Happening Now

The City is working to implement the first phase of the Municipal Climate Action Plan [MCAP] that was approved by City Council at their March 28, 2023 meeting. 

The Municipal Climate Action Plan [MCAP] updated the 2009 Sustainability Management Plan to incorporate all new additions of policies and resolutions while creating a roadmap on how to accomplish adopted goals and identify those most impactful at carbon mitigation and climate resiliency. Additionally, the MCAP incorporates an equity perspective on how to select and manage projects, as well as identifies funding requirements for implementation.


Background

At the June 8, 2021 City Council meeting, City Council voted unanimously to enter into a contract with AECOM to update the City’s Sustainability Management Plan into a Municipal Climate Action Plan.

The purpose of the Municipal Climate Action Plan is to bring together the City’s 2009 Sustainability Management Plan, updated resolutions, and newly adopted resolutions around climate resiliency and climate justice.

The Municipal Climate Action Plan will incorporate the City’s climate resilience work along with recently adopted climate resolutions; address high-impact projects – and associated fiscal impacts to build a more resilient organization; and continue to address the City’s goals for carbon mitigation.

AECOM was selected as the most qualified in addressing both climate resiliency and carbon mitigation through their diverse staff and sustainability projects nationwide. AECOM is a global leader in integrated sustainability and climate planning, leveraging a proven process to identify and prioritize actionable opportunities that keep clients moving toward their goals. AECOM will partner with FernLeaf Interactive, based in Asheville, which has deep experience helping clients achieve climate solutions.

 


Timeline

AECOM’s proposed approach includes five tasks, each informing the next and ultimately development of the Municipal Climate Action Plan itself.

Fall/Winter 2021

  • During Task 1: Discovery AECOM and the City will align on project goals and AECOM will conduct research into existing City sustainability goals and actions.

Winter 2021 – Spring 2022

  • In Task 2: Engagement AECOM will interview selected City staff members to gain additional insight regarding the City’s accomplishments, barriers, and other related matters, and also meet with the Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment (SACEE) to discuss prioritization factors.

Spring 2022

  • AECOM will use information gathered in these first two tasks to perform a gap analysis in Task 3: Assessment, which will also involve a best-practice review and culminate in a list of high impact opportunities for climate action.

Fall 2022

  • AECOM will then work with the City to prioritize these actions using a framework developed during Task 4: Prioritize High Impact Options.

Winter 2022-2023

  • Finally, in Task 5: Develop the Municipal Climate Action Plan, the project team will develop an implementation timeline including high level costs, staffing and resources required to implement the MCAP.

Spring 2023

  • This roadmap for meeting the City’s climate goals will go to City Council for adoption.

 


Supporting Documents

Municipal Climate Action Plan

August 22, 2023 Environment & Safety Meeting Recording (MCAP Implementation Update)

Resolution 23-70 Adoption of Municipal Climate Action Plan

March 28, 2023 City Council Meeting Recording

March 28, 2023 Staff Report for City Council

March 28, 2023 Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recording

February 28, 2023 Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recording

February 21, 2023 Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting Recording

Scope of Work

 


Contact Information

Bridget Herring, Sustainability Director 

828-259-5558

 


 

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Related Departments

Sustainability

The City of Asheville has a strong record and long standing commitment to sustainability. The Sustainability Department was created in 2008 to integrate sustainable design, technology, and practice into municipal operations, infrastructure and services.  The Sustainability Department is responsible for incorporating City Council’s Strategic Goals and City Resolutions pertaining to sustainability within the organization.   Doing the [...]