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Executive Summary I Page i Climate Action and Sustainability Plan Executive Summary November 2024 ---PAGE BREAK--- Executive Summary I Page 1 Executive Summary The City of Arvada (the City) Climate Action and Sustainability Plan (CASP) sets an ambitious roadmap intended to build community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and foster sustainable development. The City understands that taking action in both climate and sustainability will help promote a healthier, more just, and thriving Arvada. As Arvada’s local climate becomes more unpredictable, some Arvada residents will experience disproportionate impacts due to existing vulnerabilities, historical patterns of inequity, socioeconomic disparities, and systemic environmental injustices. People who already face the greatest burdens are often the ones affected most by climate impacts. The City recognizes the urgency to increase equitable sustainability practices within its community. The CASP balances community-wide environmental, economic, and social interests through economic resilience, quality of life, climate equity, and GHG emissions reduction. A rigorous engagement process with city staff and the community at-large, informed the CASP goals, strategy development, and vision statement. CASP Goals and Strategies The CASP establishes goals for each topic area, along with implementable strategies to achieve those goals. In alignment with the City Council Strategic Plan (CCSP), the CASP goals are outlined below. ---PAGE BREAK--- Executive Summary I Page 2 CASP Goals Responsible Natural Resources Increase individual savings and community resilience through efficient resource utilization. Community Prosperity & Quality of Life Leverage sustainability and climate action to increase resilience and overall quality of life for Arvadans through education, security, and access to basic human needs. Waste Reduction & Diversion Continuously reduce community-wide waste production and provide comprehensive waste diversion options through accessible services and programs. Efficient Community Design Work to achieve community connectivity through sustainable, safe, and reliable multimodal transportation options and inclusive urban design. Healthy Air and Water Continuously work to exceed the EPA’s standards for clean water. Maintain and expand education and transparency around actions that improve air quality, water quality, and conservation. Carbon Emissions Reduction Goal Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 24% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, when compared to a 2023 baseline.1 Regularly review and adjust the CASP to exceed these reductions and to achieve net zero emissions locally. 1 The total greenhouse gas emissions emitted in Arvada in 2023 amounted to over 815,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mt CO2e), which included Residential Building Energy Use Transportation and Commercial and Industrial Building Energy Use ---PAGE BREAK--- Executive Summary I Page 3 CASP Strategies by Sector • Energy & the Built Environment: Improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and City facilities. • Transportation & Fleet Electrification: Enhance more environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure. • Community Vitality & Economic Development: Address Arvada’s economy and quality of life for residents. • Land Use & Urban Design: Address Arvada’s Land Development Code and overall development pattern to encourage more sustainable design. • Water Quality & Conservation: Improve Arvada’s environmental water quality and use water more efficiently. • Waste Reduction & Diversion: Address ways the City can reduce waste and expand recycling and composting services in the community. These sectors and their respective strategies capture community values, priorities, and concerns that were voiced during the extensive stakeholder and community engagement process. Implementation of these strategies will allow Arvadans to take action both locally and regionally, and will provide opportunity for the City to incorporate into service delivery the key values of the community. Vision Statement The City of Arvada is committed to advancing climate action and sustainability. We will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, connect people and places, harmonize efforts to enhance quality of life, and protect public health and the environment. We will act with urgency to ensure a resilient, just, and equitable city for current and future generations while preserving Arvada’s unique character. The City of Arvada CASP aims to achieve this vision through strategy recommendations that will reduce environmental impact, improve quality of life, and enhance community sustainability. Together, the CASP strategies provide a roadmap for Arvada to achieve a healthier, more active, and more vibrant community where residents and businesses can thrive for generations to come.