HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplicant Presentation - PresentationClimate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Climate Forward SLC
Planning Commission Meeting
May 27, 2026
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Why We’re Here
What We’ve Learned
Today’s
Agenda
Looking Ahead
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Why We’re Here
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
•In 2016 and 2019, the City Council and Mayor
issued joint resolutions establishing the goals of
achieving 100% renewable energy for SLC by 2030
and reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80%
percent by 2040 (compared to a 2009 baseline).
•Over the past decade, we have achieved a lot,
learned a lot, and been faced with new and
evolving challenges.
It’s time to affirm our goals, refresh our approach,
and define next steps.
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Goals of
the Update
Climate Forward SLC is guided by
three overarching goals:
1.Reaffirm or refine our commitment
to the City’s 2040 climate goals
2.Prioritize climate strategies that
are scalable and equitable
3.Identify actionable solutions and
fill gaps
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Salt Lake
Clean
Energy and
Air Roadmap
(SL-CLEAR)
Climate Action Plan for the Salt Lake
MSA
Plan was informed by input from local
governments, community members,
and technical experts
This planning effort is leveraged to
develop Climate Forward SLC
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
SLC’s Climate Planning Framework
PLAN SALT LAKE
Guiding Principle #5: Air Quality
•Reduction in emissions and citywide energy consumption by 2040.
•Renewable energy
•Encouraging energy efficiency
•Increasing transportation mode-share
•Minimizing the impact of car emissions
•Incorporating climate adaptation strategies into city plans
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
SLC’s Climate Planning Framework
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
What We’ve Learned
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
The Existing Conditions Report summarizes issues and opportunities that will drive the plan update.
•Our Changing Context
•Climate Hazards + Vulnerability
•Community GHG Inventory
•Community Input
•Existing Policies, Programs + Plans
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
GHG Emissions Are Declining
•Community greenhouse gas emissions
fell 11% from 2009 to 2024, primarily due
to a shift toward cleaner energy resources.
•Per capita emissions declined 25% from
2009 to 2024, illustrating that local economic
and population growth have been partially
decoupled from emissions.
•Accelerated uptake of decarbonization solutions (renewable energy and building
and vehicle electrification, mode shifting, etc)
are key to meeting our goal.
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Community Disparities
•Climate hazards affect the whole city, but impacts are unevenly distributed.
•Westside neighborhoods face disproportionate extreme heat, air pollution, and flooding risks.
•Downtown experiences intense heat and limited green space.
•Eastside neighborhoods face wildfire and flooding threats.
•Lower-income residents are more vulnerable due to socio-economic
conditions, geography, pollution exposure, and inadequate infrastructure.
•Climate Forward SLC will include actions that support the neighborhoods and
community members most in need.
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Heat Severity in the Community
57% of low-income
census tracts face
higher-than average
temperatures
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Outreach
Summary
Community Input
Online Public Survey - 720 responses
Intercept Surveys - 215 responses
•75% at westside locations
Tabling events - 15+ events
Business Survey
Past engagement efforts (SL-Clear)
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Looking Ahead
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Key
Components
of the Plan
-Emission Reduction Targets
(80% by 2040)
-Mitigation Strategies
to reach emission reduction goal
-Adaptation Measures
to respond to climate impacts
-Monitoring and Reporting
to track progress
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Two Intersecting Areas of Focus
Mitigation
Reduce or
eliminate the
emissions driving
rapid climate
change.
Resiliency
Improve our ability
to withstand and
recover from
climate shocks
and stresses.
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Key
Principles
1)Urgency. We know that time is of the essence and
that the cost of inaction will increase over time.
2)Collective Action. We will get there when we each
do our part.
3)Partnership. We cannot do this alone. We must
work with partners to achieve collective action and
help everyone do their part.
4)Transformation. We need to prioritize market-
ready solutions that can drive rapid large-scale
transformation.
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Key
Principles
5)People-centered. We recognize the disparate
needs across our community and prioritize
efforts that benefit those who need it most.
6)Multi-benefit outcomes.We ensure
affordability and other community benefits as
we work to reduce emissions.
7)Resilience. We prepare for a changed climate
while working to reduce climate impacts.
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Looking ahead: What is the process?
Community Engagement Existing Conditions Report Stakeholder Engagement and Prepare Plan Adoption Process
Fall 2025 Winter/Spring 2026 Fall/Winter 2026Spring/Summer 2026
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Thank you!
Catherine Wyffels
Program Manager
Catherine.Wyffels@slc.gov
Sophia Nicholas
Sustainability Deputy Director
Sophia.Nicholas@slc.gov
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Extra Slides
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Other City Plans & Policies
Focus Area Lead Department/Division Key Plans/Policies
Renewable Energy Sustainability
Public Services
2016 & 2019 Renewable Energy Joint
Resolutions
Community Clean Energy Program
Comprehensive Sustainability Policy
Buildings Electrification & Energy
Efficiency
Sustainability
CRA
Housing Stability
Public Services
Comprehensive Sustainability Policy
CRA Sustainable Development Policy
Energy Benchmarking Ordinance
Active Transportation & Transit Transportation
Planning Connect SLC
Electrified Transportation Sustainability
Public Services
2021 Electrified Transportation Resolution
Community & City Fleet Electrified Studies
Land Use Planning Neighborhood plans & others
Climate Forward SLC | Our Climate Action Plan
Other City Plans & Policies
Focus Area Lead Department/Division Key Plans/Policies
Green Spaces & Sustainable
Infrastructure Public Lands
Reimagine Nature Public Lands Master Plan
Urban Forest Action Plan
Comprehensive Sustainability Policy
Water Conservation Public Utilities Water Conservation Plan & others
Food Systems & Urban Agriculture Sustainability
Public Lands Community Food Assessment
Waste Sustainability Zero Waste by 2040 Resolution