The Plan

In 2009, the Gilroy City Council accepted a U.S. Department of Energy Grant to fund preparation of a climate action plan.  Gilroy’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) will provide a roadmap for achieving measurable reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, both throughout the community and in City government operations.  The CAP will verify GHG emission sources and quantities and establish GHG reduction targets and other environmental goals that align with State regulations.  The CAP Team will gather, evaluate, and prioritize measures for achieving these targets; propose programs, policies, and best practices for implementing the Plan; and recommend a monitoring program to measure progress over time.  The CAP, scheduled for adoption by year’s end, will address emissions from energy, transportation/land use, water, agriculture, and solid waste sources.

The Team

City Senior Planner Stan Ketchum will lead the CAP Team joined by City departments and staff.  He will direct prime planning consultant Town-Green, assisted by environmental advisors Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc., energy experts Strategic Energy Innovations, Inc., and transportation leaders, Fehr & Peers.  The City will assemble a Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) that represents community interests to help guide the development of the CAP, and provide advice and feedback throughout the process.

Community Outreach

In addition to the SAC’s involvement, the success of the CAP will depend on the continued, active participation of local residents and businesses who appreciate the CAP’s potential benefits, and are interested and motivated to take meaningful actions to reduce their own “carbon footprint”.  In response, the Team will engage and educate the community through the development of this interactive CAP website, including surveys and questionnaires, and by hosting two public workshops customized to capture a diversity of ideas and feedback.