TO: TRANSPORTATION AND
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
FROM: Lori Mitchell
SUBJECT: See Below DATE: July 20, 2026
Approved Date:
7/21/2026
SUBJECT: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Report and Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the Climate Advisory Commission’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Report and approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Work Plan.
BACKGROUND
The 11-member Climate Advisory Commission (“Commission”) was established in January 2024 to advise the City Council, City Manager, and departments on the implementation of Climate Smart San José, with a focus on the City’s Pathway to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 and climate adaptation. The Commission meets bimonthly and includes representatives with technical, community, and advocacy expertise.
ANALYSIS
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Report
The Commission reviewed and commented on several key initiatives during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 fiscal year, including:
San José Clean Energy Programs 5-year Roadmap
San José Clean Energy Power Mix and Power Change Indifference Adjustment Briefing
San José Clean Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan
Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan Update Draft
Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Policy Update Draft Building Performance Ordinance Updates
T&E AGENDA: 8/10/26
ITEM: (c)1
TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
July 20, 2026
Subject: Climate Advisory Commission FY 2025-26 Annual Report and FY 2026-27 Work Plan
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Work Plan
The proposed Commission work plan for fiscal year 2026-2027 includes briefings and actions aligned with the City's climate goals. Key items include:
Legislative/Regulatory Outlook (July 2026)
Large Load Customer Status (July 2026)
Climate Smart Annual Update (November 2026)
Transportation Updates (September 2026 and March 2027) San José Clean Energy Programs Roadmap (January 2027) San José Clean Energy Rates and Power Source Mix Recommendation (January 2027)
Outreach and Engagement Strategy (April 2027)
This work plan reflects a continuation of the Commission’s role in shaping and informing San José’s climate initiatives.
COORDINATION
This memorandum has been coordinated with the City Attorney's Office and the City Manager's Budget Office.
/s/
Lori Mitchell
Director, Energy Department
For questions, please contact Julie Benabente, Deputy Director, Climate Smart Division, Energy Department, at [email protected].
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Report Attachment B: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Work Plan Objective of FY 25-26 Timeframe Related CS Strategies Status & Accomplishments Future Target/Goals Receive briefing on relevant upcoming
legislation and potential City actions General - overarching Commission received briefing on upcoming
legislation and policy actions.
Commissioners discussed potential impacts
on City climate goals.
Continue monitoring state and federal
legislation.
Provide input on policy opportunities that
support City climate goals.
Commissioners will continue to explore
greater involvement in legislative priorities
and advocacy and continue to work with staff
to understand the City procedures and
stances on forthcoming legislation. An
update will be presented to the Commission
in 2026.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
long term resource procurement - Integrated
Resource Plan (IRP; first review)
Strategy 1.1 - Transition to a
Renewable Energy Future
Commission received briefing on long-term
resource procurement planning.
Commissioners provided input on energy
supply strategy and priorities.
This item was presented for second review in
March 2026. Additional next steps are
included under corresponding item below.
Provide ongoing input on long-term energy
procurement strategy.
Ensure alignment with emissions reduction
and reliability goals.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
Climate Smart San José plan update and on
Climate Smart programs and policies General - overarching Commission received briefing on Climate
Smart plan update.
Commission provided comments and
emphasized need for faster progress toward
climate goals.
Commission recommended adoption of the
updated plan to City Council.
The Climate Smart San José 2025 Update was
presented and approved by City Council in
December 2025. City staff track greenhouse
gas (GHG) reductions on the Climate Smart
Data Dashboard and Climate Smart continues
to update the CAC on relevant items. Highlevel Climate Smart updates are presented to CAC and Council on an annual basis.
Track implementation progress of Climate
Smart actions.
Identify opportunities to accelerate progress
toward 2030 goals.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
updates to Planning, Building, and Code
Enforcement (PBCE) setback and noise
ordinance
Strategies 2.1, 2.2 - Densify Our City
and Provide Affordable Efficient
Homes
Commission received briefing on PBCE
ordinance updates.
Commissioners discussed impacts and
provided feedback to staff.
Monitor implementation of ordinance
updates.
Provide input on future policy refinements as
needed.
Formed an ad hoc committee to review San
José Clean Energy (SJCE) rates and financial
reserves
October 7, 2025
Special Session
Strategy 1.1 - Transition to a
Renewable Energy Future
Commission approved formation of an ad hoc
committee to review SJCE rates and financial
reserves.
Committee members were appointed and
scope of work was established.
Complete review of SJCE rates and financial
reserves.
Provide recommendations to support longterm financial stability and affordability.
The ad hoc committee met with staff and
presented findings at the November 2025
meeting.
Receive briefing on 2026 power mix and
rates, and potentially vote on power mix and
rates recommendation to City Council (first
review)
Strategy 1.1 - Transition to a
Renewable Energy Future
Commission received briefing on 2026 power
mix and rate proposals.
Commissioners reviewed affordability and
clean energy alignment considerations.
Commissioners provided initial input to
inform future recommendations.
Continue reviewing rate proposals and cost
impacts.
Support development of final
recommendations aligned with climate goals.
This item was presented for second review in
January 2026. Additional next steps are
included under that item below.
Receive briefing on Building Performance
Ordinance
Strategy 3.2 - Improve the
Commercial Building Stock
Commission received briefing on Building
Performance Ordinance.
Commissioners discussed energy and water
benchmarking requirements and future
improvements.
Provide input on ordinance updates and
program improvements.
Support policies that increase building
efficiency and compliance.
A related follow-up item was presented for
review in March 2026. Additional next steps
are included under that item below.
Climate Advisory Commission (CAC)
Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026
Attachment A: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Report September 18, 2025
July 17, 2025
November 6, 2025
Special Session
Objective of FY 25-26 Timeframe Related CS Strategies Status & Accomplishments Future Target/Goals Climate Advisory Commission (CAC)
Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026
Attachment A: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Report Report from ad hoc committee to review
SJCE rates and financial reserves
Strategy 1.1 - Transition to a
Renewable Energy Future
Ad hoc committee provided updates on SJCE
rates and financial reserves.
Commission discussed findings and next steps
for rate recommendations.
The ad hoc committee was dissolved in 2026
and is no longer active, though the
Commission continues to provide input and
recommendations related to rates, financial
reserves, and programs.
Meeting cancelled November 20, 2025 Meeting cancelled
Meeting was cancelled; no Commission action
taken. Resume scheduled Commission activities.
Receiving briefing and provide comment on
Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan NEW: Adaptation and Resilience Commission received briefing on Climate
Adaptation and Resilience Plan.
Commission voted to recommend approval of
the plan to City Council.
Commissioners and public emphasized
importance of funding and implementation.
The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
was presented and approved by City Council
in March 2026.
Monitor implementation of the plan.
Track funding opportunities and project
prioritization.
Support ongoing public engagement.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
SJCE programs and policies
Strategies 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2 -
Transition to a Renewable Energy
Future, Provide Affordable Efficient
Homes, Support Clean Personal
Mobility, and Improve the
Commercial Building Stock
Commission received briefing on SJCE
programs and policies.
Commission reviewed program priorities and
provided feedback to staff.
Continue reviewing program effectiveness
and equity impacts.
Provide input on program improvements and
expansion.
Receive updated briefing on 2026 power mix
and rates including analysis of bill credits,
Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA)
cost impacts, and final rate
recommendations for customer affordability
and clean energy alignment prior to Council
action (second review)
Strategy 1.1 - Transition to a
Renewable Energy Future
Commission received updated analysis of
rates, bill credits, and cost impacts.
Commission approved recommendation to
City Council on rates and power mix.
Commission added recommendation to
improve transparency on cost impacts.
Monitor implementation of approved rates.
Track impacts on affordability and emissions
reductions.
Formed an ad hoc committee to review SJCE
Programs 5-year Roadmap
Strategies 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2 -
Transition to a Renewable Energy
Future, Provide Affordable Efficient
Homes, Support Clean Personal
Mobility, and Improve the
Commercial Building Stock
Commission approved formation of ad hoc
committee to review SJCE 5-year Programs
Roadmap.
Committee tasked with developing
recommendations and targets.
Develop recommendations for the 5-year
programs roadmap.
Identify spending and emissions reduction
targets.
The ad hoc committee met with staff and
presented findings at the November 2025
meeting.
Receive a second briefing and provide
comment on the final SJCE IRP modeling and
strategy prior to City Council submittal
Strategy 1.1 - Transition to a
Renewable Energy Future
Commission received second briefing on IRP.
Commission reviewed final modeling and
strategy.
Commission approved recommendation to
City Council with additional feedback.
Monitor implementation of IRP strategy.
Provide input on future updates and
procurement decisions.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
Building Performance Ordinance update to
Transportation and Environment Committee
Strategy 3.2 - Improve the
Commercial Building Stock
Commission received updated briefing on
Building Performance Ordinance.
Commissioners discussed potential
improvements and enforcement
considerations.
Track ordinance updates and potential
enforcement measures.
Provide continued feedback on policy
effectiveness.
Report from SJCE Programs 5-year Roadmap
ad hoc committee
Strategies 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2 -
Transition to a Renewable Energy
Future, Provide Affordable Efficient
Homes, Support Clean Personal
Mobility, and Improve the
Commercial Building Stock
Ad hoc committee reported findings on SJCE
Programs Roadmap.
Commission reviewed recommendations,
including spending and emissions targets.
Review and support implementation of
roadmap recommendations.
Continue collaboration with staff on program
priorities.
This The ad hoc committee was dissolved
though the Commission will continue to
monitor and provide recommendations.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
Transportation programs and policies
Strategies 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, and 3.3 -
Densify Our City, Support Clean
Personal Mobility, Develop
Integrated and Accessible Public
Transit, Make Goods Movement
Efficient
Commission received briefing on
transportation programs and policies.
Commissioners provided input on emissions
reduction strategies and mobility
improvements.
Monitor transportation initiatives and
emissions impacts.
Support policies that reduce vehicle miles
traveled and increase mode shift.
Receive briefing and provide comment on
Climate Smart outreach and advocacy
strategies General - overarching
Commission received briefing on outreach
and advocacy strategies.
Commissioners provided feedback on
improving community engagement and
program awareness.
Improve outreach strategies to reach more
residents.
Increase awareness of climate programs and
incentives.
March 19, 2026
January 15, 2026
Objective of FY 25-26 Timeframe Related CS Strategies Status & Accomplishments Future Target/Goals Climate Advisory Commission (CAC)
Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026
Attachment A: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Report Review the Commission Work Plan for FY
2026-27 NA - Commission specific
Commission reviewed upcoming work plan.
Commissioners discussed priorities and future
agenda items.
Finalize and adopt updated work plan.
Align priorities with City climate goals and
emerging issues.
Review the Commission Annual Report for FY
2025-26 NA - Commission specific
Commission reviewed the draft annual report
for Fiscal Year 2025–26.
Commissioners provided feedback on
objectives, accomplishments, and report
content.
Commission prepared the report for
finalization and submission to City Council.
Finalize and approve the annual report for
submission.
Continue improving clarity and tracking of
objectives and accomplishments.
Align future reports with Commission
priorities and City climate goals.
May 21, 2026
Items for Briefing and Possible Action in FY 26-27 Actions Timeframe Legislative/Regulatory Outlook Receive briefing on relevant upcoming legislation and potential City actions Large Load Customer Status** Receive briefing and give comment on large load customer tariff update San José Clean Energy (SJCE) budget and programs spending update** Receive briefing and give comment on SJCE budget and programs spending update SJCE Integrated Resource Plan (every two years)** Not on agenda for this year - Receive briefing and give comment on long term resource procurement No meeting August 2026
Transportation Semi-Annual Update** Receive briefing and give comment on Transportation programs and policies September 17, 2026 No meeting October 2026
Climate Smart Annual Update** Receive briefing and give comment on Climate Smart programs and policies SJCE budget and programs spending update** Receive briefing and give comment on SJCE budget and programs spending update No meeting December 2026
SJCE Programs Roadmap** Receive briefing and give comment on SJCE programs and policies SJCE rates and power source mix**
Receive briefing on 2026 power mix and rates, and potentially vote on power mix and rates recommendation to City Council.
No meeting February 2027
Transportation Semi-Annual Update** Receive briefing and give comment on Transportation programs and policies SJCE budget and programs spending update** Receive briefing and give comment on SJCE budget and programs spending update No meeting April 2027
Outreach and Engagement Strategy** Receive briefing and give comment on Climate Smart outreach and advocacy strategies CAC Work Plan for FY 27-28** Review the CAC Work Plan for FY 27-28 CAC Annual Report for FY 26-27** Review the CAC Annual Report for FY 26-27 **Denotes items where commission action/recommendation to City Council and/or Staff is expected or applicable AND/OR may be authorized for advocacy and outreach.
Attachment B: Climate Advisory Commission Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Work Plan Climate Advisory Commission (CAC)
Work Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027
May 20, 2027
July 16, 2026
January 21, 2027
March 18, 2027
November 19, 2026