City of West Sacramento
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Climate Action
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On June 4th, 2025, City Council adopted the West Sacramento Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). This plan establishes a roadmap for carbon neutrality by 2045. When this goal is achieved, the City of West Sacramento will demonstrate true environmental stewardship; and will increase the quality of life for its residents and businesses.
The City's greenhouse gas emissions come from three sources. Transportation is the largest contributor, with 64% of total output. Energy is responsible for 30% and methane from waste is 6%. These categories are expected to produce over 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. In order to reach carbon neutrality, output needs to dip down to less than 150,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
The CAAP was designed with solutions tailored to our emissions portfolio. Below are the seven overarching goals of the CAAP. Goals 1 and 2 address transportation, Goals 3 and 4 address energy and Goal 5 addresses waste. In addition, Goal 6 covers carbon removal and Goal 7 addresses resiliency.
Please take a look at the links below to see what the City plans to achieve in each area, and also take a look at what you can do to help!
If you have questions, please give the Sustainability Division a call at (916) 617-4590. We'd be happy to chat!
Since adoption of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, staff have gathered information and now have updates on all 26 actions. The good news is that 20 out of the 26 actions are already underway! Learn more below.
Action 1: Expand the Electric Vehicle Charging Network
Status: In Progress
The City has planned for 42 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations serving 70 parking stalls. To date, 18 stations with 32 stalls are operational at locations, including: City Hall, D & 3rd Street, and Lighthouse Charter School. Additional installations are planned at Bryte Park.
Action 2: Partner with Warehouse and Distribution Centers to Facilitate a ZEV Fleet Transition
Status: In Progress
City staff have conducted outreach to warehouse and distribution centers in West Sacramento to encourage and educate operators on the benefits of transitioning to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleets and cleaner freight operations.
Action 3: Specify Low- or Zero-Emission Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment in City Contracts
Status: Not Started
The Sustainability Team is establishing cohorts within City departments to tackle new initiatives, like this one. Aiming for adoption soon.
Action 4: Establish an Electric Vehicle Carshare Program for Low-Income Residents
Status: In Progress
The City has partnered with Via to provide affordable, on-demand transportation throughout West Sacramento, with a recent pilot extension into downtown Sacramento. Part of the fleet has already transitioned to hybrid vehicles, with plans to move toward fully electric vehicles in the future.
Action 5: Establish ZEV Targets for the Municipal Fleet
Status: In Progress
The City is collaborating with Yolo County on a countywide Zero-Emission Vehicle Action Plan to support municipal fleet transitions. In addition, the City is currently completing a Facilities, Vehicles, and Equipment Master Plan that includes a complete inventory of City vehicles to assess ZEV replacement opportunities. In 2025 alone, the city has brought on 10 EVs across various departments.
Action 6: Expand Telecommuting Opportunities Citywide
Status: In Progress
The City currently allows most staff to telework up to two days per week. Staff are also identifying local businesses that offer telecommuting through the West Sac Climate Champ program and exploring incentives to encourage expanded telework options citywide.
Action 7: Prioritize Transit-Oriented Development and Center/Corridor Community Growth
Status: In Progress
The City is advancing land use and transportation planning that prioritizes development in areas well served by transit and active transportation options. Key focus areas include the Bridge District, West Capitol Avenue, Sacramento Avenue, Jefferson Boulevard, and Cabaldon Parkway, where planning efforts aim to reconnect streets, improve walkability and bike access, and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
These strategies are integrated into the City’s General Plan and corridor planning efforts to support compact, connected development patterns that reduce car dependence and support long-term climate goals.
Action 8: Expand and Connect Active Transportation and Micromobility Networks
Status: In Progress
In 2021, City Council adopted the Mobility Action Plan (MAP), prioritizing walking, biking, and rolling with a goal of 40% of trips using active transportation by 2045. Additional efforts include expanding affordable micromobility options such as e-bicycles scooters as well as implementing the Sidewalks and Transportation Equity Program (STEP), which will add 21 miles of sidewalks in neighborhoods where residents rely on walking for their daily trips.
Action 9: Extend Regional Transit Services and Allocate Funding To Increase The Accessibility, Frequency and Reliability of Public Transit.
Status: In Progress
West Sacramento offers a range of public and shared transportation options, including local and regional bus service, on demand micro transit, and paratransit. The City partners with Via to provide affordable, flexible ride options while continuing to invest in infrastructure and planning efforts that improve transit accessibility, reliability, and connectivity for residents.
Action 10: Reduce the Impact of the Freight Rail System
Status: Not Started
City staff, who manage the Port, work closely with freight partners. More work will be done in the coming years to encourage alternative fuels and other sustainable practices.
Action 11: Enhance Utility Coordination and Advocate for Carbon-Free Electricity
Status: In Progress
As of 2023, PG&E’s electricity supply includes a significant portion of carbon-free and renewable energy sources. The City is also exploring utility-related rebates and programs through PG&E to help residents - particularly low-income households - reduce energy use and utility cost. Please visit PG&E’s “Energy Savings Assistance (ESA)” Program.
Action 12: Incentivize Local Solar and Energy Storage Systems
Status: In Progress
The City has streamlined residential solar permitting through SolarAPP+, significantly reducing permit processing times for eligible rooftop solar projects. This effort supports increased local solar adoption and broader participation in clean energy solutions.
Action 13: Develop and Adopt a Building Electrification Program and Incentives for Existing Buildings
Status: Not Started
Staff will meet this year to establish cohorts, including around actions 13, 14 and 15, which require significant research, development and adoption.
Action 14: Establish Energy Performance Standards and GHG Emissions Limits for Existing Commercial Buildings
Status: Not Started
Staff will meet this year to establish cohorts, including around actions 13, 14 and 15, which require significant research, development and adoption.
Action 15: Mandate All-electric New Construction in a Phased Approach to Eliminate On-site Fossil Fuel Use
Status: Not Started
Staff will meet this year to establish cohorts, including around actions 13, 14 and 15, which require significant research, development and adoption.
Action 16: Create a Home Energy Audit Program and Minimum Efficiency Thresholds
Status: In Progress
The City has launched a pilot Home Energy Audit Program designed in partnership with a local high school team to support residents in reducing energy use and lowering utility costs. The program is available to all West Sacramento homeowners, regardless of income, and provides an in-home assessment conducted by trained City staff.
During the audit, staff evaluate energy and water use and provide customized recommendations. Based on identified needs, residents may receive free efficiency upgrades such as LED light bulbs, smart power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, toilet leak detection kits, weatherization materials, and more. Through education, hands-on support, and dedicated staff, the program empowers residents with practical tools to make energy savings simple, affordable, and accessible.
Action 17: Expand Commercial and Multifamily Organic Waste Programs
Status: In Progress
In alignment with SB 1383 requirements, the City has conducted extensive outreach and site visits to ensure commercial and multifamily properties have access to organic waste collection services. As a result of these efforts, West Sacramento has achieved approximately 93% compliance in the commercial sector and 98% compliance among apartment complexes, reflecting substantial progress toward full implementation.
Action 18: Expand the Food Recovery Network to Collect Edible Food from Businesses
Status: In Progress
Food waste is a significant source of methane emissions, and the City has taken action to reduce this impact by expanding edible food recovery efforts. West Sacramento connects edible food generators with partners such as Yolo Food Bank and Mosaic Village to redirect surplus food to people in need.
In 2024, more than 3.18 million pounds of edible food were recovered from West Sacramento businesses, followed by over 2.1 million pounds in 2025. That same year, the City procured more than 4,335 tons of organic products—including compost, mulch, biogas conversion credits, and edible food recovery—exceeding State procurement targets.
Action 19: Reduce Unnecessary Material Consumption
Status: In Progress
The City is advancing waste reduction efforts through partnerships and internal practices that promote reuse and sustainable purchasing. West Sacramento partners with Repair Café to provide opportunities for residents to repair items such as clothing and bicycles, extending product lifespans and reducing waste.
The City has also led by example by eliminating single-use plastic plates, utensils, and service ware at City Hall and replacing them with reusable dishware. In addition, staff are looking to identify local businesses that adopt sustainable practices—such as compostable food service materials—and highlighting them through the West Sac Climate Champ program.
Action 20: Develop and Implement an Urban Forest Master Plan
Status: In Progress
The City has secured funding to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan to guide long-term tree planting, maintenance, and canopy expansion efforts. A draft Request for Proposals (RFP) is nearing release, marking a key step toward improving urban heat resilience, air quality, and neighborhood livability.
Action 21: Evaluate Carbon Removal Opportunities from Industrial Processes and Direct Air Capture
Status: Not Started
Direct Air Capture is a new technology, and is currently very expensive. This action will receive attention and research in future years. Carbon removal efforts are focused now on the expanse of the City’s tree canopy through the Urban Forest Master Plan.
Action 22: Integrate Climate Adaptation Actions Across City Operations, Processes, and Policies
Status: In Progress
To support implementation of the CAAP, the City has established a cross-departmental “superteam” to integrate climate considerations into daily operations, planning, and decision-making. This coordination is helping align the CAAP with other required efforts, such as the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which includes drainage improvements, levee maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring a more resilient and prepared city.
Action 23: Adopt a Comprehensive Approach to Reduce the Effects of Extreme Heat
Status: In Progress
The City is addressing extreme heat through long-term planning and near-term preparedness efforts. The forthcoming Urban Forest Master Plan will guide tree canopy expansion to increase shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.
In addition, the City’s hazard mitigation planning focuses on cooling centers, backup power for critical facilities, and strategies to support residents most vulnerable to heat, including the development of resilience hubs. Building and development standards also incorporate measures to reduce heat impacts in new construction.
Action 24: Reduce Vulnerability to Flooding
Status: In Progress
Due to its location at the confluence of major rivers, West Sacramento faces unique flood risks and has made substantial, long-term investments in flood protection. The City has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on flood infrastructure, including approximately $80 million through the Southport Levee Improvement Program, with multiple projects completed or underway.
City staff continue to integrate climate change considerations into flood modeling and planning and coordinate closely with hazard mitigation efforts to prepare for future flood scenarios, emergency response, and infrastructure resilience.
Action 25: Increase Water Resilience and Prepare for Extended Drought
Status: In Progress
The City of West Sacramento has completed over 700 Water Wise House Calls, assisting residents to reduce water use and improve efficiency. The City’s Home Energy Audit pilot will build on this work by identifying additional opportunities to save water indoors and outdoors. West Sacramento also adopted a permanent watering schedule in 2022 and continues to offer incentives like the Lawn-Be-Gone and the Smart Water Controller Rebate to support water-wise landscaping. In the near future, the City will also adopt a non-functional turf ban into its municipal code to the waste of potable water and strengthen long-term drought resilience.
Action 26: Protect Residents from Wildfire Smoke and Poor Air Quality
Status: In Progress
The City coordinates closely with Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District and Yolo County to prepare for and respond to poor air quality events. Through emergency response planning and hazard mitigation efforts, the City supports public education, distribution of protective resources, and clear messaging to help residents reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.