TO: TRANSPORTATION AND
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
FROM: Lori Mitchell
SUBJECT: Update to Fiscal Year 2024-
2025 Climate Advisory
Commission Work Plan
DATE: February 10, 2025
Approved Date:
2/24/2025
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the updated Climate Advisory Commission work plan, which includes the Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan Review and the DRAFT San José Clean Energy Power Workforce and Environmental Stewardship Project Selection Criteria.
Approval of these additions will enable the Commission to provide valuable guidance and support in alignment with City priorities for the implementation of critical climate action initiatives aligned with Climate Smart San José.
BACKGROUND
The Climate Advisory Commission (“Commission”) supports San José’s Climate Smart initiatives by advising and making recommendations to the City Council and City Manager, or designee, on all aspects of the Climate Smart San José plan. This includes providing guidance on achieving the Pathway to Carbon Neutrality by 2030, advancing climate adaptation, and serving as a community voice on climate-related policies and programs. In May 2024, the Commission adopted its work plan to align with the City’s climate goals and emerging needs.
As part of its continued efforts, the Commission’s work plan for FY 24-25 is being updated to reflect the addition of two new items:
1. Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan Update: This addition reflects the City’s commitment to proactively addressing climate risks and enhancing community resilience. The Commission will receive a briefing and provide input on the planned Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan to ensure it aligns with Climate Smart San José goals and integrates equitable solutions for vulnerable populations.
T&E AGENDA: 3/3/25
ITEM: (c ) 1
TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
February 10, 2025
Subject: Update to FY 24-25 Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan
2. DRAFT San José Clean Energy Power Workforce and Environmental Stewardship Project Selection Criteria: This addition to the work plan reflects the City’s focus on establishing robust criteria for selecting long-term renewable energy and storage projects that support workforce development and environmental stewardship within San José Clean Energy’s portfolio. The Commission will review the draft criteria at its March meeting and provide feedback to ensure alignment with Climate Smart San José objectives.
ANALYSIS
The proposed updates to the Climate Advisory Commission’s work plan strengthen the Commission’s ability to address both immediate and long-term climate priorities. The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan Review will allow the Commission to provide valuable input that supports the integration of science-based strategies and communityinformed solutions for building adaptive capacity in the face of climate impacts such as heatwaves, drought, and flooding.
The proposed addition of the DRAFT San José Clean Energy Power Workforce and Environmental Stewardship Project Selection Criteria would ensure that the Commission would be able to contribute to the development of transparent, equitable selection processes for long-term renewable energy and storage projects.
These additions reinforce the City’s commitment to addressing diverse climate needs and advancing equity considerations. By incorporating these focus areas, the work plan enhances the Commission’s role in supporting policy decisions that foster a sustainable, climate-resilient future for San José.
COORDINATION
This memorandum has been coordinated with the Energy Department.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No PP17-009, Staff Reports, Assessments, Annual Reports, and Informational Memos that involve no approvals of any City action.
TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
February 10, 2025
Subject: Update to FY 24-25 Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan
/s/
Lori Mitchell
Acting Director, Environmental Services
For questions, please contact Julie Benabente, Deputy Director, Climate Smart, Environmental Services Department, at [email protected].
ATTACHMENT
ATTACHMENT A – Updated FY 24-25 Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan