What a year 2018 was for climate planning in San Diego. Nearly all of our region's cities are officially committed to a climate action plan, solidifying San Diego's dedication to a clean and resilient future. On the ground, we continue to lead efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; whether it's the City of Chula Vista launching a new electric vehicle fleet or Carlsbad installing a network of EV charging stations.  Everywhere, we can see innovative ways of preparing San Diego for the future - the Port of San Diego and the U.S. Navy signed a first-of-its kind commitment to partner on sea level rise planning, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority continues to invest in unique ways to reuse precious water resources. 

Our energy (the renewable kind) shows no signs of stopping: I am proud to say that the City of San Diego was selected to participate in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, which will bring more than $2 million in investments to advance climate planning over the next two years. Climate change doesn't stand still but neither do we, and I am so excited to see our region continue to lead in 2019.

The San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative hosted its January Kickoff Meeting in late January, focused on the importance of young leadership in climate planning. Speakers included Kurt Gering, director of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority; as well as Marlene Tyner-Valencourt and Anne Middleton from the civic engagement group, Leaders 2020. Attendees also participated in a shareout discussion about their 2018 achievements and 2019 goals. A combined slide deck featuring the recent achievements and goals of 13 cities and 16 public agencies total can be found here . The Climate Collaborative's 2018 Annual Report was also showcased at the meeting.

SDRCC Steering Committee Member Coleen Wisniewski joined a panel of experts to discuss how the city involved stakeholders in an actionable water stewardship plan.