C I T Y O F M E S A 2 . 0 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY Contents . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A SP I R AT I O N A L G OA L : C A R B O N N E U T R A L I T Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A SP I R AT I O N A L G OA L : R E N E WA B L E E N E RG Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A SP I R AT I O N A L G OA L : M AT E R I A L S M A N AG E M E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A SP I R AT I O N A L G OA L : C L I M AT E R E A DY C O M M U N I T Y. . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ch. 2 S usta i na bil i ty & Cl i ma te Acti on Pl a n f or Me s a . . . 1 1 Ch. 3 Mea suri ng Ci ty’ s Imp a ct: Understa nding Mesa ’ s G reenhouse G a s Emi ssi ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 Ch. 4 Communi ty Cl i ma te Acti on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8 Ch. 5 Leading by Example: Closer Look at Focus Areas . . 2 0 F O C U S A R E A 1 : E N E RG Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 F O C U S A R E A 2 : A I R Q UA L I T Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 F O C U S A R E A 3 : U R B A N H E AT M I T I G AT I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 F O C U S A R E A 4 : WAT E R ST E WA R D SH I P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 F O C U S A R E A 5 : M AT E R I A L S M A N AG E M E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 F O C U S A R E A 6 : LO C A L , SU STA I N A B L E F O O D SY ST EM S . . . . . . . . . 36 Ch. 6 W here W e G o f rom H ere: Pla n Imp l em e nt a t ion . . 3 9 Ch. 7 Cl i ma te Ca re f or Al l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 R ef erences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 Ap p endi ces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N Letter from Mayor John Giles J U NE 2022 Mesa is one of the fastest growing cities in Acknowledgements Mesa’s Climate Action Plan was only made possible through the input and assistance of many individuals within the City of Mesa. The following list highlights the contributions of many but may not capture all who participated. the country. As we grow, it’s important to also build a city that is sustainable, so our MAYOR: CITY DE PARTME NTS: grandchildren and generations beyond can John Giles Arts and Culture Business Services Code Compliance Community Services Development Services Economic Development Energy Resources Engineering Environmental Management & Sustainability Falcon Field Financial Services Fire & Medical Fleet Services Human Resources Innovation and Technology Library Municipal Court Office of Budget & Management Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities Police Public Information & Communications Transit Transportation Water Resources enjoy what we have today. CITY COUNCIL: Mesa has been on the forefront of sustainability for many years. Our City Jenn Duff, Vice Mayor was one of the first in the state to have a Mark Freeman curbside recycling program. We’ re a Tree Francisco Heredia City USA, and our robust solar portfolio, David Luna our Flare to Fuel program paired with our Julie Spilsbury fleet of natural gas vehicles and water- Kevin Thompson use reduction programs are all exemplary. These strategies have a significant impact CITY MANAGE R: in more ways than one—we’re protecting Christopher Brady the environment, but also creating jobs, supporting economic growth and building a sustainable future for Mesa. PRINCIPAL AUTHORS: Resiliency and sustainability go hand in hand. We have a responsibility to future Laura Hyneman generations to pass along a community that’s healthy at every level. We will work Andrea Alicoate with our residents to turn this ambitious plan into steps we can all take to make a difference. With this Mesa Climate Action Plan, I’m excited that we are taking a critical next ASSISTANT CITY MANAGE R: John Pombier step to protect and preserve our environment for generations to come. It is time DE PUTY CITY MANAGE R: for us to be bold and determined, and to set achievable goals that guide us in our Marc Heirshberg work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. E NVIRONME NTAL MANAGE ME NT & SUSTAINABILITY DE PARTME NT DIRE CTOR: Scott Bouchie CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 2 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 3 Executive Summary Th e City o f M e sa (C i t y ) c r e at e d a C l i ma t e Actio n P l an (P l an ) as o u r co m m i t me n t to pr o a ct i ve l y an d r e spo n s i bl y p r o t e c t a n d co n se r ve M e sa’ s e nv i r o n m en t a n d n a tu ra l r e s o u r ce s . Th e P l an w i l l l o w e r o u r clim at e i m pac t , se r ve as g u i d a n c e f o r su sta in abl e g r o w t h , an d bu i l d re s i l i e n c y by r educ i n g c ar bo n po l l u t i o n i n o u r co mm u n i t y. Th r o u g h t h i s P l an , w e w i l l fu r th er st u dy m i t i g at i o n an d ad a p t i o n stra tegi e s , i m pl e m e n t i n t e n t i o n a l p o l i c y dir ectio n , an d s u ppo r t t h e adv a n c e me n t o f in n ov at i ve t e ch n o l o g i e s. Th e City r e c o g n i ze s t h e si g n i f i c a n c e o f climat e ch an g e . H u m an act i v i t i e s h ave in c r e ase d g r e e n h o u se g as (G H G ) co n cent rat i o n s i n t h e at m o sph e r e , disr u pt i n g t h e E ar t h’ s n at u ral s y s t e ms a n d weat h e r pat t e r n s. C l i m at e c h a n g e m ea n s un pr e di c t abl e pr e c i pi t at i o n pa tter ns, h o t t e r s u m m e r t e m pe ra t u r e s , in cr ea s e d r i sk o f w i l df i r e s , an d A r i z o n a’ s w o r s t d r o u g h t i n ove r a c e n t u r y. A S PI R ATI O N A L G OA L # 3 : M a t e r i a l s Man ag e me n t • M a na ge m a teria l res p ons ib ly a nd d ivert 90% wa s t e f rom the l andfi l l by 2050 A S PI R ATI O N A L G OA L # 4 : Climate Ready Community • Enha nce com m unity res ilience t hrough colla b ora tion and i nc l usi ve enga gem ent We set forth ambitious, community-focused goals that will contribute to the overall climate impact for Mesa. This is the second version of the Plan, updated June 2022, that reflects a community vision to enhance quality of life, embrace smart City innovation, and improve social equity for a vibrant healthy future for Mesa. The City will be leading by example through projects and programs that will achieve progress toward these goals based on data and targeted strategies. R ed uction ta rgets a re incorp ora ted int o s ix ‘ Focus A rea s ’ : FOCU S A R EA S Th e Pla n be g i n s by m e as u r i n g ou r i mp a c t . Me s a’s G H G e mi s s i o n s a r e estim a te d t h r o u g h a GH G I nve n t o r y, w h i c h d o c u me n t s a l l s o u r c e s o f e mi s s i o n s th r o u gh o u t t h e co m m u n i t y at a p o i n t i n t i me . T h i s i nve n t o r y h e l p s t o s e t t h e ba seline o f k n o w n g ase s t o deve l o p s t ra t e g i e s t h a t r e d u c e e mi s s i o n s a n d t o tra ck pro g r e s s o f t h o se e f f o r t s . Th e Pla n h as l i st e d f o u r ‘A s pi ra t i o n a l G o a l s ’ t h a t w i l l b e u s e d a s a g u i d e f o r o u r visio n f o r t h e f u t u r e : ASPIRATIONAL G OA L # 1 : C ar b o n N eu t ral i t y • A ch i eve car bo n n e u t ral i t y by 2 0 5 0 by r e d u c i n g g r e e n h o u s e g a s e m i ssi o n s an d e n h an ci n g c a r b o n s i n k s • S t r i ve t o r e du ce t h e g r e en h o u s e g a s e mi s s i o n s f r o m Ci t y O p e ra t i o n s by 50% by 2030 ASPIRATIONAL G OA L # 2 : R en ew ab l e En er g y • P r i o r i t i ze t h e u s e o f r e ne w a b l e , r e s i l i e n t e n e r g y t o a c h i eve 1 0 0 % r e n e w abl e e n e r g y by 20 5 0 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 4 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N The Plan will be a living document that will evolve over time as new strategies, resources, technologies, and collaborations come to light. This Plan sets the framework for cross-sector collaboration between subject-matter experts, local businesses, community stakeholders, and residents alike to help put Mesa on the path to carbon neutrality. We will look to the community to help us develop a pathway of equitable and inclusive initiatives based on data, best practices, and local expertise that will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions each year. We know what we need to do. The Plan provides a pathway to accelerate our historical success so that we can more positively contribute to the global climate action impacts. We want Mesa to continue to be a vibrant, prosperous, and thriving city for generations to come. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 5 Ch 1. Looking to the Future A S P I R AT I ON A L GOA L : Renewab le Ene rgy Prioritize the use of renewable, resilient energy to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050 Renewable Fuels Th e Pla n h as f o u r ‘A spi rat i o n al G o a l s ’ t h a t w i l l b e u s e d a s a g u i d e f o r o u r fu t u re visio n . To ac h i eve t h e s e A s pi rat i o n a l G o a l s , w e h ave i d e n t i f i e d e ff o r t s a n d in itia tive s n e e de d t o ch am pi o n t h e s e i mp a c t f u l g o a l s t h a t s u p p o r t t h e E a r t h , o u r Me s a c o m m u n i t y, an d f u t u r e p r o s p e r i t y. Renewable Energy Fossil and Nuclear Business as Usual Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks Strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from City Operations by 50% by 2030 MMBtu ASP I RAT IONAL G OA L : Carbon Neutrality Emissions Reduction Trajectory of Potential MCAP Actions 6,000,000 Offsets MTCO2e/YEAR 5,000,000 Aggressive end-use energy savings and electrification Substitution of traditional by renewable sources Remaining fuels Other 4,000,000 Stationary Fuel Combustion 50% Reduction/ Offset Target Mobile Sources 65% Reduction/ Offset Target 3,000,000 Electricity Use 2,000,000 100% Reduction/ Offset Target 1,000,000 T he f ollowing ef f orts will help M es a a chieve this goa l: 1. Support energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles, and pair with renewable energy strategies. 2. Develop utility-scale renewable electric and natural gas energy generating facilities. 3. Collaborate with the community to increase access to renewable energy. 4. Seek out wholesale and retail renewable energy purchases. 2019 2030 2040 2050 5. Use verified and proven carbon offsets where renewable energy options are not feasible. Th e fo ll o w i n g e f f o r t s w i l l h e l p Me s a a c h i eve t h i s g o a l : 1. Build smart, energy efficient buildings and operations with the goal of netzero GHG emissions energy use. 2. Build a carbon-free transportation system, with walking, biking, carpooling, transit, and next generation mobility. 3. Transition to clean energy, such as hydropower, biogas, solar, and innovative technologies, to decarbonize the grid. 4. Transform the circular economy and reduce waste sent to the landfill. 5. Invest in neighborhood parks and preserve natural open space. 6. Study climate vulnerability in Mesa to guide decision making on land use, carbon-free energy, and energy efficiency policies. 7. Inspire community action to ensure environmental justice, equity, and affordability as Mesa transforms to carbon neutrality. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 6 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 7 ASP I RAT IONAL G OA L : Materials Management Manage material responsibly and divert 90% waste from the landfill by 2050 Waste Prevention (Reduce): Product Design & Producer Responsibility Reduce Recycling Transformation/ Waste-to-Energy Volume of Waste Managed 2. Ongoing Communication 3. Strategic Partnerships 4. Funding and Incentives Recycle Conversion/ Compost Recovery Transformation/ Waste-to-Energy Disposal Landfill Figure 1: Traditional Waste Hierarchy 1. Education Reuse Reuse Recycle & Compost Source Reduction T he f ollowing ef f ort s will help M es a a chieve t his goa l: Landfill Disposal Figure 2: New Waste Management Paradigm Change the Paradigm! Th e fo ll o w i n g e f f o r t s w i l l h e l p Me s a a c h i eve t h i s g o a l : 1. Focus on waste reduction. 2. Inspire a zero-waste culture so people purchase mindfully; reduce, reuse, and recycle intentionally through the circular economy. 3. Advance the “Food Waste to Energy” and “Waste to Energy” programs. 4. Contribute to regional circular economy programs. ASPIRATIONAL GOAL: Climate Ready Community Enhance community resilience through collaboration and inclusive engagement It is im po r t an t t o u n de r s t an d t h a t c l i ma t e c h a n g e i s a g l o b a l c h a l l e n g e t h a t th e City c an n o t t ack l e al o n e . To a c h i eve t h e s e a s p i ra t i o n a l g o a l s , c o l l a b o ra t i o n fr o m a v ar i e t y o f s t ake h o l de r s i s n e c e s s a r y t o a c c e l e ra t e e mi s s i o n r e d u c t i o n s fr o m sect o r s w h e r e t h e C i t y h a s l i mi t e d c o n t r o l . T h e C i t y w i l l l e a d by ex a mp l e bu t to make a di f f e r e n ce , w e al s o n e e d c o mmu n i t y a c t i o n . Th e Pla n i n co r po rat e s pr i o r i t i es f r o m a c r o s s - s e c t o r c o l l a b o ra t i o n o f s u b j e c t m a tter expe r t s , l o c al bu s i n e s s e s , c o mmu n i t y s t a ke h o l d e r s , a n d r e s i d e n t s t o h elp pu t M e sa o n t h e pat h t o ca r b o n n e u t ra l i t y. We l o o ke d t o t h e c o mmu n i t y to iden t i f y t h e e qu i t abl e an d i n c l u s i ve i n i t i a t i ve s b a s e d o n d a t a , b e s t p ra c t i c e s , a n d expe r t i se f o r co m m u n i t y - b a s e d a c t i o n s i n t e n d e d t o a c t a s a c a t a l y s t t h a t will h el p t o r e du c e GH G e m i ssi o n s e a c h ye a r. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 8 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N Doing Our Part CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 9 OUR CLIMATE IS CHANGING faster than at any point in history Ch 2. Sustainability & Climate Action Plan for Mesa Our clim a t e is cha nging f a s t er t ha n a t a ny p oint in his tory, pri mari l y due to genera tions of growt h a nd hum a n im p a ct on the ea rth. C limate c hang e has the a b ilit y t o j eop a rd iz e everything we va lue: the res ilience of our natural res ources , our p hys ica l inf ra s t ruct ure, our f ina ncia l s ecurity, ec onomi c com p et itivenes s , a nd m os t im p orta nt ly our hea lth a nd well-bei ng . Our collective glob a l res p ons ib ilit y is t o m itiga te, p rep a re a nd a dapt for a future tha t is p roj ected t o have hotter tem p era tures , ha rm f ul a ir pol l uti on, l ong er d rought s , m ore s ignif ica nt na tura l d is a s ters , a nd m ore intense rai n events. We will a ll need t o work t ogether, com m unity a nd C it y a like, to bui l d a sustai nabl e f ut ure. The City ’s Climate Vision T he C it y is in a uniq ue p os ition to b e on the f ront lines of d i rec t i mpac t and to p rovid e lea d ers hip t o loca l ef f orts t ha t will cont rib ute t owards meani ng ful and s us t a ina b le a ction. It is our role to s et the f ra m ework f or city w i de measures a nd a d va nce t hes e goa ls a cros s p rogra m m a tic a nd d ep a rtm ental l i nes. The Ci ty ha s crea ted t his P la n a s our com m it m ent to p roa ctively a nd responsi bl y protec t a nd cons erve M es a’ s environm ent a nd na tura l res ources . T he C it y is com m itted t o f os tering s olutions with long-t erm c ommuni ty b enef it s , b uild ing res ilience in C it y op era t ions , a nd m a xim izi ng c l i mate ac ti on f or a hea lthy com m unit y wit h s us ta ina b le growt h. T he C ity has been maki ng inves tm ents t ha t s up p ort M es a wit h clea n a ir, clea n wa ter, and reduc ed em is s ions f or m a ny d eca d es . T hes e inves tm ents p rotect t he resi l i enc y of our na t ura l res ources , p hys ica l inf ra s tructure, f ina ncia l s ecurity, and ec onomi c com p et itivenes s . T he P la n will guid e colla b ora t ive d ecis ion-maki ng , future inves tm ents a nd d a ily op era t ions t ha t p rom ot e a s ha red vis i on for an innova tive, res ilient , a nd t hriving com m unit y. M a ny cit ies , includ ing the C it y of M es a , have em b ra ced s us tai nabi l i ty as a p hilos op hy to enha nce t he via b ility of t heir orga niz a tion a nd c ommuni ty. T he b enef its f rom t his includ e red uced energy us e, red uced operati ng c osts, enha nced s ocia l s ervices , p res erva tion of va lua b le environmental resourc es, a nd m otiva ting innova tion. Our a ct ions will b e t a rget ed towards l oc al i mpac t, im p roving our q ua lit y of lif e, a nd ens uring grea t er s t a b ilit y to c l i mate i mpac ts f or genera t ions t o com e. But clim a t e cha nge is a glob a l cha l l eng e that does not a ccount f or loca l or na t iona l b ord ers . Em is s ions a nywhere affec t peopl e everywhere. We a re p roud t o b e j oining a m ovem ent of global i nfl uenc ers com ing toget her to com b a t a nd a d a p t t o clim a te cha nge. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 11 W hat i s C l im a t e C h a n ge ? Clim a te c h an g e i s t h e v ar i at i o n i n ave ra g e w e a t h e r p a t t e r n s a n d c o n d i t i o n s spa n n in g ove r ye ar s an d de cade s . I t e n c o mp a s s e s t h e s t e a d y r i s e i n tem perat u r e s , sh i f t s i n rai n f al l , e l ev a t e d s eve r i t y o f w e a t h e r eve n t s , a n d o t h e r flu ctu a t i o n s o f t h e c l i m at e s y s t e m d r i ve n i n l a r g e p a r t by h u ma n a c t i v i t y. 2020 53 days 50 Sta te w id e & Re gion al C l im a te Change 40 Da ta col l e c t e d by t h e N at i o n al We a t h e r S e r v i c e a n d N a t i o n a l O c e a n i c a n d Atm o sph e r i c A dm i n i s t rat i o n , s h o w s t h a t ye a r 2 0 2 0 e n d e d u p b e i n g t h e 2 n d wa r mes t ye ar r e co r de d i n t h e h i s t o r y o f Me t r o P h o e n i x a n d t h e 2 n d d r i e s t . 30 1981-2010 Normal 19 days Th e n u mbe r o f ye ar s o f above - ave ra g e n o r ma l d ay s a r e s h o w n i n Fi g 1 a n d F i g 2. Figu r e 3 sh o w s t h e do w nw ar d t r e n d i n t h e 3 0 - ye a r ave ra g e ra i n f a l l . 20 10 Number of 100 degree or Warmer days in Metro Phoenix 2016 2020 2012 2008 2004 1996 2000 1992 1988 1984 1976 1980 1972 1968 1960 Figure 2 1964 1952 1956 1948 1940 1944 1932 1936 1924 1928 1920 1916 1912 1908 1904 1900 0 1896 140 Number of 110 degree or Warmer days in Metro Phoenix 60 Dat a s our c e : (Nat io n a l We a t h e r S e r vic e , 2 0 2 1 ) 120 Statewide Average Annual Rainfall - Arizona 100 30-year Average Individual Year 2020 145 days 80 1981-2010 Normal 110 days Rainfall (in) 20 15 10 5 60 0 1900 Figure 1 2020 2016 2012 2008 2004 2000 1996 1992 1988 1984 1980 1976 1972 1968 1960 1964 1952 1956 1948 1940 1944 1932 1936 1924 1928 1920 1916 1912 1908 1904 1900 1896 40 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Dat a s our c e : (Nat io n a l We a t h e r S e r vic e , 2 0 2 1 ) Data so u rce: (N atio n al Weath er Service, 202 1 ) CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 1 2 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N Figure 3 1910 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 13 SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability to meet the needs of tomorrow for future generations (Sustainability, 2021). To support our natural environment, this means we must cultivate conditions where humans and nature can flourish together. The City embraces the three common pillars of sustainability: planet, people, and prosperity, to guide and frame decisions with environmental impacts. He a l t h I m p a c t s a n d E q uita ble Solutions Mesa is a v i bran t an d di ve r s e c o mmu n i t y. We mu s t p r o a c t i ve l y a d d r e s s a n d pr ovide so l u t i o n s f o r cl i m at e i mp a c t s a n d s o c i a l v u l n e ra b i l i t y t o r e ma i n r esilien t an d e n su r e f u t u r e e qui t a b i l i t y. N a t i o n a l s t u d i e s ( P r eve n t i o n , 2 0 2 1 ) h ave fou n d t h at c l i m at e ch an g e c o n s t i t u t e s a t h r e a t t o p u b l i c h e a l t h a n d welfa r e t h r o u g h di r e c t an d i n di r e c t e ff e c t s o n c o mmu n i t i e s . Mo r e ex t r e me wea th er eve n t s , h e at w ave s, t h e s p r e a d o f i n f e c t i o u s d i s e a s e s , a n d d e t r i me n t al im pa cts o n ai r an d w at e r qu al i t y c a n a l l n e g a t i ve l y i mp a c t q u a l i t y o f l i fe . Th er e ar e t w o m ai n w ay s c l i m at e c h a n g e d i r e c t l y a f fe c t s h e a l t h : 1. S eve r i t y o r f r e qu e n cy o f h e a l t h p r o b l e ms d i r e c t l y c a u s e d by c l i ma t e o r w e at h e r f ac t o r s . 2. U n pr e c e de n t e d o r u n an ti c i p a t e d h e a l t h p r o b l e ms o r t h r e a t s i n p l a c e s w h e r e t h ey h ave n o t pr ev i o u s l y o c c u r r e d . Additio n al l y, s o m e se g m e n t s o f t h e c o mmu n i t y c a n h ave g r e a t e r v u l n e ra b i l i t y to h ea lth r i s k s de pe n di n g o n v ar y i n g fa c t o r s s u c h a s l a n g u a g e , e c o n o mi c , c u l t u ra l , o r geo g ra ph i c bar r i e r s . Th ey may b e d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e l y d i s a d v a n t a g e d w i t h lim ited r e so u r c e s an d/o r acce s s t o h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e s . Fo r ex a mp l e , a fa mi l y with lim i t e d i n c o m e l i v i n g i n a d e t e r i o ra t i n g h o me i s mo r e l i ke l y t o ex p e r i e n c e dispr o po r t i o n at e i m pact s an d w i l l b e l e s s l i ke l y t o r e c ove r fo l l o w i n g ex t r e me wea th er eve n t s , t h e r e f o r e i n cr e a s i n g t h e i r v u l n e ra b i l i t y t o c l i ma t e - r e l a t e d h ea lth e f f e ct s . S u c h a f am i l y w i l l fa c e t o u g h d e c i s i o n s a b o u t h o w t o s p e n d lim ited f u n ds: f o o d, m e di cal c are , o r r e p a i r /r e p l a c e a n a g i n g a i r c o n d i t i o n i n g u n it. Rec o g n i zi n g an d i de n t i f y i n g t h e s e h e a l t h a n d e q u i t a b l e c l i ma t e c h a n g e im pa cts w i l l l e ad t o w ar d i n t e r ve n t i o n s o r a c t i o n s t h a t w i l l r e d u c e o r p r eve n t expo su r e s t o t h o se at r i s k (P r o g ra m, 2 0 2 1 ) . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 1 4 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N Heat-related illness and death, cardiovascular failure Extreme Heat Environmental Degradation Forced migration, civil conflict, mental health impacts Asthma, cardiovascular disease Severe Weather Air Pollution G N SI ELS EA EV CR L IN O2 C CO-BENEFITS: The ability to have positive impacts in multiple areas at once. Many of the actions in the Plan have numerous co-benefits in addition to reducing emissions. For example, actions that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) may also result in cost-savings by lowering transportation expenses and improving environmental quality by decreasing vehicle emissions. Consideration of these added benefits is an opportunity to prioritize actions that also positively impact other needs. Injuries, fatalities, mental health impacts E EM TR ER EX TH RE A O E M W CARBON NEUTRALITY: Carbon neutrality means having a balance between the emission of carbon dioxide and other GHGs, with removal or mitigation measures intended to achieve net-zero carbon. For the City, this means reducing carbon emissions from buildings, transportation, waste, and our energy supply as much as possible, and supporting activities that remove carbon from the atmosphere (carbon offsets) to compensate for any remaining emissions. Impact of Climate Change on Human Health Water & Food Supply Impacts Malnutrition, diarrheal disease SE R A ISI LE NG V EL S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: The total amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds, specifically greenhouse gases (GHG), emitted into the environment by direct actions. City operations depend on fossil fuelbased energy for activities, such as traveling, heating and cooling buildings, pumping water, and processing waste. Below is a cha rt p rovid ed by t he C ent ers f or Dis ea s e C ontrol and Preventi on d ep ict ing clim a te ef f ect s on hea lth ( P revent ion, 2021) : TE M RI P E SI RA NG TU RE S Th er e is a l i n k be t w e e n cl i m at e a n d c a r b o n e mi s s i o n s t h a t d r i ve s o me o f t h e effects w e s e e above . To be t t e r u n d e r s t a n d t h e f a c e t s o f c l i ma t e c h a n g e , t h e fo llo wing e l e m e n t s h ave be e n i d e n t i fi e d : Malaria, dengue, encephalitis, hantavirus, Rift Valley fever, Lyme disease, Changes chikungunya, in Vector West Nile virus Ecology Increasing Allergens Water Quality Impacts Respiratory allergies, asthma Cholera, cryptosporidiosis, campylobacter, leptospirosis, harmful algal blooms T he C ity is com m it t ed to incorp ora t ing eq uit a b le s olutions throug hout the Pl an t ha t m eet com m unit y need s a nd d o not p la ce a d d itiona l b urdens on v ul nerabl e p op ula tions . H ow the Plan Will be Used T he P la n will b e a guid ing d ocum ent t o s up p ort the d irect ion of Mesa’s Ci ty C ouncil, C ity d ep a rtm ents a nd com m unit y a like with s ha red sustai nabi l i ty and clim a t e a ction vis ion a nd goa ls . Und er t he ‘ H ea lthy Environment’ strateg i c init ia tive, t he C ity C ouncil s ta ted t ha t t hey wa nt t o p roa ct ivel y and responsi bl y p rot ect a nd cons erve M es a’ s environm ent a nd na t ura l res ourc es to reduc e urb a n hea t, ca rb on, a nd wa s te f or a hea lthy com m unity f or al l . The Pl an wi l l be a living d ocum ent us ed a s a s hort -term a nd long-term p la nni ng tool to g ui de a s tra tegic f ra m ework f or thes e s ha red outcom es . Within the C it y, ind ivid ua l d ep a rt m ent s will continue t o b e the owners of the p roj ect s a nd p rogra m s tha t will a chieve p rogres s t owa rd these g oal s, but p riorit y will b e p la ced on a ctions tha t ca n b e im p lem ent ed qui c kl y and ac hi eve long-la s ting p os itive im p a ct s . While there ha s b een m ea s urabl e prog ress on the C it y’ s s us ta ina b le p ra ct ices , t he P la n will a ccelera te p rog ress i n a more coord ina t ed m a nner a nd help a chieve even m ore s ignif ica nt outc omes. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 15 Ch 3. Measuring City’s Impact: Understanding Mesa’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions What is a G H G Inventory ? The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) defines a GHG inventory as a list of emission sources and the associated emissions quantified using standardized methods. Maricopa County Air Quality Department prepared this GHG emissions inventory to give our community an understanding of Mesa’s emissions. By understanding the sources of GHG emissions, leaders can make operational decisions and implement voluntary programs to reduce GHG emissions within our community. Businesses and individuals can also make personal choices to reduce their GHG emissions. H ere is M esa’s G H G inventory and w hat it t e l l s u s: Ga ses t h at t rap h e at i n t h e at m o s p h e r e a r e o ft e n c a l l e d g r e e n h o u s e g a s e s (GHG). S o m e GH Gs s u ch as c arb o n d i ox i d e o c c u r n a t u ra l l y a n d a r e e mi t t e d i n to th e a tmo s ph e r e t h r o u g h n at u ra l p r o c e s s e s a n d h u ma n a c t i v i t i e s . O t h e r G H G s a r e cr e at e d an d e m i t t e d so l e l y t h r o u g h h u ma n a c t i v i t i e s ( A g e n c y, 2 0 2 1 ) . T h e pr in cipl e GH Gs t h at e n t e r t h e a t mo s p h e r e b e c a u s e o f h u ma n a c t i v i t i e s a r e : Th e pr in ci pl e GH Gs ar e : T he inventory id ent if ies s ect ors wit h t he highes t overa ll GHG i mpac ts. In M es a , em is s ions f rom m ob ile s ources ( vehicles a nd tra ns p ortati on) and electricit y a ccount f or a m a j orit y of em is s ions . Interes ting l y, emi ssi ons from the res id entia l s ect or a ccount f or 53. 2% of em is s ions , the commerc i al sec tor a ccount s f or 33. 7% a nd ind us tria l a ctivit ies a ccount f or the remai ni ng 1 3 .1 %. T his P la n id ent if ies em is s ion red uct ion s t ra t egies . CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees, and wood products; and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle. GHG Emmsions *MTCO2e GHG Emission By Soruce Electricity Use 2,271,359 Mobile Sources 2,374,594 Stationary Fuel Combustion 583,297 Wastewater 107,874 Solid Waste 74,770 Manufacturing (Flouorinated Gas Use) 64,332 Imported Water (Electricity Used) 27,108 Livestock 11,554 Fertilizer Use 121 Total *MTCO2e 5,515,009 METHANE (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. NITROUS OXIDE (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. N2O is commonly found in vehicle tailpipe emissions. FLUORINATED GASES: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful GHGs that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent GHGs, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases (“High GWP gases”). Th e effe c t o f e ach g as o n cl i m a t e c h a n g e d e p e n d s o n t h r e e ma i n f a c t o r s : MESA GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY SOURCE** Mobile Sources 43.1% Stationary Fuel Combustion 10.6% How much is in the atmosphere? Concentration, or abundance, is the amount of a particular gas in the air. Larger emissions of GHGs lead to higher concentrations in the atmosphere. GHG concentrations are measured in parts per million, parts per billion, and even parts per trillion. One part per million is equivalent to one drop of water diluted into about 13 gallons of liquid (roughly the fuel tank of a compact car). Other 5.2% How long do they remain in the atmosphere? Each of these gases can remain in the atmosphere for different amounts of time, ranging from a few years to thousands of years. All of these gases remain in the atmosphere long enough to become well mixed, meaning that the amount that is measured in the atmosphere is roughly the same all over the world, regardless of the original emission source. How strongly do they impact the atmosphere? For each GHG, a Global Warming Potential (GWP) has been calculated to reflect how long it remains in the atmosphere, on average, and how strongly it absorbs energy. Gases with a higher GWP absorb more energy, per pound, than gases with a lower GWP, and thus contribute more to warming Earth. (Agency, 2021) Percent 41.2 43.1 10.6 2.0 1.4 1.2 0.5 0.2 0.0 Manufacturing Gases 1.2% Water Delivery 0.5% Solid Waste 1.4% Livestock 0.2% Wastewater 2% Electricity 41.2% res com ind CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 1 6 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N 2592312 53.19229 1644076 33.7352 637085 13.0725 4873473 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 17 Ch 4. Community Climate Action Th e Me sa co m m u n i t y co l l e ct i vel y p o s s e s s e s t h e s k i l l s , k n o w l e d g e , a n d r eso u r c e s t h at c an be h ar n e ssed t o c r e a t e s o l u t i o n s t o mi t i g a t e Me s a’s c l i ma t e im pa ct. Tak i n g act i o n n e e ds t o i n c l u d e a l l l o c a l c o mmu n i t y p a r t n e r s , a s w e l l a s, su ppo r t at t h e st at e an d n ati o n a l l eve l s . E ve r yo n e h a s a r o l e , a n d eve r yo n e m u st do t h e i r par t , bo t h o n a per s o n a l l eve l a n d a t t h e c o mmu n i t y l eve l . I f w e th in k gl o bal l y an d act l o cal l y, w e c a n c o l l a b o ra t i ve l y a d d r e s s t h e i mp a c t s o f clima te ch an g e t o g e t h e r. S t udy App ro a c h Th e Com m u n i t y A c t i o n S t u dy (St u d y ) c o mme n c e d i n A u g u s t o f 2 0 2 1 bra n ded as “ Fo o t pr i n t f o r t h e Fu t u r e” a n d c o n c l u d e d w i t h f i n d i n g s a n d f i n a l r eco m m e n dat i o n s at t h e st ar t o f 2 0 2 2 . Co m m u n i t y e n g ag e m e n t e f f o r t s i n c l u d e d : • C o m m u n i t y Wo r k sh o ps • O n - l i n e E n g ag e m e n t t h r o u g h a n i n t e ra c t i ve p l a t f o r m • V i r t u al P u bl i c M e e t i n g s • C l i m at e A ct i o n P r i o r i t i za t i o n S u r vey E qui t a b le E n g a g e m en t Equ ita bl e an d i n cl u s i ve e n g ag e me n t i s n o t o n l y a b o u t e n s u r i n g t h a t d i ve r s e per spect i ve s ar e at t h e t abl e bu t a l s o t h a t d e l i b e ra t e a c t i o n s a n d t a r g e t e d stra tegi e s ar e t ake n t o e n s u r e t h a t u n d e r r e p r e s e n t e d c o mmu n i t i e s p a r t i c i p a t e a n d co n t r i bu t e . To v al i dat e i n cl u s i ve p a r t i c i p a t i o n , p r ov i d i n g e q u i t a b l e o ppo r tun i t i e s w as at t h e f o r e f r o n t t h r o u g h o u t t h e e n t i r e S t u d y. Ma r ke t i n g m a ter ia l s f o r o u t r e ac h ac t i v i t i e s w e r e d eve l o p e d i n E n g l i s h a n d S p a n i s h , b i lin gu a l s t af f w e r e pr e s e n t at c o mmu n i t y w o r k s h o p s , a n d t h e p r o j e c t w e b s i t e wa s m u l t i l i n g u al . Community Implementation S trategies Ef f ect ive clim a t e a ction d ep end s on s ucces s f ully com m unicati ng i nformati on a b out t he P la n to the wid er M es a com m unity a nd encoura ging broader p a rt icip a tion in clim a te-rela ted a ctivit ies . GH G em is s ions reduc ti on g oal s w i l l not b e m et wit hout t he com m unit y p laying a key role. T he f ol l ow i ng outl i nes s t ra t egies to a s s is t with a n inclus ive a p p roa ch to im p lem enti ng c ommuni ty a ction within the P la n: • Pa rtners hip s • C ont inued Ed uca tion a nd Outrea ch • Tra cking a nd Ongoing C om m unica tions Community Priori ties Ind ivid ua ls a nd com m uni ty group s have a key rol e to p l ay in reac hi ng Mesa’ s cl i m a t e a cti on goa l s . T hrough our d ivers e a nd com p rehens ive outrea ch ef f orts , the fol l ow i ng p riori ties to m it iga t e cli m a te cha nge a nd vi ewp oi nt s on C ity l ed i ni ti ati ves em erged : Pr io r it ies Res p ons ib l e Wa t er M a na gem ent Im p rove A ir Q ua l it y Tra ns i tion t o Renewa b le Energy Ci ty i n itia tives viewed a s p rovid in g th e m o st b en ef it to mi t i ga t in g t h e ef fects of cl im a te ch a n ge Res il i ent Wa ter Sup p l y Tree a nd Sha d e P la n Increa s e R enewa b le Energy Inf ra s tructure To s e e th e Co mmunity Ac ti o n Study i n its e ntir e ty , pl e as e see Ap p en d ix A. Additio n al l y, w h e r e appr o pr i ate , p a r t i c i p a n t s w e r e a s ke d t o p r ov i d e dem o graph i c i n f o r m at i o n . U n de r s t a n d i n g t h e d e mo g ra p h i c s o f Me s a r esident s i s i m po r t an t be cau se i t i s r e f l e c t i ve o f t h e d i ve r s i t y, a n d v a l u e s o f th e c o m m u n i t y. Th i s t y pe o f i n fo r ma t i o n c a n a s s i s t t h e C i t y i n o u t r e a c h o ppo r tun i t i e s t h at ar e r e l ev an t a n d me a n i n g f u l t o a l l Ci t y r e s i d e n t s . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 1 8 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 19 Ch 5. Leading by Example: Closer Look at Focus Areas LEAD ING BY EXAMPLE: Eve n as the City grows , Me s a has red u ced en ergy us e in City buil dings ove r the l as t 3 ye ars . The City is o n t rac k to have s o l ar powe r fo r 25% of o ur e l ectr ic e ne rgy us e by 2025. The C ity w ill ins tal l techno l ogy that wil l capture re ne wabl e biogas fo r u se in the C ity’s So l id Was te fl eet. le C Ba sed on t h e C i t y ’ s GH G i nve nt o r y, t h e P l a n i s o r g a n i z e d i n t o s i x ‘ Fo c u s A r e a s .’ Th ese Fo c u s A r e as pr ov i de a f ra me w o r k f o r f u r t h e r a r e a s o f s t u d y t h a t w i l l evo lve w i t h i n n ov at i o n an d n e w a p p r o a c h e s ove r t i me . I n ma ny c a s e s , t h e Fo c us Ar ea s ar e i n t e r r e l at e d an d pr ov i d e c o - b e n e f i t s t o t h e i d e n t i f i e d t a r g e t s . Clim a te c h an g e m e an s h i g h e r te mp e ra t u r e s a n d h i g h e r d e ma n d f o r e n e r g y. Activiti e s, s u ch as t rave l i n g , h ea t i n g a n d c o o l i n g b u i l d i n g s , a n d u t i l i t y o pera ti o n s , ar e e n e r g y i n t e n si ve a n d c u r r e n t l y depen d h e av i l y o n f o s s i l f u e l - ba s e d e n e r g y. Th e mo st i m po r t an t s t e p w e c a n t a ke t o r e d u c e Mesa’s GH G e m i ssi o n s i s t o m i n i mi z e e n e r g y u s e . Th e n ext s t e p i s t o f u l f i l l r e m ai n i n g e n e r g y n e e d s with r e l i abl e , r e n e w abl e , c ar bo n - fr e e e n e r g y. To a cco u n t f o r an d o f f se t e m i s s i o n s f r o m ex i s t i n g fo ssil-fu e l po w e r g e n e rat i o n , t he c o mmu n i t y m u st a l s o co n t i n u e t o i nve s t i n n e w, c o s t effective e m i s s i o n r e du c t i o n s t ra t e g i e s . Ca r b o n sequ est rat i o n , car bo n capt u r e , u t i l i z a t i o n a n d sto ra ge , an d o t h e r n e g at i ve e m i s s i o n s t ra t e g i e s a r e key to r e ach i n g c ar bo n n e u t ral i t y. Supply Demand Reduced usage TARGET 1.1: Reduce energy use and decarbonize buildings STR ATE G I E S: a . Develop p rogra m s t ha t im p rove b uild ing energy ef f ici enc y, wi th a g oal of net-z ero GH G em is s ion energy us e. b . Im p rove energy p erf orm a nce in les s ef f icient b uild ing s wi th peri odi c , cos t ef f ective a nd increm enta l energy ef f iciency im p rovements. c. Wea t heriz e C ity b uild ings in need of energy ef f iciency i mprovement. Pa ir with s tra tegies like electric vehicle cha rging, energ y storag e, and f uel s witching. d . P rom ote us e of es ta b lis hed hom e energy ra t ing s ys tem for al l si ng l ef a m ily hom e s o p ot ent ia l b uyers a nd renters ca n m a ke i nformed d ecis ions . 700,000 e. Pa rtner wit h loca l ut ilities a nd non-p rof it orga niz a t ions to w eatheri ze hom es a nd m ult if a m ily d wellings f or t hos e wit h t he larg est ri sk of the nega t ive ef f ect s of clim a t e cha nge. Ext end p a rt ners hi ps to c ommerc i al f a cilities t o help s m a ll b us ines s s tay a hea d of p ot ent ial l y ri si ng energ y cos ts a nd clim a t e cha llenges . 600,000 500,000 MMBtu r e n ewable energy NET ZERO ENERGY F OCU S AREA 1 : E n e rg y What kind of energy do we use in City operations today? an, 400,000 TARGET 1.2: Reduce energy use and decarbonize transportation 300,000 200,000 STR ATE G I E S: 100,000 0 Mobile Gasoline Diesel Jet Fuel Stationary CNG Electricity Natural Gas District Cooling CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 2 0 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N a . Increa s e a cces s to hea lt hy tra ns p ort a t ion op tions , like ac ti ve tra ns p orta tion ( wa lking, b iking) , ca rp ooling, p ub lic transi t, and nex t genera tion m ob ilit y, wit h goa l t o red uce vehicle m iles travel ed i n si ng l e occup a nt vehicles . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 21 b. D eve l o p an e l e c t r i c ve h i c l e c h a r g i n g ma s t e r p l a n f o r d e p l oy me n t o f c h ar g i n g i n f rast r u c t u r e a t Ci t y s i t e s , s u c h a s p a r k s , l i b ra r i e s a n d r i g h t s- o f - w ay, w i t h spe ci a l a t t e n t i o n t o n e i g h b o r h o o d s w h e r e c h a r g i n g i n f ras t r u ct u r e i s n o t av a i l a b l e . c. Wo r k c o l l abo rat i ve l y w i t h t h e c o mmu n i t y o n s t ra t e g i e s t h a t w i l l i n c r e a s e e l e ct r i c ve h i c l e ch ar g i n g i n fra s t r u c t u r e - r e a d y h o me s a n d b u s i n e s s e s . d. A dvo c at e f o r ac ce s s t o e l e c t r i c ve h i c l e s f o r l o w - i n c o me p e o p l e . TARGETS 1.3: Increase the use of clean, renewable energy and decarbonize the grid S T R ATEG I ES: a . A cce l e rat e t h e u s e o f c a r b o n - fr e e , r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y s u p p l i e s t h a t co m e f r o m hydr o e l e ct r i c , s o l a r, b i o g a s , w i n d , a n d o t h e r i n n ov a t i ve t e ch n o l o g i e s i n l o c al u t i l i t y e n e r g y p o r t f o l i o s . b. E xpan d o n - s i t e r e n e w abl e e n e r g y g e n e ra t i o n a n d s t o ra g e c a p a c i t y t o s u ppo r t r e s i l i e n ce i n t h e c o mmu n i t y. c. S u bsc r i be t o an d advo c a t e fo r u t i l i t y s c a l e r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y p r o j e c t s t h at pr ov i de e n e r g y f o r t h e c o mmu n i t y. d. A cce l e rat e t h e i n s t al l at i o n o f i n f ra s t r u c t u r e fo r e l e c t r i c ve h i c l e s a n d r e n e w abl e n at u ral g as veh i c l e s . e. S u ppo r t co m m u n i t y - bas e d r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y i n i t i a t i ve s . f. U se ve r i f i e d an d pr ove n c a r b o n o ff s e t s w h e r e r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y o p t i o n s ar e n o t f e asi bl e . TARGET 1.4: Maintain a resilient, clean energy supply S T R ATEG I ES: a . I nve st i n r e si l i e n t e n e r g y s o u r c e s a n d i n fra s t r u c t u r e . b. A dvo c at e f o r r e s i l i e n t e n e r g y s u p p l i e s f o r t h e c o mmu n i t y. C o-Be nef i t s: Ai r Q u a l i t y, H ea t M i t i g a t i o n CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 2 2 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY IMPROVING AIR QUALITY for Generations to Come FOCU S A R EA 2: A ir Q uality A ir q ua lit y is a d vers ely a f f ect ed by oz one, d us t, a nd s m oke. T he com m unit y ha s id ent if ied im p roving a ir q ua lity a s a high p riority. Oz one a t ground level is a ha rm f ul a ir p olluta nt . Oz one is not em it t ed d irectly int o t he a ir b ut is crea ted by chem ica l rea ctions b etween oxid es of nitrogen ( NOx) , a p rincip a l GHG, a nd vola tile orga nic com p ound s ( VOC ) . T his ha p p ens when p ollut a nts em it t ed by ca rs , ga s p owered la nd s ca p e eq uip m ent, p ower p la nt s , ind us tria l b oilers , ref ineries , chem ica l p la nts , a nd ot her s ources rea ct chem ica lly in the p res ence of s unlight. Two a d d itiona l a ir p ollut a nts of concern a re d us t a nd s m oke. Prol ong ed droug ht a nd d evelop m ent ha s d ecrea s ed na tura l vegeta tive ground cover on di st urbed s it es . C ity s ta f f work wit h contra ct ors , b us ines s es , a nd res i dents to i mpl ement s tra tegies t ha t control d us t genera tion. T he C it y a ls o p a rtners wi th Mari c opa C ounty A ir Qua lity Dep a rt m ent on regiona l p rogra m s d es igned to reduc e smoke genera ting a ct ivities , like wood b urning, which ca n crea t e p oor ai r qual i ty w hen the a ir is s t a gna nt. Below a re s tra tegies t ha t red uce GHG emi ssi ons, i mprove a ir q ua lity a nd red uce ca rb on em is s ions tha t trigger clim a te c hang e. The g oal i s to a chieve a level of a ir q ua lity tha t is hea lt hy f or hum a ns a nd the env i ronment. LEAD ING BY EXAMPLE: The City purchas e d the natio n’s f irst elec tric f ire tr uck . The City pl ans to re pl ace gas and die s e l fl eet ve hicles w ith elec tric ve hicl e s . TARGET 2.1: Reduce GHGs and ozone STR ATE G I E S: a . Im p lem ent p rogra m s t ha t help M es a m eet US EPA N a ti onal Ambi ent Ai r Qua lit y St a nd a rd s . “ We have a responsibility to f u t u re generations to pass along a com munity that is healthy at every level .” – M ayo r J o h n Gile s b . Ed uca te com m unit y on the va lue of energy ef f iciency and the transi ti on to ca rb on-f ree energy. c. Enha nce com f orta b le, wa lka b le connect ions t o p ub lic fac i l i ti es, parks, a nd neighb orhood -level s ervices . P rom ote com p a ct , heal thy, l i v abl e l and us e p a t t erns . d . Develop a t ree a nd s ha d e m a s t er p la n tha t will b e p a rt of the ev al uati on of wa lka b le connect ions a nd p rom ote ca rb on s eq ues trati on. e. P rovid e t ra ns it op t ions a nd tra ns p orta tion networks , suc h as el ec tri c vehicles cha rging s ta tions , f or longer trip s . f. Convert gasoline and diesel-powered powered equipment, such as landscaping and construction equipment, to electric or low-emission fuels. g. Red uce vehicle t rip s on H igh Pollution A d vis ory Days. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 25 TARGET 2.2: Reduce dust S T R ATEG I ES: a . I m pl e m e n t st rat e g i e s t h a t r e s u l t i n s t r i c t e r a d h e r e n c e w i t h Ma r i c o p a C o u n t y du s t co n t r o l r e gu l a t i o n s . a . I nve st i n t h e u r ban f o r e s t , i n c l u d i n g a p p r o p r i a t e p l a n t s e l e c t i o n , i r r i g at i o n an d car e . TARGET 2.3: Reduce smoke S T R ATEG I ES: a . E n h an ce l o cal c o m pl i an c e w i t h s mo ke e mi s s i o n r e q u i r e me n t s o n “ n o bu r n” day s t h r o u g h o u t re a c h a n d i n c e n t i ve s . TARGET 2.4: Increase community commitment to air quality recommendations S T R ATEG I ES: a . E n h an ce i n cl u s i ve co m m u n i t y e d u c a t i o n o n Ma r i c o p a Co u n t y ’ s C l e a n A i r M ake M o r e pr o g ram an d o t h e r c o l l a b o ra t i ve a i r q u a l i t y p r o g ra ms . C o-Be nef i t s: E n e r gy, H ea t M i t i g a t i o n THE CITY OF MESA IS committed to fostering solutions CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 2 6 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N FOC U S A REA 3 : Urban Heat Mitigation Urban development has significantly raised daily high temperatures and overnight lows. Sustainabilityminded urban design, landscape, building materials and cooling strategies can improve the quality of life during Mesa’s extreme heat events. Clima te c h an g e t h r e at e n s t h e l i v a b i l i t y a n d i c o n i c la n dscape s o f o u r r e g i o n . Th e C i t y i s h e av i l y co m m it t e d t o m an ag i n g t h e u r b a n b u i l t e nv i r o n me n t , o pen spac e s , t rave l c o r r i do r s, a n d u r b a n l a n d s c a p e s to pr o m o t e an d pr o t e c t e qu i t y, t h e r ma l c o mfo r t , a n d eco syst e m h e al t h . P u r po s e f u l s h a d e a n d l a n d s c a p e in sta lla t i o n s c an pr eve n t e r o s i o n , s u p p o r t a i r a n d wa ter q u al i t y, an d pr ov i de n at u ra l c o o l i n g . Un equ i vo cal l y, h e al t hy l an ds ca p e s mi t i g a t e c l i ma t e c h a n g e a n d r e d u c e t h e u r ba n h e at i s l an d e f f e ct . P l an t s a n d , by a s s o c i a t i o n , t h e i r v i b ra n t mi c r o b i a l s o il ca ptu r e an d st o r e c ar bo n di oxi d e . C o n s i d e r i n g t h e l a r g e - s c a l e i mp a c t s o f u r b an h ea t a n d deve l o pi n g s t rat e g i e s t o mi t i g a t e t h o s e e ff e c t s w i l l p r ov i d e a p a t h t o ma in ta i n i n g t h e l i v abi l i t y o f t h e c o mmu n i t y. LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Community Leaders, Arizona State University (ASU), business benefactors and City staff are working on Heat Action initiatives in Mesa neighborhoods. The City has installed green infrastructure in parks and along streets, providing shade and reducing urban heat. TARGET 3.1: Mitigate heat island effects in urban areas a . Co o r di n at e w i t h A S U, A ri z o n a De p a r t me n t o f H e a l t h S e r v i c e s , N a t i o n a l Oce an i c an d A t m o sph e r i c A d mi n i s t ra t i o n a n d s i mi l a r o r g a n i z a t i o n s o n t h e co l l e ct i o n an d di s t r i b u t i o n o f h e a t a n d w e a t h e r d a t a f o r t h e co m m u n i t y. b. Ide n t i f y sh adi n g s t rat e gi e s fo r key p e d e s t r i a n n e t w o r k s , i n c l u d i n g t ra n s it s t o ps. c. Deve l o p a pl an w i t h r e c o mme n d a t i o n s f o r s t ra t e g i c p l a c e me n t o f t r e e s an d s t r u ct u r e d sh ade . d. R e du c e t h e n u m be r o f u ns h a d e d t ra n s i t s t o p s t h r o u g h t h e u s e o f t r e e s or s t r u ct u ral sh ade e l e m e n t s . e. Co l l abo rat e w i t h de s i g n er s , e n g i n e e r s a n d c o n t ra c t o r s t o u s e a l t e r n a t i ve m at e r i al s an d c o at i n g s h o l d l e s s h e a t a n d t h a t mo r e e f fe c t i ve l y d i s s i p a te h e at . Late Afternoon Temperature S T R ATEG IES: 0 0 F C 92 33 90 32 31 Downtown 85 Rural Commercial Surburban Residential Urban Residential 30 Park Surburban Rural Residential Farmland f. P r o m o t e t h e u se o f g r e en i n f ra s t r u c t u r e a n d s t o r mw a t e r ma n a g e me n t . g. In st al l s o l ar c an o py par k i n g s t r u c t u r e s i n p a r k i n g l o t s . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 2 8 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 29 TARGET 3.2: Support resilient ecosystems and Mesa’s natural ability to capture and store carbon S T R ATEG IES: a . Co l l abo rat e w i t h c o m m u n i t y p a r t n e r s t o e n s u r e a h e a l t hy u r b a n f o r e s t . b. P r o t e ct n at u ral o pe n s pa c e a n d c o n s e r ve n a t i ve w i l d l i fe , p l a n t s , a n d n at u ral ar e as . c. Man ag e ar e as t o su ppo rt r e s i l i e n t e c o s y s t e ms a n d b i o d i ve r s i t y. d. Su ppo r t r e si l i e n t e c o s y s t e ms t h r o u g h s e l e c t i o n o f d e s e r t a d a p t e d t r e e s an d pl an t s t h at w i l l t h r i ve i n t h e a n t i c i p a t e d c l i ma t e o f 2 0 3 0 . TARGET 3.3: Prepare the community and workforce S T R ATEG IES: a . Deve l o p an e n e r g y pe r f o r ma n c e a n d h e a t r e s i l i e n c e p r o g ra m t h a t pr ov i de s a pat h t o w e at h e r i z e l e s s e ff i c i e n t h o me s a n d b u s i n e s s e s . b. Fo st e r a s af e w o r k e nv i ro n me n t by p r e p a r i n g w o r k f o r c e fo r c l i ma t e ch an g e r i s k s t h ey m ay e n c o u n t e r a t t h e i r w o r k s i t e s . c. P r ov i de t h e r e s o u r ce s n e c e s s a r y t o a d e q u a t e l y p r e p a r e t h e c o mmu n i t y f o r c l i m at e ch an g e r i s k s t h a t may a f fe c t t h e i r h o me o r w o r k e nv i r o n me nt . d. Work with the City’s Community Engagement Division and local nonprofits to educate neighborhoods about heat concerns and issues. C o-Be nef i t s: E n e r gy, A i r Q u a l i t y, Wa t er S te w a r ds h i p CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 3 0 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N HEALTHY LANDSCAPES mitigate climate change and reduce the urban heat island effect FOC U S A REA 4 : Water Stewardship Wa ter i s o n e o f o u r m o s t v i t al re s o u r c e s . I t i s essen tial t o n e ar l y eve r y f ac e t o f l i fe , f r o m fo o d cu ltiva t i o n t o t h e g e n e rat i o n o f e l e c t r i c i t y. Ye t , in th e So n o ran D e s e r t , i t i s al s o o n e o f o u r mo s t pr ecio u s asse t s. Th e C i t y an d c o mmu n i t y a t - l a r g e h ave made g r e at s t r i de s i n r e du c i n g t h e u s e o f wa ter. H o w eve r, c o n t i n u i n g dr o u g h t , c h a n g i n g pr ecipitat i o n pat t e r n s , r e du ce d s n o w p a c k a n d h igh er t e m pe rat u r e s m e an addi t i o n a l s t ra t e g i e s will be n e e de d. It ta kes a t r e m e n do u s am o u n t o f e n e r g y t o t ra n s p o r t a n d t r e a t raw w a t e r t o dr in king l eve l s t an dar ds , pu m p i t f r o m r e s e r vo i r s t o b u s i n e s s e s a n d h o me s , a nd th en tr eat t h e w as t e w at e r. I n a d d i t i o n t o p r o t e c t i n g r e n e w a b l e s u r fa c e w a t e r su pplies, s av i n g w at e r s ave s e m i s s i o n s r e q u i r e d t o t r e a t a n d move w a t e r. LEAD ING BY EXA M PL E: Th e C it y co nt in u e s to m a ke stra te g ic inve st m e nt s in was te wate r i nfras t r uct ure a n d be n ef ic ia l re u se p ro jec t s. The C ity is inve s t i ng i n ne w s m ar t m ete rs fo r a l l wa te r c u sto m e rs t ha t w il l show wa te r use i n ne ar re al- t i m e and pro m ote co n se r va tio n , in sta l l in g sm a r t ir r iga t io n cont rolle rs wi t h we at h e r s e n so rs, m o n ito r in g wa te r u se a n d settin g l e a k alerts at all C i t y s i te s . Th e C it y ha s in sta l l e d g ree n inf ra str u c t u re o n C ity own e d prope r t y, i nc ludi ng pa r ks, l a n d sca p e a re a s a ro u n d C ity fa c il itie s, and along pub li c s t reet s . Ne w C it y p a r ks fe a tu re n a t u ra l o p e n sp a ce , elimi nat i ng t h e nee d for e x te n sive ir r iga t io n . TARGET 4.1: E ffi c ie n t u se of p ota ble wa te r S T R ATEG IES: h. Encoura ge t he us e of ra inwa ter in t he la nd s ca p e a reas by i mpl ementi ng green inf ra s t ruct ure a nd low im p a ct d evelop m ent s t rateg i es that use ra inwa t er on-s it e t o red uce p ota b le wa t er us e, red uce urban heat affec t a nd im p rove a ir q ua lity. TARGETS 4.2: Protect surface w ater resour ce s STR ATE G I E S: a . Look f or op p ort unities in new C ity p roj ects , p a rks , roads and bui l di ng s, a s illus t ra ted in the Low Im p a ct Develop m ent Toolkit and the Greater P hoenix Green Inf ra s t ruct ure a nd Low Im p a ct Development Detai l s for A lterna tive St ormwa ter M a na gem ent. b. Im pl e m e n t e f f e ct i ve w at e r c o n s e r v a t i o n s t ra t e g i e s a n d i n c e n t i ve s . b . Red uce s tormwa ter p ollution by ins ta lling s tormwa t er qual i ty retrofi t p ilot p roj ects on three C ity s it es . C oord ina te f lood control wi th w ater q ua lity p roj ects . c. E n h an c e i n ce n t i ve s f o r c u s t o me r s t o u s e w a t e r e ff i c i e n t l y o u t d o o r s . c. P rot ect na t ura l res ources a nd cons erve na t ura l a rea s. a . In st al l e f f i ci e n t f i xt u r e s a n d e q u i p me n t . d. P r ov i de w at e r c u s t o m e rs w i t h d e t a i l e d i n f o r ma t i o n a b o u t p l a n t i n g , car i n g f o r an d t h e v al u e o f d e s e r t - a d a p t e d t r e e s a n d l a n d s c a p i n g . E n c o u rag e l i m i t i n g g ras s t o a r e a s t h a t h ave r e c r e a t i o n a l v a l u e . TARGET 4.3: M aintain a resilient w ater suppl y f o r Ci t y operations e. Co n du c t au di t s , i n st al l l e a k d e t e c t i o n a n d r e p l a c e w a t e r c o o l e d e qu i pm e n t w i t h e f f i c i e n t a i r - c o o l e d e q u i p me n t . STR ATE G I E S: f. Co l l abo rat e w i t h u t i l i t i es a n d t h e c o mmu n i t y t o d eve l o p a w a t e r u s e e f f i ci e n cy pe r f o r m an ce p r o g ra m, i n c l u d i n g i n c e n t i ve s , s o t h a t l e s s e f f i ci e n t u s e r s u n de r st an d h o w t o ma ke p e r i o d i c , c o s t - e f fe c t i ve , i n cr e m e n t al w at e r e f f i c i e n c y i mp r ove me n t s , i n d o o r s a n d o u t . g. E xpan d t h e C i t y ’ s c o n s e r v a t i o n e d u c a t i o n a n d o u t r e a c h p r o g ra ms fo r s t u de n t s. C h al l e n g e st ud e n t s a t a l l l eve l s t o l e a r n a b o u t c o n s e r v a t i o n s t rat e g i e s , e n g ag e i n co n s e r v a t i o n r e s e a r c h a n d d eve l o p w a t e r e ff i c i e n cy solutions. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 3 2 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N a . Inves t in res ilient wa t er inf ra s tructure p roj ect s to m ai ntai n resi l i ent wa t er s up p lies . b . Im p lem ent s tra t egies a nd inf ra s t ruct ure tha t op t im ize reuse and und erground wa t er s t ora ge. Co-Be n e fi ts: Ene rgy, A ir Q ua lity, H e a t Mi t i gat i on CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 33 FOC U S A REA 5 : Materials Management d . Reus e, rep a ir, ref urb is h, rep urp os e eq uip m ent a nd m ateri al s w henever p os s ib le a nd look into a lt erna t ive m a rkets f or reus e. The items we purchase, and the management of this material can emit many times more greenhouse gases than that of the energy used in our homes, businesses and schools. We should all think about sustainable alternatives to the things we purchase and use every day – use a reusable water bottle, reusable grocery bags, and buy only what we really need. These actions save energy, save water, and protect our natural resources. Recycling is great but reducing and reusing should always be our first choice in managing our waste. If we don’t create waste, we don’t have to worry about what to do with it. e. Us e t he R ecycle Right Wiz a rd s ea rch tool ava ila b le a t MesaRec yc l es.org a nd on the M es a Now a p p . Pu r ch a s i n g s u s t ai n abl y pr o du c e d a n d l o c a l l y ma n u f a c t u r e d ma t e r i a l s c a n impr ove e n e r g y, w at e r an d w as t e e f fi c i e n c y a n d s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c e o u r G H G em issio n s. M ak i n g pu r ch ase s wi t h s u s t a i n a b i l i t y i n mi n d c a n s u p p o r t l o c a l bu sin es s e s , pr o m o t e c o m m u n i t y p r o s p e r i t y, a n d mi t i g a t e c l i ma t e c h a n g e . LEAD ING BY EXA M PL E: The City is replacing hazardous materials with ones that are safer for workers and non-hazardous. City departments recycle office materials, batteries, old metal streetlights, meters, and wood pallets, to name a few. f. St ra t egica lly s et up wa s te s trea m s ys t em s t ha t b enefi c i al l y use waste tha t is not reus a b le or recycla b le to crea te p ower f rom w aste. g. Red uce wa s t e by convert ing heavy d uty f leet a nd C N G powered vehi c l es to low-em is s ion, renewa b le na t ura l ga s vehicles . h. Work wit h loca l orga niz a tions to s up p ort loca l b us inesses that have s im ila r goa ls . i. Exp a nd ed uca t ion a nd outrea ch f or s us t a ina b le p urchasi ng g ui del i nes. TARGET 5.3: Ensure safe and cost- effective l o n g -t e r m disposal STR ATE G I E S: a . Increa s e long-t erm la nd f ill s us t a ina b ility. b . Ad va nce m ulti-f a m ily a nd com m ercia l recycling. c. Turn waste into a resource and promote upstream solutions to reduce waste. TARGET 5.1: E l im in a t e GHG e m issions, vola tile or ga nic comp o u n d s ( VO C s ) a n d ha za r dous m a te r ia l to the gr e a t es t ex t e n t po s s i ble S T R ATEG IES: a . R e pl ace ch e m i c al s an d m a t e r i a l s i d e n t i f i e d a s G H G a n d VO C e mi t t e r s w i t h al t e r n at i ve s i n c o n s t r u c t i o n , ma i n t e n a n c e , a n d o p e ra t i o n s . b. Se l e c t pr o du ct s w i t h l o w s u p p l y c h a i n e mi s s i o n s . c. P u r ch ase pr o du c t s s o u r c e d l o c a l l y. TARGET 5.2: R e d u c e w a ste a nd tra nsf or m the c ir c ula r e cono my S T R ATEG IES: a . Im pl e m e n t m i n df u l pu r ch a s i n g fo r c a p i t a l p r o j e c t s , ma i n t e n a n c e p r o j e c t s an d s t an dar d o pe rat i o n s . b. E xpan d o pt i o n s f o r r e u se a n d r e c ove r y o f h a r d t o r e c yc l e ma t e r i a l s . c. Deve l o p i n i t i at i ve s t h at s u p p o r t a c i r c u l a r e c o n o my f ra me w o r k a n d e n g ag e t h e c o m m u n i t y o n u p s t r e a m s o l u t i o n s t o r e d u c e w a s t e . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 3 4 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N Co-Be n e fi ts: A ir Q ua lity, H e a t Mitiga ti on, Wat er Ste wa rds hip CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 35 FOC U S A REA 6 : Local, Sustainable Food Systems Lo ca l, s u s t ai n abl e f o o d sy st e m s e n s u r e t h a t fo o d is fr esh , n u t r i t i o u s, an d g r o w n w i t h o u t h a r m to pr o du ce r s , o u r c o m m u n i t y me mb e r s , o r o u r envir o n m e n t . Fo o d g r o w n an d p r o d u c e d l o c a l l y r edu ces t h e e nv i r o n m e n t al i m p a c t s o f t ra n s p o r t a t i o n , r efr igerat i o n , an d pr e se r v at i o n . O f g r e a t s i g n i fi c a n c e is th a t l o cal f o o d sy st e m s i n cr e a s e e q u i t a b l e a c c e s s to a ffo r dabl e , h e al t hy f o o d, an d r e d u c e fo o d w a s t e . LEAD ING BY EXA M PL E: Mesa’s libraries host programming on backyard gardening and urban farming. A local non-profit manages the Downtown Mesa Farmers Market and community volunteers manage the vibrant Mesa Urban Garden. TARGET 6.1: C u lt iv a t e na tura l syste m s S T R ATEG I ES: a . Su ppo r t l o w - c ar bo n f o o d p r o d u c t i o n , d i s t r i b u t i o n , a n d e c o s y s t e ms . I n a ddi t i o n t o m i t i g at i n g c l i ma t e i mp a c t s , t h i s s t ra t e g y w i l l s u p p o r t bi o di ve r si t y. b. Su ppo r t su st ai n abl e u r b a n g r o w t h t h a t i n c l u d e s e q u i t a b l e a c c e s s t o l o c al f o o d s y s t e m s. TARGET 6.2: Cultiv ate local food sy stems an d n at u ral sy stems STR ATE G I E S: a . Recogniz e tha t loca l f ood s ys tem s a nd na t ura l s ys t ems are an i nteg ral p a rt of t he economy. b . Encoura ge b a ckya rd ga rd ens a nd urb a n ga rd ens ( f or personal use or b us ines s ) . c. Sup p ort s us t a ina b le urb a n growth tha t includ es eq uitabl e ac c ess to l oc al f ood s ys t em s . d. Build agriculture (farms, processing, distribution and sales) into land use planning. e. Sup p ort a s t rong com m unity network of s ucces s f ul a nd c ul tural l y di verse b us ines s es t ha t p rod uce, p roces s , cook, tra ns p ort, a nd sel l foods wi th the goa l of p reventing f ood los s a nd wa s t e. f. Sup p ort loca l a griculture ed uca t ion p rogra m s . TARGET 6.3: Build a model w here all people i n M e sa h ave access to affordable, healthy, local food. STR ATE G I E S: a . Encoura ge f a rm ers m a rket s , p rom ote loca l ga rd ening and sal es. b . Build loca l f ood p urcha s es int o p rocurem ent p olicies . c. Su ppo r t a s t r o n g c o m m u n i t y n e t w o r k o f s u c c e s s fu l a n d c u l t u ra l l y d i ve r se bu si n e sse s t h at pr o du ce , p r o c e s s , c o o k , t ra n s p o r t , a n d s e l l f o o d s w i t h t h e g o al o f pr eve n t i n g f o o d l o s s a n d w a s t e . c. Pa rtner wit h loca l orga niz a tions s uch a s Loca l F irs t Ari zona, to prov i de technica l a s s is t a nce t o b us ines s owners . d. O pt i m i ze w ast e o pe rat i on s t h a t c r e a t e e n e r g y a n d c o mp o s t f r o m w a s t e . e. Id entif y “f ood d es ert s ” in M es a , m a p ava ila b le p a rcels, work w i th nonp rof its , a nd rem ove b a rriers t o f illing the ga p s . e. In c o r po rat e su st ai n abl e g r o w t h , a g r i c u l t u r e , fo o d p r o c e s s i n g a n d di st r i bu t i o n i n t o exi s t i n g a n d f u t u r e e c o n o mi c d eve l o p me n t i n i t i a t i ve s . d . P rovid e econom ic d evelop m ent s up p ort f or loca l f ood busi nesses. TARGET 6.4: Waste and composting STR ATE G I E S: a . Lim it f ood wa s te by rem oving ob s t a cles f or ef f icient sy stems, partner with f ood b a nks a nd grocery s t ores . b . Op t im iz e wa s te op era tions tha t crea te energy a nd compost from waste. Lea d by exa m p le - Food Wa s te to Energy p roj ect . c. Work with Phoenix Metro partners to determine which reduction actions will reduce GHG emissions from the production, processing and delivery of food. Co-Be n e fi ts: Energy, Air Quality, Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship, Materials Management CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 3 6 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 37 A VIBRANT HEALTHY FUTURE FOR MESA Ch. 6 Where We Go From Here: Plan Implementation M es a’ s C li m a te Acti on P la n i s a d yna m i c d ocum ent tha t wi l l evol ve over ti m e as a d d ed res ources , m od ern technol og ies , a nd col la b ora t ions com e to l i g ht. There wi l l b e p eriod i c up d a tes when s i gnif i ca nt cha ng es have b een a c c ompl i shed or i d enti f i ed to ens ure tha t the intend ed vis i on i s conti nuous l y refl ec ted over t he next s evera l d eca d es , or unti l the As p ira ti ona l Goa l s a re a chi eved . We s et f orth a m b i ti ous , com m uni ty- f ocus ed goa ls tha t wil l ma ke Mesa c l i m aterea d y. T hi s i s the s econd vers i on of t he P l a n, up d a t ed i n June 2 0 2 2 , that ref lects a com m unit y vi s i on to enha nce q ua l i ty of l i f e, em b rac e sm art C i t y i nnova t ion a nd i m p rove s oci a l eq uit y f or a vib ra nt hea lthy f uture for Mesa . M onitoring R eports and Updates T he C i ty wi ll m a i nta in up d a ted rep ort ing to ea s il y tra ck a nd m oni tor i mpac ts to GH Gs a nd other cli m a te a cti on p rogres s . C it y s t a f f wi l l prov i de reg ul a r p rogres s up d a tes to the C it y C ouncil a nd cond uct f uture GHG i nventori es to eva l ua te the P l a n’ s ef f ecti venes s . P ub l i c i nf orm a ti on, i nclud i ng m etri c s and rep orti ng d a ta , rela ted t o C i ty op era t ions a nd ot her known v a ri ab l es w i l l be m a d e ava i l a b le on the Op en Da ta Porta l l i s ted und er ‘ Hea l thy Env i ronm ent’. Financial Investments The City is committed to ongoing financial investments to help meet our climate action goals. Current City operations that include sustainable initiatives are fully funded under an existing, adopted budget. Each year the City Council reviews and approves budgets with proposed new projects and full fiscal impact analysis. Although the actions outlined in the Plan are designed to demonstrate a pathway to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, there is much uncertainty in predicting future technologies, costs, and regulations. Therefore, the City will continue to use its annual budget process as a mechanism to evaluate programs, projects, and services with the environmental lens, and adjust associated costs accordingly as new resources emerge and mature. Project R ank ing Tool To s up p ort C i ty C ouncil wit h m a ki ng f i s ca l a nd p rogra m m ing d ec i s i ons, a p roj ect ra nking t ool wa s d evel op ed t o i d entif y envi ronm ent al i m pa c ts a nd p riori tiz e p roj ects . T he crea t ion of this tool wa s crea ted b a s ed on C ounc i l d i rection, com m unit y inp ut a nd other d eci s ion-m a ki ng f a ctors. See A pp e n di x B for the Impl e me ntatio n Matr i x . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N | 39 Ch. 7 Climate Care for All Clim a te c h an g e i s an u n avo i dab l e a n d u n p r e c e d e n t e d g l o b a l i s s u e t h a t h a s gr ea t po t e n t i al t o c au se di s r u p t i o n t o o u r w ay o f l i fe i f mi t i g a t i ve a c t i o n s a r e n o t ta ke n . R e c e n t cl i m at e eve n t s h ave g i ve n u s a p r ev i e w o f w h a t may b e c o me th e ‘n ew abn o r m al .’ H o w eve r, t h i s g i ve s u s a g r e a t r e a s o n t o c o me t o g e t h e r a n d co llecti ve l y e nv i s i o n w h at w e ho p e f o r Me s a’ s f u t u r e . We kn ow w h at w e n e e d t o do . We h ave i d e n t i f i e d s o l u t i o n s t o r e d u c e e mi s s i o ns , in cr ea s e e f f i ci e n cy, pr o m o t e e c o n o mi c v i t a l i t y, a n d i mp r ove o u r q u a l i t y o f l i f e . Th e Pla n pr ov i de s a pat hw ay t o a c c e l e ra t e o u r h i s t o r i c s u c c e s s s o t h a t w e c a n m o r e gre at l y c o n t r i bu t e t o t h e g l o b a l c l i ma t e a c t i o n i mp a c t s . I t i s a l s o a c a l l t o a ctio n f o r r e s i de n t s, co m m u n i t y i n s t i t u t i o n s , n o n p r o fi t s , a n d b u s i n e s s e s t o a l s o ta ke a n act i ve par t . Th r o u g h a c o l l e c t i ve p r o c e s s , w e w i l l fo s t e r e q u i t y w i t h i n o u r h eal t h an d e co n o my, i n cr e a s e o u r r e s i l i e n c y, a n d s e t u p Me s a a s a v i b ra n t a n d su s t ai n abl e co m m u n i t y f o r g e n e ra t i o n s t o c o me . R e f e r en c es Agency, U.S. (2021, April). Overview of Greenhouse Gases. Retrieved from Greenhouse Gas Emissions: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases Arizona, T. N. (2021, May ). Urban Conservation Program in Phoenix. Retrieved from TNC AZ Urban Program Factsheet 2019: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/ TNC_AZ_Urban_Program_Factsheet_2019.pdf National Weather Service, N.O. (2021, May). Retrieved from Year In Review 2020 (v2): https:// www.weather.gov/psr/YearinReview2020v2 Prevention, C.C. (2021, April). Climate Effects on Health. Retrieved from Climate and Health: https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/default.htm Program, U.G. (2021, April). The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment. Retrieved from Climate and Health Assessment: https://health2016. globalchange.gov/ Sustainability, U. (2021, April). What is Sustainability? Retrieved from https://www.sustain.ucla. edu/what-is-sustainability/ USA, I.L. (2021, April). Greenhouse Gas Protocols. Retrieved from https://icleiusa.org/ghgprotocols/ A p p e n d ic e s Appendix A Community Action Study Appendix B Implementation Matrix Thi s Pl a n wa s c re a te d w i t h co n s i d e ra tion of oth e r com m unity pl ans for b e s t practice s a nd di sc ussi o n o n re g i o n a l ef fo r t s i n c l u d i n g: City of Ph oe nix , City of Te m pe , Pim a County, City of Houston, C i t y of Sa nta Mo n i ca , a n d C ity of Cl eve la nd. Thi s Pl a n a l s o re l i e s o n re s e a rc h a n d da ta f rom th e fol low ing age ncie s : Ma ricopa A s s ocia tion of Gover nme nt s , Ma r i co p a Co u nt y Ai r Qua lity De pa rtm e nt, A rizona State Unive rs ity, a nd Na tional Ocea ni c a n d At mo s p h e r i c Ad mi n i s t ra t ion a m ong oth e rs . CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 4 0 | M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N E N V I RO N M E N TA L M A N AG E M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y P. O . B o x 1 4 6 6 Mesa, AZ 85201 M E S A A Z . G O V/ C L I M AT E A C T I O N Appendix A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Acknowledgements MAYOR: John Giles CITY COUNCIL: Jenn Duff, Vice Mayor Mark Freeman Francisco Heredia David Luna Julie Spilsbury Kevin Thompson CITY MANAGER: Christopher Brady PROJECT MANGERS: Andrea Alicoate Laura Hyneman EXECUTIVE TEAM: David Calloway Donna DiFrancesco Patrick Murphy Ryan Nichols TJ Welsh Lauren Whittaker Scott Unger Becky Zusy ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER: John Pombier DEPUTY CITY MANAGER: Marc Heirshberg ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR: Scott Bouchie CONSULTANT TEAM: GreenPlay, LLC For more information about this document, contact GreenPlay, LLC At: 1021 E. South Boulder Road, Suite N, Louisville, Colorado 80027, Telephone: 303-439-8369 Email: info@greenplayllc.com www.greenplayllc.com C Table of Contents I. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 7 Study Objective....................................................................................................................... 7 II. Study Approach...................................................................................................................... 9 Community Workshops......................................................................................................... 10 Online Engagement............................................................................................................... 11 Virtual Public Meetings ........................................................................................................ 13 Climate Action Prioritization Survey . ................................................................................... 14 III. Equitable Engagement......................................................................................................... 21 IV. Community Climate Action Implementation Strategies...................................................... 27 Partnerships.......................................................................................................................... 27 Education and Outreach........................................................................................................ 27 Tracking and Ongoing Communications................................................................................ 27 V. Recommendations................................................................................................................ 29 Focus Area One: Education................................................................................................... 30 Focus Area Two: Ongoing Inclusive Communication............................................................. 30 Focus Area Three: Strategic Partnerships.............................................................................. 31 Focus Area Four: Funding and Incentives . ........................................................................... 31 VI. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 33 Appendices............................................................................................................................... 34 Appendix A: Online Engagement Summary Report.............................................................. 35 Appendix B: Online Engagement Ideas Report..................................................................... 39 Appendix C: Prioritization Survey Report.............................................................................. 49 Appendix D: Marketing Channels.......................................................................................... 67 Table of Figures Figure 1: Workshop Outcomes – Community Action.......................................................................11 Figure 2: Quick Poll One Results.......................................................................................................12 Figure 3: Quick Poll Two Results.......................................................................................................12 Figure 4: Prioritization Survey: Climate Hazard Concerns................................................................15 Figure 5: Statistically-Valid Survey: Important City Actions to Limit Climate Change.......................18 Figure 6: Statistically-Valid Survey: Top Three Climate Actions for the City to Address...................18 Figure 7: Race Comparison for Total Population in Mesa.................................................................21 Figure 8: Participant Ethnicity..........................................................................................................22 Figure 9: Participant Connection to Mesa........................................................................................23 Figure 10: Virtual Public Meeting Participant by Council District.....................................................24 Figure 11: Survey Respondent by Zip Code......................................................................................25 Table of Tables Table 1: Focus Area Ideas.................................................................................................................13 Table 2: Virtual Public Meetings Participation..................................................................................14 Table 3: Recommendations..............................................................................................................29 I. Introduction Climate change is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. The City of Mesa (City) recognizes the consensus among leading scientists that without action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the average temperature of the earth’s surface will continue to rise. The Mesa community collectively possesses the skills, knowledge, and resources that can be harnessed to create solutions to mitigate Mesa’s climate impact. Taking action needs to include all local community partners, as well as support at the state and national levels. Everyone has a role, and everyone must do their part, both on a personal level and at the community level. If we think globally and act locally, we can collaboratively address the impacts of climate change together. In June 2021 the City took a critical step in affirming its commitment to protect and conserve Mesa’s environment with the adoption of its first Mesa Climate Action Plan (MCAP). The MCAP is a Mayor and Council priority initiative to reduce GHG emissions, build resilience in the community and address the negative outcomes of a changing climate. The MCAP establishes policy directive, sets targets, and describes strategies that will increase sustainability in City operations. The MCAP includes four ‘Aspirational Goals’ to provide a vision and guide for the future: Carbon Neutrality Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks Strive to reduce the carbon footprint of City Operations by 50% by 2030 Renewable Energy Materials Management Community Action Prioritize the use of renewable, resilient energy to achieve 100% rewnewable energy by 2050 Manage material ressponsibility and divert 90% waste from the landfill by 2050 Develop community based action items to be incorporated into the Plan This supplemental Community Action Study (Study) seeks to support Aspirational Goal 4, to gain understanding on the community-based action that can be taken to reduce GHG emissions. Through a robust community engagement process, the Study seeks to discover initiatives built on community values. Study Objective The primary objective of this study is to enhance the MCAP with community-based action items, striving to reflect the viewpoints, priorities and needs of all Mesa residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and stakeholders. Through this effort, the City is seeking a pathway of equitable and inclusive initiatives based on data, best practices, and proposed community-based actions that will reduce GHG emissions each year. 8 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY C II. Study Approach To maximize the opportunities and reach of community engagement the City combined aspects of this Study with the development of the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) Comprehensive Plan. Both efforts seek to develop a collective vision to make Mesa a more vibrant, prosperous, and thriving city for generations to come. The aligned endeavor provides efficiency and effectiveness in marketing, and staff resources. This combined effort is branded “Footprint for the Future.” This Study commenced in August of 2021 and concluded with findings and final recommendations at the start of 2022. A Project Team comprised of staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Department of Environmental Management and Sustainability was assembled to guide the development and implementation of outreach opportunities. Community engagement efforts included: • Community Workshops • On-line Engagement through an interactive platform • Virtual Public Meetings • Climate Action Prioritization Survey The MCAP is organized into six (6) focus areas to guide City efforts to ensure a healthy environment. Reduction targets have been established for each focus area. Where possible, engagement opportunities were planned around the six focus areas. 10 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY C Community Workshops Community workshops provide an opportunity to inform, consult, involve, and collaborate. The City hosted six community workshops between September 14, 2021 – September 23, 2021 with the goal to gather input on climate action as well as PRCF services from resident stakeholders. The collective attendance for the workshop series was 127 community members. Dot voting, also known as “sticker voting”, “dotmocracy” or “voting with dots” was the facilitation method used throughout the workshop series. It is an established form of cumulative voting. Dot-voting is a technique to identify problems or prioritize a long list of options or ideas. It allows participants to express a preference for more than one option at the same time. At each workshop participants were asked to use dot voting to reflect the level of importance each of the following climate change impacts are to them: • • • • • • • • • Drought/ Decreased seasonal rainfall Extreme Heat/Temperatures (Temps above 110, Heat-Related Illness, etc.) Hardship on Future Generations Human Health Impacts (Allergies, Mental Health, Diseases, etc.) Impacts on Agriculture and Food Production (Water and Food Supply) Loss of Biodiversity such as Wildlife, Species, and Ecosystems Power Outages, Availability of Electricity and Natural Gas Supply Reduced Air Quality (Asthma, Cardiovascular Disease) Severe Weather Events (Increased Flooding, High Winds, Monsoons, Dust Storms, etc.) Four climate change impacts received the most interaction at 75 or more votes marked “very important”: • • • • Drought/Decreased seasonal rainfall Reduced Air Quality (Asthma, Cardiovascular Disease) Extreme Heat/Temperatures (Temps above 110, Heat-Related Illness, etc.) Impacts on Agriculture and Food Production (Water and Food Supply) Workshop participants were next asked to evaluate a list of community actions they are currently taking or are willing to take to limit climate impacts. Four community actions received the most interaction at 50 or more total votes: • • • • Plant trees Eat locally grown fruits and vegetables Buy greener products and avoid single use items (i.e., water bottles, etc.) Repair and reuse items CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 11 Figure 1: Workshop Outcomes – Community Action Online Engagement Bang the Table was used to host the project website, footprintfuturemesa.com. The multilingual online platform provided information about the MCAP and offered a mechanism for community members to contribute their ideas. The website utilized polls, an ideas board, and an online survey to gather community thoughts, priorities, and perspectives. The website launched in early September and remained in use through February 2022. During that time the website had over 6,000 visits and 2,297 “Engaged Visitors”. A visitor is considered ‘engaged’ if they contribute or provide feedback to on the site. Appendix A provides a summary of site engagement. Polls Polls encourage people to provide a quick answer to one question, selecting from multiple choice answers. They are able to instantly see the poll results, piquing their interest and giving real-time insight. For this study two polls were used to gauge sentiment for reducing the effects of climate change. The results showed community members believe if the community works together the negative effects of climate change can be reduced (74% agree or strongly agree). 12 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Figure 2: Quick Poll One Results A second poll showed respondents are already considering what they can do to reduce their personal carbon footprint (75% agree or strongly agree). Figure 3: Quick Poll Two Results CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 13 Ideas Community members were asked to contribute ideas related to the six (6) Focus Areas of the MCAP. Through the Bang the Table ‘Ideas Tool’, participants can post ideas or contribute by voting or commenting on other people’s ideas. The MCAP Focus Area that generated the most interest and ideas was Energy. Idea Category Unique Visitors Contributors Ideas Likes Comments Energy 80 33 13 37 6 Food Systems 22 11 5 10 1 Heat Mitigation Air Quality Materials Management Water Stewardship 23 15 17 12 10 9 8 5 7 5 6 4 11 8 8 1 1 1 0 1 Table 1: Focus Area Ideas The idea that received the most traffic and support is to “Promote Teleworking”. “If local governments and local companies offered more days of teleworking there would be less automotive travel on a daily basis.” Another idea that received heavy visitor traffic and support was Solar Shade. “More parking lots, playgrounds, outdoor areas, etc. with shade structures that have solar panels on top of them. We have sun almost every day of the year, its a shame to waste it.” Appendix B includes all visitor generated ideas. Virtual Public Meetings In October and November 2021, a virtual lunchtime meeting series was conducted over six (6) consecutive weeks. The goal was to carry out focused engagement targeted at each of the MCAP Focus Areas. Each session included a brief overview of the MCAP and its goals, a short presentation on an MCAP Focus Area and an open forum for participants to share ideas and values. Meeting registrations ranged from 69 – 90 individuals with an overall attendance rate of 33%. According to ON24 Webinar Benchmarks Report: COVID-19 Special Edition the typical webinar conversion rate for this size audience is approximately 35%. Additionally, the report found one-third (34%) of registrants access the on-demand version only, demonstrating the need to make webinars available to audiences on their terms. Videos from the meeting series were emailed to all registrants and uploaded on to project website. A review of registration, percentage of attendance rates, and YouTube views finds the focus area that received the most interest was Energy. 14 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Topic Registered Attended 28 Percent Attended 41% YouTube Views 30 Energy 69 Heat Mitigation 74 30 41% 21 Air Quality 80 28 35% 18 Water Stewardship 83 24 29% 16 Materials Management 90 23 26% 8 Food Systems 88 25 28% 21 484 158 33% 114 Totals: Table 2: Virtual Public Meetings Participation Climate Action Prioritization Survey An online Climate Action Prioritization Survey (Survey) was conducted to garner feedback for the prioritization of climate action initiatives. Questions were drafted based on information gathered through the Community Workshop series, and project website. The Survey was publicized through email lists, newsletters, ads on social media, public meetings, etc. A total of 2,221 responses were received. It is important to note that the survey is not random, so is not a statistically-valid survey. Therefore, it is not solely relied upon for determining recommendations, but did help shape and inform the key findings. The Survey was open from mid-October through January 2022. Thirteen (13) questions asked about climate action priorities and potential community initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. The Survey report (provided in Appendix C) includes a wealth of information to help guide the prioritization of climate action initiatives. In regard to the climate related hazards surveyed, the majority of respondents viewed all threats as very concerning. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 15 Figure 4: Prioritization Survey: Climate Hazard Concerns 16 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Survey Highlights The top priorities identified by respondents to help reduce climate change include: Responsible Water Management: 25% Transition to Renewable Energy: 18% Improve Air Quality: 16% Respondents identified the following City initiatives as providing the most benefit to mitigating the effects of climate change: Resilient water supply: 23% Tree and shade plan: 20% Increase renewable energy infrastructure: 19% On the subject of alternative modes of transportations, respondents would consider other modes of transportation if: More stores within walking/biking distance: 16% Enhanced bike and pedestrian paths: 16% More shaded sidewalks and transit stops: 15% The top three energy reducing actions participants are currently taking, or are willing to take include: Maintain air conditioning system for efficiencies with filter changes and regular inspections: 24% Energy efficiency upgrades, such as appliances, windows, and smart thermostats, etc.: 24% Plant shade trees to reduce cooling costs: 18% As it relates to purchases, the actions respondents are currently taking, or are willing to take include: Reusable containers, rather than disposable: 23% Locally produced items: 20% Products made from renewable materials, or little or no packaging: 20% Relative to waste management actions, respondents are currently taking, or are willing to take include: Donate electronics, appliances, and other usable items for reuse : 22% Dispose of end-of-life electronics, and appliances at recycling facilities: 19% Managing shopping, use, and storage practices to reduce food waste: 19% CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 17 The top three water conservation actions respondents are currently taking, or are willing to start taking include the following: Monitor water bill and water usage regularly: 21% Install a desert-adapted landscape: 19% Repair leaks to reduce water loss: 18% Respondents expressed the following needs in order to eat more locally grown, lower impact foods: Farmer’s market or similar events: 26% More farm-to-table restaurants near me: 12% Access to a local farmers CSA (community supported agriculture) close to my home or workplace: 12% The following actions received the strongest support for urban heat mitigation/reduction methods: Tree planting initiatives and urban forest management programs: 22% Solar covered parking at public buildings and businesses: 21% Use of alternative asphalt types and paving materials to absorb less heat: 17% Respondents felt they would be more likely to participate in climate solution activities if: They saved me money: 25% There was a tax break, incentive, or rebate: 22% I knew that the City of Mesa was also taking action: 18% PRCF Comprehensive Plan Survey Similar questions related to views on climate action were included as part of the PRCF Comprehensive Plan statistically-valid survey. The PRCF survey was conducted using three primary methods: 1) a mailed invite survey to 4,200 households in Mesa, 2) an online, password protected invitation website, 3) an open link survey for all other residents who were not included in invitation sample. Results are kept separate to maintain the statistical validity of the invitation sample. A total of 2,402 responses for the PCRF survey were received. Through the statistically-valid survey respondents rated all 12-actions identified to limit climate change as important or very important. The overall respondent rating reveals that a resilient water supply and a tree and shade plan are of the highest importance to respondents. 18 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Figure 5: Statistically-Valid Survey: Important City Actions to Limit Climate Change A follow-up question asked respondents to select their top three most urgent climate actions for the City to address. The overall responses show a resilient water supply was the top choice for nearly half of all respondents. There is also strong interest in programs to improve air quality and a tree and shade plan. Figure 6: Statistically-Valid Survey: Top Three Climate Actions for the City to Address CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 19 III. Equitable Engagement Understanding the demographics of Mesa residents is important because it is reflective of the diverse history, and values of the community. This type of information can assist the City in outreach opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to all City residents. Knowing that an estimated 30 percent of Mesa’s population identifies as Hispanic, designing an inclusive engagement approach is a priority in developing community-based actions that will reduce GHG emissions each year. White Population Hispanic Population 72.7% 30.0% Black/African American Population American Indian/ Alaska Native Population 4.4% 2.6% Asian Population Pacific Islander Population 2.6% 0.4% Other Race Population 13.1% Population of Two or More Races 4.2% Figure 7: Race Comparison for Total Population in Mesa Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2021 Equitable and inclusive engagement is not only about ensuring that diverse perspectives are at the table but also that deliberate actions and targeted strategies are taken to ensure that underrepresented communities participate and contribute. To validate inclusive participation, where appropriate, participants were asked to provide demographic information. Throughout the Study providing equitable opportunities was at the forefront. Marketing material for outreach activities were developed in English and Spanish, bi-lingual staff were present at each of the six Community Workshops, and the project website was multilingual. For a complete list of marketing channels used in the Study see Appendix D. 22 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY C Who Participated? During the Virtual Public Meeting series participants selfreported their ethnicity, their connection to Mesa, and area of Mesa they live, or frequent. The Survey provided another opportunity to gain demographic information by asking respondents about their age. Through the Virtual Public Meeting series and Survey seventy-four percent of participants identified as White, while 15 percent identified as Hispanic/Latino. Table 9 reflects the collective ethnicity reported by participants. Figure 8: Participant Ethnicity CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 23 Figure 9 below shows the majority of participants of the Virtual Public Meetings and Survey live and/or study in Mesa. Nearly half the participants live in Mesa. Figure 9: Participant Connection to Mesa During the Virtual Public Meeting series participants were asked to select the Council District where they live or most frequently visit. Respondents could only select one option. Overall, the Council Districts were equally represented, with the exception of a slightly higher number of respondents selecting Council District 6. 24 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Figure 10: Virtual Public Meeting Participant by Council District For the Survey respondents were asked to identify the Zip Code they live or most frequent in Mesa. The map below shows most respondents were from West Mesa, but overall participation was strong across the City. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 25 Mesa, Arizona Figure 11: Survey Respondent by Zip Code The final demographic question posed on the Survey was related to age. Figure 12: Survey Respondent by Age 26 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY IV. Community Climate Action Implementation Strategies Climate action depends on successfully communicating information about the MCAP to the wider Mesa community and encouraging broader participation in climate-related activities as the plan moves into implementation. GHG emissions reductions goals will not be met without the community playing a major role. This chapter outlines strategies to assist with an inclusive approach to implementing community action within the MCAP. Partnerships Community partnerships have been emerging as an important pathway to various types of local solutions. As the MCAP continues in its implementation, it will be important to map out and align the general roles and responsibilities of the City, the community as a whole, and potential key partners that will support MCAP. Community climate action is a collaborative, all-hands-on effort, and all partners in the community are needed to engage, support, and implement the MCAP together. The City and community stakeholders will need to periodically assess their own roles and make pivots or shifts as needed. By continuing to reflect on how implementation approaches are progressing, the Mesa community can take lessons learned and apply them in implementing other planned strategies moving forward. Understanding the role of the City and of the community can provide a foundation for maximizing the collective impact on climate change. These ongoing partnerships can also optimize implementation actions and communications to support resilience and equitable outcomes. Education and Outreach Education and outreach will be vital as the MCAP moves through it’s implementation and beyond. Continued education with schools (early education, primary, community colleges and universities), community organizations who have large networks of members, and other partners are essential to move climate efforts forward. Strategies in this area will include continuing to build partnerships with thought leaders, technical experts, non-profits, youth, and community leaders for climate action. Education will work to create positive community-led action, broad-based support, and a sense of ownership for the MCAP. One of the most effective ways to educate the public on climate change impacts is the use of storytelling. The City and its partners may use narrative text grounded in the realworld experiences and concerns of the Mesa community to effectively communicate about climate change impacts in the area. Tracking and Ongoing Communications Ongoing communication, tracking performance, benchmarking, providing storytelling, and sharing lessons learned related to action implementation are vital to the success of MCAP. As part of the Prioritization Survey 18% of respondents expressed, they would be more likely to participate in climate solution activities if they knew the City was also taking action. Some of the ways the City can demonstrate their ongoing action is through regular website and social media updates, continued education programs and news releases on large scale projects. Additionally, MCAP stakeholder feedback will keep the community informed about the implementation of the plan’s actions and strategies, and progress toward climate goals. Moreover, monitoring provides concrete data to document the City’s progress in reducing GHG emissions. Cities across the country are implementing annual reports and Open Data Portal to track progress on climate mitigation activities. 28 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY C V. Recommendations The main purpose of this endeavor has been to develop a pathway of equitable and inclusive community-based initiatives that will support the City’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by reducing GHG emissions by 2050. The extensive effort undertaken during this Study has brought to light key findings that are critical to addressing potential community actions that can be encouraged and applied in Mesa. Individuals and community groups have an important role to play in reaching the MCAP climate action goals. Through collective, committed, and caring actions from all, Mesa can achieve carbon neutrality goals and become a more vibrant, prosperous, and carbon-neutral community for generations to come. Through a diverse and comprehensive outreach effort priorities to reduce climate change and viewpoints on City led initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change emerged: Priorities Responsible Water Management Improve Air Quality Transition to Renewable Energy City initiatives viewed as providing the most benefit to mitigating the effects of climate change Resilient water supply Tree and shade plan Increase renewable energy infrastructure Community-based initiatives should align with identified priorities. Importance is placed on initiatives that the community has identified as providing the highest benefit in mitigating the effects of climate change. The tables below present key recommendations to drive community action for the MCAP. Recommendations have been developed and grouped into the following four focus areas: 1. 2. 3. 4. Education Ongoing Communication Strategic Partnerships Funding and Incentives The recommendations are intended to act as a catalyst and internal work plan. As the MCAP implementation begins and continues over time, engagement and leadership will be vital to MCAP success. 30 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY C Table 3: Recommendations Focus Area One: Education Strategy: Identify opportunities to educate the Mesa community on green living, cost savings, and climate education. Develop education and outreach that offers information on areas such as money 1.1 saving tips, energy savings, transportation options, food, and recycling; while educating and connecting individual health with environmental quality and providing tools for taking action. Create and continue to promote and update community resources, training, and 1.2 educational material related to climate action; utilize partnerships to increase impact. Storytelling as an effective way to educate the public on climate change impacts. 1.3 Use narrative text grounded in the real-world experiences and concerns of the Mesa community to effectively communicate about climate change impacts in the area, mitigation strategies and action options 1.4 Sponsor periodic outreach events to directly inform and solicit the input, suggestions, and participation of the community at large. Focus Area Two: Ongoing Inclusive Communication Strategy: Provide ongoing communications to keep the community informed about the progress toward climate goals. 2.1 Gauge perceptions about MCAP progress and shifting perceptions on climaterelated issues over time. Administer a survey regularly to allow the City to evaluate trends and understand how perceptions change over time. 2.2 Create a system to track events and presentations that incorporate climate action activity to ensure you are reaching a broad and inclusive audience. The tracking system should include the number of briefings and presentations, visits to the project webpage, articles or other media coverage, and demographics where applicable (ethnicity, income, age, gender) for participants. 2.3 Utilize an environmental justice mapping tool to enhance understanding of environmental inequities and identify potential options for mitigation. 2.4 Increased engagement and knowledge sharing with the private sector to understand more about how it approaches and implements climate actions. 2.5 Ensure necessary resources to provide ongoing inclusive and bilingual communication on the MCAP implementation and GHG mitigation efforts. 2.6 Develop an environmental awareness campaign, such as a climate action challenge, to increase mindfulness of the effect of climate change and potential solutions. A. Engage the schools and other City programming to be inclusive of school age children. B. Engage community colleges and universities to be inclusive of students who are training for careers in relatable fields. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 31 Focus Area Three: Strategic Partnerships Strategy: Build community partnerships with thought leaders, technical experts, youth, and other community leaders for climate action outreach and education. 3.1 Partner with community-based organizations on climate-related programming to address environmental justice, resilience, climate impacts, and empowerment of youth. 3.2 Develop an ongoing network and platform to engage with youth to spark community climate action from their perspective. 3.3 Partner with local technical and community leaders to embed climate action information into existing outreach and education. 3.4 Partner with key stakeholders to identify opportunities and technologies to innovate in areas such as energy, transportation, waste, water, resilience, health, equity, etc. Focus Area Four: Funding and Incentives Strategy: Provide ongoing communications to keep the community informed about the progress toward climate goals. 4.1 4.2 32 Investigate and leverage public financing opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels to support MCAP implementation and a public awareness campaign. There may be opportunities to leverage funding in government agencies that may not traditionally be seen as climate-related, such as housing, health and human services, general services, economic development, emergency response, and transportation. Seek to embed sustainability and climate action into existing funding and grant programs, including private foundation grants and private financing. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY VI. Conclusion This Study has been an examination of viewpoints, priorities and needs of Mesa residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and stakeholders to identify community-based action items to support GHG reduction goals. Climate change is a global challenge that the City cannot overcome alone. Successful implementation of the MCAP will rely heavily on the collective action of everyone in the Mesa community. It has been our pleasure to assist the City and to work with the Environmental Management and Sustainability Department to develop a pathway of equitable and inclusive initiatives to reduce GHG emissions each year. As a living plan, the MCAP will evolve with the community over time to effectively support the City in achieving the MCAP aspirational goal of carbon neutrality through GHG emission reduction by 2050. 34 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY C Appendices Appendix A: Online Engagement Summary Report Appendix B: Online Engagement Ideas Report Appendix C: Prioritization Survey Report Appendix D: Marketing Channels CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 35 C Appendix A: Online Engagement Summary Report 36 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Summary Report 18 August 2021 - 03 March 2022 Footprint Future Mesa PROJECTS SELECTED: 1 Climate Action Plan FULL LIST AT THE END OF THE REPORT Visitors Summary Highlights TOTAL VISITS 7.5k 6.2 k MAX VISITORS PER DAY 1.4 k NEW REGISTRATI ONS 5k 5 ENGAGED VISITORS 2.5k 2.3 k 1 Oct '21 INFORMED VISITORS 2.5 k AWARE VISITORS 4.9 k 1 Jan '22 Pageviews Visitors New Registrations Visits CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 37 Footprint Future Mesa : Summary Report for 18 August 2021 to 03 March 2022 PARTICIPANT SUMMARY ENGAGED 2,297 ENGAGED PARTICIPANTS (%) Registered Unverified Anonymous Climate Action Plan Contributed on Forums 0 0 0 Participated in Surveys 9 18 2,190 Contributed to Newsfeeds 0 0 0 Participated in Quick Polls 6 12 87 Posted on Guestbooks 0 0 0 Contributed to Stories 0 0 0 Asked Questions 0 0 0 Placed Pins on Places 0 0 0 Contributed to Ideas 4 25 23 2,297 (46.8%) INFORMED AWARE * A single engaged participant can perform multiple actions ENGAGED * Calculated as a percentage of total visits to the Project 2,460 INFORMED PARTICIPANTS (%) Participants Climate Action Plan Viewed a video 0 Viewed a photo 0 Downloaded a document 0 Visited the Key Dates page 191 Visited an FAQ list Page 0 Visited Instagram Page 0 Visited Multiple Project Pages 179 Contributed to a tool (engaged) 2,297 2,460 (50.1%) INFORMED AWARE * A single informed participant can perform multiple actions ENGAGED * Calculated as a percentage of total visits to the Project 4,912 AWARE PARTICIPANTS Participants Climate Action Plan Visited at least one Page 4,912 INFORMED AWARE * Aware user could have also performed an Informed or Engaged Action 38 CITY OF MESA Page 2 of 6 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY * Total list of unique visitors to the project 4,912 Footprint Future Mesa : Summary Report for 18 August 2021 to 03 March 2022 PARTICIPANT SUMMARY ENGAGED 2,297 ENGAGED PARTICIPANTS (%) Registered Unverified Anonymous Climate Action Plan Contributed on Forums 0 0 0 Participated in Surveys 9 18 2,190 Contributed to Newsfeeds 0 0 0 Participated in Quick Polls 6 12 87 Posted on Guestbooks 0 0 0 Contributed to Stories 0 0 0 Asked Questions 0 0 0 Placed Pins on Places 0 0 0 Contributed to Ideas 4 25 23 2,297 (46.8%) INFORMED AWARE * A single engaged participant can perform multiple actions ENGAGED * Calculated as a percentage of total visits to the Project 2,460 INFORMED PARTICIPANTS (%) Participants Climate Action Plan Viewed a video 0 Viewed a photo 0 Downloaded a document 0 Visited the Key Dates page 191 Visited an FAQ list Page 0 Visited Instagram Page 0 Visited Multiple Project Pages 179 Contributed to a tool (engaged) 2,297 2,460 (50.1%) INFORMED AWARE * A single informed participant can perform multiple actions ENGAGED * Calculated as a percentage of total visits to the Project 4,912 AWARE PARTICIPANTS Participants Climate Action Plan Visited at least one Page 4,912 4,912 INFORMED AWARE * Aware user could have also performed an Informed or Engaged Action Page 2 of 6 * Total list of unique visitors to the project CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 39 C Appendix B: Online Engagement Ideas Report 40 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Energy Title Promote teleworking Description If local governments and local companies offered more days of teleworking there would be less automotive travel on a daily basis. Solar and encourage reusing True Energy Independence Any plans to discuss clean energy needs to include nuclear. If you do not consider nuclear energy as a viable option to achieve clean energy with minimal environmental impact then you are not actually serious about this issue. Nuclear is clean, produces zero carbon emissions, produces zero air pollutants, is highly containable to a small geographic region, and is energy rich. These things need to be considered since the technology for safe, clean power from nuclear already exists. We do not need to wait for decades for efficient solar or wind technologies to be made readily available to the public. We do not need to waste large amounts of land for gigantic solar or wind fields where nothing else can develop. We also do not need to fill our landfills with the dead equipment of solar and wind technologies with their own environmentally toxic components. Don’t blame humans I disagree! Human activity is not largely responsible for climate change. It’s due to divine design of natural physical forces of the Earth. GHG Impact Assessments Pavement, sprawl, construction materials, for future development induced traffic all has GHG consequences. In proposals. the development of Mesa’s land use patterns/ decisions and transportation options have largely ignored these impacts and let concerns of traffic congestion and level of service mandate certain development outcomes. GHG Impacts should be considered to balance the Traffic Impacts that only see more pavement as a positive. See Smart Growth guidance, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient development design as long been advised by the EPA. Corridors for high-quality Prioritize corridors of the city that are prime for infill transit along key routes for transformative land-use and transportation morphology for sustainable outcomes. Votes Visitors 8 26 1 8 5 26 3 37 1 10 2 14 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 41 Energy Title Description Seek Co-Benefit Solutions: ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(08)00682-X/ The Built Environment, fulltext Climate Change, and Health Quoting the abstract: “The earth’s climate is changing, due largely to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity. These human-generated gases derive in part from aspects of the built environment such as transportation systems and infrastructure, building construction and operation, and landuse planning. Transportation, the largest end-use consumer of energy, affects human health directly through air pollution and subsequent respiratory effects, as well as indirectly through physical activity behavior. Buildings contribute to climate change, influence transportation, and affect health through the materials utilized, decisions about sites, electricity and water usage, and landscape surroundings.” Solar shade Wire New Construction to be EV Ready 42 In terms of the local government responsibility, transportation policy is largely in the government’s hands. Local control of right-of-way is a public asset, but it’s also a liability when it’s impacts generate long-term harm to the climate/ecosystem, harm human lives, and burden economic sustainability with heavy tax burdens for unfunded maintenance projections. No private investment can alter the transportation system in the ways that public policy and transportation systems design can. THIS MAKES IT THE CITY’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PRIORITIZE THE CLIMATE RESPONSE IN TRANSPORTATION.” More parking lots, playgrounds, outdoor areas, etc. with shade structures that have solar panels on top of them. We have sun almost every day of the year, its a shame to waste it. All new construction in Mesa (houses and multi-family dwellings with garages) should including appropriate wiring to be electric vehicle-ready. Negligible cost compared to having to re-wire an existing dwelling later which might be a deterrent to purchasing an EV. CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Votes Visitors 1 9 5 8 3 7 Energy Title Changing building codes Ban personal fireworks except for holidays Corporate and Household Food Waste Policy Corporate and Household Food Waste Policy Recycling Less water Hot water recirc pumps Description We need to update building codes to ensure that new constructions are not utilizing natural gas or oil for heating, and perhaps are required to be prepared for or already have on-site renewable energy generation. I also think that any open parking lots should be covered with solar structures, shading and protecting vehicles from sun damage and excessive heat while also providing power to the grid. Solar won’t be the answer for all our energy needs, but covering vacant space and rooftops will significantly help lower our fossil fuel dependence while providing the city with other benefits like shade. Personal fireworks should be banned except for holidays and enforce no burn days. People near downtown shoot fireworks very late at night. Invest in prevention and keep waste out of landfills and enable better food diversion/donation programs. Each year, between 30-40% of all food in the US is unsold or uneaten. That’s $408 billion worth of food— roughly 2% of US GDP—and about 4% of US GHG emissions. Most becomes food waste, heading straight to landfill, incineration, down the drain, or it's left in the fields be tilled back under. All while millions face hunger and our ecosystems are degraded. Invest in prevention and keep waste out of landfills and enable better food diversion/donation programs. Each year, between 30-40% of all food in the US is unsold or uneaten. That’s $408 billion worth of food— roughly 2% of US GDP—and about 4% of US GHG emissions. Most becomes food waste, heading straight to landfill, incineration, down the drain, or it's left in the fields be tilled back under. All while millions face hunger and our ecosystems are degraded. The recycling center has been burned down for years so nothing is actually getting recycled. The fees we paid for “recycling” should rebuilt. We have to plan for less water. Lawns everywhere, except parks, need to go, and houses should be using recycled water. whole-house hot H20 recirc pumps required in ALL new homes being built could save THOUSANDS of gallons of H20 every year during the life of every home, simple AND inexpensive if installed during construction Votes Visitors 2 4 4 2 3 3 3 3 1 4 1 2 0 0 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 43 Energy Title Description It would be nice to see Mesa implement incentives or fines (depending on motivation) to property owners that remove trees along public areas without replacing them. We've watched hundreds of trees be removed in the last 3 years, with very little effort made to replace them. Trees are good for our community both aesthetically and environmentally. Electric Vehicles Add electric vehicle charging stations. Comment response to Each company needs to decide if this is possible. “Promote teleworking “ However, incentives such as tax breaks would encourage companies to offer this. Comment response to Solar energy is extremely expensive and highly "Solar and encourage inefficient. They use rare earth minerals to build and reusing" will fill up our landfills. There are better ways, such as nuclear. Until someone comes up with a better solar panel that is affordable and actually produces energy that can be reserved for later use, nuclear and natural gas are clean and make more sense. Comment response to "True Surely you are not advocating building another Energy Independence" nuclear plant. Solar panels providing shaded spots on parking lots and on rooftops is not "wasting" land. Waste from solar technology is easier to recycle than nuclear waste. Comment response to "True Solar panels are extremely expensive and still not at all Energy Independence" efficient. They will create a lot of waste in landfills, use rare earth minerals to build, and give a tiny of fraction of energy compared to nuclear energy. Yes, build a second plant and we can get rid of coal, oil and natural gas and replace it with clean nuclear energy. Votes Visitors 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Replace trees along public areas Comment response to "I disagree! Human activity is not largely responsible for climate change. It's due to divine design of natural physical forces of the Earth." Unless you can provide real evidence that this is true, there is no reason to take this opinion seriously. Comment response to "I disagree! Human activity is not largely responsible for climate change. It's due to divine design of natural physical forces of the Earth." Whatever your beliefs and sources are about the cause of climate change, we all agree it is happening and we have to do something about it so that our community and futures can live in safer, more resilient and smarter environments. Try to contribute to solutions and we will be a better community for it. 44 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Air Quality Title Restraints Votes 8 Visitors 26 Prohibit consumer fireworks They are loud, polluting, destructive, and wasteful. 3 3 Encourage Telecommuting 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 Plant more trees. Description Limit use of leaf blowers by landscapers and prohibit use of consumer fireworks. Give tax breaks to companies that encourage telecommuting. Plant native trees, bushes and flowers. Climate change is a hoax. It's a cycle per 6. Research Vostok ice samples. Its nonsense. If you want to help environment have China and India stop. They are responsible for 80% of problem. Comment response to Not sire how leaf blowers hurt air quality permanently. "Limit use of leaf blowers That seems like wanting to outlaw dust storms. by landscapers and prohibit use of consumer fireworks." CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 45 Materials Management Title Recycle and Compost Description Have a better recycling system, have a community compost area. Recycling in apartment complexes We should change the law banning apartment complexes from recycling in Maricopa County. Or provide community recycling bins so those in apartments can recycle if they want to. Improved Recycling Program The city should improve the current recycling program. Almost nothing is accepted anymore and something should be added to be able to recycle plastic bags with the city. Reduce Consumption of Take to heart the 3 Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle. We Plastic and Consumption somehow have to get over our addiction to buying Overall plastic water bottles for daily use. Encourage purchase or facilitate a giveaway of reusable water bottles, or reuse a plastic one. Reuse other products rather than throw away after a single use. Before you purchase a product in a plastic container, determine if that product can be found in another form. Consider Surcharge on Each A surcharge of ten cents on each plastic beverage Plastic Beverage Bottle Sold bottle sold in any venue could be designated to used to develop a recycling program. It might influence some to not buy over and over again that bottle of water or soda. 46 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Votes 3 Visitors 6 2 7 2 4 0 2 1 1 Materials Management Title Teach people HOW to recycle PROPERLY Description Votes Visitors The problem with recycling is that people don't know how to do it properly, which causes recycling centers to take on the expenses incurred because of it, and their machines to get messed up from plastic in the recycle bins in Mesa. I would suggest LARGE and CLEAR visual instructions NEXT to the recycling bins (not on the lids which nobody sees). Most people don't want to put effort into looking up what items can be recycled and instead "wishcycle" with the hope that whatever they throw into the containers will be recycled, but they are causing more harm than good. The city could educate people about alternative recycling drop-offs too, such as the local Household Hazardous Materials Facility, styrofoam center in Tempe, clothing & textile bins, and store drop-offs for certain plastics. When people have the proper knowledge, see how easy it can be to collect and drop off their items (pair it with an errand for example), and understand the benefits of doing so, they may be more likely to do recycle the right way. They can lead by example. I'm the type of person that will drive to Scottsdale to drop off my recycling (locations on their website) because they accept so many more items, and I'll drop things off at all the places mentioned above. It did take some time to research it all, but now that I know exactly what to do, I'm set for all my future recycling needs, and it can be this easy for everyone else too if the information is provided to them, minus the upfront research! 0 1 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 47 Food Systems Title Less animal products Community vegetable gardens Preserve farm land along irrigation infrastructure Seek Co-Benefit Solutions: The Built Environment, Climate Change, and Health Description Reduce consumption of animal products - many scientists have said this is the main way we can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions. People contribute time, money or resources and in return have fresh food for their families. Join MARCo, codify food system health into the General Plan update, zoning code, and subdivision regulations. ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(08)00682-X/ fulltext Quoting the abstract: "The earth's climate is changing, due largely to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity. These human-generated gases derive in part from aspects of the built environment such as transportation systems and infrastructure, building construction and operation, and landuse planning. Transportation, the largest end-use consumer of energy, affects human health directly through air pollution and subsequent respiratory effects, as well as indirectly through physical activity behavior. Buildings contribute to climate change, influence transportation, and affect health through the materials utilized, decisions about sites, electricity and water usage, and landscape surroundings." In terms of the local government responsibility, transportation policy is largely in the government's hands. Local control of right-of-way is a public asset, but it's also a liability when it's impacts generate long-term harm to the climate/ecosystem, harm human lives, and burden economic sustainability with heavy tax burdens for unfunded maintenance projections. No private investment can alter the transportation system in the ways that public policy and transportation systems design can. THIS MAKES IT THE CITY'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PRIORITIZE THE CLIMATE RESPONSE IN TRANSPORTATION. 48 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Votes Visitors 5 8 3 8 0 3 1 4 Food Systems Title Urban Aeroponic Farming Sustainable Classes Comment response to "community vegetable gardens" Description Companies such as Bowery and AeroFarms have revolutionized farming of staples such as lettuce, arugula, and spices like basil, oregano, cilantro, etc. By utilizing old warehouse and industrial buildings to build vertical aeroponic farms, massive quantities of food can be grown all year round with far greater efficiency than traditional farming. The best part is, not only does this utilize abandoned buildings and land and create jobs within the city, but it also significantly reduces the need for dangerous pesticides, and greatly reduces emissions related with the transport of the produce, as it is grown directly within the city. The City of Mesa should try to invite a company like this to our city to create a farm of this kind, that will use far less water and land but still provide essential food items to much of our city’s population. Classes/resources of how to start and maintain a successful, sustainable square-foot garden. More seed sharing programs. Increase consumption of plant based foods majority of meals Votes Visitors 1 1 0 0 0 0 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 49 Appendix C: Marketing Channels 50 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Help Shape Mesa’s Footprint for the Future SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT February 2022 PROJECT NAME: Climate Action Plan CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 51 How important are the following climate-related hazards to you? Question options I'm very concerned I'm neutral on this 282 146 1780 Prolonged Drought I'm not concerned Severe Weather Events 363 1683 432 1583 153 244 660 1289 Power Supply Loss 321 666 1202 Impacts on Agriculture and Food Production Loss of Biodiversity 208 398 1584 Extreme Heat 180 Reduced Air Quality 1728 320 147 Increased Wildfires 1660 336 500 1000 1500 181 2000 Optional question (2216 response(s), 5 skipped) Question type: Likert Question 52 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 2500 What are your top priorities to help reduce climate change impacts? 2000 1438 1500 1061 936 722 1000 687 489 318 500 106 Question options Improve Air Quality Transition to Renewable Energy Responsible Water Management Improve Disaster Preparedness Mitigate/Reduce Urban Heat Reduce Landfill Waste More Sustainable Food Systems Other (please specify) Optional question (2206 response(s), 15 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 53 What City initiatives do you think would provide the most benefit? 1400 1311 1167 1200 1121 1000 800 588 600 386 354 342 400 308 209 200 Question options Tree and shade plan Adopt advanced building standards Producer waste solutions and/or policies Support for a carbon tax Resilient water supply Improve availability of electric and alternative vehicle options Increase renewable energy infrastructure Conversion of vehicle fleets to natural gas or electric Increased bicycle and pedestrian lanes/pathways Optional question (2188 response(s), 33 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 54 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY What would make you consider modes of transportation other than a car? 800 716 737 728 700 600 546 545 500 400 339 274 288 277 300 241 200 100 Question options More frequent bus service Bus or transit closer to my home, my business, or where I want to go Bus service later in the evening and better service on weekends More shaded sidewalks and transit stops More neighborhood routes (similar to the downtown Buzz) Enhanced bike and pedestrian paths like bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks Electric bikeshare and/or scooter share programs Easier access to or employer supported carpools and vanpools More stores and services within walking/biking distance of my home Other (please specify) Optional question (2092 response(s), 129 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question Page 4 of 15 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 55 Which of the top Energy reducing actions are you currently taking, or are you willing to start doing? 1600 1350 1335 1400 1200 1005 1000 800 623 600 385 336 400 264 208 126 200 1 Question options Energy audit to evaluate best improvements to save energy Energy efficiency upgrades, such as appliances, windows, and smart thermostats, etc Plan, build, or renovate with net-zero energy concepts in mind Install solar energy Plant shade trees to reduce cooling costs Install a battery storage system for my solar photo-voltaic system to reduce peak energy usage Program to purchase solar energy Maintain air conditioning system for efficiencies with filter changes and regular inspections Programs to learn more about energy efficiency Other (please specify) Optional question (2188 response(s), 33 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 56 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY When making a purchase which actions are you currently taking, or are you willing to start doing? 1400 1311 1163 1166 1200 1000 850 765 800 600 400 268 176 200 81 2 Question options Products made from renewable materials, or little or no packaging Carefully plan purchases to “right-size” orders Avoid single use items Buy products, including foods, with little to no packaging Purchase repairable items/repair existing items Locally produced items Reusable containers, rather than disposable Research manufacturer’s policies related to earth-friendly manufacturing Other (please specify) Optional question (2186 response(s), 35 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 57 Which actions are you currently taking, or are you willing to start doing to reduce waste at the landfill? 1400 1240 1200 1084 1073 1000 747 800 707 600 400 285 267 199 200 82 Question options Waste audit at your home or business Managing shopping, use, and storage practices to reduce food waste Food waste collection program at my home or work Compost food and landscaping waste ‘Grasscycle’ with a mulching lawn mower instead of bagging clippings Look for ‘greener’ and safer alternatives to products Donate electronics, appliances, equipment, and other usable items for reuse Dispose of end-of-life electronics, appliances, and equipment at recycling facilities or businesses Optional question (2179 response(s), 42 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 58 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Other (please specify) Which water conservation actions are you currently taking or are you willing to start doing? 1400 1235 1200 1118 1008 1000 800 610 568 569 600 400 309 163 200 110 65 Question options Water audit to evaluate improvements to save water Install “WaterSense” labelled fixtures for toilets and showerheads Install smart irrigation equipment that adjusts watering seasonally Remove a pool or hot tub from the property Install a desert-adapted landscape Repair leaks to reduce water loss Add a cover to a pool or hot tub to reduce evaporative water losses Monitor water bill and water usage regularly Look for ways to harvest rainwater and greywater for the landscape Other (please specify) Optional question (2190 response(s), 31 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 59 What would encourage you and your family to eat more locally grown, lower impact foods? 1600 1457 1400 1200 1000 800 711 682 648 600 503 466 391 382 400 181 200 103 Question options Community garden close to my home or work Farmer’s market or similar events Tasty and affordable alternatives to meat and dairy products Signage and labels to recognize organic or local produce Grocery store within walking distance More farm-to-table restaurants near me Educational workshops on how to grow and cook healthy foods Access to a local farmers CSA (community supported agriculture) close to my home or workplace A climate change food calculator app to measure my carbon impact, and change my buying and eating habits Other (please specify) Optional question (2162 response(s), 59 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 60 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Which urban heat mitigation/reduction actions do you support? 1400 1325 1308 1200 1069 1000 858 800 659 600 354 400 254 192 200 69 51 Question options Tree planting initiatives and urban forest management programs Solar covered parking at public buildings and businesses Conservation and preservation of natural areas and open space Preparation of the workforce for climate risks at work sites Community programs that educate and encourage checking on neighbors Use of alternative asphalt types and paving materials to absorb less heat Use of “cool roofs” that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat Use of permeable paving and rain gardens Cooling stations at public spaces during extreme heat events Other (please specify) Optional question (2195 response(s), 26 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 61 Which air quality improvement actions are you currently taking or are you willing to start doing? 1200 1105 1100 1003 1000 841 900 798 800 700 553 600 513 500 368 400 294 300 245 200 65 100 Question options Take a bus, carpool or work-from-home on high-pollution advisory days Teleworking/work-from-home policies Plant more trees Electric vehicle for personal or business use Walk or ride your bike to work Replace or eliminate wood burning fireplaces and firepits Use electric lawn equipment and reduce the use of leaf blowers Support restrictions of individual firework displays Drive smarter by accelerating and stopping gradually, combining errands, and limiting idling Optional question (2188 response(s), 33 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 62 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Other (please specify) I would be more likely to participate in climate solution activities if: 1500 1256 1380 1032 858 713 1000 220 500 125 Question options They saved me money There was a tax break, incentive, or rebate If I better understood how I could help and how my actions make an impact The activities were something my friends, co-workers, or family members did I knew that the City of Mesa was also taking action They took place in my own neighborhood Other (please specify) Optional question (2176 response(s), 45 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question Select which of these describe you. 2500 2032 2000 1500 1007 891 1000 207 500 179 Question options Live in Mesa Work in Mesa Play in Mesa Study in Mesa Own a business in Mesa Optional question (2207 response(s), 14 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 63 How important to you are the following individual and community benefits provided by the implementation of climate solutions? Question options Not Important Important Improved health for my family and me Creating a more equitable community that addr... 141 331 Very Important 1560 475 637 1188 Passing along a community that is healthy at ... 163 Reducing impacts on the natural environment 138 515 1511 Living in a resilient and thriving community 106 666 1377 1388 603 500 1000 1500 2000 Optional question (2202 response(s), 19 skipped) Question type: Likert Question 64 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 2500 Enter the Zip code that you live or mostly frequently visit in Mesa. 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 339 (20.9%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 339 (20.9%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 2 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) 3 2(0.2%) (0.1%) 43(0.2%) (0.2%) 14 4 (0.9%) (0.2%) 25 (0.9%) (1.5%) 14 27(1.5%) (1.7%) 25 34(1.7%) (2.1%) 27 311 (19.2%) (3.0%) 3449 (2.1%) 311 (19.2%) (3.2%) 49 52 (3.0%) 52 (3.2%) 52 (3.2%) 57 (3.5%) 52 (3.2%) 60 (3.7%) 57 (3.5%) 158 (9.7%) 60 (3.7%) 158 (9.7%) 181 (11.2%) 244 (15.1%) 181 (11.2%) 244 (15.1%) Question options Mesa, AZ 85204 Mesa, AZ 85201 Mesa, AZ 85202 Mesa, AZ 85210 Mesa, AZ 85212 Mesa, AZ 85207 Mesa, AZ 85209 Mesa, AZ 85213 Mesa, AZ 85203 Mesa, AZ 85205 Mesa, AZ 85206 Mesa, AZ 85208 Mesa, AZ 85215 Mesa, AZ 85211 skipped Queen Creek, AZ 85140 Gilbert, AZ 85298 Gold Canyon, AZ 85218 Chandler, AZ 85224 Queen Creek, AZ 85143 Gilbert, AZ 85234 Gilbert, AZ 85233 Tempe, AZ 85282 Gilbert, AZ 85296 Tempe, AZ 85283 Chandler, AZ 85249 Optional question (1617 response(s), 604 skipped) Question type: Region Question CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 65 What is your ethnicity? 1800 1676 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 333 400 200 81 45 77 41 Question options White Hispanic/Latino Black/African American Native American/American Indian Other (please specify) Optional question (2145 response(s), 76 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 66 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Asian/Pacific Islander What is your age? 48 (2.3%) 8 (0.4%) 48 (2.3%) 8 (0.4%) 348 (16.4%) 348 (16.4%) 470 (22.1%) 470 (22.1%) 445 (20.9%) 445 (20.9%) 808 (38.0%) 808 (38.0%) Question options Under 18 18-34 years 35-44 years 45-64 years 65+ years I prefer not to answer Optional question (2127 response(s), 94 skipped) Question type: Dropdown Question Page 15 of 15 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 67 Appendix D: Final Survey Responses Report 68 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Mesa Climate Action Plan: Community Engagement Strategies Newsletters • • • • • • • • • COM Email Blast - Targeted Zip Codes Community Engagement eNewsletter Economic Development Small Business eNewsletter Green Living Magazine email blast Library eNewsletter Living Green Events eNewletter OpenLine eNewsletter Parks eNewsletter Watering Reminder eNewsletter Virtual Promotions • • • • • • • • • Climate Action Plan Webpage COM My Utility Portal COM Social Media Accounts COM Social Mesa Accounts for Councilmembers COM Website Homescreen Banner Community Webpages for neighborhoods: Dobson Ranch, Eastmark Footprint for Future Mesa Website Inside Mesa Webpage to City Employees Sustainability Webpage Digital Media • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • COM Facebook COM Facebook - Paid Ads (Targeted Audience) COM Facebook en Espanol COM Facebook en Espanol - Paid Ads (Targeted Audience) COM Instagram Story (Contact Delia) COM Twitter Digital Billboards Around Mesa Living Green Mesa Twitter Mayor Facebook & Twitter Mesa City Plaza TV in Lobby (web banner) Mesa Public Schools Peach Jar – Paid Post (Flyer) Next Door – ‘Let’s Get Quizzical’ feature Next Door - Posts (general messaging) Other Councilmember Facebook & Twitter Social Posts for Dobson Ranch Community (Nancy Roggio) Social Posts for Eastmark Community (Stephanie Madden) “COM” Refers to City of Mesa CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY 69 Mesa Climate Action Plan: Community Engagement Strategies Print Media • • • • Green Living Magazine Ad Mesa Tribune Ads Spoke Life Magazine Ad Utility Paper Bill Text Message Press Release • Mesa Now Press Release Specialty Groups • • • • • • • • • • • Asian Chamber of Commerce Downtown Mesa Association East Valley Hispanic Chamber East Valley NAACP LISC Local First Arizona Mayor’s Youth Committee Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens Mesa Chamber of Commerce Mesa Hispanic Network RAIL Mesa A-Frame Boards • • • Arizona Museum of Natural History IDEA Museum Mesa Arts Center Events • • • Asian Festival Celebrate Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board Meeting “COM” Refers to City of Mesa 70 CITY OF MESA CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: COMMUNITY ACTION STUDY Focus Area Target Strategy GHG Impact Leads Time frame Develop programs that improve building energy efficiency, with a goal of net-zero GHG emission energy use. High City and Community Medium Improve energy performance in less efficient buildings with periodic, cost effective and incremental energy efficiency improvements. High City and Community Ongoing Weatherize City buildings in need of energy efficiency improvement. Pair with strategies like electric vehicle charging, energy storage, and fuel switching. High City Ongoing d Promote use of established home energy rating system for all single-family home so potential buyers and renters can make informed decisions. Medium City Medium e Partner with local utilities and non-profit organizations to weatherize homes and multifamily dwellings for those with the largest risk of the negative effects of climate change. Extend partnerships to commercial facilities to help small business stay ahead of potentially rising energy costs and climate challenges. High City and Community Medium Energy 1.1 Reduce energy use and decarbonize buildings a b c 1.2 Reduce energy use and decarbonize transportation a Increase access to healthy transportation options, like active transportation (walking, biking), carpooling, public transit, and next generation mobility, with goal to reduce vehicle miles traveled in single occupant vehicles. High City and Community Medium b Develop an electric vehicle charging master plan for deployment of charging infrastructure at City sites, such as parks, libraries and rights-of-way, with special attention to neighborhoods where charging infrastructure is not available. High City and Community Short Work collaboratively with the community on strategies that will increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure-ready homes and businesses. High City and Community Medium Advocate for access to electric vehicles for low-income people. High City and Community Medium c d 1.3 Increase the use of clean, renewable energy and decarbonize the grid a Accelerate the use of carbon-free, renewable energy supplies that come from hydroelectric, solar, biogas, wind, and other innovative technologies in local utility energy portfolios. High City Short b Expand on-site renewable energy generation and storage capacity to support resilience in the community. High City and Community Short c Subscribe to and advocate for utility scale renewable energy projects that provide energy for the community. High City Short d Accelerate the installation of infrastructure for electric vehicles and renewable natural gas vehicles. High City and Community Short e Support community-based renewable energy initiatives. High City and Community Short Use verified and proven carbon offsets where renewable energy options are not feasible. High City and Utility Medium f 1.4 Maintain a resilient, clean energy supply a b Invest in resilient energy sources and infrastructure. Resilience City and Utility Short Advocate for resilient energy supplies for the community. Resilience City and Community Medium Co-Benefits Focus Area Target Strategy GHG Impact Leads Time frame a Implement programs that help Mesa meet US EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Resilience City Medium b Educate community on the value of energy efficiency and the transition to carbon-free energy. High City and Utility Short c Enhance comfortable, walkable connections to public facilities, parks, and neighborhood-level services. Promote compact, healthy, livable land use patterns. Resilience City and Community Short Air Quality 2.1 Reduce GHGs and ozone d Develop a tree and shade master plan that will be part of the evaluation of walkable connections and promote carbon sequestration. Medium City Medium e Provide transit options and transportation networks, such as electric vehicles charging stations, for longer trips. High City and Community Medium f Convert gasoline and diesel-powered powered equipment, such as landscaping and construction equipment, to electric or low-emission fuels. High City and Community Medium Reduce vehicle trips on High Pollution Advisory Days. High City and Community Medium g 2.2 2.3 Reduce dust a Implement strategies that result in stricter adherence with Maricopa County dust control regulations. Resilience City Medium b Invest in the urban forest, including appropriate plant selection, irrigation and care. Resilience City and Community Short Resilience City Medium Resilience City Short Reduce smoke a 2.4 Enhance local compliance with smoke emission requirements on “no-burn” days through outreach and incentives. Increase community commitment to air quality recommendations a Enhance inclusive community education on Maricopa County’s Clean Air Make More program and other collaborative air quality programs. Co-Benefits Focus Area Target Strategy GHG Impact Leads Time frame Urban Heat Mitigation 3.1 Mitigate heat island effect in urban areas a Coordinate with ASU, Arizona Department of Health Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and similar organizations on the collection and distribution of heat and weather data for the community. Resilience City Short b Identify shading strategies for key pedestrian networks, including transit stops. Resilience City Medium c Develop a plan with recommendations for strategic placement of trees and structured shade. Medium City Medium d Reduce the number of unshaded transit stops through the use of trees or structural shade elements. Resilience City Medium e Collaborate with designers, engineers and contractors to use alternative materials and coatings hold less heat and that more effectively dissipate heat. Medium City and Community Medium Medium City Medium Resilience City and Community Short City and Community Short f Promote the use of green infrastructure and stormwater management. g 3.2 3.3 Install solar canopy parking structures in parking lots. Support resilient ecosystems and Mesa’s natural ability to capture and store carbon a Collaborate with community partners to ensure a healthy urban forest. b Protect natural open space and conserve native wildlife, plants, and natural areas. Resilience City and Community Medium c Manage areas to support resilient ecosystems and biodiversity. Resilience City and Community Short d Support resilient ecosystems through selection of desert adapted trees and plants that will thrive in the anticipated climate of 2030. Resilience City and Community Medium Resilience Prepare the community and workforce a Develop an energy performance and heat resilience program that provides a path to weatherize less efficient homes and businesses. Resilience City and Community Medium b Foster a safe work environment by preparing workforce for climate change risks they may encounter at their work sites. Resilience City and Employers Short c Provide the resources necessary to adequately prepare the community for climate change risks that may affect their home or work environment. Resilience City, Community and Employers Medium Work with the City’s Community Engagement Division and local nonprofits to educate neighborhoods about heat concerns and issues. Resilience City Medium d Co-Benefits Focus Area Target Strategy GHG Impact Leads Time frame Water stewardship 4.1 Efficient use of potable water a Install efficient fixtures and equipment. Resilience City and Community Medium b Implement effective water conservation strategies and incentives. Resilience City and Community Short c Enhance incentives for customers to use water efficiently outdoors. Resilience City Medium d Provide water customers with detailed information about planting, caring for and the value of desert-adapted trees and landscaping. Encourage limiting grass to areas that have recreational value. Resilience City Short e Conduct audits, install leak detection and replace water cooled equipment with efficient air-cooled equipment. Resilience City and Community Medium f Collaborate with utilities and the community to develop a water use efficiency performance program, including incentives, so that less efficient users understand how to make periodic, cost-effective, incremental water efficiency improvements, indoors and out. Resilience City and Community Short Expand the City’s conservation education and outreach programs for students. Challenge students at all levels to learn about conservation strategies, engage in conservation research and develop water efficiency solutions. Resilience City Medium Look for opportunities in new City projects, parks, roads and buildings, as illustrated in the Low Impact Development Toolkit and the Greater Phoenix Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development Details for Alternative Stormwater Management. Resilience City Medium Reduce stormwater pollution by installing stormwater quality retrofit pilot projects on three City sites. Coordinate flood control with water quality projects. Resilience City Short Protect natural resources and conserve natural areas. Resilience City and Community Medium g 4.2 Protect surface water resources a b c 4.3 Maintain a resilient water supply for City operations a Invest in resilient water infrastructure projects to maintain resilient water supplies. Resilience City Short b Implement strategies and infrastructure that optimize reuse and underground water storage. Resilience City Short Co-Benefits Focus Area Target Strategy GHG Impact Leads Time frame Materials Management 5.1 Eliminate GHG emissions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous material to the greatest extent possible a Replace chemicals and materials identified as GHG and VOC emitters with alternatives in construction, maintenance, and operations. Resilience City and Community b Select products with low supply chain emissions. High City and Community Short c Purchase products sourced locally. High City and Community Short Implement mindful purchasing for capital projects, maintenance projects and standard operations. Medium City and Community Medium Expand options for reuse and recovery of hard to recycle materials. Medium City and Community Medium Develop initiatives that support a circular economy framework and engage the community on upstream solutions to reduce waste. Medium City Medium d Reuse, repair, refurbish, repurpose equipment and materials whenever possible and look into alternative markets for reuse. Medium City and Community Medium e Use the Recycle Right Wizard search tool available at MesaRecycles.org and on the MesaNow app. Medium Community Short f Strategically set up waste stream systems that beneficially use waste that is not reusable or recyclable to create power from waste. Medium City and Community Medium High City Short Medium City Short Medium City Medium 5.2 Short Reduce waste and transform the circular economy a b c g Reduce waste by converting heavy duty fleet and CNG powered vehicles to low-emission, renewable natural gas vehicles. h Work with local organizations to support local businesses that have similar goals. i Expand education and outreach for sustainable purchasing guidelines. 5.3 Ensure safe and cost-effective long-term disposal a Increase long-term landfill sustainability. Medium City Medium b Advance multi-family and commercial recycling. Medium City Medium c Turn waste into a resource and promote upstream solutions to reduce waste. Medium City and Community Medium Co-Benefits Focus Area Target Strategy GHG Impact Leads Time frame Support low-carbon food production, distribution, and ecosystems. In addition to mitigating climate impacts, this strategy will support biodiversity. High City and Community Medium b Support sustainable urban growth that includes equitable access to local food systems. High City Medium c Support a strong community network of successful and culturally diverse businesses that produce, process, cook, transport, and sell foods with the goal of preventing food loss and waste. Medium City Medium Medium City Medium High City Medium Local, sustainable food systems 6.1 Cultivate natural systems a d Optimize waste operations that create energy and compost from waste. e Incorporate sustainable growth, agriculture, food processing and distribution into existing and future economic development initiatives. 6.2 Cultivate local food systems and natural systems a Recognize that local food systems and natural systems are an integral part of the economy. Medium City and Community Short b Encourage backyard gardens and urban gardens (for personal use or business). Medium City and Community Short c Support sustainable urban growth that includes equitable access to local food systems. High City Medium Build agriculture (farms, processing, distribution and sales) into land use planning. High City Medium d e f 6.3 6.4 Support a strong community network of successful and culturally diverse businesses that produce, process, cook, transport, and sell foods with the goal of preventing food loss and waste. Support local agriculture education programs. High City Medium Medium City and Community Medium Build a model where all people in Mesa have access to affordable, healthy, local food a Encourage farmers markets, promote local gardening and sales. Medium City and Community Short b Build local food purchases into procurement policies. Medium City Medium c Partner with local organizations such as Local First Arizona, to provide technical assistance to business owners. Medium City and Community Short d Provide economic development support for local food businesses. Medium City Medium e Identify “food deserts” in Mesa, map available parcels, work with non-profits, and remove barriers to filling the gaps. Medium City Medium Waste and composting a Limit food waste by removing obstacles for efficient systems, partner with food banks and grocery stores. High City Medium b Optimize waste operations that create energy and compost from waste. Lead by example - Food Waste to Energy project. High City Medium c Work with Phoenix Metro partners to determine which reduction actions will reduce GHG emissions from the production, processing and delivery of food. Medium City and Community Medium Co-Benefits