For Immediate Release
October 9, 2020
City of Ventura Recognized for Environmental Achievements
Ventura, CA – The City of Ventura received a Beacon Spotlight Award for its measurable achievements in reducing community greenhouse gas emissions, further illustrating its dedication to meet state climate goals. The Beacon Award, which is sponsored by the Institute for Local Government (ILG), honored Ventura with a Silver Level Award for an eight percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during a special virtual presentation in conjunction with the League of Cities Annual Conference.
This award builds on Ventura’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. Since joining the Beacon Program in 2010, the City has been recognized for numerous achievements for saving energy and implementing sustainability best practices like implementing a green business certification program, expanding open spaces, planting drought-resistant landscaping, and encouraging alternate modes of transportation.
“The health of our residents and the environment that surrounds us is a top priority in Ventura,” said Mayor Matt LaVere. “We are proud of the work our City has done to accomplish energy efficiency goals, and it is a great honor for Ventura to be recognized with a Beacon Spotlight Award for our efforts.”
In addition to participating in the Beacon Program, the City of Ventura is also part of ILG’s BOOST Pilot Program, a joint endeavor of the ILG and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) to help local governments address California’s climate and equity goals. Through the BOOST Program, the City has secured more $700,000 in grant funding to support its comprehensive planning effort, which will include the City’s first Climate Action and Resilience Plan. The City’s participation in both programs provides additional resources to assist with climate and resilience initiatives. For more information about the City’s Environmental Sustainability Division, visit our website.
“Current events across the state such as record setting heat waves, devastating wildfires and extremely poor air quality underscore the importance of implementing both proven and innovative policies and practices to move the needle on climate change,” says Erica L. Manuel, CEO and Executive Director of the Institute for Local Government. “ILG is proud to partner with our local government colleagues to help them achieve local and state goals to make California more resilient and sustainable for all residents.”
Currently, 161 cities and counties throughout the state participate in the Beacon Program. The Institute for Local Government established the Beacon Program to create a framework to assist local governments in setting goals, documenting progress and sharing best practices that create healthier, more efficient, vibrant communities.
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