California Cities Honored for Innovative Programs and Partnerships to Boost Climate Resilience
As California experiences increasing wildfires, flooding, extreme heat events and other impacts of climate change, local governments across the state are taking decisive action to build their communities’ climate resilience and preparedness.
This week, the Institute for Local Government (ILG) presented its prestigious Beacon Vanguard Award to four California cities, honoring their comprehensive approaches to adopting policies and programs that foster sustainability and go beyond the state’s aggressive climate goals. The 2024 Beacon Vanguard Award winners are the City of Carson, the City of Millbrae, the City of Mill Valley, and the City of Torrance.
The City of Carson is receiving a Platinum Level Vanguard Award – the highest designation – in recognition of its multifaceted efforts to reduce energy usage and improve resiliency, including replacing gas water heaters and installing solar panels at city facilities. With a battery storage facility opening next year, Carson’s efforts will ensure that residents will face fewer energy disruptions while the city continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The City of Millbrae has implemented numerous programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including completing three projects to reduce natural gas usage. Millbrae is receiving a Gold Level Vanguard Award.
The City of Mill Valley is an active member of the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership, which takes a collaborative regional approach to climate action. With the partnership, Mill Valley offers residents free workshops on how to be more sustainable and prepare for climate emergencies. Mill Valley is also receiving a Gold Level Vanguard Award.
The City of Torrance is receiving a Silver Level Vanguard Award in recognition of its One Mile, One Charger project, which has expanded electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to ensure that an EV driver within city limits is never more than one mile from a charging station.
“We are excited to celebrate our city partners for their leadership in creating innovative and collaborative climate resilience initiatives,” says Erica L. Manuel, CEO and Executive Director of the Institute for Local Government. “These groundbreaking achievements provide replicable models for other local governments, and we are pleased to showcase them with the hope that other cities will follow in their footsteps.”
ILG’s Beacon Award honors voluntary efforts by cities, counties and special districts that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy and adopting policies that promote sustainability. Beacon participants receive technical assistance in collecting and reporting sustainability best practices, energy savings, and greenhouse gas reductions; and access to peer-to-peer networking and educational events.
In addition to the Vanguard Awards, which honor comprehensive achievements in community and agency greenhouse gas reductions, energy savings, and sustainability best practices, the Beacon Program also celebrates local agencies for their creativity and collaboration in making California more sustainable. The Beacon Leadership and Innovation Awards celebrate local governments’ efforts to implement collaborative, inclusive, and equitable climate resilience and adaptation programming. This year, ILG is recognizing the cities of Arvin, Martinez, Redwood City, and San José with Beacon Leadership and Innovation Awards.
The City of Arvin will receive an award for Equity and Engagement in Sustainability and Climate for founding the Accelerating Community Enhancements (ACE) collaborative steering committee, which gives Arvin residents a voice on issues like housing, transportation, and health.
The City of Martinez will receive an award for Cross-Agency Collaboration in Climate Adaptation for creating the Recycling Project in partnership with the Martinez Unified School District, New Leaf Collaborative, and Republic Services. The Recycling Project provides education and guidance to residents about common recyclables.
The City of Redwood City will receive an award for Leadership in Climate Resilience for developing its Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan, which engaged the city’s most vulnerable residents in developing local climate adaptation strategies.
The City of San José will receive an award for Innovation in Clean Transportation for launching the Electric Vehicle Education and Outreach Pilot to educate residents and gauge barriers, needs, and attitudes around EVs in East San José, which has the lowest rates of EV adoption in the city.
All of the Beacon Awards were announced at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo held October 16-18 in Long Beach.
About the Beacon Vanguard Award Winners
About the Beacon Leadership and Innovation Award Winners
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Leadership in Climate Resilience and Adaptation – The City of Redwood City
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Cross-Agency Collaboration in Climate Adaptation – The City of Martinez
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Equity and Engagement in Sustainability and Climate – The City of Arvin
