy Transportation-4
Table 3.6 Strategy Transportation-5
Table 3.7 Strategy Energy-1a
Table 3.8 Strategy Energy-1b
Table 3.9 Strategy Energy-2a
Table 3.10 Strategy Energy-2b
Table 3.11 Strategy Offroad -1
Table 3.12 Strategy Offroad -2
Table 3.13 Strategy Water-1
Table 3.14 Solid Waste-1
Table 3.15 Strategy Carbon Sequestration-1
Table 4.1 Changes in Average Annual Temperature in the City of Rancho Cordova Table 4.2 Changes in Extreme Heat in the City of Rancho Cordova Table 4.3 Changes in Average Annual Precipitation in Sacramento County Table 4.4 Changes in Annual Average Area Burned in the Sacramento Valley Region Table 4.5 Summary of Existing Plans that Contribute to the City’s Adaptative Capacity Table 4.6 Vulnerability Scoring Rubric
Table 4.7 Vulnerability Scoring Summary for the City of Rancho Cordova ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
List of Tables
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page v
Table 4.8
Table 5.1
Table 5.2
Adaptation Strategies
City’s Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe
Intentionally removed, as of June 2024 update
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
List of Abbreviations
Ra ncho Cordova
Page vi Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
List of Abbreviations
AB Assembly Bill
BAU Business-As-Usual
CAAP Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy
CARB California Air Resources Board
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
city City of Rancho Cordova
CO2e Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
Community Protocol U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
GHG Greenhouse Gas
ICLEI ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
Leg-adjusted BAU Legislative-Adjusted Business-As-Usual MTCO2e Metric Tons of CO2e
MTP/SCS Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy SB Senate Bill
SACOG Sacramento Area Council of Governments
SMUD Sacramento Municipal Utility District
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page ES -1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OVERVIEW
The City of Rancho Cordova (hereafter referred to as “City”) has prepared this Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) (hereafter referred to as “Plan”) to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience in the city. The purpose s of the Plan are to identify strategies and measures the City can take to reduce Greenhouse Gas ( GHG) emissions to levels that align with the State of California ’s goals and set forth strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate cha nge.
In developing the Plan, the City evaluated the volume of emissions generated in a baseline year (2019 for this Plan) and identified City-specific targets and goals that determine the amount of community-wide emissions that need to be reduced in Rancho Cordova to align with statewide GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. The City then developed GHG reduction measures to achieve the City’s 2030 target and make substantial progress towards the City’s 2045 goal. Additionally, in preparation of the Plan, the City conducted a climate change vulnerability assessment to better understand its vulnerability to climate hazards. This was then used to inform and develop a set of adaptation strategies, objectives, and actions to improve community resilience in the context of climate change. The successful implementation and administration of the Plan would reduce emissions and reduce climate related risks in the city, as well as provide other co-benefits like strengthening the city’s economy, improving risk management, cleaning the environment, and improving the health and wellness of residents.
PLAN DEVELOPMENT
The City kicked off the project in 2021 after which the City prepared GHG emissions inventories and forecasts, set GHG reduction targets, and con ducted a climate change vulnerability assessment. The City then developed GHG emissions reduction and adaptation strategies, measures, and actions to be included in the Plan.
Engagement with members of the public, government officials, and other stakeholders was conducted throughout the entirety of the project. Outreach and engagement efforts are described in the following section.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The City hosted four public workshops and performed outreach efforts to engage residents, stakeholders, an d other interested organizations and individuals . The purpose was to provide an opportunity for the community to participate in the Plan development process and ensure that the Plan equitably captured the ideas and concerns of residents and businesses.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Ra ncho Cordova
Page ES -2 Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan
The first workshop held on October 21, 2021, provided an overview of the purpose and objectives of the Plan and
discussed the Plan process and project timeline. The second workshop held on January 13, 2022, summarized the city’s primary vulnerabilities to climate change and when these climate change impacts are likely to occur. On April 14, 2022, the City held the third workshop and discussed
updates in the Plan development process. The topics
included the primary emissions sources and activities in Rancho Cordova, the role that legislative reductions
1 play in
reducing emissions in the city, and how much lower the
future emissions need to be to align with California's climate goals. On November 16, 2022, the City hosted the fourth and final workshop which was the first in- person event. The purpose of the workshop was to gain feedback on actions the City can take to reduce GHG emissions. Due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, the first three public workshops were held virtually, while the fourth workshop was an in- person event. An online survey was conducted after the fourth workshop to include feedback from residents who could not attend the final workshop.
The multiple sets of public events and additional methods for providing input on the Plan provided residents and stakeholder groups the opportunity to contribute to the Plan development. Additionally, the City conducted a public opinion survey, the results of which are discussed in the sections below .
EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION TARGETS
The 2019 communitywide emissions is 679,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (“MTCO 2e”). Figure ES 1 shows how much is 679,700 MTCO 2e in terms of cars driven, smartphones charge d, home energy used, and area of forests used. The emissions inventory includes the following emissions sectors:
• On-Ro
ad Transportation
• Building Energy
• Solid Waste
• Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment
• Water Supply
• Wastewater Treatment
To reduce communitywide emissions in alignment with statewide target s, the Plan has established the following:
2030 target: 36 percent below 2019 levels (438, 300 MTCO2e annually ); and 2045 goal: 81 percent below 2019 levels (129,300 MTCO2e annually ) 1 Legislative Reductions are reductions in emissions from communitywide activities and sources that result from actions of the State, federal, or regional government agencies. Examples include enacted laws, adopted regulations, standards, and plans.
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
Out of the seven
emissions sectors
included in the
Plan,
on-road
transportation and
building energy are
responsible for 94
percent of
emissions in the
city.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page ES -3
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, 2023.
Figure ES 1 Rancho Cordova’s 2019 communitywide emissions equivalencies Figure ES 2 depicts the 2019 baseline and City’s legislative-adjusted BAU forecast by sector. The black line indicates the City’s GHG reduction target for 2030 and 2045 relative to the City’s 2019 GHG inventory. The space between the trajectory of the black line and the top of the colored wedges represents the “gap” in emissions that needs to be addressed through local actions for the City to meet its GHG reduction targets. T he City needs to reduce annual GHG emissions by 77,100 MTCO2e in 2030 and 400, 600 MTCO2e in 2045 to achieve the targets.
Source: Ascent Environmental 2022.
Figure ES 2 Rancho Cordova’s Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast by Sector, 2030 Emission Reduction Target:
36% below 2019 levels, and 2045 Emission Reduction Goal: 81% below 2019 levels Appendix A presents the inventory technical memorandum, Appendix B details the methodology for preparing the communitywide emissions inventory and projections, Appendix C presents the forecast and target technical memorandum, and Appendix D details the methodology for preparing the emissions reduction targets and goals. 0 100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
2019 2030 2045
Annual GHG Emissions (MTCO2e per year)
On-Road Transportation Nonresidential Building Energy Residential Building Energy Solid Waste Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment Wastewater Treatment Water Supply Reduction Target and Goal
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Ra ncho Cordova
Page ES -4 Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan
PLAN AT A GLANCE
Emission Reduction Measures
To achieve the 2030 target and to make substantial progress toward the 2045 goal , the Plan proposes a Strategy Framework consisting of 14 GHG reduction strategies, 34 GHG emission reduction measures , and supporting actions briefly summarized in Table ES 1 below. The strategy framework contains additional information like annual emissions reduced, percent of the City’s total reductions, performance targets , and supporting actions identified by the City to assist in achieving each strategy’s performance target . For measures labeled as “quantified” the CAP provides estimates of the measure’s annual GHG reduction potential; measures labeled as “qualitative” would also reduce GHG emissions but their annual GHG reduction potential is not estimated in the CAP. The additi onal details are presented in Chapter 3, section 1.3.2, and GHG reduction calculation details are included in Appendix E.
Table ES 1 Summary of Emissions Reduction Strategy Framework identified in the Plan Getting To, From, and Around the City
(On-road Transportation Sector)
Strategy Transportation -1
Support development of walkable, interconnected
neighborhoods, villages, and districts
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
6,700 17,100
Transportation -1.1: Enforce the City’s Transportation Impact Guidelines, which require developers to include features in their projects that decrease the amount of driving alone and encourage people to make trips by walking, biking, or using public transit (Quantified)
Transportation -1.2: Reduce or eliminate requirements to provide a minimum number of off- street parking spaces in new development projects (Qualitative)
Transportation -1.3: Improve street connectivity, for example by providing walkways at the ends of existing cul- de-sacs, or requiring walkable street systems in new developments (Qualitative) Transportation -1.4: Limit the number of drive -through businesses (Qualitative) Strategy Transportation -2
Make walking and biking safe and attractive for people of all ages and abilities
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
11,500 12,800
Transportation -2.1: Update Bike and Pedestrian Master Plans to increase the number of low -stress bikeways and walkways that connect homes to destinations (Quantified) Transportation -2.2: Install roundabouts to control traffic at intersections, instead of stop signs or traffic signals (Qualitative)
Transportation -2.3: Provide temporary or permanent car-free zones or “slow streets” in specified areas, for example, individual blocks or residential streets (Qualit ative) Transportation -2.4: Install measures to reduce vehicle speeds and calm traffic on city streets (Qualitative) ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page ES -5
Strategy Transportation -3
Provide transit options that are accessible, reliable, and convenient
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
5,800 10,200
Transportation -3.1: Increase the frequency of SacRT bus, CordoVan service, and/or light rail service, or extend service to cover new areas or times of day (Quantified)
Transportation -3.2: Implement Transit- Supportive Roadway Treatments (for example, transit signal priority, bus -only signal phases, queue jumps, curb extensions to speed passenger loading, and dedicated bus lanes) (Quantified) Transportation -3.3: Provide discounted or fare- free transit service (could be universal or targeted to specific areas and/or populations, for example, youth under 18) (Quantified) Transportation -3.4: Expand the SmaRT Ride area and convert the shuttles to electric shuttles (Quantified) Strategy Transportation -4
Reduce drive alone vehicle trips
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
3,800 6,800
Transportation -4.1: Implement a Commuter Trip Reduction Program (CTR) in which companies provide employees with services, infrastructure, and incentives for not driving alone to work and instead ridesharing, taking transit, biking, walking, or teleworking (Quantified)
Transportation -4.2: Implement an Electric Vehicle Carshare Program in which vehicles are available for users on -demand for short -term rentals (Qualitative)
Transportation -4.3: Implement a bikeshare/scooter share program in which conventional or electric powered bikes or scooters are available to users on -demand for short -term rentals (Qualitative) Transportation -4.4: Provide Community- Based Travel Planning (CBTP) to households in the city in which trained travel advisors visit households to provide them with customized information, incentives, and support to encourage use of transportation options other than driving alone (Qualitative) Strategy Transportation -5
Transition to electric and zero emission vehicles
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
27,000 171,300
Transportation -5.1: Install EV chargers in new residential, commercial, and industrial projects (Quantified) Transportation -5.2: Install publicly accessible EV chargers on existing private property (Quantified) Transportation -5.3: Install EV chargers on public property (Quantified) Transportation -5.4: Electrify loading docks and/or require idling -reduction systems (Qualitative) Transportation -5.5: Limit new gasoline/diesel fueling stations (Qualitative) Using Energy in Homes and Businesses
(Building Energy Sector)
Strategy Energy -1a
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing residential buildings
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
9,700 29,000
Energy-1.1: Retrofit existing residential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption for end uses like space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking (Quantified) Strategy Energy -1b
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing nonresidential buildings
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
2,100 10,000
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Ra ncho Cordova
Page ES -6 Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan
Energy-1.2: Retrofit existing nonresidential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption for end uses like space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking (Quantified) Strategy Energy -2a
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new residential buildings
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
1,400 5,100
Energy-2.1: Require new residential development to be all -electric, zero net energy (ZNE) buildings (where the amount of energy used in a year equals the amount of energy generated on the site) (Quantified) Strategy Energy -2b
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new
nonresidential buildings
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
430 1500
Energy-2.2: Require new nonresidential development to achieve energy efficiency above minimum State building code requirements (CAL Green Tier 2) (Quantified)
Using Equipment for Landscaping and Construction
(Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Sector)
Strategy Offroad -1
Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for landscaping equipment
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
130 260
Offroad-1.1: Replace existing gasoline and diesel -powered landscaping equipment with electric or zero emission alternatives (Quantified)
Offroad-1.2: Convert new landscaping equipment to electric or zero -emission alternatives (Quantified) Strategy Offroad -2
Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for construction equipment
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
1,700 9,200
Offroad-2.1: Increase electrification and use of alternative fuels in construction projects (Quantified) Offroad-2.2: Reduce construction vehicle idling (Quantified) Using Water and Disposing of Waste at Homes and Businesses (Water and Solid Waste Sectors)
Strategy Water -1
Conserve water
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
0* 0*
Water-1.1: Reduce indoor water use in existing and new buildings (Qualitative) ^ Water-1.2: Reduce outdoor water use for landscaping and irrigation in existing and new developments (Qualitative) ^ *Emissions reduced from water measures estimated to be zero in 2030 because water -related energy needs assumed to be met by 100% renewable or zero emission electricity by 2030.
Strategy Solid Waste -1
Avoid disposal of organic waste in landfills
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
8,800 32,600
Solid Waste -1.1: Increase recovery of edible food waste (Quantified) Solid Waste -1.2: Eliminate disposal of organic waste in landfills (food waste, yard waste) (Quantified) ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page ES -7
Planting and Managing Trees
(Carbon Sequestration Sector)
Strategy Carbon Sequestration -1
Increase the number of trees in the city, through new
plantings and management of existing trees
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
2030 2045
440 1,100
Carbon Storage -1.1: Increase the number of trees in the city, through new plantings and management of existing trees (Quantified)
* The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
^Emissions reduced from water measures estimated to be zero in 2030 because water-related energy needs assumed to be met by 100% renewable or zero emission electricity.
Adaptation Strategies
In addition to strategies and measures to reduce GHG emissions, t he Plan also includes a set of five adaptation strategies to help the City prepare for and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Each adaptation strategy includes two to three tailored objectives, which are accompanied by an array of actions that can be implemented to help achieve those objectives. The adaptation strategies and objectives are summarized in Table ES 2 below. Further details, such as the associated actions for each strategy and set of objectives, are presented in Chapter 4. The city’s Vulnerability Assessment Technical Memo, which was used to inform the adaptation strategies, is included in Appendix F.
Table ES 2 Summary of Adaptation Strategies identified in the Plan Strategy Adaptation -1.
Improve resilience to increased temperatures and extreme heat.
Objectives:
Reduce the urban heat island effect.
Protect populations from extreme heat.
Strategy Adaptation -2.
Improve resilience to extreme precipitation and flooding.
Objectives :
Promote climate -smart flood management.
Add redundancy to the City’s flood management system.
Strategy Adaptation -3.
Improve resilience to drought.
Objectives :
Reduce water consumption.
Ensure long -term sustainability and reliability of the City’s water supplies.
Strategy Adaptation -4.
Improve resilience to wildfires.
Objectives :
Protect populations from wildfire smoke and poor air quality. Mitigate the impacts from potential Public Safety Power Shutoff events during high wildfire risk conditions.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Ra ncho Cordova
Page ES -8 Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan
Strategy Adaptation -5.
Promote holistic community resilience in the context of climate change.
Objectives:
Coordinate equitable education, outreach, and engagement. Promote robust emergency services and other planning activities. Protect the built environment from climate hazards.
2022 RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
In addition to the online survey conducted after the fourth workshop, the City commissioned a public opinion survey to measure residents’ attitudes about climate change and their opinions about the City government taking s teps to reduce climate change and its impacts. The City conducted a telephone survey with 300 randomly selected participants to provide another form of outreach for resident input. The purpose was to better understand resident s’ perceptions of climate change and what steps the City should take to address issues associated with climate change. The survey results indicated that climate change is a very important issue for the majority of residents and a majority also responded that climate change will be very harmful or somewhat harmful to them or loved ones . A majority of the residents think it is very important for the City to take steps to reduce the impacts of climate change . A majority of residents also strongly or somewhat sup port specific City actions related to encouraging people to travel without using their private vehicles such as walking, biking, sharing rides, and using public transportation ; increasing the use of electric vehicles , and encouraging energy efficiency and reduced natural gas consumption in existing buildings and new construction. Encouraging the use of electric -powered instead of gas -powered landscape and construction equipment was the only City -specific action t hat was not strongly or somewhat supported by a majority of residents. A plurality of residents somewhat support this action (41.5 percent), while approximately one- third (31.6 percent) strongly oppose this action, and 9.8 percent indicated they somewhat oppose it. No residents (0 percent) indicated strong support for this action.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
After the adoption of this Plan, the City will develop an implementation strategy for the Plan measures. It will be based on several factors such as budget capacity and availability of funding opportunities and will involve collaborat ion with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (“SMUD”), other public and private agencies, and neighboring cities. The success of Plan implementation will also depend on the participation of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the city and region.
The City will implement the measures of the CAAP through several types of programs and activities that may include changes in municipal operati ons; new ordinances or code updates; development conditions of approval; advanced planning efforts; provision of incentives or financing; public agency or private partnerships; and education and outreach. The Plan’s effective implementation will require a process to prioritize its strategies and measures periodically. Potential funding sources to support Plan implementation are listed in Appendix G.
Strategy highlights
i. Maximum emissions reduction:
Stra
tegy Transportation-5.
Transition to electric and zero
emission vehicles.
ii. Addresses safety and mobility
challenges for people with different
abilities: Strategy Transportation-2.
Make walking and biking safe and
attractive for people of all ages and
abilities.
iii. Improves aesthetics and provides
cleaner air: Strategy Carbon
Sequestration-1. Remove emissions
from the atmosphere.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Executive Summary
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page ES -9
MONITORING STRATEGY
The Plan will be monitored over time to assess the progress by tracking key indicators for each measure. Changing circumstances, such as State and federal laws and programs, updates to climate science, changes in technology, or evolving local, State, federal, or even global economic and social conditions, may necessitate changes to the Plan. If the Plan is not achieving the desired outcomes, the measures or actions will need to be altered or amended.
City staff will evaluate the performance of each GHG reduction action that has been implemented. Evaluating the performance requires monitoring the level of community participation, costs, and potential barriers to implementation, as well as activities that result in GHG emissions reductions like actual reductions in fuel consumption, vehicle miles traveled, energy usage, water usage, landfilled waste, and so on. In addition to considering these factors, assessing the performance of Plan adaptation actions will be informed by resilience-related improvements in the community. The City staff will regularly monitor and report on adaptation and climate hazards and will update the strategies and actions when needed. By evaluating whether the implementation of an action is on track to achieve its objective, the City can identify successful actions and reevaluate or replace underperforming measures.
To provide updates on Plan implementation progress, City staff will prepare a monitoring report every two years. Finally, the City will prepare a GHG emissions inventory and an update to the plan every five years, with the first update due in 2028. Updates woul d reflect the findings of the monitoring reports and inventory updates. Table ES 3 shows the City’s implementation and monitoring timeframe.
Table ES 3 City’s Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe Year Milestone Description
2023 Plan adopted City Council adopts the Plan.
2023 Develop Implementation
Strategy City staff begins to develop the implementation strategy. 2023 Plan Implementation City staff begins to implement Plan measures. 2025 Monitoring Report
City staff will prepare a monitoring report every two years and present the report to City Council and Planning Commission. The first monitoring report will be completed two years from Plan adoption. Each monitoring report will evaluate implementation status of the Plan’s GHG reduction measures. The monitoring report will identify whether any of the measures require amendment to maintain progress toward achieving the emissions reductions identified in the Plan. 2028 GHG Emissions
Inventory Update
An updated GHG inventory will be prepared to track the Plan implementation progress by assessing the City’s progress towards achieving the emissions reductions identified in the Plan.
2028 Plan Update
Based on the results of the monitoring report and updated GHG emissions inventory, the City will update the Plan to include new or amended measures, remove, or update any ineffective measures, and incorporate new technologies and methodologies as necessary to ensure the Plan is on track to achieve the City’s target and goal.
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Executive Summary
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Page ES -10 Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENT AL QUALITY AC T AND THE PLA N
The Californi a Environmental Q uality A ct (CEQA) is a statute that require s local ag encies to i dentify s ignificant environmental i mpacts of their actions and avoid o r mitigate those impacts, if feasible. The 2 022 Scoping Plan emphasizes t he use o f CEQA as a t ool by lo cal jurisdictions fo r supporting the State’s climate priorities. When a local Plan complies with CEQA re quirements, individual projects that comply with the Plan ar e allowed to streamline the project-s pecific GHG analysis. The City plans to utilize this tool for ensuring that new development is constructed with more sustainable and low-c arbon features than existing development, however this Plan is not intended to be consistent with, nor will be utilized to meet, the provisions of CEQA Guidelines S
ection 1518 3.5 (“Qualified Plan”). The City may conduct additional CEQA analysis in the future in order to readopt this Plan to be consistent with a CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 "Qualified Plan". This section is updated as of June 2024.
PLAN ORGANIZATION
This Plan is divided into five main chapters. Chapter 1, introduces the City’s Plan, outlines the goal of the Plan, and the development process in detail. Chapter 2 describes the community’s 2019 baseline GHG emissions inventory,
presents 2030 and 2045 emissions forecasts, and identifies community emissions reduction targets.
GHG emissions reduction s trategies and measures are included in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 presents an overview o
f the climate adaptation planning process, a summary of the city’s climate change vulnerability assessment, and adaptation strategies, objectives, and actions that can be implemented to strengthen community resilience to climat
e change. Lastly, Chapter 5 provides a framework for implementing and monitoring the Plan and includes a timeline f
or future updates.
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CHAPTER 1: Introduction
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Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 1-1
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE CLIMATE ACTION AND
ADAPTATION PLAN
The City of Rancho Cordova (hereafter referred to as “City”) has prepared its first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) (hereafter referred to as “Plan”) to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience in the city. It lays out a set of strategies to reduce Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions and the potential impacts of climate change in Rancho Cordova . At a local level, annual temperatures and intensity of precipitation events are projected to increase over time. These changes could result in increased heat waves, wildfire risk, and flooding, resulting in adverse effects on residents’ health and safety, economic prosperity, infrastructure, and the provision of public services. The Plan identifies strategies and measures the City can take to address climate change by reducing GHG emissions to levels that align with State wide GHG reduction targets and strategies and actions for the City to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change in Rancho Cordova .
In developing the Plan, the City evaluate d the volume of emissions generated in a baseline year (2019 for this Plan) and identified City -specific targets and goals that determine the amount of community-wide emissions that need to be reduced in Rancho Cordova to align with statewide GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. The City then developed GHG reduction measures to achieve the City’s 2030 target and make substantial progress towards the City’s 2045 goal. Additionally, in preparation of the Plan, the City conducted a climate change vulnerability assessment to better understand its vulnerability to climate hazards. This was then used to inform and develop a set of adaptation strategies, objectives, and actions to improve community resilience in context of climate change.
The successful implementation and administration of the Plan would reduce emissions and reduce climate related risks in the city, as well as provide other co- benefits like strengthening the City’s economy, improving risk management, cleaning the environment, and improving the health and wellness of residents. At a local scale, communities can work towards reducing their carbon footprint by changing habits to consume less energy, generate less waste, conserve water, use sustainable transportation modes, and promote carbon sequestration.
1.1.1 Why is the Plan Important?
Through the Plan, community members can take climate action specific to the city’s requirements. By beginning to plan now and engaging in more sustainable practices, communities will be better suited to adapt to climate change and increase resiliency for the future. The Plan lays out prospects to shape the future development of the city in the way that the homes, businesses , and communities become more sustainable and less vulnerable to ITEM 13.7.
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climate risks. While saving money and promoting a healthier environment , the implementation of the Plan will improve livability and quality of life for the residents of Rancho Cordova .
1.1.2 Plan Goals
The 2019 communitywide emissions is 679,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (“MTCO2e”). In order to
reduce emissions and meet statewide targets, the Plan has established local reduction targets consistent with statewide emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. To support the achievement of statewide GHG reduction targets and
reduce emissions locally, the Plan sets the following emission reductions targets using 2019 levels as a reference point:
2030 target: 36 percent below 2019 levels (438,300
MTCO2e annually); and
2045 goal: 81 percent reduction from 2019 levels (129,300 MTCO2e annually).
This Plan provides a summary of baseline GHG emissions and the potential growth in these emissions over time. A summary of the City’s emissions inventory, emissions projections, and methodology for setting GHG reduction targets is discussed further in Chapter 2. The strategies and measures that the City will implement to achieve the 2030 emissions reduction t arget and make substantial progress toward the 2045 goal are discussed in Chapter
3. The Plan also illustrates strategies and measures that the City will implement to adapt to climate change risks and vulnerabilities in Chapter 4. As part of Plan implementation, each strategy and measure should be continually assessed and monitored. More information on administering, implementing, and monitoring the Plan is included in Chapter 5.
1.2 SUMMARY OF THE PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
This section gives an overview of the internal and external processes in developing this Plan. It briefly describes the City’s process for Plan development and external engagement with residents and other stakeholders. Figure
1.1 presents the c omponents of the CAAP development process .
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
Figure 1.1 Components of the CAAP development process
Why
did the City prepare a Plan?
• to align with State climate goals
• establish city specific climate action and guide
future development
• to maintain consistency in GHG reduction
• to support infill housing production
• to leverage other regional sustainability programs
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Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 1-3
1.2.1 Plan Development
The City kicked off the project in 2021 after which the City prepared GHG emissions inventories and forecasts, set GHG reduction targets, and conducted a climate change vulnerability assessment. These tasks were completed by the first quarter of 2022 and then the City developed GHG emissions reduction strategies, measures, and actions, along with adaptation strategies, objectives , and actions to be included in the Plan. These efforts created the foundation for developing this Plan , which occurred in the first quarter of 2023 .
Engagement with City staff, members of the public, government officials, and other stakeholders was conducted throughout the entirety of the project. Outreach and engagement efforts are described in the following section.
1.2.2 Community Engagement
The Plan serves as a resource and starting point to support the City’s long -term sustainability efforts. Effective and long -term climate action and resiliency in the City can only be achieved through active and ongoing partnerships between residents, businesses, the City, and other agencies and organizations in the city.
The City hosted four public workshops and performed outreach efforts to engage residents, stakeholders, and other interested organizations and individuals. The purpose was to provide an opportunity for the community to participate in the Plan development process and ensure that the Plan equitably captured the ideas and concerns of residents and businesses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first three public workshops were held virtually, while the fourth workshop was an in- person event. The attendees included a diverse mix of participants including Rancho Cordova residents, business owners, members of local climate groups, neighborhood associations, community council members , people who had property in the city , and so on . The workshops served to inform attendees about the project scope and goals and solicited input to gain a better understanding of the community’s climate change concerns and priorities.
The first workshop held on October 21, 2021 was attended by 26 people. It provided an overv iew of the purpose and objectives of the Plan, and discussed the Plan process and project timeline. It also provided information on how the community can get involved in the development process.
The second workshop held on January 13, 2022, summarized the city’s primary vulnerabilities to climate change and when these climate change impacts are likely to occur. 31 people including residents and business owners attended the workshop that briefed on activities that are contributing to the city's greenhouse g as emissions and emission categories contributing to these emissions.
On April 14, 2022, the City held the third workshop which was attended by 17 people. It discussed updates in the Plan development process. The topics included the primary emissions sources and activities in Rancho Cordova, the role that federal , State, regional, and local actions play in reducing emissions in the city, and how much lower the future emissions need to be to meet California's climate goals. Attendees had the opportunity to share thoughts on potential mitigation measures the C ity could take to reduce emissions to levels that meet the climate targets .
Residents can support climate action by:
• consuming less energy
• producing less waste
• conserving water
• composting
• avoiding drive alone trips
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On November 16, 2022, the City hosted the fourth and final workshop and first in -person event . It was attended by 12 people. The purpose of the workshop was to gain feedback on actions the City can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop
included a short presentation, followed by an
interactive activity and discussion about ideas and
priorities. A handout illustrating the City’s measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was distributed
among participants to serve as a reference for
sharing the feedback. It offered an opportunity for
participan ts to comment on proposed GHG
reduction strategies and measures and to identify
barriers to personal climate action choices. To
increase opportunities for all residents to provide
feedback , an
online survey was also conducted after
the fourth workshop to i nclude feedback from
residents and stak eholders who could not attend
the workshop . 48 people responded to this survey.
Public input gathered from the workshops and the survey played a key role in determining the City’s approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation through ground -truthing the technical analyses conducted for the Plan development . The multiple sets of public events and additional methods for providing inpu t on the Plan provided residents and stakeholder groups the opportunity to contribute to Plan development.
1.3 2022 RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN PUBLIC
OPINION SURVEY
The City asked residents for their comments and suggestions concerning the Plan, emissions reduction measures , and adaptation strategies t hrough community workshops and an online survey . In addition to this, the City commissioned a public opinion survey to measure residents’ atti tudes about climate change and their opinions about the City government taking steps to reduce climate change and its impacts . The City conducted a telephon e survey with 300 randomly
selected participants concerning issues related to its Plan. The purpose of the survey was to better understand resident perceptions of climate change and the City taking steps to address climate change. Specific issues examined in this survey included the community’s views on:
How important climate change is to them personally.
How harmful climate change will be to them and to future generations. How important it is for the City to take steps to reduce climate change and its impacts. How supportive the community is of specific steps the City could take to reduce the impact of climate change.
Why
is the community engagement process
important?
• to provide the community an
opportunity to participate in the City's
climate action
• to advance equality and reduce
disparities
• to ensure that the benefits are shared
among all city residents
Why
did the City conduct a Public Opinion
Survey?
• to ask residents for their comments
and suggestions concerning the Plan.
• to provide another form of outreach
for resident input.
• to collect inputs on a randomly
selected basis
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The survey results indicated that climate change is a very important issue for the majority of residents and a majority also responded that climate change will be very harmful or somewhat harmful to them or loved ones.
A majority of the residents think it is very important for the City to take steps to reduce the impacts of climate change. A majority of residents also strongly or somewhat support specific City actions related to encouraging people to travel without using their private vehicles such as walking, biking, sharing rides, and using public transportation; increasing the use of electric vehicles, and encouraging energy efficiency and reduced natural gas consumption in existing buildings and new construction. Enco uraging the use of electric -powered instead of gas- powered landscape and construction equipment was the only City- specific action that was not strongly or somewhat supported by a majority of residents. A plurality of residents somewhat support this action (41.5 percent), while approximately one- third (31.6 percent) strongly oppose this action, and 9.8 percent indicated they somewhat oppose it. No residents (0 percent) indicated strong support for this actions.
1.4 PROJECT WEBSITE
To provide project information and resources to the community and stakeholders, the City developed a webpage dedicated to the City’s Plan (located at https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/residents/community- topics/climate-action-plan). It includes an overview of the project, updates on the workshops and the online survey held, GHG emissions and adaptation related information and technical document s, and other supporting documents and materials. This webpage supported public participation from the initiation of the p roject to the development of this Plan . After adoption of the Plan, t he webpage will be updated to include updates on Plan implementation and monitoring .
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1.5 REGIONAL CLIMATE PLANNING EFFORTS
The Plan is developed in the context of existing plans and policies occurring within the region that support the reduction of GHG emissions and prepare the community for the anticipated effects of climate change. These include, but are not limited to:
Sacramento County led an update to the countywide 2016 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (Sacramento County, 2021) in 2021, in coordination with incorporated cities, reclamation districts, and other special districts. This will complement the Plan’s adaptation framework and further assist in alleviating vulnerability to climate change impacts in the city.
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) adopted its most recent Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) in 2020 (SACOG, 2023), which provides policies and implementation actions for GHG reductions in the on-road transportation sector, consistent with statewide targets set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Plan’s transportation sector measures can be aligned with the SCS for more effective emission reduction in the city.
The Capitol Region Urban Heat Island Mitigation Project, led by Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) and the Local Government Commission, built detailed models of the Urban Heat Island effect in the Sacramento region and used them to evaluate the effectiveness of a range of heat mitigation measures (SMAQMD, 2020). This will complement the Plan’s adaptation framework and further assist in alleviating vulnerability to climate change impacts in the city. The Sacramento Municipal Utility Department (SMUD)’s Home Performance Program (HPP) is a whole-house approach that bundles energy-efficiency upgrades to deliver more savings, comfort, and rebate options. This program can be effective in supporting strategies identified in this Plan for reducing emissions from the building energy sector.
SMUD collaborated with Five Star Bank and LoanGlide to offer Sustainable Home Improvement Loans to help residential customers finance energy efficiency upgrades. This includes converting from gas-to-electric appliances and equipment and improvements like windows and weatherization. These initiatives align with the supporting actions identified in this Plan for reducing emissions from the building energy sector. SacRT initiatives which include providing County residents access to micro-transit, electric busses, and expanded light rail service, for example, the Fare-Free Transit for Students and Youth Initiative and the SacRT SmaRT Ride where customers can request a ride that will pick up and drop off passengers within the service boundaries.
These initiatives align with the supporting actions identified in this Plan for reducing emissions from the transportation sector.
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Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 1-7
3.6 HOW TO READ THIS PLAN
3.6.1 Organization
This Plan is divided into five main chapters. This chapter, Chapter 1, introduces the City’s Plan, outlines the goal of the Plan, and the development process in detail. Chapter 2 describes the community’s 2019 baseline GHG emissions inventory, presents 2030 and 2045 emissions forecasts of the city, and identifies community emissions reduction targets. GHG emissions reduction strategies and measures are included in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 presents an overview of the climate adaptation planning process, a summary of the city’s climate change vulnerability assessment, and adaptation strategies, objectives, and actions that can be implemented to strengthen community resilience to climate change. Lastly, Chapter 5 provides a framework for implementing and monitoring the Plan and includes a timeline for future updates. It also includes a list of potential funding sources the City can consider for the administration, implementation, and monitoring of measures included in this Plan.
3.6.2 Emissions Reduction and Adaptation Framework
The GHG emissions reduction strategies and measures in Chapter 3 and the adaptation strategies and objectives in Chapter 4 are presented under a similar framework. Each chapter presents strategies that serve as the foundation for addressing the ways in whi ch GHG emissions can be reduced and resilience can be improved in the community. Within each GHG emissions reduction strategy are one or more measures that represent activities that the City would consider in order to achieve the target . Similarly, each of the adaptation strategies includes two to three tailored objectives. Both the GHG emissions reduction measures and adaptation objectives include a set of detailed actions that define the specific action s, projects, programs, or policies the City can implement or support to reduce GHG emissions and strengthen community resilience.
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
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CHAPTER 2:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
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Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 2-1
CHAPTER 2:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
2.1 OVERVIEW
This chapter summarizes the first three components of the Plan development process - identifying and estimating primary sources and annual levels of GHG emissions for a baseline year (also called a baseline inventory) ; estimating emissions trends and proje ctions in the absence of local reduction measures (also called forecasts) ; and setting local emissions reduction goals over time to reduce contributions to climate change effects (also called targets) (refer to section 1.2 for components of the Plan).
2.2 BASELINE INVENTORY
Conducting a baseline inventory for a jurisdiction is the process of quantifying emissions from the potential sources during a single calendar year. It informs about the emissions sources and activities and reports about the relative contribution of each. This process supports the forecasting of future emissions, the setting of target s and goals to reduce emissions, and the development of reduction measures . This section describes sources and levels of communitywide emissions in Rancho Cordova.
The City’s emissions inventory is based on the 2019 baseline year – the most recent year for which reliable data were available at t he time this plan was developed. Rancho Cordova’s inventory is based on the most recent guidance for community -scale emissions inventories developed by ICLEI’s Community Protocol, Version 1.2, published in July 2019 (ICLEI 2019) . Appendix A and B present detailed methods and assumptions used for developing the communitywide emissions inventory. Consistent with the protocol’s requirements, the inventory is prepared for a baseline year that reflects the current communitywide emissions conditions and establish es a foundation to compare how emissions are estimated to grow in the future. Emissions generating activities are divided into categories called emissions sectors.
The inventory includes the following emissions sectors:
Why
a baseline inventory?
• identifies emissions sources and
their relative contribution
• provides a baseline for emissions
forecasts
• supports the establishment of
reduction targets and goals
• informs the development of
reduction measures
• provides a framework to track the
changes in emissions in the city
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• On-Road Transportation
o this sector includes emissions from passenger and commercial vehicles that operate within the city, and to and from the city.
• Building Energy
o Residential Building Energy – this sector includes emissions generated from the use of electricity and natural gas in residential buildings in the city. o Non-residential Building Energy – this sector includes emissions generated from the use of electricity and natural gas in non -residential buildings in the city. • Solid Waste
o this sector includes emissions associated with waste generated by residents and businesses in the city .
• Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment
o this sector includes emissions from o ff-road vehicles and e quipment that operate in the city. • Water Supply
o this sector includes e missions associated with residential and commercial water consumption • Wastewater Treatment
o this sector includes e missions associated with residential and commercial wastewater treatment
2.2.1 Rancho Cordova’s Emissions Inventory
The 2019 communitywide emissions is 679,700 MTCO2e. Out of the seven emissions sectors included in the Plan, on-road transportation and building energy ar e responsible for 94 percent of emissions in the city . Table
2.1 shows the results of the inventory and Figure 2.1 shows the share of emissions generated by each sector.
Appendix A presents the inventory technical memo randum and Appendix B details the methodology for preparing the communitywide emissions inventory .
Table 2.1 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Sectors MTCO2e/year Percent of Total
On-Road Transportation 417,100 61%
Nonresidential Building Energy 118,800 17%
Residential Building Energy 95,600 14%
Solid Waste 22,400 3%
Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment 11,000 2%
Water Supply 9,100 1%
Wastewater Treatment 5,700 1%
Total 679,700 100%
Notes: MTCO2e/year = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year Source: Ascent Environmental 2022.
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Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan Page 2-3
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, 2023.
Source: Ascent Environmental 2022.
Figure 2.1 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Communitywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
2.3 EMISSIONS FORECASTS
The next phase in the Plan process is to estimate communitywide emissions over time. Comparing the forecasts with targets will provide an emissions gap that the city needs to address to achieve the target. This information is critical to evaluating the City’s performance in mitigating emissions and understanding where the City should focus its efforts in the future. The 2019 baseline inventory is used to scale emissions to 2030 and 2045. Emissions forecasts are based on the following two factors:
On-Road Transportation,
61%
Nonresidential Building
Energy, 17%
Residential Building
Energy, 14%
Solid Waste, 3%
Off-Road Vehicles and
Equipment, 2%
Wastewater Treatment,
1%Water Supply, 1%
Why
an emissions forecast?
• identifies emissions gap
• provides a framework for
comparing changes in
emissions in the future
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(i) Communit y Activities: change in community activities like population, number of employees, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) results in a change in communitywide emissions. (ii) Legislative Reductions Federal, State, and regional actions that reduce GHG emissions from communitywide activities and sources . Examples of these initiatives include a law, regulation, standard, or program.
2.3.1 Future Emissions without Legislative Reductions (Business -As -Usual Forecast)
The emissions forecast without legislative reductions (also known as Business -As-Usual or BAU Forecast ) is an assessment of the City’s emissions solely based on how the community activities will change over time w ithout further local, regional, State, or federal action . It assumes that no further government action is taken to reduce GHG emissions and reflects only the change emissions that results from change in community activities. Table
2.2 shows activity projections in the city from 2019 to 2045 that are used to inform the BAU Forecast of GHG emissions , and also inform the Legislative -Adjusted BAU Forecast, which is described in the next section.
Table 2.2 Rancho Cordova Demographic and Vehicle Miles Trave led Projections Forecast Factor 2019 2030 2045
Population 77,579 102,122 125,427
Employment 61,991 73,604 84,213
Annual VMT 919,218,798 1,071,357,646 1,307,495,381
Notes: VMT = vehicle miles traveled.
Source: SACOG Growth Forecast for the 2020 MTP/SCS; Fehr & Peers; adapted by Ascent Environmental in 2022.
2.3.2 Future Emissions with Legislative Reductions (Legislative -Adjusted BAU Forecast )
Emissions forecast with legislative reductions (also known as Legislative- Adjusted Business -As-Usual or Legislative- Adjusted BAU forecast) is an assessment of the C ity’s emissions based on the changes in community activities including adopted legislative and regulatory actions at the regional, State, or federal levels . The legislative reductions applied to estimate emissions under this foreca st are listed in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 Summary of Legislative Reductions Applied in the Legislative -Adjusted BAU Forecast Source Legislative Reduction Description Sectors Applied Regional 2030 Zero Carbon
Plan
Establishes a target for SMUD to supply 100 percent
renewable electricity by 2030.
Residential and
Nonresidential
Building Energy,
Water Supply
State
California ’s Building
Energy Efficiency
Standards (2019 Title
24, Part 6)
Requires all new buildings in California to comply with energy efficiency standards established by CEC . Accounts for the energy efficiency gains associated with lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heating
Residential and
Nonresidential
Building Energy
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Source Legislative Reduction Description Sectors Applied improvements, as well as onsite solar photovoltaic
requirements for low -rise residential .
State Advanced Clean Car s I
Standards
Establishes GHG emission reduction standards for model
years 2017 through 2025 that are more stringent than
federal CAFE standards.
On-Road
Transportation
State Truck and Bus
Regulation
Requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in California to be up graded to reduce GHG emissions.
On-Road
Transportation
Federal
Fuel Efficiency
Standards for Medium-
and Heavy -Duty
Vehicles
Establishes fuel efficiency standards for medium - and heavy - duty engines and vehicles.
On-Road
Transportation
Federal
EPA Off-Road
Compression -Ignition
Engine Standards
Establishes standards for phasing of EPA diesel engine tiers for off- road compression -ignition equipment.
Off-Road Vehicles
and Equipment
Notes: CAFE = Corporate Average Fuel Economy; CEC = California Energy Commission; EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; GHG = greenhouse gas, SMUD = The Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
Figure 2.2 and Table 2.4 present the City’s 2019 inventory with BAU forecast and Legislative -Adjusted BAU forecast for 2030 and 2045. With the legislative actions, the C ity’s emissions would decrease by approximately 22 percent between 2019 and 2045 and by approximately 24 percent between 2019 and 2030. In 2030, the legislative-a djusted BAU Forecast is 37 percent lower than the BAU forecast , while in 2045, legislative -adjusted BAU Forecast is 46 percent lower than the BAU forecast .
Table 2.4 Rancho Cordova 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory , BAU Forecast , and Legislative - Adjusted BAU Forecast for 2030 and 2045 (MTCO 2e/year) Sector 2019 2030 2045
Baseline
Emissions BAU Forecast
Legislative -
Adjusted
BAU Forecast
BAU Forecast
Legislative -
Adjusted
BAU Forecast
On-Road Transportation 417,100 486,200 387,800 593,300 384,700 Nonresidential Building Energy 118,800 141,100 23,600 161,400 25,300 Residential Building Energy 95,600 125,800 52,200 154,500 55,900 Solid Waste 22,400 29,500 29,500 36,200 36,200
Off-Road Vehicles and
Equipment
11,000 14,800 14,800 18,500 18,500
Water Supply 9,100 12,000 0 14,700 0
Wastewater Treatment 5,700 7,500 7,500 9,200 9,200
Total 679,700 816,700 515,400 987,800 529,800
Notes: Total may not sum exactly due to independent rounding. MTCO2e/year = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
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Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
Figure 2.2 Rancho Cordova 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, BAU Forecast, and Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast for 2030 and 2045
2.4 EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS
Rancho Cordova’s 2030 emissions reduction target and 2045 goal have been developed to align with the statewide emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. As directed in Senate Bill ( SB) 32 and Assembly Bill (AB) 1279, the State aims to reduce Statewide annual GHG emissions to:
40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030; and
net zero emissions as soon as possible and no later than 2045, with at least an 85 percent reduction from 1990 levels for anthropogenic sources.1
Co
nsistent with State targets and considering relevant emissions sectors, this Plan establishes the following communitywide GHG reduction target for 2030 and GHG reduction goal for 2045:
2030 target: 36 percent below 2019 levels (438,300 MTCO2e annually); and 2045 goal: 81 percent below 2019 levels (129,300 MTCO2e annually). 1 Anthropogenic sources are human activities that generate emissions. 2030 20452019
0 200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000Annual GHG Emissions (MTCO2e per year)
On-Road Transportation Nonresidential Building Energy Residential Building Energy Solid Waste Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment Wastewater Treatment Water Supply BAU Forecast Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast ITEM 13.7.
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Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan Page 2-7
2.5 LOCAL EMISSIONS GAP
Figure 2.3 below depicts the 2019 baseline and legislative -adjusted BAU forecast by sector . The black line indicates the City’s GHG reduction target for 2030 and the 2045 goal relative to the City’s 2019 baseline emissions level . The space between the trajectory of the black line and the top of the colored wedges represents the “gap” in emissions that will need to be addressed through local actions for the City to meet its GHG reduction target and goal . To address the ga p, the City has identified a strategy framework including emissions reduction strategies, measures, and supporting actions. The strategy framework is presented in Chapter 3. Appendix A presents the inventory technical memo randum, Appendix B details the methodology for preparing the communitywide emissions inventory and projections, Appendix C presents the forecast and target technical memo randum, and Appendix D details the methodology for preparing the emissions reduction targets and goals .
Source: Ascent Environmental 2022.
Figure 2.3 Rancho Cordova’s Legislative-Adjusted BAU Forecast by Sector, 2030 Emission Reduction Target:
36% below 2019 levels, and 2045 Emission Reduction Goal: 81% below 2019 levels
0 100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
2019 2030 2045
Annual GHG Emissions (MTCO2e per year)
On-Road Transportation Nonresidential Building Energy Residential Building Energy Solid Waste Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment Wastewater Treatment Water Supply Reduction Target and Goal
Chapter 3 of the Plan identifies
emissions reduction measures to
that seek to close the following
emissions gaps:
77,100 MTCO2e/year by 2030
400,500 MTCO2e/year by 2045
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 2 | Green house Gas Emissions Inventor y
Rancho Cordova
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ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
CHAPTER 3:
Emissions Reduction Strategies & Measures
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 3-1
CHAPTER 3:
Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures
3.1 OVERVIEW
This chapter summarizes the fourth component of the Plan development process – the development of emissions reduction strategies and measures (refer to section 1.2 for components of a Plan ). It outlines strategies and measures the City can take to achieve the emissions reduction target for 2030 (reducing emissions to 36 percent below 2019 l evels) and make substantial progress toward the 2045 goal (reducing emissions to 8 1 percent below 2019 levels) .
3.2 EMISSIONS REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND MEASURES
This Plan includes strategies, measures, and supporting actions that address the following major climate change- related activities that can be influenced by the City’s actions:
Getting To, From, and Around the City (On -road Transportation Sector) Using Energy in Homes and Businesses (Building Energy Sector) Using Equipment for Landscaping and Construction (Off -Road Vehicle and Equipment Sector) Using Wate r and Disposing of Waste at Homes and Businesses (Water Supply, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Sectors)
Planting and Managing Trees (Carbon Sequestration Sector) The strategies and measures focus on reducing GHG emissions that are generated from activities occurring in Rancho Cordova. The City will implement th ese measures in the coming years through planned programs, policies, and projects. Additional to reducing emissions, which is the primary purpose of these strategies and measures, these will also result in added co -benefits that would occur through implementation, such as improved environmental quality, improved health outcomes, enhanced community character, address historic underinvestment, create job opportunities, and improve resilience to climate change impacts.
Implementation of the strategies and measures in this chapter would be adequate to meet the City’s 2030 emissions reduction target (36 percent below 2019 levels ) and make sufficient progress towards the 204 5 goal (81 percent below 2019 levels ). However, because the city is already experiencing the effects of climate change, this Plan includes multiple measures to adapt to climate change impacts, discussed in Chapter 4.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Ra ncho Cordova
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
3.3 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
The implementation of GHG reduction strategies and measures over the years will affect the entire community and these effects will persist for a long time. Hence, it is necessary that the strategies take into c onsideration the present and future circumstances of the community . This includes taking into consideration the requirements and aspirations of the people as well as the pressure that will be placed on the community resources. To develop strategies that best support community activities and make the best use o f community resources, it is important that the whole community works as a unit and contributes to the strategy development process.
Hence, the process of developing GHG reduction strategies is critica l.
In developing the strategies and measures in this Plan, City staff identified the potential for future projects in the City and gathered input from residents, business owners, and community organizations, th rough a series of workshops and surveys . The City hosted these public events for residents, business ow ners, and community leaders where they were able to provide input and feedback on proposed measures. Input from these workshops was used to further define measures and identify measure goals. These outreach efforts are described in Chapter 1 , section 1.2.2.
3.3.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Summary
If communitywide emissions in the city were to continue to grow unimpeded , the city is anticipated to generate 816,800 MTCO2e in 2030 and 987,800 MTCO2e in 2045. While legislative reductions would further reduce 301,400 MTCO2e per year, the City would still need to reduce annual emissions by 77,100 MTCO2e by 2030 and 400,500 MTCO2e by 2045 to achieve the proposed emissions reduction target s. Table 3.1 presents the summary of communitywide emissions growth with and without emissions reduction strategies and measures identified in this Plan and Figure 3.1 shows the share of emissions reductions from strategies identified in the Plan for 2030.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3-3
Table 3.1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Summary
Emissions Sectors 2030 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2045 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
BAU Forecast 816,700 987,800
Legislative Reductions 301,400 458,000
Legislative -Adjusted BAU forecast 515,400 529,800
Target Emissions 438,300 129,300
Total Reductions from Strategies and Measures 79,700 307,800 Reductions from On -Road Transportation Measures 54,800 218,200 Reductions from Building Energy Measures 13,600 45,600 Reductions from Off -Road Vehicle and Equipment Measures 1,800 9,500 Reductions from Solid Waste Measures 8,800 32,600
Reductions from Carbon Sequestration Sector Measures 440 1,000 Communitywide Emissions with Strategies and M easures 435,700 222,200 Notes: Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand; values and totals may not equal the values summed in other tables or figures; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
Figure 3.1 GHG Emissions Reductions from Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures in 2030 On-road Transportation
Sector
69%
Building Energy Sector
17%
Off-Road Vehicle and
Equipment Sector
Water and Solid Waste
Sectors
11%
Carbon Sequestration Sector
On-road Transportation
Sector
Building Energy Sector
Off-Road Vehicle and
Equipment Sector
Water and Solid Waste
Sectors
Carbon Sequestration
Sector
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Ra ncho Cordova
3.3.2 Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures
To close the gap between the legislative -adjusted BAU forecast and the 2030 emission reduction target, the Plan proposes a Strategy Framework consisting of 14 GHG reduction strategies and 34 GHG emission reduction measures, developed based on a combination of factors, including:
the feasibility of the measure to be implemented by the City; existing policies, actions, or programs that can be expanded; proposed policies and plans yet to be ado pted;
feedback from the community workshop s
The Strategy Framework is developed to achieve the 2030 reduction target and make substantial progress toward the 2045 goal. The City has also identified supporting actions that will assist in achieving each stra tegy’s performance target but were not directly quantified toward meeting the City’s reduction target s. For each strategy , the reduction strategy framework is shown in the form of table s in the sections below . The tables consist of strategies, measures, annual emissions reduced, p ercent of the City’s total reductions , performance targets, and supporting actions . Each term used in the tables is defined here and emissions reduction strategies and measures details are included in Appendix E.
Strategy : City’s overall approach for reducing GHG emissions from an activity or in a sector. Measure : Activities the City could perform to implement a strategy; one or more measures are identified for each strategy.
Supporting Actions : Specific actions that the Cit y could take to successfully implement the strategy and the measures under that strategy.
Estimated Outcomes : City-prepared estimates of how the implementation of the proposed measures is anticipated to affect GHG emissions levels and the performance of certain activities. The following outcomes are reported for each measure:
Performance Metric: Change in the activity that proposed measures have the potential to achieve. GHG Reduction Potential: Estimated decrease per year from the associated measures in the target year.
Emissions are measured in units of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per year. Percent of the City’s Total Reductions: Share of the City’s total annual emissions reduction in the target year.
Figure 3.2 summarizes the outcomes of emissions reduction strategies and measures identified in this Plan. It shows the contribution of each emissions reduction sector in the City’s future emissions in 2030 and 2045 and denotes how much reduction each sector represen ts in terms of fewer gasoline- powered passenger vehicles driven for one year. Figure 3.3 shows the table template used for presenting the strategy framework under each sector.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3-5
Note: Emissions reduction numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand.
Source: Appendix E, US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, 2023. Ascent Environmental, 2022, Figure 3.2 Summary of Potential GHG Emissions Reductions from Measures Identified In This Plan 2030 2045
Getting T o, From,
and Around the City
Using Energy in
Homes and Businesses
Using Equipment for
Landscaping and
Construction
Using Water and
Disposing of Waste at
Homes and Businesses
Planting and
Managing Trees
54,800 MTCO2e
68%
218,200 MTCO2e
13,630 MTCO2e
17% 15%
45,600 MTCO2e
1,830 MTCO2e
2% 3%
9,460 MTCO2e
8,800 MTCO2e
11% 11%
32,600 MTCO2e
440 MTCO2e
1% <1%
1,100 MTCO2e
71%
11,782 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
2,930 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
393 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
1,892 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
95 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
46,913 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
9,804 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
2,034 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
7,009 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
237 fewer
gasoline-powered
passenger vehicles
driven for one year
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Ra ncho Cordova
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
Figure 3.3 How to Read Strategies and Measures
GETTING TO, FROM, AND AROUND THE CITY
(ON -ROAD TRANSPORTATION SECTOR)
The majority of communitywide emissions are from the on -road transportation sector. These emissions are generated by the combustion of fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel) in motor vehicles, and in 2019, this sector accounted for 61 percent of total community GHG emissions. The amount of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the city, or the distance of travel by residents and visitors, is the primary factor that determines on -road transportation emissions. VMT in the city is impacted by factors such as accessibility of alternative transportation options (for example, transit) and land use planning. Vehicle fuel efficiency and fuel carbon intensity standards also affect GHG emissions generated by on -road transportation. Legislative reductions from improvements in federal and State vehicle fuel efficiency standards will contribute to reducing transportation emissions by requiring the development of cleaner vehicle fleets. However, the City will have to rely on local actions to reduce the frequency or distance of vehicle travel or reduce the use of internal combustion vehicles b y shifting to alternative modes of transportation ( for example, bicycling, transit) or alternative fuel types (for example, electric vehicles).
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3-7
Strategies and Measures
Because the transportation sector represents the
largest source of community GHG emissions, it
presents the most significant opportunities to achieve
emissions reductions. This section outlines
transportation and land use- related strategies and
measures the City will implement to help meet its
emissions reduction targets. Transportation and land
use measures are organized under five strategies that
will be implemented at the local level in the c ity with the goal of increasing zero -emission or alternative fuel vehicle use, increasing transportation system efficiency for existing and future travel patterns, and increasing the use of alternative travel modes.
Strategy Transportation-1. Support development of
walkable, interconnected neighborhoods, villages,
and districts
Emissions reductions can be achieved by reducing the number of trips by car and encouraging active transportation . Under this strategy, t he City plans to increase pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, villages, and districts in the city and develop infrastructure that encourages walking, riding a n electric- powered bike, scooter, or skateboard, or any other way of getting to daily destinations like work, school, recreation, or appointments without using a fossil -fuel motorized vehicle. The four measures provided under this strategy require the community’s support for the successful implementation of this strategy . It would reduce emissions by 6,700 MTCO2e in 2030 and 17,100 MTCO2e in 2045. This is equivalent to removing 1,441 gasoline -powered passenger vehicles in 2030 and 3,677 gasoline -powered passenger vehicles in 2045 (calculated using USEPA GHG Equivalencies Calculator , 2022). Table 3.2 provides the details of the measures, performance metrics, and supporting actions under this strategy to encourage the use of active modes of transportation .
Table 3.2 Strategy Transportation -1
Strategy Transportation -1
Support development of walkable, interconnected neighborhoods, villages, and districts Transportation -1.1: Enforce the City’s Transportation Impact Guidelines, which require developers to include features in their projects that decrease the amount of driving alone and encourage people to make trips by walking, biking, or using public transit (Quantified)
Transportation -1.2: Reduce or eliminate requirements to provide a minimum number of off- street parking spaces in new development projects (Qualitative)
Transportation -1.3: Improve street connectivity, for example , by providing walkways at the ends of existing cul-de-sacs, or requiring walkable street systems in new developments (Qualitative) Transportation -1.4: Limit the number of drive -through businesses (Qualitative) ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential ( MTCO2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
Total miles driven in a year from new development would decrease by 10% in 2030 (relative to 2030 scenario
without the proposed measures)
6,700 8%
2045
Total miles driven in a year from new development would decrease by 15% in 2045 (relative to 2045 scenario
without the proposed measures)
17,100 6%
Supporting Actions :
a. Increase the density and intensity of residential, commercial, and mixed- use development near public transit . b. To prevent parking spillover, implement permit parking in nearby residential areas and market -rate pricing of public on -street parking.
c. Review City codes/regulations and update as needed to ensure businesses/groups have flexibility to use off- street parking spaces for outdoor activities like outdoor dining and retail. d. Update policies on roadway spacing/street networks in new development. e. Convert existing cul -de-sacs or dead ends to grid streets. f. Develop and implement the recommendations of the City's upcoming Roundabout Feasibility Study. g. Unbundle residential parking costs.
h. Use improved materials and engineering designs to make walking and transit easier. i. Provide educational programs and campaigns to encourage people to walk, bike, and take transit. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
Strategy Transportation-2. Make walking and biking safe and attractive for people of all ages and abilities Making active transportation safe and attractive would increase motivation to choose w ays of getting around that do not include using a fossil -fuel motorized vehicle. Emissions reductions can be achieved by refining existing laws, enhancing traffic safety laws, set up car-free zones and time slots in the city. The four measures provided under this strategy require collaboration from local and regional agencies and support from residents. The implementation of this strategy would reduce emissions by 11,500 MTCO2e in 2030 and 12,800 MTCO 2e in 2045. This is equivalent to removing 2,437 gasoline -powered passenger vehicles in 2030 and 2,752 gasoline - powered passenger vehicles in 2045 (calc ulated using USEPA GHG Equivalencies Calculator, 2022). Table 3.3 provides the details of the measures, performance metrics, and supporting actions under this strategy to encourage the use of active modes of transportation .
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3-9
Table 3.3 Strategy Transportation -2
Strategy Transportation -2
Make walking and biking safe and attractive for people of all ages and abilities Transportation -2.1: Update Bike and Pedestrian Master Plans to increase the number of low-stress bikeways and walkways that connect homes to destinations (Quantified) Transportation -2.2: Install roundabouts to control traffic at intersections, instead of stop signs or traffic signals (Qualitative)
Transportation -2.3: Provide temporary or permanent car -free zones or “slow streets” in specified areas, for example, individual blocks or residential streets (Qualitative) Transportation -2.4: Install measures to reduce vehicle speeds and calm traffic on city streets (Qualitative) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential ( MTCO2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030 Total miles driven in a year from existing (2019)
development would decrease by 6% in 2030 11,500 14%
2045 Total miles driven in a year from existing (2019)
development would decrease by 7.5% in 2045 12,800 4%
Supporting Actions :
a. Increase density and intensity of residential, commercial, and mixed -use development in areas (for example, business park / downtown ) with infrastructure for walking and biking and getting to daily destinations without a private vehicle.
b. Combine sidewalk coverage and biking infrastructure with best practices such as high- visibility crosswalks, pedestrian signals, mid -block crossings, refuge islands, speed tables, bulb -outs (curb extensions), curb ramps, signage, pavement markings, landscaping, and other im provements to pedestrian safety. c. Require new development to provide and/or pay fair -share contributions toward new and/or improved sidewalks.
d. Continue to fund and/or construct sidewalk improvements through the Capital Improvement Program e. Implement new side walk Program in older parts of the city without sidewalks and bikeways currently. f. Develop Green Streets design criteria that incorporate Green infrastructure. g. Update the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans to create an all ages and abilities network including more separated bikeways and shared -use paths.
h. Prepare a city -wide plan identifying locations/streets suitable for conversion to temporary or permanent car - free zones.
i. Update City codes/regulations to provide businesses/groups with flexibility to use streets for events. j. Review/update roadway standards and complete streets policy to incorporate traffic calming measures. k. Encourage the use of cool pavement materials, colors, and/or treatments on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation l. Implement transit -supportive roadway treatments (for example, signal communication, roadway shelters, curb extensions, rotaries) to optimize traffic flow for transit and personal vehicles m. Improve incident management to quickly detect, respond to, and remove traffic incidents and crashes. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Strategy Transportation-3. Provide transit options that are accessible, reliable, and convenient Increasing the use of transit options will further
reduce GHG emissions and will provide significant
benefits to quality of life and public health. This
strategy would achieve emissions reductions by
increasing the use of transit. Under this strategy, the City plans to increase transit options and frequency,
enhance transit infrastructure, and provide cost-
efficient and more convenient options for people of
all ages. This strategy consists of four measures and
would reduce emissions by 5,800 MTCO
2e in 2030
and 10,200 MTCO 2e in 2045 . This is equivalent to
removing 1,247 gasoline -powered passenger vehicles
in 2030 and 2,193 gasoline -powered passenger
vehicles in 2045 (calc ulated using USEPA GHG
Equivalencies Calculator, 2022). Table 3.4 provides the details of the measures, performance metrics, and
supporting actions under this strategy to encourage
the use of transit options.
Table 3.4 Strategy Transportation -3
Strategy Transportation -3
Provide transit options that are accessible, reliable, and convenient Transportation -3.1: Increase the frequency of SacRT bus, CordoVan service, and/or light rail service, or extend service to cover new areas or times of day (Quantified)
Transportation -3.2: Implement Transit- Supportive Roadway Treatments (for example, transit signal priority, bus- only signal phases, queue jumps, curb extensions to speed passenger loading, and dedicated bus lanes) (Quantified) Transportation -3.3: Provide discounted or fare -free transit service (could be universal or targeted to specific areas and/or populations, for example, youth under 18) (Quantified) Transportation -3.4: Expand the SmaRT Ride area and convert the shuttles to electric shuttles (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential ( MTCO2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030 Total miles driven in a year from existing (2019)
development would decrease by 3% in 2030 5,800 7%
2045 Total miles driven in a year from existing (2019)
development would decrease by 6% in 2045 10,200 3%
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3- 11
Supporting Actions :
a. Collaborate with Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) to provide new or improved transit amenities like seating, sun/rain shelter, route information, and lighting. b. Require new residential development in proximity to transit to provide owners/tenants with free or discounted transit passes.
c. Expand the offerings of SmaRT Ride, Sacramento Regional Transit’s microtransit program, and collaborate with SacRT to convert fossil-fuel powered shuttles to electric shuttles .. d. Evaluate locations of transit stops to improve linkages with the pedestrian and bicycle network. e. Identify barriers and dissuasions to transit use and work with the community and transit district to find solutions.
f. Develop and implement a ridesharing subsidy program for trips to/from transit centers. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
Strategy Transportation-4. Reduce drive alone vehicle trips Reducing the number of single -occupancy vehicle
trips and VMT is the most significant way to reduce
on-road emissions. This strategy would achieve GHG
emission reductions by reducing the number of
vehicle trips and VMT. Under this strategy , the City
aims to reduce VMT by implement ing various
programs and plans to provide services,
infrastructure, and incentives for not driving alone
and instead sharing the ride, taking transit, opting for active modes of transportation, or teleworking. For
achieving the target under this strategy, t he City
would also provide relevant information and
incentives to the community. The four measures
provided under this strategy require collaboration
from local and regional agencies, employers,
businesses , and residents. The implementation of this
strategy would reduce emissions by 3,800 MTCO
2e
in 2030 and 6,800 MTCO 2e. in 2045. This is
equivalent to removing 817 gasoline -powered
passenger vehicles in 2030 and 1,462 gasoline -
powered passenger vehicles in 2045 (calc ulated using USEPA GHG Equivalencies Calculator, 2022). Table 3.5 provides the details of the measures, performance metrics, and supporting actions under this strategy to reduce drive-alone vehicle trips .
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Table 3.5 Strategy Transportation -4
Strategy Transportation -4
Reduce drive alone vehicle trips
Transportation -4.1: Implement a Commuter Trip Reduction Program (CTR) in which companies provide employees with services, infrastructure, and incentives for not driving alone to work and instead ridesharing, taking transit, biking, walking, or teleworking (Quantified)
Transportation -4.2: Implement an Electric Vehicle Carshare Program in which vehicles are available for users on -demand for short -term rentals (Qualitative)
Transportation -4.3: Implement a bikeshare/scooter share program in which conventional or electric powered bikes or scooters are available to users on -demand f or short -term rentals (Qualitative) Transportation -4.4: Provide Community- Based Travel Planning (CBTP) to households in the city in which trained travel advisors visit households to provide them with customized information, incentives, and support to encourage use of transportation options other than driving alone (Qualitative) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030 Total miles driven in a year from existing (2019)
development would decrease by 2% in 2030 3,800 5%
2045 Total miles driven in a year from existing (2019)
development would decrease by 4% in 2045 6,800 2%
Supporting Actions :
a. Collaborate and coordinate with the 50 Corridor Transportation Management Association (TMA) for the implementation of CTR program and CBTP.
b. Implement, or partner with private company to implement CBTP program. c. Prepare or enhance CTR program for City employees and require (or encourage voluntary) implementation by other employers.
d. Implement, or partner with private sector to implement, a car sharing program. e. Provide facilities like on -street chargers and priority parking for carshare and bikeshare vehicles. Provide discounted membership to employees .
f. Provide EV carshari ng and bike/scooter sharing at all new affordable housing developments. g. Conduct outreach to increase participation in vanpool, carpool, transit programs. h. Encourage the construction of roadway treatments to support electric vehicle car -sharing, for example, dedicated parking
i. Develop infrastructure to expand teleworking options , for example , ensuring sufficient private network bandwidth to accommodate the increase in users’ needing remote access, updated security system in computer s, advanced password security, and a virtual help desk to support Information Technology issues) j. Develop a school pool program to match parents for carpooling k. Operate bike kitchens for free bike repairs, bikes, and helmets l. Price workplace parking for City employees
m. Provide tax-free transportation benefits to City employees for using ridesharing, carpool, vanpool, and taking transit
n. Expand part -time or full -time teleworking options for "telework eligible" City employees * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3- 13
Strategy Transportation-5. Transition to electric and zero emission vehicles The consumption of gasoline and diesel in internal
combustion engine vehicles produces nearly half of
all GHG emissions in the city. This strategy would
achieve GHG emissions reductions by reducing the
use of gasoline or diesel- powered vehicles and
equipment and transit ioning to electric or zero -
emissions vehicles for residents, and workers.
Increasing EV charging infrastructure to facilita te EV adoption and supporting other low -emission
alternative fuels will significantly reduce GHG
emissions and improve local air quality and public
health. Reductions from this strategy would occur
through City projects and development
requirements, and partnerships with local
businesses, developers, and homeowners. This
strategy includes four measures that would reduce
the communitywide emissions by 27,000 MTCO
2e
in 2030 and 171,300 MTCO2e in 2045. This is equivalent to removing 5,805 gasoline- powered passenger vehicles in 2030 and 36,830 gasoline -powered passenger vehicles in 2045 (calc ulated using USEPA GHG Equivalencies Calculator, 2022). Table 3.6 outlines the framework for this strategy. Additional activiti es that would support this strategy would occur through partnerships with local and regional agencies.
Table 3.6 Strategy Transportation -5
Strategy Transportation -5
Transition to electric and zero emission vehicles
Transportation -5.1: Install EV chargers in new residential, commercial, and industrial projects (Quantified) Transportation -5.2: Install publicly accessible EV chargers on existing private property (Quantified) Transportation -5.3: Install EV chargers on public property (Quantified) Transportation -5.4: Electrify loading docks and/or require idling -reduction systems (Qualitative) Transportation -5.5: Limit new gasoline/diesel fueling stations (Qualitative) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
18% of all vehicle miles traveled would be from electric or other zero emissions vehicles in 2030; 1,500 new public and private EV chargers installed by 2030
27,000 34%
2045 85% of all vehicle miles traveled would be from electric or other zero emissions vehicles in 2045 171,300 56%
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Supporting Actions :
a. Amend City code to require installation of chargers and EV charging ready parking spaces beyond minimum CALGreen requirements.
b. Provide grants to property owners/businesses to install EV chargers. c. Require new or updated Specific Plans, Master Plans, and other City plans to incorporate publicly -accessible EV chargers.
d. Coordinate with the Sacramento Area Plug -in Electric Vehicle Collaborative's Electric Vehicle Readiness and Infrastructure Plan to increase the number of publicly -accessible EV chargers througho ut the city. e. Pursue available funding opportunities for EV charger installation. f. Install publicly -available EV chargers at City facilities , for example, recreation centers and offices, rights -of-way, and SacRT park -and-rides.
g. Amend City code to require electrification of loading docks and idling -reduction (including monitoring) in new development.
h. Adopt an ordinance that bans , avoids, or limits the development of new fast -food drive -throughs and gasoline and diesel fuel stations in certain areas of the city . i. Ensure EV charging stations are encouraged and allowed through land use designations that currently permit gas fueling stations.
j. Develop an incentive program for the purchase of electric bicycles and scooters . k. Encourage school bus electrification.
l. Encourage use of public and multimodal transportation for City employees. m. Encourage City employees to use alternatively fueled vehicles. n. Develop a program to replace the City's gasoline - and diesel -powered fleet vehicles with zero -emissio n vehicles.
* The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
USING ENERGY IN HOMES AND BUSINESSES
(BUILDING ENERGY SECTOR)
Emissions in the energy category are generated through
residential and non- residential electricity and natural gas use.
These sectors accounted for 14 percent and 17 percent of the 2019 communitywide emissions, respectively. With a combined emissions contribution of 31 percent, building energy is the second largest contributor to overall communitywide
emissions. Transitioning away from natural gas -powered heating and appliances and electrifying the building stock will reduce emissions in the city. Legislative reductions from State energy efficiency and renewable energy programs will
contribute to reducing emissions by increasing the amount of utility supplied renewable energy and improving the energy efficie ncy of new buildings.
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
ITEM 13.7.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
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At the local level, GHG emissions reductions would be achieved by decarbonizing buildings and increasing energy efficiency. GHG reductions would also occur by increasing the amount of renewable energy generated locally while reducing the amount of non -renewable energy consumed. Initiatives directed under the energy category rely on efforts by local utilities, organizations, and agencies, with participation from the community.
Strategies and Measures
Being the second largest source of GHG emissions, the building energy sector has significant potential to achieve emissions reductions in the city. This section outlines measures the City will implement in this secto r to help meet its 2030 emissions reduction targets. The measures are organized under four strategies that will be implemented at the local level in the City with the goal of increasing energy efficiency and electrification of residential and non- residential buildings .
Strategy Energy-1a. Increase energy efficiency and
electrification in existing residential buildings
While State legislative actions provide reductions
related to building energy efficiency, additional
reductions are achievable by adopting local measures.
This strategy aims to reduce emissions by reducing
energy consumed by residential consumers through
increased energy efficiency and electrification of
existing residential buildings . The measure under this strategy would reduce the communitywide emissions
by approximately 9,700 MTCO
2e in 2030. Table 3.7
outlines the framework to increase building energy
efficiency and electrification under this strategy and the supporting actions that provide additional
potential reductions.
Table 3.7 Strategy Energy -1a
Strategy Energy -1a
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing residential buil dings Energy-1.1: Retrofit existing residential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption for end uses like space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030 Existing residential natural gas use is 20% lower in 2030; approximately 4,000 existing homes retrofitted by 2030 9,700 12% 2045 Existing residential natural gas use is 60% lower in 2045; approximately 12,000 existing homes retrofitted by 2045 29,000 9% ITEM 13.7.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Supporting Actions :
a. Adopt single -family and multifamily residential retrofit requirements to replace fossil fuel -powered space and water heating systems and appliances with electric alternatives, and upgrade other outdated appliances with ENERGY STAR -certified appliances. Upgrade requirements could apply at the point -of-replacement (end of lifecycle or otherwise) or during additions and alterations. b. Implement a Utility User Tax increase of 3% on natural gas to incentivize electrification and generate funding for retrofit proje cts.
c. Provide subsidies for renter- occupied housing owners to limit impacts to renters. d. Collaborate with Sacramento County, PG&E, and SMUD to develop and implement a comprehensive building energy audit and retrofit program to facilitate voluntary residential energy efficiency improvements and electrification. The program should include outreach and education, incentives, and technical assistance. e. Partner with energy agencies to support contractor training and resident education on electric appliances and their installation and maintenance. C reate protections for renters and vulnerable community members. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
Strategy Energy-1b. Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing nonresidential buildings This strategy aims to reduce emissions by reducing energy consumed by nonresidential consumers through increased energy efficiency and electrification of existing nonresidential buildings. The measure under this strategy wo uld reduce communitywide emissions by approximately 2,100 MTCO2e in 2030. Table 3.8 outlines the framework to increase building energy efficiency and electrification under this strategy and the supporting actions that provide additional potential reduction s.
Table 3.8 Strategy Energy -1b
Strategy Energy -1b
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing nonresidential buildings Energy-1.2: Retrofit existing nonresidential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption for end uses like space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
Existing nonresidential natural gas use is 10% lower in 2030; 10% of existing nonresidential building area
retrofitted by 2030
2,100 3%
2045
Existing nonresidential natural gas use is 48% lower in 2045; 48% of existing nonresidential building area
retrofitted by 2045
10,000 3%
Supporting Actions :
a. Adopt nonresidential retrofit requirements to require California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Tier 1 energy efficiency compliance and electric space and water heating appliances for large retrofits. Work with SMUD and other regional energy partners to develop rebates or other incentives for electrification retrofits , for example , panel upgrades, heat pumps.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3- 17
b. Implement a Utility User Tax increase of 3% on natural gas to incentivize elec trification and generate funding for retrofit projects.
c. Collaborate with Sacramento County, PG&E, and SMUD to develop and implement a comprehensive building energy audit and retrofit program to enable energy conservation and gas -to-electric conversions in nonresidential buildings for space and water heating.
d. Provide education and technical and financial assistance. e. Enforce California's Building Energy Benchmarking Program, which requires commercial and multi -family buildings over 50,000 sq ft gross floor a rea to benchmark and disclose energy usage data to the California Energy Commission each year.
f. Partner with regional energy organizations to support the use of clean hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and other clean alternative fuels for existing industria l uses where electrification is infeasible. g. Provide training on the EPA's free online tool, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. h. Transition to cleaner energy choice for government owned buildings i. Ensure the purchase of energy efficient electric appliances * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
Strategy Energy-2a. Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new residential buildings While most of the city’s building energy-related GHG emissions in the future will be generated by existing buildings (buildings that are already built today), the new development will contribute to GHG emissions. Improving the energy efficiency of new buildings, increasing renewable energy installations, and maximizing all-electric development will reduce emissions associated with new development. This strategy aims to reduce emissions by reducing energy consumed by new residential buildings. The measure under this strategy would reduce the communitywide emissions by approximately 1,400 MTCO
2e in 2030. Table 3.9 outlines the framework to increase building energy efficiency and electrification under this strategy and the supporting actions that provide additional potential reductions.
Table 3.9 Strategy Energy -2a
Strategy Energy -2a
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new residential buildings Energy-2.1: Require new residential development to be all -electric, zero net energy (ZNE) buildings (where the amount of energy used in a year equals the amount of energy generated on the site) (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
Beginning in 2026, all new housing is all -electric
1,400 2%
2045 5,100 2%
Supporting Actions :
a. Adopt a reach code requiring all new single -family and low -rise and mid -rise multi -family development to be all-electric, Z ero Net Energy buildings (buildings where grid electricity consumption is less than or equal to on - site renewable energy generation).
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
b. Partner with regional green building associations and contractors to strengthen education and awareness to assist developers in building all -electric development. c. Work with partners to develop a regional program that encourages the use of building materials that store carbon, such as wood or lower carbon alternatives such as use of wood siding instead of viny l. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
Strategy Energy-2b. Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new nonresidential buildings This strategy aims to reduce emissions by reducing energy consumed through increased energy efficiency and electrification of new nonresidential buildings. The measure under this strategy would reduce the communitywide emissions by approximately 430 MTCO2e in 2030. Table 3.10 outlines the framework to increase building energy efficiency and electrification under this strategy and the supporting actions that provide additional potential reductions.
Table 3.10 Strategy Energy -2b
Energy-2b
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new nonresidential buildings Energy-2.2: Require new nonresidential development to achieve energy efficiency above minimum State building code requirements (CAL Green Tier 2) (Quantified)
Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030 Beginning in 2026, all new nonresidential development is 30% more energy efficient than the minimum efficiency
required by the State building code
430 <1%
2045 1500 1%
Supporting Actions :
a. Adopt a reach code requiring all new residential and nonresidential buildings to be more energy efficient than minimum requirements under the State's Title 24 Standards. b. Facilitate guidance and training for developers to promote all -electric construction. c. Work with partners to develop a regional program that encourages the use of building materials that store carbon, such as wood and carbon -intensive concrete.
d. Ensure that new government owned buildings are all electri c. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3- 19
USING EQUIPMENT FOR LANDSCAPING AND CONSTRUCTION
(OFF -ROAD VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT SECTOR)
The operation of off- road vehicles and equipment,
such as construction vehicles and landscaping
equipment, generates GHG emissions through the
combustion of fossil fuels, primarily diesel. These
sources accounted for approximately 2 percent of
emissions in the city in 2019. Without local efforts
to reduce GHG emissions from this sector,
emissions are expected to rise nearly 34 percent
by 2030. Historically, reducing GHG emissions
from the off- road vehicles and equipment sector
has been challenging. However, with technological improvements and new State objectives in recent years, emissions reduction s from this sector have become more feasible. The City can implement actions that will effectively reduce emissions from off -road vehicles and equipment to help meet its GHG reduction targets.
Strategies and Measures
As other sectors in the city are decarbonized in the future, the off -road vehicles and equipment sector will become an increasingly important focus for local emissions reductions. Off- road vehicles a nd equipment measures are organized under two strategies that
focus on transitioning fossil fuel -powered
construction and landscaping equipment to electric
and other low-carbon alternatives for reducing GHG
emissions.
Strategy Offroad-1. Transition to electric and zero
emissions technologies for landscaping equipment
Reducing GHG emissions from landscaping equipment
is challenging. To meet the 2030 target, the City
would need to go beyond State laws. Under this
strategy, the City would target the electrification of
existing and new landscaping equipment or the use of
other zero-emission alternatives. The measure under
this strategy would reduce communitywide emissions
by approximately 130 MTCO2e in 2030. Table 3.11
outlines the framework to decrease GHG emissions
under this strategy.
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Table 3.11 Strategy Offroad -1
Strategy Offroad -1
Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for landscaping equipment Offroad-1.1: Replace existing gasoline and diesel -powered landscaping equipment with electric or zero emission alternatives (Quantified)
Offroad-1.2: Convert new landscaping equipment to electric or zero -emission alternatives (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
30% of existing landscaping equipment is converted to
electric, renewable diesel, or other zero -emission
alternatives by 2030; 100% of new landscaping equipment sales are electric, renewable diesel, or other zero -emission alternatives starting in 2024 (consistent with Statewide regulation)
130 <1%
2045
100% of new landscaping equipment sales are electric,
renewable diesel, or other zero-emission alternatives
starting in 2024 (consistent with Statewide regulation) 260
<1%
Supporting Actions :
a. Collaborate with Sacramento County and SMUD in the creation and promotion of an incentive -based trade in program to encourage residents and business owners to convert or replace their fossil fuel -powered gardening equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowe rs, and edge trimmers, with electric alternatives. b. Consistent with CARB regulations for small off -road engines, adopt an ordinance that reduces the sale of fossil fuel-powered landscaping equipment by 2024 to transition to zero -emission landscaping equipment. c. Require all new development to install sufficient exterior electrical outlets for electric -powered landscaping equipment.
d. Work with SMAQMD to develop an outreach program for residents and local landscaping businesses to increase awareness of currently available zero -emission landscaping equipment. e. Develop a program to use alternative fuel and/or zero -emission landscaping equipment in government owned buildings .
* The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
Strategy Offroad-2. Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for construction equipment Diesel burned to operate off- road vehicles and equipment generates GHG emissions and degrades local air quality. Reducing the use of and electrifying vehicles and equipment will result in significant emissions reductions in this sector while improving public health and natural resources. The measure under this strategy would reduce communitywide emissions by approximately 1,700 MTCO2e in 2030. Table 3.12 outlines the framework to decrease GHG emissions under this strategy.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adap ta tion Plan Page 3- 21
Table 3.12 Strategy Offroad -2
Strategy Offroad -2
Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for construction equipment Offroad-2.1: Increase electrification and use of alternative fuels in construction projects (Quantified) Offroad-2.2: Reduce construction vehicle idling (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
10% of construction equipment is electric, renewable
diesel, or other zero- emission alternatives by 2030;
10% of generators are electric, renewable diesel, or
other zero emission alternatives by 2030
1,700 2%
2045
50% of construction equipment is electric, and 40% of
construction equipment uses renewable diesel, or other
zero-emission alternatives by 2045; 60% of generators are electric, renewable diesel, or other zero emission
alternatives by 2045
9,200 3%
Supporting Actions :
a. Require all construction projects to use zero - or low-emission equipment options, including electric, renewable diesel, or other alternative fuels, where equipment is commercially available in the region. b. Where zero - or low-emission equipment are infeasible or unavailable, require EPA -rated Tier 4 Final diesel engines or cleaner in new construction projects.
c. Limit the use of diesel -powered generators at construction sites in all new discretionary projects by transitioning to renewable diesel and other zero -emission alt ernatives, as feasible. d. Promote incentives and outreach materials on City websites for battery storage or other clean back -up power technologies.
e. Enforce the Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel -Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling, which prohibits diesel -fueled construction vehicles from idling for more than 5 minutes. f. Adopt an ordinance that limits vehicle idling to less than 5 minutes. g. Discourage idling of construction vehicles and equipment through education and outreach campaigns and enforcement of existing regulations.
h. Promote partnership with fleet operating companies that monitor their emission generation. i. Encourage fleet operators to reduce construction emissions. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Ra ncho Cordova
USING WATER AND DISPOSING OF WASTE AT HOMES AND BUSINESSES (WATER AND S OLID WASTE SECTORS)
GHG emissions in the water category are generated by the energy consumed to pump, transport, and treat water and wastewater. It is the city’s smallest emissions -generating sector. E missions from this c ategory accounted for only one percent of the total communitywide emissions in 2019, but reduction measures that reduce water consumption also play an important role in the City to adapt to climate change impacts and develop sustainable practices to conser ve water communitywide. State legislative actions will eliminate water supply -related emissions in 20 30, but wastewater treatment emissions will continue to grow over time.
Emissions in the solid waste sector are associated with the decomposition of community -generated organic waste in landfills. In 2019, this sector contributed a total of 3 percent of communitywide emissions. The State has adopted a variety of legislative ac tions aimed at reducing GHG emissions from organic waste, but the City will need to take steps at the local level to effectively reduce waste emissions and achieve its emissions reduction targets. Significant reductions could be made by changing individual behavior through partnerships with local waste haulers and outreach to residents and businesses.
Implementing local actions focused on these sectors will increase the pace of GHG emissions reductions while improving community resilience and energy reliability.
Strategies and Measures
Strategy Water-1. Conserve water
Implementing water conservation measures will contribute to improv ing the resilience of the city to climate change while providing additional benefits to residents, businesses, and the natural environment. The Plan does not assign any reductions to this strategy , because water- related energy needs are assumed to be met by 100% renewable or zero -emission electricity by 2030 . It is still helpful to have these measures as reduced consumption of water will result in reduced energy usage for purposes like conveying and treating water . Table 3.13 outlines the framework to decrease GHG emissions under this strategy.
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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Table 3.13 Strategy Water -1
Strategy Water -1
Conserve water
Water-1.1: Reduce indoor water use in existing and new buildings (Qualitative) ^ Water-1.2: Reduce outdoor water use for landscaping and irrigation in existing and new developments (Qualitative) ^ Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
Existing building water use: indoor 25%
lower, outdoor 40% lower; new building
water use: indoor 40% lower; outdoor 50%
lower
0^ 0%
2045
Existing building water use: indoor 40% lower,
outdoor 50% lower; new building water use:
indoor 60% lower; outdoor 80% lower
0^ 0%
Supporting Actions :
a. Establish requirements for existing buildings to upgrade to high -efficiency water fixtures and appliances and install smart water meters at the time of point-of-sale or during major additions/alterations. b. Partner with water suppliers to provide incentives and education for voluntary water fixture and appliance upgrades and smart water meter installations in existing buildings. Promote the use of w ater-efficient fixture and appliance rebates from water suppliers as funding is available. c. Require high -efficiency water fixtures and appliances and smart water meters in new development. d. Review the City's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) ordinance and update as needed to require drought -tolerant, water -conserving, and native landscaping in redevelopment and new development projects.
e. When updating water conservation measures, incorporate measures recommended by the California Department o f Water Resources, the California Urban Water Conservation Council, and the Sacramento County Water Agency.
f. Partner with water suppliers to increase the use of existing incentives ( for example, "cash for grass") and develop new incentives for conversion to low-use landscaping. g. Require low -use outdoor water systems for irrigation and landscaping in new development, consistent with the City's MWELO guidelines.
h. Reduce indoor and outdoor water consumption in government owned buildings. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
^ Emissions reduced from water measures estimated to be zero in 2030 because water-related energy needs assumed to be met by 100% renewable or zero emission electricity
Strategy Solid Waste-1. Avoid disposal of organic waste in landfills Communitywide emissions would be reduced by diverting waste away from landfills and into other waste streams such as recycling or composting. Implementing strategies and measures to improve waste diversion programs will serve to protect natural resources while minimizing contributions to climate change.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Ra ncho Cordova
This section outlines the strategies and measures the City will implement to support this objective. The measure under this strategy would reduce communitywide emissions by approximately 8,800 MTCO2e in 2030. Table
3.14 outlines the framework to decrease GHG emissions under this strategy.
Table 3.14 Solid Waste -1
Strategy Solid Waste -1
Avoid disposal of organic waste in landfills
Solid Waste -1.1: Increase recovery of edible food waste (Quantified) Solid Waste -1.2: Eliminate disposal of organic waste in landfills (food waste, yard waste) (Quantified) Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030 Amount of landfilled waste is 30% lower in
2030 (relative to 2019) 8,800 11%
2045 Amount of landfilled waste is 90% lower in
2045 (relative to 2019) 32,600 11%
Supporting Actions :
a. Require edible food recovery program partnerships with food generators. Develop a program to connect grocery stores and restaurants with food banks and shelters. b. Require local restaurants to compost organic food waste, consistent with SB 1383. c. Continue to fund and operate the green waste and food waste pick -up services. d. Continue to operate the City's "pay -as-you-throw" and recycling services for residential and commercial waste. e. Adopt an ordinance to limit landfill -disposal of organic waste generated by large organizations and events.
Require organizations over 50 employees to implement organization ‐wide waste reduction initiatives, and mandate composting, the use of only compostable or recyclable materials by vendors, and adequate staff to ensure proper disposal at events that require a City -issued permit. f. Partner with other local jurisdictions and waste management companies (haulers and landfills) to create a divertible material ( for example, recyclables) ban at landfills. g. Develop a reuse facility that makes building materials available to customers, and acts as an outlet for reusable items otherwise destined for landfill.
h. Expand organic waste outreach and education initiatives to improve awareness of benefits and importance of diversion.
i. Increase waste diversion at government owned buildings. j. Increase construction and demolition diversion rates at City construction sites. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
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Chapter 3 | Emissions Reduction Strategies and Measures Rancho Cordova
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PLANTING AND MANAGING TREES (CARBON SEQUESTRATION SECTOR) The process of removing atmospheric CO 2 through natural processes is referred to as carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration is expected to play an important role in addressing the challenge of climate change. California
legislatio n has explicitly mentioned the use of carbon sequestration to achieve the State GHG reduction targets and goals . Trees and other vegetation are a key part of the natural carbon cycle . Through photosynthesis, plants
convert carbon dioxide (CO 2) from the atmosphere into
oxygen and carbon- based matter. Communities can
increase the amount of carbon sequestered locally to
reduce community -wide GHG emissions by expanding the
urban forest canopy and protecting natural systems.
Strategies and Measures
Strategy Carbon Sequestration-1. Remove emissions from the atmosphere The presence of trees is a significant source of carbon sequestration and storage in urban areas. This strategy focuses on increasing the number of new trees planted in the city to increase the amount of carbon sequestered. In addition to offsetting CO 2 emissions, increased tree plantings result in co -benefits including improved air quality through the capture of air pollutants a nd community and public health benefits through the provision of shade and positive impacts on mental health. Implementation of the measure through this strategy would reduce communitywide emissions by approximately 440 MTCO2e by 2030. Table 3.15 outlines the framework for this strategy. Additional activities that would support the implementation of this strategy would occur through partnerships with other local or regional agencies, updated City ordinances and policies, and community education and outreach activities.
Table 3.15 Strategy Carbon Sequestration -1
Strategy Carbon Sequestration -1
Remove emissions from the atmosphere
Carbon Storage -1.1: Increase the number of trees in the city, through new plantings and management of existing trees (Quantified)
Target
Year Performance Metric * Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO 2e)*
Percent of the City’s
Total Reductions
2030
750 new residential and 750 new City -
managed trees planted per year for a total of
16,500 new trees by 2030
440 1%
2045
750 new residential and 750 new City-managed
trees planted per year for a total of 39,000 new
trees by 2045
1,100 <1%
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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Supporting Actions :
a. Implement the City's 2022 Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). b. Achieve a minimum of 20% canopy cover in the developed footprint of the City by 2050. Consistent with the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan, p lant 750 trees per year on residential properties through the Sacramento Shade Program, and plant 750 City -managed trees per year on public property. c. Amend the City's Zoning Code to require new development to plant trees above and beyond existing requirements.
d. Continue hosting community tree- planting events, and collaborating with other government agencies, such as the Cordova Recreation and Park District, to co -sponsor such events on properties owned by those other agencies, and offering free trees for resident s, businesses, and community -based organizations through the City’s Urban Forest program. Develop a tree planting program for increasing tree planting at City- owned sites. e. Evaluate City regulations and policies, such as building setbacks and roadway cross-sections and design standards, for adequacy to accommodate large shade trees. * The calculations, assumptions, research, and other evidence used to identify measure performance metrics and estimate annual GHG reduction potential are provided in CAAP Appendix E.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
CHAPTER 4:
Climate Adaptation and Resilience
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 4 | Climate Adaptation & Resilience
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 4-1
CHAPTER 4 :
Climate Adapt ation and Resilience
OVERVIEW
This chapter describes the context of climate change adaptation and resilience for the city. It outlines the climate change adaptation planning process; summarizes the city’s exposure to existing hazards, sensitivity to these hazards, potential climate -related impacts, and existing adaptive capacity to address these impacts; and introduces adaptation strategies to strengthen local resilience to climate chang e. Much of the content in this chapter serves as a summary of the City’s Vulnerability Assessment (VA), which was developed in preparation of the Plan. The VA, which includes additional information, data, and methodologies, is provided in Appendix F.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY
The effects of climate change are already occurring at global, regional, and local scales and will continue to worsen existing hazards in and around the city , including extreme heat, extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, and wildfires. While these hazards have existed historically in the city and surrounding regions, the frequency , intensity, and duration of these hazards are projected to increase or change as a result of climate change. The level of impact from these climat e hazards will vary across the city and the region due to variations in physical, social, and economic characteristics. Of the four climate hazards assessed for the city, the city , inclusive of its populations and assets, is most vulnerable to the potential impacts of increa sed temperatures and extreme heat . However, the city is still vulnerable to the other three climate hazards that were assessed – extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, and wildfires – though to a lesser degree.
In addition to reducing its emissions that contribute to climate change, the City is also improving community resilience to climate change impacts, known as climate change adaptation. Community resilience refers to the capacity of a community to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and grow from disruptive experiences, especially in the context of climate change. Though climate change is a global issue, its impacts are felt locally . Because of this, local adaptation planning efforts are critical in building community resilience and can lead to a greater understanding of climate risks and strategies to minimize their impacts.
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Chapter 4 | Climate Adap ta tion & Resilience
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ADAPTATION PLANNING PROCESS
The goal of the adaptation planning process is to improve community resilience in the context of climate change.
A resilient community is one that is prepared for current and future hazards and experiences minimal harm when they occur. Resilient communitie s can recover from hazards more quickly and rebuild in a manner that accounts for continued capacity for adapting to climate change.
To assist local governments, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) prepared the California Adaptation Planning Guide (APG), which provides communities with vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning guidance (CalOES 2020) . Most recently updated in June 2020, the APG includes a step -by-step process that communities may use to help plan for the impacts of climate change. The APG provides a framework for communities to identify potential climate change effects and important p hysical, social, and natural assets; create adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts; and develop a monitoring and implementation framework for climate change adaptation. The APG was followed to prepare the adaptation component s of this Plan.
This guide includes a four- phase process, illustrated in Figure 4. 1, which allows communities to assess their specific climate vulnerabilities and provides a menu of strategies for communities to reduce climate -related risks and prepare for current and future impacts of climate change.
Phase 1, “Explore, Define, and Initiate,” includes scoping and defining the adaptation planning effort. This involves identifying key stakeholders, potential climate change effects, and important populations and assets in the community.
Phase 2, “Assess Vulnerability,” includes an analysis of the potential impacts and adaptive capacity associated with climate change hazards to determine the vulnerability of populations and community assets. The vulnerability assessment is composed of four steps: exposure, sensitivity and potential impacts, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability scoring.
Phase 3, “Define Adaptation Framework and Strategies,” focuses on developing adaptation strategies to address the risks posed by climate change hazards based on the results of the vulnerability assessment . In Phase 4, “Implement, Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust,” the adaptation framework is implemented, consistently monitored and evaluated, and adjusted based on continual learning, feedback, or triggers.
Source: CalOES 2020.
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Chapter 4 | Climate Adaptation & Resilience
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan Page 4-3
Source: CalOES 2020; adapted by Ascent Environmental in 2022.
Figure 4.1 Adaptation Planning Process
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
The City’s VA provides a comprehensive analysis of community vulnerabilities to climate change. It identifies and characterizes climate hazards that are anticipated to impact the community. The VA follows the steps in Phase 2 of the APG and aims to answer the following questions:
Exposure: what climate hazards does the city currently face? How are these climate hazards projected to change in the future?
Sensitivity and Potential Impacts: what aspects of the community (for example, population, built environment, community functions) will be affected by climate hazards, and to what degree ?
Adaptive Capacity: what is currently being done to address climate hazards and their associated impacts? What ability does the City have to add ress impacts in the future?
Vulnerability Scoring: how vulnerable is the city to climate hazards?
The VA was conducted consistent wit h APG guidance using the steps described above. To summarize historic data and determine future projections for climate hazards in and around the city , Cal-Adapt – a tool developed by the California Energy Commission and the University of California, Berkeley that uses downscaled global climate model data – was used . The severity of future potential impacts from climate hazards on the city’s populations, built environment, and community functions will largely depend on the level of current and future global GHG emissions. Two future GHG emissions scenarios, known as Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), were used in the VA: the RCP 8.5 scenario, which represents a higher GHG emissions scenario, and the RCP 4.5 scenario, which represents a medium GHG emissions scenario. Climate hazards were evaluated for changes to occur by near -term (2021 -2050), midterm (2040 -2070), and long -term (2070 -2099) timescales.
Why
a Vulnerability Assessment?
To effectively adapt to climate change and
improve community resilience, the City first
needs to understand its vulnerability to
climate hazards. This is determined through
the Vulnerability Assessment.
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Chapter 4 | Climate Adap ta tion & Resilience
Ra ncho Cordova
In addition to Cal -Adapt, several existing resources were reviewed to obtain information about climate- related hazard risks that may threaten the city. Information from California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment :
Sacramento Valley Region Report (OPR, CEC, and CNRA 2018), along with a variety of additional resources ( see Appendix F), were reviewed to further assess climate hazards in the city .
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
The VA was prepared to help the City understand its vulnerability to climate hazards, which includes increased temperatures and extreme heat, extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, and wildfires. Additionally, t he results of the VA were used to inform adaptation strategies intended to improve the City’s resilience to each identified climate hazard. The full VA, including detailed data, additional information, and references, is provided in Appendix F to this Plan .
Climate Hazards Facing the City
The following sections provide a snapshot of the city’s projected exposure to climate hazards and potential impacts to the city’s populations, built environment, and community functions. Populations include residents, visitors, and segments of the population that are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as children, pregnant people, the elderly, communities of color, low -income individuals, individuals with access or functional needs, individuals with preexisting health issues, individuals experiencing homelessness, and outdoor workers, among others. The built environment consists of a set of assets that are essential to the health and welfare of residents and visitors and are especially important during and proceeding climate hazard events. This includes residential and commercial buildings; critical facilities; transportation infrastructure; and utility infrastructure. Community functions are the resources, assets, operations, economic sectors, and services that are created or influenced by the interaction between populations and the built environment, are essential to public health and welfare, and allow day- to-day activities to continue in the city and the region.
INCREASED TEMPERATURE S AND EXTREME HEAT
The city has experienced, and is project ed to continue experiencing, increases in average annual temperature and extreme heat , which could lead to an array of potential impacts, including negative public health outcomes, worsened air quality, increased demand for air conditioning, and deterioration of critical infrastructure. According to Cal -Adapt, the average annual maximum and minimum temperature in the city are both projected to rise between 5 and 9 °F by the end of the century as a result of climate change (CEC 2021a). Increased temperatures in the city will also lead to a significant increase in extreme heat events. For the city, an extreme heat day is defined as a day when the maximum temperature is above the extreme heat threshold of 103.6 °F, which is notably high compared to other regions of the State . Heat waves refer to a period of four or more consecutive extreme heat days (CEC 2021b). The average annual number of extreme heat days, heat waves, and the number of days in the longest stretch of consecutive extreme heat days are all projected to rise through the end of the century.
Extreme heat thresholds are
unique to every location. Rancho
Cordova's threshold is 103.6 °F,
which means that 98% of daily
maximum temperatures in the city
between the months of April and
October from 1961 to 1990 were
below this temperature.
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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Tables 4. 1 and 4.2 display historic data and future projections for increased temperatures and extreme heat in the city across each timescale through 2099.
Table 4. 1 Changes in Average Annual Temperature in the City of Rancho Cordova Average Annual
Temperature
Historic
(1961-1990)
Near-Term
(2021-2050)
Midterm
(2040-2070)
Long-Term (2070 -2099)
Medium Emissions High Emissions
Maximum Temperature (°F) 74.2 78.3 79.8 80.2 83.1
Minimum Temperature (°F) 49.3 52.9 54.1 54.3 57.7
Note: °F = degrees Fahrenheit.
Source: CEC 2021a.
Table 4. 2 Changes in Extreme Heat in the City of Rancho Cordova Annual Averages Historic
(1961-1990)
Near-Term
(2021-2050)
Midterm
(2040-2070)
Long-Term (2070 -2099)
Medium
Emissions
High
Emissions
Number of Extreme Heat Days 4 19 32 29 48
Number of Heat Waves 0.2 1.4 4.8 4.0 7.8
Number of Days in Longest Stretch
of Consecutive Extreme Heat Days 2.5 6.3 7.2 8.5 14.2
Source: CEC 2021b.
Regarding potential impacts, t he city’s populations are at significant risk of being harmed by increased temperatures and extreme heat . Extreme heat can be harmful to public health, especially for vulnerable populations, such as persons over the age of 65, infants and children, individuals with chronic health conditions, low-income individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and outdoor workers, among others. Notably , extreme heat can worsen local air quality and may cause heat -related illnesses, such as heat cramps or heat stroke. Additionally, increased temperatures and extreme heat may lead to a large increase in air conditioning demand across the city , placing more stress on the electricity grid , leading to higher- cost electricity bills for residents who have air conditioning access, and causing disproportionate impacts on individuals or families residing in units that do not have air conditioning. Further, the city’s transportation systems are at risk of being adversely affected by increased temperatures and extreme heat . During prolonged periods of increased temperatures or extreme heat, pavement may deteriorate, rail lines may buckle, the structural integrity of bridges may be compromised, air conditioning in buses could fail, and overall transportation maintenance costs may increase. Further details on the potential impacts of increased temperatures and extreme heat can be found in the VA, located in Appendix F.
EXTREME PRECIPITATION AND FLOODING
Sacramento County, inclusive of the city, is projected to experience an increase in average annual precipitation through the end of the century, and much of the precipitation is likely to occur during extreme precipitation events, which can lead to flood impacts throughout the city. According to Cal -Adapt, t he historic average annual precipitation in Sacramento County is 18.3 inches. As shown in Table 4. 3, the average annual precipitation in the county is projected to increase between roughly 2 and 4 inches by the end of the century (CEC 2021a).
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In
general, California’s climate oscillates between extremely dry and extremely wet periods with annual precipitation varying widely from year to year. Like other California regions, the high year -to-year variability of precipitation in the city is severely affected by the meteorological phenomenon known as an atmospheric river, which accumulates moisture from tropical regions in the Pacific and moves water vapor towards California. In California, atmospheric rivers vary in intensity; some are beneficial for water supply and replenish snowpack that naturally melts during the summer, serving as wa ter supply for people and agriculture, while others are responsible for widespread adverse impacts (NOAA 2021). Extreme precipitation from these atmospheric rivers in the future may prove to be more variable, volatile, and potentially more severe . Noting this, the city may experience changes in the frequency and /or intensity of flood events, though the exact frequency, intensity, and duration of these events will vary annually.
Table 4. 3 Changes in Average Annual Precipitation in Sacramento County Annual Averages Historic
(1961-1990)
Near Term
(2021–2050)
Midterm
(2040–2070)
Long-Term (2070-2099)
Medium
Emissions
High
Emissions
Average Annual Precipitation 18.3 20.1 20.2 20.3 22.1
Percent Change from Historic Period NA +10% +10% +11% +21% Source: CEC 2021a.
Regarding potential impacts o f extreme precipitation and flooding, there is an array of facilities and properties in the city that are at direct risk from flooding, as they lie within the city’s 100 - and 500- year floodplains . Most notably, this includes over 1,000 residential properties , but also multiple other facili ty types in or near the city’s floodplains, including retail and utilities. Figure 4.2 displays critical facilities within the city and their proximity to the 100- and 500- year floodplains. Additionally , there are currently two levees in the city which protect residential neighborhoods: Cordova Meadows Levee and Sunriver Levee. These levee systems will be at increased risk of failure due to the potential for more intense and frequent extreme precipitation events in the future. A more comprehensive analysis of precipitation and flooding can found in the VA, located in Appendix F.
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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DROUGHT AND WATER SUPPLY
The city and State have a highly variable climate that is susceptible to prolonged periods of drought, and recent research suggests that extended drought occurrences ( or “mega-droughts”) could become more pervasive in future
decades, which may result in major impacts on the city’s water supplies and other secondary impacts (CEC 2021c).
While this may seem contradictory to the projections that the city is expected to see more average annual
precipitation in future years as a result of climate change, overall precipitation patterns are projected to change, with precipitation variability expected to increase substantially. In other words, some years, compared to average, may be
abnormally wet, while other years may be extremely dry. With the oscillation between wet and dry years and the potential for precipitation to occur over shorter, more intense time periods, there will be reduced opportunities for groundwater recharge, as th ese are not favorable conditions for soil infiltration and deep percolation. The City’s water supplies are cur rently dependent upon a combination of ground - and surface - water resources and are provided by three primary water purveyors providing services within the City’s planning area: Sacramento County Water Agency; Golden State Water Company; and California- American Water Company (City of Rancho Cordova 2006). It should be noted that actual occurrence and duration of droughts are difficult to predict, but the city and surrounding regions are expected to experience extended drought periods as a result of climate change, and without effective adaptation actions or initiatives, future droughts may challenge the management of the region’s water supplies, inclusive of the city.
Regarding potential impacts of drought, in the event of a severe and sustained drought lasting multiple years, water supplies provided to the city could be severely affected and result in the need for increased water conservation efforts to be implemented by the city and other surrounding jurisdictions. In addition to adverse impacts on water supplies, droughts may create cascading effects on community functions. For example, extended drought periods in the future may result in decreases in tourism and recreation opportunities in nearby water bodies, such as the American River and Folsom Lake. Decreased tourism and recreation opportunities could result in less pass- through visitors, leading to impacts on local businesses and the economy.
Additionally, potential drought -induced water shortages can endanger ecological systems, as well as residents through related mental health issues, increased dust particle concentration, and favorable conditions for valley fever. Further details related to the potential impac ts of drought on the city can be found in the VA ( see Appendix F).
WILDFIRE
The Sacramento Valley Region, inclusive of the city, is projected to continue experiencing increases in average annual area burned by wildfire, which can result in an array of cascading impacts on the city. C limate change is exacerbating many of the factors that contribute to wildfire risk. Increased variability in precipitation may lead to wetter winters and increased vegetative growth in the spring, and potentially longer and hotter summer periods will lead to the drying of vegetative growth, which may ul timately result in a greater amount of fuel for wildfire ignition and spread. This has already been seen across the State in recent years, with the area burned by wildfires increasing in parallel with rising air temperatures ( OEHHA 2018).
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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Source: Sacramento County 2021; critical facilities data provided by City of Rancho Cordova staff.
Figure 4.2 Floodplains and Critical Facilities in the City of Rancho Cordova ITEM 13.7.
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These factors, combined with intense wind conditions, cause wildfires to spread rapidly and irregularly, making it difficult to predict wild fires’ paths and effectively deploy fire suppression forces. Relative humidity is also an important wildfire- related weather factor; as humidity levels drop, dry air causes vegetation moisture levels to decrease, which consequently increases the likelihood that plant material will ignite and burn. With an increase in hotter and drier landscapes, humidity lev els may cont inue to drop and result in higher fuel levels, increasing the risk of wildfire (Schwartz et al., 2015 ).
Though there does exist “ Moderate ” Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) in the city , the likelihood of wildfires burning within city limits is relatively low. However , it has been shown in the past that the city can be impacted by regional wildfire impacts, such as wildfire smoke, and this trend is projected to continue into the future.
According to Cal-Adapt, and as shown in Table 4. 4, the total area burned annually by wildfire within the Sacramento Valley region is expected increase from the historic (1961 -1990) annual average of 20,956 hectares to 23,942 hectares in the near -term and 28,759 hectares in the midterm . In the long -term, average annual area burned in the region is projected to increase to 31,670 hectares under the medium emissions scenario, and to 41,784 hectares under the high emissions scenarios (CEC 2021 d).
Table 4.4 Changes in Annual Average Area Burned in the Sacramento Valley Region Annual Averages Historic
(1961-1990)
Near-Term
(2021-2050)
Midterm
(2035-2064)
Long-Term (2070 -2099)
Medium Emissions High Emissions
Average Annual Area
Burned (hectares) 20,956 23,942 28,759 31,670 41,784
Note: Observed historical average annual area burned data was not available from Cal-Adapt; the modeled historical average annual area burned data under the medium emissions scenario (RCP 4.5) was available and used as proxy data.
Source: CEC 2021d.
The potential impacts on the city related to wildfire in the context of climate change are primarily indirect impacts but can still have severe outcomes . These potential impacts can range from wildfire smoke- related human health impacts to disruptions to transportation behavior and the increased prevalence of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events . Exposure to wildfire smoke, particularly by vulnerable populations, can result in worsening respiratory symptoms, increased rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death (Rappold et al. 2017). If wildfire evacuations were to ever occur in the city or surrounding regions, vulnerable populations, such as linguistically isolated households, senior citizens, and individuals experiencing homelessnes s, would be adversely affected due to : inability to access, receive , or understand warning messages and evacuation notices; limited ability to evacuate due to lack of mobility; limited situational understanding from cognitive conditions; and reliance on medication or treatment devices. Additionally, there may be increases in traffic congestion due to wildfire -related road closures . PSPS event s, which are enacted during high wildfire risk conditions, can result in communities experiencing no electricity for several days at a time, which can adversely affect certain populations within the city, especially when coupled with extreme heat. Further details on potential wildfire impacts to the city can be found in the VA (see Appendix F).
Source: City of Rancho Cordova
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City’s Adaptive Capacity
The third step in the vulnerability assessment process is to evaluate the city’s adaptive capacity , which refers to a community’s current and future ability to cope with potential impacts from climate hazar ds. Within the VA, a review of existing local policies, plans, programs, and resources, as well as those from relevant regional and State agencies and organizations, was conducted to evaluate the city’s adaptive capacity to each climate hazard. Table
4.5 below displays a snapshot of existing plans and reports that contribute to the City’s adaptive capacity to address the anticipated impacts of climate hazards.
Table 4.5 Summary of Existing Plans that Contribute to the City’s Adaptative C apacity Plan or Report
Climate Hazard
Increased
Temperatures and
Extreme Heat
Extreme
Precipitation
and Flooding
Drought and
Water Supply
Wildfire
Sacramento County LHMP Annex
City’s General Plan
California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment
Sacramento Valley Regional Report
Caltrans Climate Change Vulnerability
Assessment District 3
City Water Purveyor’s Urban Water
Management Plans
City’s Emergency Operations Plan
Source: Ascent Environmental 2021.
Vulnerability Scoring
The final step in the vulnerability assessment process is to characterize the city’s vulnerability to each climate hazard, which is assessed based on the magnitude of risk to and potential impacts on populations, the built environment, and community functi ons while considering the current adaptive capacity in place to mitigate these impacts. An overall vulnerability score was assigned for each climate hazard based on their associated scores for potential impacts and adaptive capacity. The scoring rubrics for potential impacts and adaptive capacity, along with justifications for the scores , can be found in the VA (see Appendix F ). Vulnerability scoring can help the C ity understand which climate hazard s should be prioritized in future planning efforts. Table 4. 6 presents the rubric used to determine overall vulnerability scores based on the ratings for potential impacts and adaptive capacity.
Table 4. 6 Vulnerability Scoring Rubric
Vulnerability Score
Adaptive Capacity
Low 3 4 5
Medium 2 3 4
High 1 2 3
Low Medium High
Potential Impacts
Source: CalOES 2020; adapted by Ascent Environmental in 2023.
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Vulnerability scoring for each identified climate hazard – increased temperatures and extreme heat, extreme precipitation and flooding, drought and water supply, and wildfire – is included in Table 4.7 below. The table shows that increased temperatures and extreme heat is assigned a vulnerability score of 5 and therefore should be a high priority for the City. Extreme precipitation and flooding was assigned a vulnerability score of 4 , and drought and water supply was assigned a vulnerability score of 3. These climate hazards are likely to have significant impacts on the City’s populations, built environment, and community functions in the near -term, and although a variety of adaptive efforts related to both climate hazards are in place and underway, the magnitude of the risks posed by these hazards contributes to increased vulnerability for the City. Increased wildfire risk is characterized as having a vulnerability score of 2. This climate hazard will likely have lowe r priority impacts on the City and is currently being addressed adequately based on existing conditions, but additional adaptation and resilience planning will be required in the future to mitigate impacts and protect the city.
Table 4. 7 Vulnerability Scoring Summary for the City of Rancho Cordova Climate Hazard
Vulnerability Score
Adaptive Capacity Potential Impacts Vulnerability
Increased Temperatures and Extreme Heat Low High 5
Extreme Precipitation and Flooding Medium High 4
Drought and Water Supply Medium Medium 3
Wildfire High Medium 2
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
This section includes a set of adaptation strategies that are intended to help the City prepare for and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The strategies have been developed based on the findings of the vulnerability assessment, discussed above , and are designed to complement the existing set of local and regional plans that address natural hazards in the city. There are five separate overarching adaptation strategies:
Strategy Adaptation -1: Improve resilience to increased temperatures and extreme heat. Strategy Adaptation -2: Improve resilience to extreme precipitation and flooding. Strategy Adaptation -3: Improve resilience to drought. Strategy Adaptation -4: Improve resilience to wildfires. Strategy Adaptation -5: Promote holistic community resilience in the context of climate change.
Similar to the GHG reduction strategies presented in Chapter 3, the adaptation strategies are further broken down by objectives, and then actions. In some instances, specific actions mirror some of the actions already underscored in other local plans, such as the City’s Annex to the Sacra mento County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). These actions are also included in this Plan to emphasize the climate resilience benefit of implementing the action. Each of the strategies, measures, and actions are presented in Table 4.8 below.
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Table 4.8 Adaptation Strategies
Strategy Adaptation -1.
Improve resilience to increased temperatures and extreme heat.
Objectives :
Reduce the urban heat island effect.
Protect populations from extreme heat.
Actions:
1a. Promote the use of “cool” roofs on both new and existing residential and nonresidential buildings. 1b. Pilot and monitor benefits of “cool” pavement in residential neighborhoods. 1c. Conduct a mapping exercise to determine locations around the city that experience the greatest impact from the urban heat island effect and utilize this information to prioritize locations for increased tree planting and sustained tree management.
1d. Continue hosting community tree- planting events, and collaborating with other government agencies, such as the Cordova Recreation and Park District, to co -sponsor such events on properties owned by those other agencies, and offering free trees for resident s, businesses, and community -based organizations through the City’s Urban Forest program. Develop a tree planting program for increasing tree planting at City -owned sites. 1e. Explore opportunities to further increase shading of buildings and parking lots using trees and/or solar canopies.
1f. Preserve, enhance, increase, and establish community green areas, such as parks, recreational facilities, and open space.
1g. Expand cooling center access during extreme heat events through extended hours, more locations, and less stringent criteria for opening.
1h. Partner with community -based organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, and other public agencies to develop a “Community Cool Zone Network” comprised of air -conditioned spaces that are made available to vulnerable populations during extreme heat events to prevent heat -related illnesses. 1i. Support employers to protect worker health from extreme heat, especially those working in vulnerable occupations, through targeted outreach and information- sharing about extreme heat risks, applicable regulations, and strategies to reduce risk.
1j. Develop a “Cool Buddy” program where local volunteers are trained to build neighborhood networks, identify heat-vulnerable neighbors, and set up systems to check in on each other during extreme heat events. 1k. Develop public awareness campaigns that bolster extreme heat event preparedness actions and adaptation strategies.
1l. Support a comprehensive outreach campaign to prevent heat -related illnesses among vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, children, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities in the care of licensed facilities, and w orkers in vulnerable occupations.
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Strategy Adaptation -2.
Improve resilience to extreme precipitation and flooding .
Objectives :
Promote climate -smart flood management.
Add redundancy to the City’s flood management system.
Actions:
2a. Prioritize the implementation and use of green infrastructure to manage future flood risk. 2b. Coordinate with landowners to manage stormwater runoff through sustainable land conservation practices. 2c. Utilize vacant lots to build flood control detention basins and replace undersized culverts to better address flooding from future extreme precipitation events.
2d. Encourage the use of porous pavement and vegetative buffers in large parking areas. 2e. Seek funding to purchase and install battery -powered generators for each of the City's six pump stations, which serve to convey stormwater during precipitation events. 2f. Implement flood control projects identified in the Stormwater Capital Improvement Program Master Plan to help resolve existing flooding issues and prevent future impacts from extreme precipitation events. 2g. Encourage residents located within the 100- and 500- year floodplain to obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
2h. Continue to enforce the requirements of the Parkway Corridor overlay zoning district (Municipal Code Section 23.325.070) to regulate property along the American River in the city.
Strategy Adaptation -3.
Improve resilience to drought.
Objectives :
Reduce water consumption.
Ensure long -term sustainability and reliability of the City’s water supplies.
Actions:
3a. Continue promoting water conservation tips and measures across the City's websites and social media platforms. 3b. Continue offering assistance to residents for drought -tolerant landscapes through the City's beautification program, and seek to expand assistance through other actions, such as developing a "Cash for Grass" lawn replacement program.
3c. Update M WELO to go beyond State requirement to plan drought -tolerant and water -conserving landscaping in new development projects.
3d. Coordinate with local water suppliers to establish and monitor progress on a citywide per capita water use reduction target.
3e. Educate the public about the benefits and water conservation potential of rainwater catchment and greywater systems.
3f. Promote the installation of water -efficient fixtures, appliances, and equipment in new development and as part of retrofits for existing development.
3g. Support the development of extended drought scenario analyses as part of future updates to Urban Water Management Plans and Water Shortage Contingency Plans of local water suppliers. 3h. Coordinate with local water suppliers to support the development of recycled water systems.
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Strategy Adaptation -4.
Improve resilience to wildfires.
Objectives :
Protect populations from wildfire smoke and poor air quality. Mitigate the impacts from potential Public Safety Power Shutoff events during high wildfire risk conditions.
Actions:
4a. Develop and implement a wildfire smoke protection outreach strategy. 4b. Monitor employers to ensure compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5141.1, which requires employers to protect workers who may be exposed to wildfire smoke. 4c. Take steps to ensure that the City’s building stock is outfitted with indoor air purification systems capable of enhancing and protecting public health from wildfire smoke and poor air quality. 4d. Support the installation of battery storage systems in existing residential and nonresidential development. 4e. Coordinate with and promote SMUD's battery storage incentives for residents and businesses.
Strategy Adaptation -5.
Promote holistic community resilience in the context of climate change.
Objectives:
Coordinate equitable education, outreach, and engagement. Promote robust emergency services and other planning activities. Protect the built environment from climate hazards.
Actions:
5a. Through a multi -pronged approach, enhance public education and awareness of climate hazards and public understanding of disaster preparedness, prioritizing engagement with vulnerable populations (for example, workshops, displays, websites, public -private partnerships). 5b. Provide tailored, preparedness- oriented outreach to vulnerable populations across the city regarding climate hazards that are most applicable and specific to them ( for example, flood preparedness outreach for residents residing within the city’s 100 - and 500- year floodplains). 5c. Embed climate resiliency and adaptation across City plans, programs, and activities to account for changing hazard profiles and their associated impacts.
5d. Prioritize making emergency services more accessible, especially for vulnerable populations. 5e. Encourage residents to enroll in the Sacramento Region Emergency Notification System. 5f. Maintain up -to-date emergency preparedness and evacuation plans and procedures in coordination with appropriate State, regional, county, and local agencies and departments. 5g. Encourage roundabouts in place of traffic signals where appropriate for increased ability to evacuate and traffic flow.
5h. Ensure interconnectivity and road standards are maintained for evacuation routes and disaster preparedness purposes.
5i. Develop a clean energy microgrid for essential City facilities to support resilient emergency operations. 5j. Integrate climate -smart natural resource management into City operations, incorporating climate projection data, risk modeling, and adaptive management, as appropriate, to account for future changes in climate hazards in natural resource projects.
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5k. Evaluate and update the City's building and engineering standards to account for climate hazards that are likely to affect critical infrastructure , such as extreme heat and extreme precipitation and flooding. 5l. Identify and upgrade vulnerable critical infrastructure (for example, utility, transportation, and so on ) through the City's Capital Improvement Projects planning process. 5m. Promote building retrofits to include climate resilience features ( for example, home hardening improvements, weatherization improvements, adequate climate control equipment with air filtration systems).
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CHAPTER 5:
Implementation and Monitoring
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CHAPTER 5:
Implementation and Monitoring
5.1 OVERVIEW
This chapter summarizes the last component of the Plan development process – implementation and monitoring. To achieve the GHG emissions reductions described in Chapter 3, measures should be regularly assessed and monitored to determine if :
(1) they are effective;
(2) the Plan is on track to achieve the GHG reduction targets; and (3) desired outcomes are achieved.
This chapter describes how the City will implement the strategies and measures identified in this Plan, and how the City will assess and monitor the progress. Along with sharing the City’s implementation and monitoring strategy, this chapter also states the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) future streamlining opportunities of this Plan.
Figure 5.1 highlights the key components of implementing and monitoring the plan. Updated as of June 2024.
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.
Figure 5.1 Key Components of Implementing and Monitoring the Plan ITEM 13.7.
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5.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
After the adoption of this Plan, the City will develop an implementation strategy for the Plan measures. The implementation plan will be based on several factors such as budget capacity and availability of funding opportunities. Potential funding opportunities to support Plan implementa tion are summarized below.
Implementing this Plan will involve the City Council, Planning Commission, and coordination with other boards, commissions, and City departments . Implementation will involve collaboration with the Sacramento Municipal Utility Di strict (“SMUD”), the County of Sacramento , other public and private agencies, and neighboring cities to implement strategies and measures requiring regional collaboration. The success of Plan implementation will also depend on the participation of resident s, businesses, and other stakeholders in the city and region.
The City will implement the measures of the Plan through several types of programs and activities that may include changes in municipal operations; new ordinances or code updates; development c onditions of approval; advanced planning efforts; provision of incentives or financing; public agency or private partnerships; and education and outreach. While each measure identified in the Plan would fall into these categories, some measures overlap and belong to more than one category. Descriptions of each implementation category are provided below .
Municipal Operations : City specific actions to update and make municipal operations more efficient. These measures would be implemented by the City and would reduce emissions specifically related to municipal operations.
New Ordinances and Code Updates : Implementation of several measures in the Plan would occur through new ordinances adopted by the City or through amendments to the Municipal Code. Planning: The Plan identifies measures that are more programmatic in nature and require visioning and long - term planning efforts to allow for GHG reductions.
Financing and Incentives : Successful implementation of Plan measures requires identifying mechanisms for funding and allocating resources. Further, several measures identified in the Plan would be implemented by community residents, business owners, other local agencies, and developers. Partnerships : Interagency coordination and collaboration with other organ izations are critical to ensuring the implementation of certain measures.
Education and Outreach : Education and outreach efforts about the goals of the Plan will help create support for the Plan and involve the community in its implementation. These efforts would be intended to increase participation and awareness and could include informing residents about potential GHG reductions and co- benefits of various measures.
The Plan’s effective implementation will require a process to prioritize its strategies an d measures periodically.
Implementation priority is determined by a variety of factors, including the timeframe of implementation , the effectiveness o f measures in reducing GHG emissions, the impact on neighborhoods, staff resources needed, and the required level of department/agency collaboration .
5.3 MONITORING AND UPDATES
The City will begin implementing Plan measures and actions after Plan adoption. The Plan will be monitored over time to assess the progress by tracking performance metrics for each strategy . Changing circumstances, such as State and federal laws and programs, updates to climate science, changes in technology, or evolving local, State, federal, or even global economic and social conditions, may necessitate changes to the Plan .
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If the Plan is not achieving the desired outcomes, the measures or actions will need to be altered or amended. This will require periodic updates to the GHG emissions inventories and vulnerability assessment, as well as analyzing individual action perfo rmance.
City staff will evaluate the performance of the GHG reduction strategies and measures over time. Evaluating the performance requires monitoring the level of community participation, costs, and potential barriers to implementation, as well as activities tha t result in GHG emissions reductions like actual reductions in fuel consumption, vehicle miles traveled, energy usage, water usage, landfilled waste, and so on. In addition to considering these factors, assessing the performance of Plan adaptation actions will be informed by resilience - related improvements in the community. The City staff will regularly monitor and report on adaptation and climate hazards and will update the strategies and actions when needed. By evaluating whether the implementation of an action is on track to achieve its objective, the City can identify successful actions and reevaluate or replace underperforming measures.
Continued implementation of the City’s GHG reduction
efforts would support overall GHG reductions and Plan
implementat ion. Periodically, City staff will present a summary of Plan implementation progress to date to the Planning Commission and City Council.
To provide updates on Plan implementation progress, City staff will prepare a monitoring report every two years.
This process will provide updates on the Plan implementation progress, including the status of actions implemented to achieve GHG reductions and improve resilience as well as other important milestones in the implementation process. As technologies and markets change and the City implements the actions identified in the Plan, the monitoring report will be used to track progress and identify actions that need to be improved, adjusted, or removed. The report will also be used for periodic presentations to the City Council about implementation progress on actions and overall progress towards Plan objectives. It would also serve to provide transparency and promote engagement with the public for Plan implementation. At a minimum, the report prepared every two years will include:
Metrics illustrating Plan measure performance, individually and in aggregate ( for example , GHG emissions reductions, participation rates, activity data, percent work completed); Implementation costs and funding needs;
Community benefits realized;
Any barriers to implementation;
Recommendations, if any, for removal or changes to individual measures or identification of new measures; and
Recommendations, if any, for changes to this Plan and/or preparation of a new Plan .
Finally, the City will prepare a GHG emissions inventory and an update to the plan every five years, with the first update due in 2028. The Plan Update would reflect the findings and recommendations of the monitoring reports and inventory updates. Table 5.1 shows the City’s implementation and monitoring timeframe.
Why
a monitoring strategy?
• to evaluate the performance of CAP
• to understand which measures or
actions need to be amended
• to understand and mitigate any barriers
to implementation
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 5 | Implementation and Monitoring
Ranc ho Cordova
Table 5.1 City’s Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe Year Milestone Description
2023 Plan adopted City Council adopts the Plan.
2023 Develop Implementation
Strategy City staff begins to develop the implementation strategy. 2023 Plan Implementation City staff begins to implement Plan measures. 2025 Monitoring Report
City staff will prepare a monitoring report every two years and present the report to City Council and Planning Commission. The first monitoring report will be completed two years from Plan adoption . Each monitoring report will evaluate implementation status of the Plan’s GHG reduction measures. The monitoring report will identify whether any of the measure s require amendment to maintain progress toward achievin g the emissions reductions identified in the Plan. 2028 GHG Emissions Inventory
Update
An updated GHG inventory will be prepared to track the Plan implementation progress by assessing the City’s progress towards achieving the emissions reductions identified in the Plan .
2028 Plan Update
Based on the results of the monitoring report and updated GHG emissions inventory , the City will update the Plan to include new or amended measures, remove, or update any ineffective measures, and incorporate new technologies and methodologies as necessary to ensure the Plan is on track to achieve the City’s target and goal .
5.4 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND THE PLAN
The California E nvironmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a st atute that requires local agen cies to identify sig nificant environmental impacts o f their actions and a void or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. The 2022 S coping Plan emphasizes the use of CE QA as a tool by local jurisdictions for supporting the S tate’s climate priorities. When a local Plan complies with C EQA requirements, individual project s that comply with the Plan are allowed to streamline the project-specific GHG a nalysis. With a CEQA Q ualified Plan, local governments enab le project developers to use this streamlined approach and save ti me and resources, while ensuring more co nsistency in applying GHG reduction measures across projects. The City plans to utilize this tool for ensuring that new development is constructed with more sustainable and low-c arbon features than existing development, however this plan is not intended to be consistent with, nor will be utilized to meet, the provisions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 (“Qualified Plan”). The City may conduct additional CEQA analysis in the future in order to readopt this Plan to be consistent with a CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 "Qualified Plan". This section is updated as of June 2024.
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Chapter 5 | Implementation and Monitoring
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapta tion Plan Page 5-5
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Table 5.2 intentionally removed. Updated as of June 2024.
ITEM 13.7.
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Chapter 5 | Implementation and Monitoring
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5.5 FUNDING SOURCES
The increased energy efficiency and reduced use of non -renewable resources resulting from Plan implementation will result in substantial cost -savings for the City and its residents in the long term. However, t he initial set-up, administration work, staffing, and enforcement will require funding and investments. After the Plan is adopted, the City will be proactive in seeking cost -effective implementation and strategic funding opportunities and developing partnerships to share costs. This section presents the spectrum of financial mechanisms that are available for the City to explore for implementing the Plan. This list is ordered by the increasing amount of debt load that would be incurred by the Ci ty: starting with free capital from grants and partnerships, continuing to the capital borrowed from loans and bonds, and concluding with C ity funding from budget, taxes, and fees. Additionally, a detailed list of potential funding and financing options to help implement the Plan is provided in Appendix G. As the Plan is updated and monitored, the City will need to reevaluate its overall costs and funding sources available. Leveraging funding opportunities would facilitate the successful implementation of the GHG reduction measures. Grants can provide a substantial source of repayment -free capital . To take advantage of a grant, the City staff will need to track grant opportunities, craft meaningful proposals that link to the goals and mission of the funding agency or entity , submit app lications, and track results required for ongoing reporting. Partnerships tap resources, and secure capital, from non -governmental and private sector actors.
Partnerships will allow the City to share ownership of the Plan implementation, while also sharing possible cost savings and revenue generation with a third party. Partnerships also spread financial risk across multiple public, private, and/or nonprofit entities .
Loans can give the City access to upfront capital, whose principal and interest must be repaid over the duration of the loan. While the City will first consider grants and private partners when possible, to access repayment -free capital, when those pathways are unavailable loans can be a dependable alternative. Bonds can provide dependable, predictable financing for capitaliz ing large infrastructure projects. The City can issue a bond directly or apply for funds from a state bonding program. These bonds can be backed either by ge neral City funds, or specific revenue sources. There are multiple types of bond structures including general obligation, revenue, and conduit bonds, as well as certifications like “green” bonds for climate and sustainability that communicate what types of projects bond proceeds are being used for. Budget refers to using money in the City’s general fund to capitalize projects. Every year the City collects tax revenue and other fees to populate its general fund, portions of which are appropriated to new capit al projects and infrastructure investments. Plan implementation c an be incorporated into the City’s budgeting processes and City budgets can be used to fund Plan implementation expenditures. New taxes and fees , as well as cost savings and other revenues, can create new flows of capital to fund Plan implementation.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
References
Rancho Cordova
Climate Action & Adapt at ion Plan References-1
References
Cal OES. See California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
California Energy Commission. 2021a. Cal -Adapt Annual Averages Tool. Available: https://cal - adapt.org/tools/annual- averages/ Accessed December 28, 2020. ———. 2021b. Cal -Adapt Extreme Heat Tool. Available: https://cal- adapt.org/tools/extreme -heat/ Accessed December 28, 2020.
———. 2021c. Cal -Adapt Extended Drought Scenario Tool. Available: https://cal - adapt.org/tools/extended -drought/ Accessed Decembe r 28, 2020. ———. 2021d. Cal-Adapt Wildfire Tool. Availablehttps://cal -adapt.org/tools/wildfire/ Accessed December 28, 2020.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 2020. California Adaptation Planning Guide. Available:
https://www.caloes.ca.gov/HazardMitigationSite/Documents/APG2 -FINAL-PR- DRAFTAccessible.pdf. Accessed February 12, 2021.
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, California Energy Commission, and California Natural Resources Agency. 2018. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment Report: Sacramento Valley Region Report. Available: https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2 019-11/Reg_Report - SUM-CCCA4-2018-002_SacramentoValley_ADA.pdf. Accessed January 29, 2021.
California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. 2018. Indicators of Climate Change in California . Available: https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/climate - change/report/2018caindicatorsreportmay2018.pdf . Accessed January 29, 2021.
CEC. See California Energy Commissio n.
City of Rancho Cordova. 2006. City of Rancho Cordova General Plan. Available:
https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/home/showpublisheddocument/14279/636820350426270 000. Accessed January 29, 2021.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. 2019. U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Version 1.2.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2021. What is the Pineapple Express? Ocean Facts. Available: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/pineapple- express.html. Accessed May 10, 2022.
NOAA. See National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
OEHHA. See California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
OPR, CEC, and CNRA. See California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, California Energy Commission, and California Natural Resources Agency.
Rappold, A. G., J. Reyes, G. Pouliot, W. E. Cascio, and D. Diaz -Sanchez. 2017. Community Vulnerability to Health Impacts of Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure. Environmental Science & Technology 51(12):6674 -6682.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
References
Ra ncho Cordova
References-2 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
SACOG, 2023. 2020MTP/SCS. Available at: https://www.saco g.org/2020-metropolitan-transportation- plansustainable-communities-strategy
Sacramento County, 2021. Water Resources. Storm Ready. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan - 2021 Update Available at https://waterresources.saccounty.gov/stormready/Pages/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan- 2017-Update.aspx
Schwartz, M. W., N. Butt, C. R. Dolanc , A. Holguin, M. A. Moritz, M. P. North, H. D. Safford, N. L.
Stephenson, J. H. Thorne, and P. J. van Mantgem. 2015. Increasing elevation of fire in the Sierra Nevada and implications for forest change. Available:
https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1890/ES15 -00003.1 . Accessed February 5, 2021.
SMAQMD, 2020. Keeping Cool in the Capital Region. Capital Region Urban Heat Island Mitigation Project.
Available at: https://urbanheat-smaqmd.hub.arcgis.com/
USEPA, 2022. Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. Available at https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse - gas-equivalencies -calculator#results . Assessed on March 15, 2023.
ITEM 13.7.
ATTACHMENT 3
Appendix A
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
(Technical Memorandum)
Attachment 5
Memo
455 Capitol Mall, Unit 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.444.7301
Date: March 29, 2022
To: Stefan Heisler and Darcy Goulart (City of Rancho Cordova) From: Alyssa Way, Andrew Martin, and Honey Walters (Ascent Environmental) Subject: City of Rancho Cordova Climate Action Plan, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Technical Memorandum
INTRODUCTION
In 2009, the County of Sacramento prepared a baseline inventory for the unincorporated county and the incorporated cities, including specifically a 2005 baseline year inventory for the City of Rancho Cordova (City). The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS) Draft Environmental Impact Report included a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and forecast for 2016, 2030, 2040, and 2050 that included the City. Though the City was considered in both efforts, an updated communitywide GHG emissions inventory using the latest methodologies with a more recent 2019 baseline year has been prepared for the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).
The CAP is intended to reduce GHG emissions for the 2030 target year and 2045 goal. This initial preparation of a GHG emissions inventory provides a foundation for the forthcoming phases of the CAP process, which includes forecasting future emissions, developing GHG emissions reduction targets, defining GHG emissions reduction measures, and preparing a CAP to reduce GHG emissions from activities occurring in the city. This technical memorandum provides the results of the 2019 GHG emissions inventory, as well as associated methods, assumptions, emissions factors, and data sources.
ORGANIZATION OF THIS MEMORANDUM
This memorandum consists of two main parts:
Section 1: Summary of Inventory Results presents an overview of the 2019 community inventories for each sector. Section 2: Data, Methods, and Assumptions summarizes data, methods, and assumptions used in the 2019 inventory and provides activity data and GHG emissions estimates by sector.
City of Rancho Cordova Climate Action Plan - GHG Emissions Inventory March 29, 2022
1 SUMMARY OF INVENTORY RESULTS
1.1 COMMUNITY INVENTORY
The city’s GHG emissions inventory for 2019 was estimated based on methodologies and guidance provided by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) (discussed further in Section 2.2.1). Based on the modeling conducted, community activities in 2019 generated approximately 679,706 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e).
Major emissions sectors included on-road transportation, residential and nonresidential building energy use, solid waste, water use, and wastewater generation. The 2019 inventory will serve as the City’s GHG emissions baseline, which will be used to set future emissions reductions targets. A description of each emissions sector, including key sources, is provided in further detail in Section 2, “Data, Methods, and Assumptions”. Table 1 and Figure 1 present the overall 2019 community inventory and the contributions from each key sector.
Table 1 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Sectors MTCO2e/year Percent of Total
On-Road Transportation 417,145 61%
Nonresidential Building Energy 118,801 17%
Residential Building Energy 95,575 14%
Solid Waste 22,397 3%
Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment 11,027 2%
Water Supply 9,071 1%
Wastewater Treatment 5,690 1%
Total 679,706 100%
Notes: MTCO2e/year = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year Source: Ascent Environmental 2021
Figure 1 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
On-Road
Transportation, 61%
Nonresidential
Building Energy, 17%
Residential
Building Energy,
14%
Solid Waste, 3%
Off-Road Vehicles
and Equipment, 2%
Wastewater
Treatment, 1%
Water Supply, 1%
City of Rancho Cordova Climate Action Plan - GHG Emissions Inventory March 29, 2022
Source: Ascent Environmental 2021
2 DATA, METHODS, AND ASSUMPTIONS
2.1 OVERALL ASSUMPTIONS AND DATA
2.1.1 Utility Emissions Factors
Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) per unit of electricity and natural gas can vary by location and from year to year depending on numerous factors. Utility-specific factors for GHG emissions were obtained and used in the 2019 inventory to estimate GHG emissions from electricity and natural gas consumption. Sources for electricity and natural gas emissions factors are shown below. Electricity: Utility electricity emissions factors for CO2, CH4, and N2O were obtained from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID). For 2019, SMUD’s CO2 emissions factor was interpolated using the 2018 emissions factor provided by SMUD and the requirements of the Renewables Portfolio Standard included in Senate Bill (SB) 100. The same approach was taken for CH4 and N2O emissions factors from eGRID’s 2018 Annual Output Emissions Rates (EPA 2020).
Natural Gas: Utility natural gas emissions factors for CO2, CH4, and N2O were obtained from The Climate Registry’s (TCR’s) 2020 Default Emission Factors (TCR 2020).
Specific utility emissions factors used in the inventory calculations are shown below in Table 3.
Table 3 2019 City of Rancho Cordova Utility Emissions Factors Source and Unit 2019 Emissions Factor
SMUD – Electricity
g CO2/kWh 232.10
g CH4/kWh 0.015
g N2O/kWh 0.002
g CO2e/MWh 233.01
PG&E – Natural Gas
g CO2/therm 5306
g CH4/therm 0.47
g N2O/therm 0.01
g CO2e/therm 5322
Notes: CH4 = methane; CO2 = carbon dioxide; g= grams, MWh = megawatt-hours; N2O = nitrous oxide; SMUD = Sacramento Municipal Utility District; PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Source: Utility emissions factors provided by SMUD, EPA, The Climate Registry (TCR). Ascent Environmental 2021
2.1.2 Global Warming Potentials
GHG emissions other than CO2 generally have a stronger insulating effect and thus, a greater ability to warm the earth’s atmosphere through the greenhouse effect. This effect is measured in terms of a pollutant’s Global Warming
City of Rancho Cordova Climate Action Plan - GHG Emissions Inventory March 29, 2022
Potential (GWP). CO2 has a GWP factor of one while all other GHGs have GWP factors measured in multiples of one relative to the GWP of CO2. This conversion of non-CO2 gases to one unit enables the reporting of all emissions in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which allows consideration of all GHGs in comparable terms and makes it easier to communicate how various sources and types of emissions contribute to climate change. MTCO2e is the standard unit for reporting emissions.
Consistent with the best available science, these inventories use GWP factors published in the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), where CH4 and N2O have GWP factors of
27.9 and 273, respectively (IPCC 2021). This means that CH4 and N2O are approximately 28 and 273 times stronger than CO2 in their potential to warm Earth’s atmosphere, respectively. It should be noted that the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Statewide GHG Inventory which is associated with the 2017 Scoping Plan uses the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). Under AR4 CH4 is approximately 24 times stronger than CO2 and N2O is 298 times stronger than CO2. The GWP can be toggled in the GHG Inventory and Forecast Workbook to compare the change in emissions between the Assessment Reports.
2.1.3 Population and Employment
Population and employment data were used to scale activity levels for certain emissions sources and sectors.
Population and employment data were obtained from the California Department of Finance and the Employment Development Department 2019.
2.2 COMMUNITY INVENTORIES DATA AND ASSUMPTIONS
2.2.1 Sector-Specific Assumptions and Methods for Community Inventories
Several inventory protocols have been developed to provide guidance for communities and local governments to account for emissions accurately and consistently. In coordination with other partners, ICLEI has developed guidance for local-scale accounting of emissions that many local governments use to develop their GHG inventories. The most recent guidance for community-scale emissions inventories is ICLEI’s Community Protocol, Version 1.2, published in July 2019 (ICLEI 2019). GHG emissions from livestock were not included in the inventory due to a lack of available information about the number of cattle grazing within City limits.
The following summarizes data sources and methods used in estimating community GHG emissions in 2019:
Building Energy: Annual electricity and natural gas usage data for the city were provided by SMUD and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) (see Table 3 above). Emissions factors were obtained from SMUD, eGRID, and TCR.
Annual nonresidential backup generator usage was provided by Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD). Emissions factors for backup generator fuels was obtained from TCR. Transportation: For the on-road transportation sector, daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) were obtained from Fehr & Peers for the city, using the SB 375 Regional Technical Advisory Committee’s (RTAC’s) origin-destination method. Vehicle emissions factors were derived from CARB’s 2021 Emissions FACtor (EMFAC2021) model. Off- road vehicle emissions were estimated from CARB’s OFFROAD2007 and OFFROAD2021 models and scaled by population, employment, or share of road miles.
Solid Waste: Emissions associated with waste generated by residents and businesses in the city were estimated using disposal data available from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for landfills receiving waste from the city. Landfill gas (LFG) collection information was available from EPA.