The City of Watsonville has a history of environmental stewardship, with decades of experience working to conserve natural resources, protect  ecological areas, and increase public awareness of environmental issues. The Watsonville Climate Action Plan serves to reinforce these and other policy commitments, such as encouraging pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, increased transportation options, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and increased recycling, and protection of open space, and also quantifies the estimated greenhouse gas reduction savings of such programs. Accomplishments include solar installation on city-owned property, upkeep of community gardens, the creation and promotion of an award winning wetland trail system, a strong presence in the Monterey Bay Green Business Program, outreach including targeted water conservation devices and rebate programs for residents that decrease water and connected energy use, and collaborative partnerships with various agencies that increase sustainable infrastructure and decrease resource consumption.

About Watsonville

• Incorporated: 1868
• Population: 51,199 (2010) 
• Location: located in Santa Cruz County
• Area: 6.78 square miles
• Elevation: 29 feet

Climate Action Activities

• 2015 Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Resources

Awards

Agency Energy Savings

• Platinum Level, 24% (2020)
• Gold Level, 17% (2017)

Agency Natural Gas Savings

Agency Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Community Greenhouse Gas Reductions

• Platinum Level, 25% (2017)

Sustainability Best Practices

• Silver Level (2018)