Get involved in Hayward’s Climate Action Plan update

The City is currently updating its Climate Action Plan (CAP)—a plan to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The original CAP included actions to meet the City’s 2020 GHG reduction goal of 20 percent below 2005 levels, which was achieved two years early in 2018. The updated CAP will outline a plan for Hayward to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, with milestone targets along the way. These targets include:

• GHG reduction of 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2025
• GHG reduction of 55 percent below 2005 levels by 2030
• Carbon neutrality (net zero community GHG emissions) by 2045

On April 13, the City hosted a public workshop for the community to discuss their priorities and focus areas to be included in the updated CAP. Attendees shared concerns about the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities and highlighted the need to engage with underrepresented groups. They also expressed a desire to prioritize reducing emissions from on-road transportation by making public transit, biking, and electric vehicles more accessible. Additional emission-reducing strategies attendees identified for prioritization included building electrification and tree planting.

Based on the community’s feedback, the City is developing draft GHG reduction strategies for inclusion in the updated CAP. Once drafted, those interested will have another opportunity to provide input and direction.

To get involved in the CAP update process, take the short survey here. Learn more about the project and stay up to date with future public workshops and events at https://haywardhousingandclimateupdate.com/.