Med City Conference

Governance Session Pamela Bensoussan

Counilwoman City of Chula Vista
pbensoussan@chulavistaca.gov

Climate Adaptation
Perspective from a Local Elected Official Necessary Council Champion Talented Technical Staff
Slides: Brendan Reed, Environmental Resource Manager

Climate Adaptation Planning with

NO MONEY

NO EXPERIENCE

CARROT OR STICK?
Fear Mongering: The Sky is Falling Mandates: Sometimes Necessary Community Pride: Positive Reinforcement Save the Planet: Think Globally Act Locally (ICLE) Economic Benefit to Businesses Economic Development Energy Efficiency - cost savings to residents
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BRANDING AND MARKETING

CURRENT CLIMATE MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Alternative Transportation Efficiency & Solar Retrofits Green Buildings & Smart Growth

CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANNING PROCESS

Initial Council-approved Planning Roadmap 7 focus areas Climate Change Working Group
Example Require all new coastal development to assess vulnerability to sea level rise. Infrastructure & Resources Energy Management Example Ensure public health system is prepared for more frequent heat waves & public is educated on consequences of excess heat.

Public Health

Ecosystems & Biodiversity

Business & Economy

Wildfires

Water Management

Example Expand efforts to encourage low water use in home landscaping.

CLIMATE CHANGE WORKING GROUP

Supported by City staff from multiple departments

CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANNING PROCESS

3 planning phases Dont duplicate/contradict current mitigation work!

1. Information Gathering
Guest presenters Best available data Public forum

2. Risk Analysis & Measures Evaluation

Climate Adaptation Planning Matrices Risk = likely x consequence Local researchers Initial criteria

3. Strategies Selection
Commission meetings Council presentation

CLIMATE ADAPTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Some strategies are also mitigation measures Cool Paving & Roofs Shade Trees Water Reuse

CLIMATE ADAPTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Some are new dimensions of climate planning Wildfires & Extreme Heat Wetlands & Open Space Coastal Infrastructure

LESSONS LEARNED
Engage stakeholders (try an open house format!) Stress preparedness/lower risk Highlight economic & public safety benefits Monitor results & report often to City Council Integrate into existing plans & programs & all departments

REGIONAL SAN DIEGO BAY ADAPTATION STUDY

Collaborative planning effort by Port of San Diego & surrounding jurisdictions Supported by San Diego Foundation & ICLEI