Planning Department
SECAP: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Climate Action Plan?
- How will the goals of the CAP be achieved?
- Who is involved in developing the CAP?
- How can I provide input?
- What is the Sustainability Element?
- How do the CAP and Sustainability Element work in conjunction with the City’s General Plan?
- How are the CAP and the Sustainability Element different?
- How are the CAP and the Sustainability Element the same?
- How is the City addressing sustainability issues in other projects?
Q: What is a Climate Action Plan?
A: A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a city planning document that identifies ways in which the community and city can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It looks at four key sectors - energy, waste, transportation, and land use—to develop GHG reduction strategies.
Q: How will the goals of the CAP be achieved?
A: The goals of the CAP will be achieved through a series of reduction measures that will be outlined in the document. Some measures may include incentive programs for individuals and businesses to increase energy efficiency.
Q: Who is involved in developing the CAP?
A: From City Council and City staff to residents, businesses, and organizations, the community of Elk Grove will be encouraged to participate in the CAP.
A: The best way to share your thoughts and provide input to the City is by attending one of the many public meetings planned throughout the next six months. The City will also accept written input via mail to City Hall.
Q: What is the Sustainability Element?
A: The Sustainability Element is an update to the City’s General Plan that aims to incorporate a balance between social, environmental, and economic goals and ideas.
Q: How do the CAP and Sustainability Element work in conjunction with the City’s General Plan?
A: The General Plan, including its new Sustainability Element, will provide direction and guidance on broad community goals for creating and maintaining a vibrant, healthy City. The CAP will provide specific information, tools, and resources for implementing some of these goals, specifically those related to local and regional air quality and health.
Q: How are the CAP and the Sustainability Element different?
A: The Sustainability Element, as part of the General Plan, provides goals, policies, and action items that guide community growth and development. The CAP is a specific tool for implementing those goals. Working together, the General Plan, and thus the Sustainability Element, provides the vision and direction, while the CAP provides the implementation.
Q: How are the CAP and the Sustainability Element the same?
A: Both the CAP and the Sustainability Element support broad goals for enhancing the quality of life among residents in the city, including improving local air quality and community health. Each document, once completed, will contain policies and programs that are designed to help the city meet legal requirements for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The policies and programs will be designed to improve the local conditions here in Elk Grove and to help provide information and resources to the community.
Q: How is the City addressing sustainability issues in other projects?
The City has a number of projects and programs designed to improve sustainability within Elk Grove. New development projects are now required to undergo specific environmental analysis for climate change. The City is actively involved in a number of employment and job creation programs and is enhancing website options and information to help improve public access to the functions and dealings of City government. Both the Sustainability Element and the CAP will further highlight the many ways in which the City is addressing sustainability and working toward a brighter, cleaner future.