Climate Action & Adaptation Planning

Vision

Through the Albany City Council's Strategic Mission Statement, Albany is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and accessible city, and strives to lift every voice in our community. Part of the effort of providing a healthy, safe and accessible city includes ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience from climate change and its effects. As a result, in 2017, and also in an updated version in 2023, the City Council included advancing climate action and adaptation in its Strategic Plan.

2019 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

The Albany City Council unanimously adopted the 2019 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP)(PDF, 8MB) at their December 2 meeting.

Climate Action and Adaptation Key Areas

The following key areas illustrate measures Albany is pursuing to implement climate action and adaptation goals. Implementation also includes the additional resources required to achieve these goals, which regularly include city staff as well as outside consultants. The City is able to utilize the equivalent of approximately 4-6 full time employees (FTE) working across several departments to help achieve climate action and adaptation goals.

Area: Active, Shared, and Electric Transportation

Active Transportation Plan Update

The City is currently developing a comprehensive update to the Albany Active Transportation Plan, adopted in 2012 and last updated in 2019.

Funding Source: General Fund
Estimated Costs: $250,000
CA&AP Reference: 1.1.1 Develop a new Active Transportation Plan (ATP).

Active Transportation Capital Projects

The City continues to prioritize investment into bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Albany. Since the adoption of the FY20-FY24 Capital Improvement Plan in November of 2020, the following capital projects have been completed or are in progress (as of August 2024).

Street a part of Masonic Project

Completed
- Kains & Adams Bike Boulevard Pilot Project (CIP No. 25010)
- Masonic Intersections / Ohlone Trail Safety Improvement Project (CIP No. 25007)
- Marin Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation - Phase I (CIP No. 21000)
- Streetlighting Evaluation Project (CIP No. 25008)
- Lower Solano Curb Ramps Project (CIP No. 25011)
- ATP Improvements Project (CIP No. 23000)
- Codornices Creek Phase IV Project (CIP No. 43001)
- Albany Local Road Safety Plan (CIP No. 25014)
- Traffic Calming Citywide Project (CIP No. 25001
In Progress
- San Pablo Pedestrian Safety Improvements Phase I (CIP No. 24010)
- Jackson Bikeway Project (CIP No. 25015, with Alameda CTC)
- Pierce-Cleveland Bikeway Connection Project (CIP No. 25016)

Details on construction of active, upcoming, and completed capital improvement projects can be found on the City's Construction Alerts page.

Funding Source: Various, including Alameda CTC Measure B/BB and VRF, State Active Transportation Program grant funds, and Community Development Block Grant funds for accessibility-related facilities.
Project Costs: Various (Range $200,000-$2M per project)
CA&AP Reference: 1.1.2 Expand and enhance bicycle infrastructure throughout the City.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a key consideration in alleviating transportation contributions to global climate change. The Albany City Council has recently directed staff to evaluate the most effective manner to charge future City EVs to ensure that the City fleet meets or exceeds State EV requirements; to investigate, develop, and implement a fleet strategy that meets or exceeds State EV requirements, based on the most effective charging infrastructure available; and to develop a strategy to expand charging capacity in partnership with service providers and private and public properties throughout the City. The City will be conducting a feasibility analysis to further examine opportunities for electric vehicle infrastructure.

Find further information about the electric vehicles council action.

Funding Source: General Fund, possible grant funding.
Estimated Costs: TBD
CA&AP Reference: 1.2.4 Increase adoption of electric vehicles and motorized equipment.

Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot Program

In 2022, the City ran a pilot program to help multifamily property owners install electric vehicle chargers for tenant use. This pilot was created during the development of a draft electric vehicle action plan. The City provided technical assistance and funding support for three buildings, in which a total of 18 charging stations were installed. In addition to charging access for tenants, the pilot also provided valuable insight to staff regarding multifamily EV charging. Staff is currently researching possibilities for a larger scale program.

Funding Source: General Fund ("Measure DD")
Total Program Budget: $50,000
CA&AP Reference: 1.2.1 Create an Electric Vehicle Action Plan.

Adoption of Electric Motorized Equipment

In Spring 2024, Public Works completed an investigation of electric alternatives for gas-powered landscaping equipment. Multiple vendors were reviewed, and equipment options were selected for maximum utility and reasonable cost. Twenty (20) pieces of electric equipment were purchased, replacing the current stock of equivalent gas-powered equipment. This purchase was planned and programmed within the FY2024-FY2025 Operating Budget.

This purchase was approved by the City Council on April 1, 2024.

04-01-2024 Staff Report

Funding Source: General Fund (Public Works Reserve Fund)
Purchase Cost: $25,000
CA&AP Reference: 1.2.4 Increase adoption of electric vehicles and motorized equipment.

Sidewalk Program

Albany's Sidewalk Program was established in 2016 in partnership with the Measure P1 Sidewalk Parcel Tax, passed by voters in the November 2016 election. This program combines all-inclusive sidewalk repair with various sidewalk maintenance activities to maintain and improve the City's overall sidewalk conditions. Projects are data-driven via a recurring comprehensive Citywide sidewalk survey, and are reviewed and approved regularly by the Transportation Commission. Better sidewalks encourage various modes of active transportation and provide safe and passable travel for many types of non-motorized travel.

Funding Source: Measure P1 Sidewalk Parcel Tax
Current Average Annual Investment: $226,000 per year

Area: Electrify New & Existing Buildings

Green Buildings Standards

On December 5, 2022, the City Council adopted updated comprehensive Green Buildings Standards (Resolution No. 2022-135), supporting Albany's General Plan directive for development of standards and guidelines to support "green" construction and environmental leadership in the building industry.

Standards for new buildings include requirements for Level 2 EV Charging stations, low-carbon concrete, reduced water usage, and more.

CA&AP Reference: 3.2.6 Adopt voluntary green building tiers.

Heat Pump HVAC Rebate Program

The City of Albany offers rebates for electric heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Rebate amounts vary by household income level, but are available to all Albany households.

More information about Albany's Heat Pump HVAC Rebate Program.

Funding Source: General Fund ("Measure DD")
Total Program Budget: $180,000 in FY22-FY24
Budget Sources: $40,000 (Special Appropriation), $140,000 (Community Development Operating Budget)
CA&AP Reference: 2.2.7 Develop and deploy an outreach and incentive program for electrification.

Induction Cooktop Lending Program

Albany has developed a free induction cooktop lending program for residents to encourage the transition to electric appliances.

CA&AP Reference: 2.2.7 Develop and deploy an outreach and incentive program for electrification. 3.2.8 Promote and facilitate utilization of the sharing and repair/reuse economy.

Targeted Gas Line Decommissioning Pilot Project

Since 2020, the City of Albany has been developing a pilot project with the goal of electrifying all buildings on one city block and decommissioning the corresponding section of the gas pipeline. City staff have worked with PG&E staff to identify potential pilot sites in Albany.

In October 2023, the City was awarded grant by the Department of Energy (DOE) to pursue the next phase of the project. This phase will take place over two years and will include intensive community engagement with the potential project sites, building electrification analyses, deployment planning and negotiations for electrification and decommissioning, and reporting on findings and policy recommendations. If all the buildings owners on at least one pilot block agree to participate in the project, the City will then move forward with the electrification projects and work with PG&E to cap the gas line.

Funding Source: DOE Competitive Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant
CA&AP Reference: 2.2.13 Identify a pathway for converting existing buildings to all-electric energy.

Area: Facilitate a Carbon-Free Economy

Community Events

Albany facilitates a number of events to encourage participation in stewardship of our environment. These events serve to provide education, resources, and more to the community.

Earth Day Celebration - April
Annual Citywide Garage Sale - May
Coastal Cleanup Day - September
Neighborhood Park Cleanup Days - Various

Find more information about upcoming events.

Funding Sources: General Fund, Storm Drain NPDES Fund (Coastal Cleanup)
Costs: Variable by event
CA&AP Reference: 3.2.8 Promote and facilitate utilization of the sharing and repair/reuse economy through events and outreach.

Compost in Albany

Albany makes free compost available to residents at the Annual Compost Giveaway in Spring, as well as Sundays 12-4p at the Gill Tract Compost Hub.

Albany also performs large applications of compost twice annually at large green spaces, including ballfields and park lawns.

Area: Accelerate Resilience

Street Tree Management Plan

The City of Albany is currently developing a comprehensive Street Tree Management Plan. To keep up with developments, please visit the Street Tree Management Plan project website.

As part of the project, staff partnered with ArborPro to develop a GIS-based Street Tree Inventory. View the City's street trees interactive map.

Street tree viewer map

Funding Source: General Fund (Community Development Operating Budget)
Estimated Project Cost: $150,000
CA&AP Reference: 4.1.1 Create and implement a comprehensive Urban Forestry Plan.

Street Tree Planting Program

new tree Street tree planting in Albany is now free for residents! Fees for planting will be covered by the City, as per Resolution No. 2021-102(PDF, 2MB) . See Street Tree Planting for more information on tree planting and how to apply.

Funding Source: General Fund (Measure DD)
Annual Program Budget: $30,000 per year
CA&AP Reference: Goal 1: Increase urban tree canopy and landscaped area.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Staff are currently working to update the 2018 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Disasters can cause loss of life, damage buildings and infrastructure, and have devastating consequences for a community's economic, social, and environmental well-being. Albany aims to be a resilient community that can survive, recover from, and thrive after a disaster.

Find more information about Disaster Preparedness.

Creeks & Open Space in Albany

In 2020, it came to the City's attention that the Blue Gum Eucalyptus forest on Albany Hill was experiencing severe die-back and decay due to long-term drought conditions. The City is working to mitigate near-term issues while planning a comprehensive project, known as the Albany Hill Forest Management and Habitat Restoration Project (CIP No. 41015).

Albany Hill Access Path

Funding Source(s): State Coastal Conservancy Wildfire Resilience Grant (Planning)
Estimated Costs: $140,000 for plan development, $100,000 for near-term forest management, $1.5-3M for long-term rehabilitation project costs.
CA&AP Reference: 4.3.2 Continue to manage wildfire risk by implementing vegetation management fuel reduction programs.

Additionally, the City currently partners with Urban Tilth, a local Richmond nonprofit, to perform extensive wildland management and fire hazard reduction on Albany Hill and in the City's creeks.

Partner Spotlight Urban Tilth

Funding Source(s): State Coastal Conservancy Wildfire Resilience Grant (Vegetation Management), Codornices Creek MOU Funds, and Public Works Operating Budget
Annual Task Budget: $140,000
CA&AP Reference: 4.3.1 Continue to restore and maintain creeks to accommodate increased rain events. 4.3.2 Continue to manage wildfire risk by implementing vegetation management fuel reduction programs.

View information about the City's Creeks & Open Space Maintenance Program.

View information about Albany Hill.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The City of Albany, the Albany Fire Department, and Albany CERT are proud to provide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to help prepare Albany to be as resilient as possible.

View information about CERT Program & Courses.

Soft Story Retrofit Ordinance

There is a 70% chance that the Bay Area will experience a major earthquake in the next 20 years. Albany is in a vulnerable area, only about a mile from the Hayward Fault. Securing buildings susceptible to earthquake damage is important for the safety of their residents, the investments of their owners, and the resilience of our entire community. "Soft story" or wood frame target story (WFTS) multifamily buildings are among the most vulnerable building types in Albany.

In 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023-04(PDF, 678KB) , requiring seismic retrofits of multifamily soft story buildings. All buildings that were built before 1981, have 3 or more units, and have a wood framed target story will be required to complete a retrofit. This ordinance will protect the safety of residents and enhance the resiliency of our community in the event of a major earthquake.

CA&AP Reference: 4.2.3 Prepare a comprehensive soft-story retrofit ordinance and consider the possibility of incentives.

Background

In June 2006, the City of Albany committed to becoming a member of ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and participating in the Alameda County Climate Protection Project (ACCPP). As part of the project, the City conducted a baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory(PDF, 207KB) , set a community-wide emissions reduction target, and developed its first Climate Action Plan (CAP). In 2017, City Council adopted Resolution No. 2017-48, supporting the Paris Climate Agreement and joining the Climate Mayors organization. The City's General Plan includes ambitious emissions reductions goals of 60% by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2050, and on December 2, 2019 the City Council agreed by consensus to change greenhouse gas reductions targets to 70% by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.

GHG Reduction Goals for the Albany Community

CAP 1.0: 25% Reductions Goal

Albany's first Climate Action Plan (CAP 1.0)(PDF, 9MB) , comprised of policies and measures to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global climate change, was adopted by City Council in 2010. The CAP committed Albany to 25% greenhouse gas reductions by 2020, and focused emissions reductions strategies on building energy efficiency, transportation and land use, waste reduction, green infrastructure, water conservation, and food and agriculture.

CAP 2.0: Carbon Neutrality

On December 2, 2019 the City Council unanimously adopted the City of Albany Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The CAAP will guide the City towards its emissions reduction goals: 70% GHG reductions by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2045.

CAAP Progress & Key Performance Indicators

The CAAP includes a variety of goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to help the City track progress. Staff conducts a data analysis process each year to track KPI performance and report on progress towards the CAAP goals. Find the latest KPI Report.

The most recent KPI report shows that the City is on track to meet its GHG emissions reductions goal, as seen in the chart below.

CAAP Goals vs. Performance graph

Highlights:

Heat pump HVAC installations have been soaring since 2020 and last year made up about 60% of permitted HVAC systems!
The number of vehicles per person has been dropping steadily since 2017 and is now lower than one car for every 2 people.
Last year, electric vehicles accounted for nearly a third of all new vehicles purchased in Albany.

The two most important sectors for reducing emissions remain transportation (51% of Citywide emissions) and natural gas in buildings (40% of emissions). Natural gas emissions have been decreasing by about 2.5% per year, however preliminary data shows that usage may have increased slightly in 2023. Vehicle usage (measured in miles traveled per person per day) had been decreasing for several years but increased slightly in 2022. This is one of the most significant emissions factors and needs to decrease significantly to meet our goals.

2022 Emissions by Source

More detailed information on the most recent CAAP KPI report can be found at the following links:

Resources

2019 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan(PDF, 8MB)

Climate Action Plan 2010(PDF, 9MB)