TO: TRANSPORTATION &
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
FROM: LORI MITCHELL
SUBJECT: Climate Advisory
Commission Work Plan
DATE: January 19, 2026
Approved Date:
1/28/2026
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the report on the Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026.
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 greenhouse gas reduction goals, advancing climate adaptation, and serving as a community voice on climate-related policies and programs.
In May 2025, the Commission reviewed and approved its Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
ANALYSIS
The proposed updates to the Commission’s Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 strengthen the Commission’s ability to address both immediate and long-term climate priorities. The updated plan includes a second review of the San José Clean Energy Integrated Resource Plan and an evaluation of the Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance. These additions will allow the Commission to provide informed guidance on long-term energy procurement, strategies to improve building performance, and the City’s overarching climate goals—ensuring continued alignment with Climate Smart San José.
As part of the Commission’s continued efforts, the Updated Fiscal Year 2025-26 Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan (Attachment A) reflects the inclusion of two new items:
T&E COMMITTEE: 2/9/26
ITEM: (c)1
TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
January 19, 2026
Subject: Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan
1. San José Clean Energy Integrated Resource Plan (Second Review): This addition reflects the City’s commitment to transparent, long-term energy planning. The Commission will receive an additional briefing on the SJCE Integrated Resource Plan and provide input on resource procurement strategies to ensure alignment with Climate Smart San José goals.
The second review provides the Commission with an opportunity to evaluate the final modeling scenarios and resource portfolio strategies prior to submittal to the City Council and CPUC, ensuring community input is reflected and aligned with both Climate Smart San José goals and evolving regulatory guidance.
2. Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance Evaluation: This item supports the City’s focus on improving energy and water efficiency in large buildings. The Commission will receive an update on the Building Performance Ordinance and provide feedback to inform updates presented to the Transportation and Environment Committee.
These additions reinforce San José’s commitment to addressing a wide range of climate challenges and equity considerations. By incorporating these focus areas, the work plan enhances the Commission’s role in supporting policy decisions that foster a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the community.
COORDINATION
This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement, and the City Manager’s Office. /s/
Lori Mitchell
Director
Energy Department
For questions, please contact Julie Benabente, Deputy Director, Energy Department, at [email protected].
ATTACHMENT
ATTACHMENT A – Updated Fiscal Year 2025-26 Climate Advisory Commission Work Plan