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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Minnella, Senior Planner
DATE: July 25, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Endorsement of the 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the Chicago Region.
PURPOSE:
To support municipalities in their efforts to affect climate action by endorsing the 2021 Climate Action Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Aurora has long been a leader among cities in the Chicago region, and specifically in the Fox River valley, that recognize the value and importance of climate action for their citizens, communities and built and natural environments.
The City has a long history of honors, strategic comprehensive plans, endorsements, regional-national and international partnerships aimed to making a commitment that Aurora will strive to
to mitigate its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to climate change, targeting a reduction of its carbon footprint. In 2009, the city of Aurora published its first Sustainability Plan, which was designed to be a long-range plan for enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations of Aurorans through sustainable practices. Many of the recommendations of that original plan were implemented, particularly those that the City government could implement and use to lead by example. The City then approved enhanced strategies, priorities, goals, actions, directions, and practices by passing the 2019 Sustainability Plan.
The City, proud member of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, was part of the 2021 Climate Action Plan making process.
The Climate Action Plan for the Chicago region establishes a roadmap for bold action and represents a vanguard of next generation CAPs anchored in inclusion, collaboration, and good use of alternative funding. Built around five pillars and associated strategies and actions, the plan will deliver multiple, meaningful benefits to more than 2.8 million residents in 77 distinct communities.
- Increase access to utility savings and renewable energy, prioritizing households
- Build circular economies to create jobs and reduce waste
- Deliver a robust zero-emission mobility network that connects communities and improves air
quality
- Drive equitable development of a clean-energy future
- Strengthen communities and protect health
The city aims to achieve these goals through ranging strategies that include enabling building and personal vehicle electrification; making walking, biking or transit viable options for all trips; encouraging equitable transit-oriented development and enabling zero-emission transit and fleets; decommissioning fossil power; and enabling adaptation to climate impacts. The co-benefits of these strategies to communities will be realized as economic inclusion and savings, reduced pollution burden, equitable access to critical infrastructure and natural spaces, community health and resilience, and ensuring a just transition to renewable energy.
DISCUSSION:
By endorsing the CAP, Aurora will be able to identify, and form an equitable strategy to address, their biggest sources of emissions and their climate risks. Attached is the list of communities, councils of governments (COGs), and other organizations that have supported the regional Climate Action Plan with a resolution. By approving this resolution, the City will competitively pursue funding sources.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, featured by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will provide grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support efforts by states, municipalities, air pollution control agencies, tribes, and groups thereof to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies. This two-phase grant program provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.
Approving the resolution will allow the city of Aurora to be eligible for funding opportunities in connection with EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction grants.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution authorizing the endorsement of the 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the Chicago Region
cc: Building Zoning and Economic Development Committee
Alderwoman Patricia Smith, Chairperson
Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Michael B. Saville
Alderman William "Bill" Donnell
Alderman Carl Franco
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the Endorsement of the 2021 Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, on July 13, 2021, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus launched the 2021 Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and with support from the European Union, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and the Metropolitan Planning Council; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued the Sixth Assessment Report authored by 234 scientists from 66 countries containing dire warnings about the state of the planet but showing that human actions have the potential to determine the future for climate; and
WHEREAS, more than 250 individuals from 175 stakeholder organizations including 53 municipalities throughout Northeastern Illinois invested two years of work through in-person and virtual collaboration and developed a comprehensive, municipally focused and regional impactful climate action plan that is anchored in equity with the well-being of people at its core; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region invites collaboration from all regional, state and federal agencies and the private sector; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region identifies the following science-based goals and objectives for the region and identifies strategies for municipalities to take measurable and meaningful action to both dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop resiliency to climate-related hazards that threaten the community, economic health and the natural environment:
CLIMATE MITIGATION GOAL: Net zero greenhouse gas emissions
MITIGATION TARGETS:
By 2030 Reduce GHG emissions 50% from 2005 levels
By 2040 Reduce GHG emissions 65% from 2005 levels
By 2050 Reduce GHG emissions at least 80% from 2005 levels
MITIGATION OBJECTIVES:
Demonstrate Leadership to Reduce Emissions.
Decarbonize Energy Sources.
Optimize Building Energy.
Implement Clean Energy Policies.
Decarbonize Transportation.
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled.
Manage Water and Waste Sustainably.
Sustain Ecosystems to Sequester Carbon.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION GOAL: Persistent, equitable climate adaptation
ADAPTATION TARGETS:
By 2030 Climate-resilient governance
By 2040 Resilience across jurisdictions
By 2050 Cohesive, resilient communities
ADAPTATION OBJECTIVES:
Engage and educate the community about climate resilience and adaptation.
Incorporate equity and inclusion into climate adaptation efforts.
Collaborate and build capacity for a more resilient community.
Enact plans and policies focused on adaptation and resilience.
Adapt operations and investments for future climate conditions; and
WHEREAS municipal governments have unique strengths in developing community resiliency and in taking long-term action to mitigate climate change that are amplified through regional collaboration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: hereby expresses its support for the goals and objectives of the 2021 Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region proposed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and pledges to take strategic action to achieve these goals for a more resilient, equitable and healthy future.