HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-24_Planning PACKET
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ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2017
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER:
7:00 PM, Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street
II. ANNOUNCEMENTS
III. AD-HOC COMMITTEE UPDATES
IV. PUBLIC FORUM
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Climate and Energy Action Plan – Plan Update.
VI. LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.PLANNING ACTION: PL-2016-00024
DESCRIPTION: A request to amend the City of Ashland Physical and Environmental Constraints
map to reflect changes in the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps relating to the Neil Creel 100
year floodplain, to provide consistency with Chapter 15.10 (Flood Damage Prevention
Regulations) of the Ashland Municipal Code and federal regulations regarding building within
the 100 year floodplain.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
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contact the Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104
ADA Title 1).
DRAFT
Ashland
Climate
and Energy
Action Plan
NOVEMBER 2016
ROADMAP
7
6
INTRODUCTIONPLAN ORGANIZATION
What is a climate and energy Get the lay of the land. This section
action plan, anyway? And why introduces the plan’s six focus areas
does Ashland need one?and how they are structured.
9
13
CLIMATE CHANGE
VISION FOR
& ASHLAND
THE FUTURE
Learn about how climate change will
A glimpse of Ashland in 2050—a sustainable,
impact Ashland, the city’s greenhouse
healthy, happy, and resilient community—
gas emissions footprint, its past and
and the overarching strategic initiatives
current sustainability initiatives, and
that will shape how we get there.
the importance of maintaining a
collaborative and inclusive approach.
60
APPENDICES
Implementation Plan
The body of the plan lays out the “what” and the “why”; this appendix addresses the “how” and
the “when,” including the structure and timeframe of priority actions, which City departments are
responsible for accomplishing them, and how progress will be tracked.
Climate Trends Summary
This summary provides more information on projected climate change impacts and trends in
Ashland, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and natural hazard risk.
Public Engagement Process Overview
The public provided valuable input that helped shape the plan. See when and how the public was
consulted, and how public input was used in the plan.
Emissions Modeling and Target-Setting Methodology
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the process used to model Ashland’s greenhouse gas footprint and
set emissions-reduction targets.
Ashland Greenhouse Gas Inventory
This document summarizes the city’s emissions by sector and activity type from 2011 through
2015, and set the emissions baseline used to identify goals and prioritize strategies and actions
throughout this plan.
Glossary of Key Terms
2
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
3138444954
24
24
STRATEGIES & ACTIONS, BY FOCUS AREA
This plan is divided into six focus areas, listed above. Each focus area section includes
an introduction to its impact and importance, progress to-date, goals and benchmarks,
and the strategies and actions that will get us there. Each broad strategy (e.g., “support
cleaner energy sources”) is driven forward by specific priority actions that focus on
mitigation, adaptation, or both (e.g., “enhance production of on-site solar energy from
City facilities”).
3
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern
Oregon University, and abundant natural beauty and
recreation opportunities, the City of Ashland is a great
place to live and visit.
5
INTRODUCTION
Climate change threatens the vitality, livelihood, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate
surrounding environment that make Ashland what it is, with change in the city. It represents the culmination of a year-long
anticipated increases in severe heat, water scarcity, wildfire risk, process of engagement, input, and review from the public, key
and storm events. By the 2080s, scientists project that Ashland community stakeholders, City staff, and a Mayor-appointed
will experience more than an 80% decrease in winter snowpack, committee. Participants voiced their concerns and priorities
90 more days of extreme heat annually, and more than an inch through online surveys, three public open houses, interviews,
of additional rainfall during heavy storms.and facilitated workshops with City staff and committee
members. This plan builds on this input and community
The City of Ashland has a responsibility to address climate
progress to date by presenting a coordinated set of goals and
change risks, by reducing Ashland’s emissions of climate
strategies to guide City and community action.
pollution and preparing the city for unavoidable impacts. Cities
around the world are leading in this endeavor, including more This plan provides a roadmap for Ashland to sustain economic,
than 125 cities and counties in the United States that signed the social, and environmental prosperity for current and future
Compact of Mayors agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions generations of residents and visitors. It represents the
and prepare for climate change. Governments in the Pacific beginning of an ongoing and evolving process. Implementation
Northwest have led the charge on climate action, including of the actions and attainment of targets set forth in this plan will
the State of Oregon, which established a statewide target to require a long-term, dedicated effort by the Ashland community
reduce emissions by 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. Other and all City departments and staff. As progress is made and
Oregon cities that have set greenhouse gas action goals include actions are underway, this plan and its future updates will serve
Corvallis, Eugene, and Portland. as a foundation for taking meaningful action toward reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and building resiliency to climate
The City of Ashland has already taken initial steps to address
impacts in and around Ashland.
climate change. Achievements include the solar power incentive
program, integration of climate change impacts into the Water
Master Plan, home energy efficiency incentive programs, and
community outreach and awareness events such as Climate
Week in 2015. However, more work is needed. To prevent the
worst impacts of climate change, each Ashland resident, along
with the rest of the world, will have to reduce their personal
carbon footprint by 8% per year.
Ashland’s foundational Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)
provides a strategic framework and long-term vision for
6
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
PLAN ORGANIZATION
For each focus area, this document tells the story of Ashland’s
The plan presents goals, targets, strategies, and potential
climate goals, progress to date, and strategies and actions for
actions for mitigating and adapting to climate change. It is
achieving those goals. The strategies and actions are presented
organized into six focus areas:
in order of priority as articulated by the public, City staff, ad
Urban Form, Land Use, and Transportation: The
hoc committee, and the practices and plans of other cities and
form and function of land and transportation systems,
communities. They are organized in the following manner:
including ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Strategies represent a thematic groupings of actions that all
through urban planning, design, improved land use
work toward a specific goal. Strategies within each focus area
practices, and clean and efficient transportation systems.
are ordered by priority.
Consumption and Materials Management: The lifecycle
of goods and materials, including opportunities to
Priority Actions are actions within a strategy that were
reduce emissions associated with manufacturing, use,
prioritized, or shortlisted, from a broader set of potential
and disposal.
actions. These priority actions underwent a more thorough
assessment that evaluated cost, effectiveness, feasibility, and
Natural Systems: Air, water, and ecosystem health,
co-benefits. These actions are ordered from highest to lowest
including opportunities to reduce emissions and
priority as identified through the evaluation process.
prepare for climate change through improved resource
conservation and ecosystem management.
Other Actions are opportunities that were identified as
Public Health, Safety, and Security: Health and
potential actions but were not considered high-priority through
assistance programs for disadvantaged populations,
the public and stakeholder engagement process.
including preparing health, social, and emergency
Priority Actions are labeled by scope of impact, as follows:
systems for climate change.
Breadth of Impact
Cross-Cutting Strategies: Activities that address climate
change more generally or across multiple sectors.
C
affects community-wide operations and climate goals.
M
affects municipal operations and climate goals.
Type of Impact
Mi
addresses mitigation goals (lowers GHG emissions).
addresses adaptation goals
Ad
(builds resilience to climate impacts).
Mi
addresses both mitigation and adaptation goals.
Ad
7
8
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
CLIMATE
CHANGE
& ASHLAND
While the Pacific Northwest is expected to be spared
some of the worst impacts of climate change, the
Ashland area still faces significant climate-related risks.
9
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on
that, to have a likely chance of averting the most dangerous public health and quality of life for Ashland’s residents and
of climate change impacts, the world must reduce emissions visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires, flooding,
enough to keep global temperatures from rising more than 2 and extreme weather events made worse by climate change—
degrees Celsius. The amount of emissions that represents is including injury, death, and the destruction of property and
called the world’s “carbon budget”—and the world is already livelihoods—there will be a variety of lesser-known negative
on track to spend the remainder of this budget in just three impacts on Ashland’s population. Wildfire smoke, for example,
decades. The risks of climate change, including sea level rise, can cause serious health complications, especially for those
forest fires, and water shortages, increases substantially with with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Similarly, more
every degree of warming above 2 degrees. The following frequent and severe heat waves can be deadly, especially
sections detail how Ashland may experience and contribute to for young children and the elderly. Other changes, such as
climate change in the coming years.decreased summer stream flow and reduced snowpack, will
have significant impacts on Ashland’s residents and seasonal
businesses.
CLIMATE IMPACTS
Unfortunately, many of these climate risks will
Increases in average temperature, combined with less
disproportionately affect certain groups. Communities of color,
consistent precipitation, will increase the frequency and severity
immigrants, and low-income populations have historically been
of wildfires in Rogue Basin. More volatile rainfall patterns
underserved by public programs and investments, resulting in
will also increase the frequency and severity of droughts and
limitations such as fewer transportation options, less resilient
flooding. More frequent extreme heat events will pose a danger
housing, and less reliable healthcare options. These structural
to vulnerable residents. Snowpack will decrease, putting the
inequities may limit the ability of these populations to respond
City’s water resources at risk. Plant and animal species will also
to the impacts of climate change.
be negatively affected.
HOW WILL CLIMATE IMPACT ASHLAND?
Regional projections indicate that by the 2080s, Ashland could experience the following climate-driven environmental changes:
1
Temperature increase
Heavy rainfall and Changes to snowpack
riskand extreme heat
drought riskand water availability
+30% increase in probability +7-12 F increase in the
+0.8-1.3 in rainfall increase -71 to -86% decline in
o
of large wildfireshottest day of the year
during the heaviest rain daysApril 1 snowpack in the
**
*
Middle Rogue subasin
-40 year decrease in average +39-90 more days a year
+4-6 day increase in the
time between firesof warm spells
longest dry spells More precipitation as
***
*
rain nstead of snow
Increased burn acreage
More winter precipitation
Earlier spring snowmelt
Higher winter streamflow
Oregon State University, 2016
1
*Some models show decreases
Lower summer streamflow
**Stavros, Abatzoglou, Larkin, McKenzie, & Steel, 2014
*** Sheehan, Bachelet, & Ferschweiler, 2015
10
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
transport of agricultural products grown outside of
Ashland for consumption by Ashland residents.
To keep global greenhouse gas emissions below what is needed
• Residential and Commercial Energy Use (13%
to avoid 2 degrees Celcius warming, the IPCC estimates that
and 11%, respectively), including electricity and
global emissions need to be reduced by 40 to 70% by 2050,
stationary combustion (a gas-fired furnace, for
and that carbon neutrality needs to be reached by the end
example) used in homes and commercial buildings.
of the century. In 2015, the City commissioned a greenhouse
gas invenotry to understand and characterize the sources
• Upstream Energy Production (9%), including
of Ashland’s emissions and trends in emissions over time. In
the emissions generated by the extraction and
2015, Ashland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was
production of usable fuel products (e.g., refined
approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
gasoline or electricity) used in Ashland.
(MT CO2e), representing 0.5% of Oregon’s total emissions. The
The good news is that Ashland’s per-household GHG emissions
vast majority (83%) of Ashland’s emissions stem from five main
have decreased nearly 6% over the past five years. Households
sources:
in Ashland are producing nearly 25% fewer GHG emissions
than the average Oregon household. Together, residential,
• Production of Residential Goods (22%), including
commercial, and industrial buildings saw their GHG emissions
emissions associated with the manufacture and
footprint decrease by 21% from 2011 to 2015, largely due to
transport of durable household goods produced
increased renewable electricity on the regional grid, decreased
outside of Ashland for use by Ashland residents.
electricity use in the residential sector, and decreased natural
• Residential Travel (17%), including direct and
gas use due to warmer winters.
upstream emissions associated with passenger cars
and trucks used for noncommercial purposes.
The following section details some of the trends and policies
that have contributed to this reduction, raised awareness of
• Production of Residential Food (15%), including
climate change, and contributed to climate action in Ashland.
emissions associated with the production and
WHERE DO EMISSIONS COME FROM?
The chart on the right shows how different sources
and sectors contribute to Ashland’s 2015 carbon
footprint.
HOW HAVE ASHLAND’S
EMISSIONS CHANGED OVER TIME?
Total emissions in Ashland have decreased by
10% between 2011 and 2015. This is largely
driven by decreases in electricity and natural
gas use, as well as increased hydro electricity
generation.
11
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
KEY TERMS
BUILDING ON A FOUNDATION
Ashland has already made notable progress toward reducing
both its community emissions and its vulnerability to the
GREENHOUSE GAS
potential impacts of climate change. Although perhaps not
A gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the
atmosphere, contributing to the “greenhouse effect” explicitly developed to address climate change, Ashland has
by preventing heat from leaving the atmosphere. CO
a variety of plans, policies, programs, and studies that are
2
is the most common greenhouse gas, but this category
connected to the needs and solutions for addressing climate
also includes methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and
even water vapor (picture a humid day). Greenhouse
change issues and challenges. This plan highlights these existing
gases vary greatly in the strength and persistence of
“levers” and brings them together to address a common goal.
their warming effect; for example, methane has a
greenhouse effect approximately 72 times stronger
than CO, but its atmospheric lifespan is much shorter.
WHAT ARE WE DOING RIGHT NOW?
CLIMATE MITIGATION
Strategies and actions focused on slowing the pace
PlansPrograms
and lessening the severity of climate change by
Comprehensive PlanEmergency management
reducing or offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
Overarching Goal 1 on page 14 focuses on mitigation.
Water Master PlanCommunity Emergency
Response Team (CERT)
CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Transportation System Plan and
Strategies and actions focused on changing behavior,
Regional Transportation ModelFirewise
land use, and environmental management to prepare,
protect, and build resilience of infrastructure,
Economic Development Forest Resiliency Project
ecosystems, public health, and quality of life to
Strategy
anticipated effects of climate change. Overarching
Water conservation incentive
Goal 2 on page 14 focuses on adaptation. Although
Neighborhood Master Plansand outreach
used interchangeably in this plan, there are slight
difference between climate adaptation, and resilience:
Emergency Management PlanEnergy efficiency assistance
The strategies and actions in this plan address both
climate adaptation and resilience.
Community Wildfire Solar incentives
• Adaptation refers to action to prepare for and
Preparation Plan
Renewable Energy Certificates
adjust to new conditions, thereby reducing harm
or taking advantage of new opportunities. *
2016 Ashland Forest Plan(RECs)
• Resilience refers to the capacity of a social or
Nature Center education
ecological system to continue to function despite
disturbances.
Studies
Policies
SOCIAL EQUITY
City facility efficiency
Land use code
Maintaining or creating a “level playing field” or
and solar assessment
equality of opportunity, often through 1) simple
Wildland-urban interface
fairness and equal treatment, 2) distribution of
Solid waste and
(WUI) code and fire code
resources to reduce inequalities in universal programs
and services, and 3) redistribution of resources to
recycling annual report
Energy contract with BPA
level the playing field through targeted programs.**
Social equity is a cornerstone of this plan—see the Renewable energy
“Climate and Equity” section on page 21 for more
assessment
information on the role of equity in climate action and
the ways in which equity is reinforced through the
GHG inventory
Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan.
*National Climate Assessment, 2014
** Norman-Major, 2011. “Balancing the Four E’s; or Can we Achieve
Equity for Social Equity in Public Administration?” Journal of Public
Affairs Education. 17(2), 233–252
12
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
A COORDINATED EFFORT
Climate change is a cross-cutting issue. Contributions of
greenhouse gas emissions stem from activities across sectors
and sources, from transportation and energy to buildings and
materials management and consumption. Strategies to prepare
for climate change also cut across traditional disciplines, ranging
from water and natural resource management to public health
and safety.
Multifaceted challenges require integrated solutions. Many of
the solutions and strategies presented in this plan are not new,
and many are already part of existing City plans, programs, and
policies that are focused within individual City departments.
This plan brings those solutions together in an integrated and
strategic way to address the climate challenge. Implementing
this plan will require forging relationships and coordinating
“Combatting climate change is a
across traditional departmental and stakeholder boundaries to
fundamental responsibility for
form synergistic, efficient, and effective solutions.
everyone, everywhere. The status quo
This plan primarily focuses on strategies and actions that
Ashland’s City government can take to help address climate
is clearly unacceptable. For the sake of
challenges. However, all parties have a role and must be a
future generations, making progress,
part of the solution, including Ashland residents, businesses,
together, as a community, is urgent.”
organizations, and government. To address the importance of
these diverse roles, this plan provides suggestions for actions
Rich Rosenthal, Ashland City Councilor and
that residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations can take to
Chair of the CEAP ad-hoc committee
play their part in tackling climate change.
Ashland’s climate vision for 2050
is to be a resilient community
that has zero-net greenhouse gas
emissions, embraces equity, protects
healthy ecosystems, and creates
opportunities for future generations.
13
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
OVERARCHING GOALS
The 8% annual reduction target represents emissions reductions
that are needed to prevent the worst climate change impacts
This Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan provides a strategic
(see the Methodology appendix for more information).
path toward achieving two primary goals:
Specifically, it identifies how much the world on average would
1. Reduce Ashland’s contribution to global carbon pollution
need to cut emissions each year to result in a concentration of
by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere under 350 parts per million.
City, resident, commercial, and industrial activities.
To further underscore the importance of setting and reaching
2. Prepare the city’s communities, systems, and resources
this target, this plan recommends that the community and city
to be more resilient to climate change impacts.
targets and related goals be adopted by ordinance. This action
indicates to the community the highest level of commitment by
Goal 1: Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
the City Council to take meaningful action.
Cities play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases. More
The strategies and actions presented in this plan provide
than 80% of Americans and 50% of the world’s population live in
a starting point and strategic framework for making and
urban areas. Therefore, the design of cities, including their built
assessing progress toward this target over time. This plan
environment and transportation systems, strongly influence GHG
does not provide a pathway for achieving this target, as
emissions. Ashland recognizes that it must do its part as a city
the target represents a degree of action that cannot be
to minimize its contributions to the global challenge of climate
accurately modeled using current greenhouse gas accounting
change. While urgent action is needed, many climate actions
methodologies. This means that some real-world reductions in
cannot be completed overnight, so a long-term approach is
Ashland may not be reflected in near-term GHG inventories for
needed to achieve deep reductions.
the city. For example, available tools for evaluating Ashland’s
To meet this obligation, this Climate and Energy Action presents
consumption-related emissions do not currently capture
the following long-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas
changes in Ashland’s consumption behaviors. This plan assumes
emissions associated with city and community activities:
that methodologies will be refined in the future to enable more
accurate measurement of emission reductions. For example, the
• Reduce overall Ashland community greenhouse gas
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a tool that
emissions by 8% on average every year.
can be used to more accurately quantify consumption-based
emissions, and will be applied to Ashland’s next GHG inventory.
For City of Ashland operations:
Emissions reductions were modeled against the proposed
• Reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
higher-level strategies in this plan. The “What’s Possible” section
• Reduce fossil fuel consumption
summarizes outcomes for that modeling exercise to reveal how
by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
various actions taken by the City and community—and included
in this plan—could result in measurable emissions reductions
for Ashland.
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14
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Goal 2: Prepare for Projected Climate Change Impacts• Direct influence on water supply. Ashland has direct
ownership and control over its water supply. However,
Ashland will experience different impacts of climate change to
climate change may impact this water supply.
different degrees and at different times. As climate changes our
• Progressive state-level activities. The State
environment and its systems and resources, Ashland will need
of Oregon has introduced ambitious climate
to anticipate the changes and take action to mitigate or adapt
policies and regulations, as well as tools and
to the impacts.
resources for supporting local climate action.
This goal calls for Ashland to understand and recognize these
Given these particular characteristics coupled with information
climate change threats and take actions as necessary to ensure
on Ashland’s greenhouse gas emission sources and anticipated
that Ashland can withstand the impacts while sustaining or
impacts from climate change, the following overarching
improving the quality of life for all its citizens.
strategic initiatives were identified to guide the strategies and
actions presented in this plan. While the strategies and actions
A STRATEGIC APPROACH
in this plan are organized by focus areas such as Buildings and
Energy, Transportation and Land Use, and Natural Systems,
Ashland is a unique place. This plan presents a strategy that is
these initiatives, described in the following sections, cut across
customized to these particular characteristics. Some aspects
these focus areas to emphasize synergistic and integrated
of Ashland that influence its ability to address or prioritize
solutions for addressing climate in Ashland.
particular climate and energy strategies include the following:
1. Transition to clean energy.
• Utility ownership. Ashland’s electricity utility
is municipally owned, which grants the City
2.
direct control over utility operations, business
3. Support climate-friendly land use and
decisions, and related program activities.
management.
• Energy mix. Ashland purchases energy from
4. Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive goods
Bonneville Power Administration, which is
and services.
largely sourced by low-carbon hydropower.
5. Inform and work with residents, organizations,
• Engaged community. Ashland citizenry are highly
and government.
engaged in community issues and activities.
6. Lead by example.
• Political will. Ashland’s leadership is supportive of
innovative actions and environmental leadership.
Transition to clean energy
• History of climate action. Ashland has a long history of
Energy used for buildings and transportation makes up half of
environment- and climate-related policies and actions to
Ashland’s historic greenhouse gas emissions. Most of these
build upon, including the first community solar project
emissions are from the combustion of natural gas by residential
in Oregon and effective energy efficiency programs.
and commercial buildings, electricity consumption, and gasoline
• Heavy tourism influence. Ashland’s industry is largely
used to fuel residential on-road travel.
tourist-based, meaning that a portion of the city’s
Addressing energy-related emissions requires a combination of
greenhouse gas emissions comes from the behavior of
reduced and lower-carbon energy use. Ashland’s current energy
visitors, over which the City has less direct influence.
purchases are largely (81%) provided by low-carbon hydropower
• Small city in a rural environment. Ashland is
purchased from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
a small town, which brings both benefits and
Switching existing fuels, such as natural gas and gasoline, to
challenges. Smaller communities have fewer
cleaner fuels such as low-carbon electricity can lower the overall
available resources for climate action compared
emissions profile of current energy use and reduce reliance on
to larger cities, and advocating for changes at the
fossil fuels. Furthermore, the introduction of new clean energy
state and national level could be more difficult.
sources, such as local renewable energy, as well as increased
15
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
energy efficiency, can help offset the increased electricity
loads caused by fuel-switching and increased cooling demands
The production and use of energy and water resources within
anticipated under future climate change. These actions in
the built environment greatly influences Ashland’s greenhouse
combination act synergistically to reduce total energy-related
gas emissions and vulnerability to climate impacts. Energy
emissions.
used by buildings contributes almost a third of Ashland’s
greenhouse gas emissions. Water consumption for residential
The following Climate and Energy Action Plan strategies are
and commercial buildings and surrounding green spaces put
cornerstones of this clean energy transition:
considerable stress on community water resources, which
• Support cleaner energy sources.
may become scarcer and in greater demand as temperatures
• Support more efficient vehicles.
increase and summer water availability declines.
• Improve energy demand management.
Reducing water and energy resource use associated with
Example actions within these strategies include supporting
Ashland’s built environment will cut emissions, ease loads on
community solar projects, smart grid technologies, and actions
the utility, and help secure resource supply and resiliency in a
and initiatives that accelerate fuel-switching such as electric
changing climate. The introduction of cleaner energy sources
vehicle infrastructure requirements and codes.
can reduce energy-related emissions to an extent, but improved
energy use efficiency will also be required to achieve deep
emission reductions. In general, cutting emissions through
Ashland’s Clean Energy Future:
A Balanced, Cost-Neutral Approach
Transitioning to a clean energy future in Ashland
will require a combination of increased fuel-
switching, clean energy sourcing, and efficiency.
Taking this three-pronged approach will allow
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16
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
energy efficiency improvements can be more cost-effective than biking. Also, improved management and conservation of lands
adding new renewable energy sources. The following Climate that provide habitat for vulnerable species, enhance tree canopy
and Energy Action Plan strategies support water and energy and green space, use and store water efficiently and effectively,
efficiency:and minimize wildfire damage will help prepare the city for
changes in temperatures, water availability, and wildfire risk.
• Encourage increased building energy efficiency.
• Adapt buildings to a changing climate.
Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive goods and
services
• Manage and conserve community water resources.
Example actions within these strategies include adjusting land
The production and delivery of goods and services consumed
use codes and incentives to support resource-efficient design,
by Ashland households contribute almost half of Ashland’s
water reuse, and/or on-site storage systems; sponsoring
greenhouse gas emissions. These goods and services include
building energy retrofit programs and water conservation rebate
food; goods like furniture, home construction materials,
programs; introducing rate-based incentives; and providing
electronics, and clothing; and the production of transport fuels,
educational materials aimed at awareness and behavior change.
natural gas, and electricity. Certain foods, such as meats, are
The introduction of passive and heat-tolerant building principles
more carbon-intensive to produce than dairy and grains, and
can also reduce cooling energy needs during heat waves and
therefore contribute the largest proportion of food-related
minimize heat-related public health impacts.
emissions.
Despite the large contribution of household consumption to
Support climate-friendly land use and management
Ashland’s greenhouse gas footprint, the City of Ashland has little
The use and management of Ashland’s lands play a significant
direct control over household purchasing behavior and product
role in both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing
manufacturing and transportation, and therefore City-initiated
for climate impacts. Development that promotes walking,
options to reduce emissions from this source are limited.
biking, and riding transit reduces emissions from on-road
Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan that contribute
vehicles, which account for the majority of transportation-
toward reducing consumption of carbon-intensive goods and
related emissions. Proper management and conservation of
services include the following:
land resources can also support ecosystem services such as
• Reduce consumption.
water storage and flow attenuation, shade, and biodiversity that
• Support sustainable and accessible local
make the city and its resources more resilient to threats posed
production and consumption.
by climate change.
Actions within these strategies that promote reduced
Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan that support
consumption include facilitating marketplaces for reuse
climate-friendly land use and management include the
and sharing such as tool-lending libraries and reuse fairs;
following:
expanding the construction and demolition debris code to
• Make Ashland even more friendly for people walking
promote material salvage; sustaining local food production
and biking to reduce dependence on vehicles.
such as through farmers’ markets and community gardens; and
• Support better public transit and ridesharing.
distributing outreach and education materials on the impacts of
consumer choices.
• Support more climate-ready development and land use.
• Promote ecosystem resilience.
Inform and work with residents, organizations, and
• Manage ecosystems and landscapes to
government
minimize climate-related health impacts.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience
• Manage and conserve community water resources.
to climate impacts in Ashland is a community-wide effort.
Actions within these strategies include transit-oriented
Everyone, including residents, businesses, organizations,
development and infrastructure that supports walking and
institutions, and departments within the City itself, must
17
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
Lead by example
understand what is needed and work together to take action.
This strategy involves the City working closely internally and
Although emissions from the City of Ashland’s operations make
with the public, local stakeholder groups, and other jurisdictions
up a relatively small proportion of the community’s overall
and agencies to communicate climate priorities, coordinate
greenhouse gas emissions, City leadership in reducing its own
action, and inspire change. The City must continue to learn
operational emissions can inspire community action, enhance
from and listen to these parties to ensure that actions are
operational efficiencies, and reduce costs. This strategy involves
coordinated, relevant, and effective. This strategy involves
the City taking actions to reduce its own GHG emissions footprint
paying particular attention to equity considerations in the
and make City operations more climate resilient, including by
context of climate change (see “Climate and Equity” section
training internal staff, optimizing City facilities, and improving
on page 21). Specific strategies within the Climate and Energy
equipment and purchasing processes. Strategies in the Climate
Action Plan that support this education and coordination effort
and Energy Action Plan that support City leadership include the
include the following:
following:
• Educate and empower the public.
• Maximize energy efficiency of City facilities,
• Educate and empower City staff.
equipment, and operations.
• Mainstream climate considerations.
• Increase the efficiency of City fleet
and employee commuting.
• Enhance City communication and coordination
to minimize public health and safety impacts.
• Improve sustainability of City operations and purchases.
• Promote a sustainable local economy that
• Conserve water use within City operations.
minimizes emissions and vulnerability.
• Engage with other governments and
organizations on regional, statewide, national,
and international climate policy and action.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
WHAT’S POSSIBLE
The strategies in this plan will result in tangible emission
emissions associated with the U.S. energy grid by making power
reduction benefits that significantly decrease Ashland’s
plants operate more cleanly and efficiently and expanding the
greenhouse gas footprint. Specifically, if the Ashland community
capacity for zero- and low-emitting power sources. In 2016,
made the achievements listed in the table below by 2050, then
the State of Oregon enacted legislation requiring Oregon’s
the community would be able to reduce its greenhouse gas
major electricity suppliers to obtain 50% of their power from
emissions by an estimated 46% below 2015 levels by 2050,
renewable sources by 2040. The law also sets a timetable
equivalent to each Ashland resident and business reducing its
for eliminating coal-fired electric power in the state, and it
footprint by about 1.4% per year. These estimates were based
establishes a community solar program for Oregon. These and
on assumptions from similar analyses conducted by other
other anticipated regulations and programs, such as changes to
municipalities and organizations in the Pacific Northwest.
the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards,
will further contribute toward Ashland’s emissions reduction
The progress that Ashland makes toward reducing its GHG
goals and were taken into account in this analysis.
emissions will also be subject to broader state, regional,
national, and international initiatives and policies. The federal
Clean Power Plan, for example, if enacted, will reduce the GHG
Ashland could achieve a 46% reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 if the community:
Building EnergyConsumption Transportation
Reduced energy use by 50% through Reduced consumption-related Shifted 50% of motorized
energy efficiency measures.emissions by 50% through activities travel to walking or biking.
such as product reuse, reducing meat
Shifted 14% of grid electricity consumption For the remaining motorized travel:
consumption, or introduction of a
to distributed renewable energy generation.
carbon tax on products and services.
Shifted 80% of private vehicles
Transitioned 90% of natural gas
to electric vehicles.
used in buildings to electricity.
Shifted 33% of commercial
vehicles to electric vehicles.
Increased the average fuel efficiency of
light-duty vehicles to 53 miles per gallon.
What if?
A significant contributor to Ashland’s modeled emissions reductions is the transition of liquid fuels
like gasoline and diesel to electricity as more drivers switch to electric vehicles. However, there is
some uncertainty around the exact makeup of Ashland’s future electricity sources. The model above
assumes that 55% of electricity is from zero-emission sources by 2050. However, if Ashland were to
have zero-emission electricity by 2050, then the emission reductions would increase from 46% to
54%—equivalent to an average reduction of 1.9%, instead of 1.4%, per Ashland resident per year.
19
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
A 46% REDUCTION SCENARIO
The figure below shows how Ashland could achive a 46% reduction in emissions, and example actions in the plan that could contribute.
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WHAT WILL THIS PLAN ACHIEVE?
Assessing emissions reductions associated with actions
is also complicated by uncertainty in underlying variables
The modeled emission reductions in this section provide a sense
and assumptions. For example, the efficacy of expanded
for what could be achieved if Ashland took aggressive action on
education and outreach efforts around home energy efficiency
climate change, such as by implementing actions set forth in this
will depend on many factors, including the communities
plan. Reductions are presented as groupings of similar actions,
to which outreach will be conducted, the extent to which
but do not precisely represent the reductions associated with
to City has already reached existing t residences, as well as
those actions. This is due to challenges in attributing emission
external factors, such as the state of the economy, which
reduction values to individual actions.
influences people’s willingness to take risks and invest in new
Potential emission reductions associated with individual
technologies.
actions in this plan are difficult to quantify with certainty
Given these limitations, actions in this plan were not
due to their interdependent nature. For example, reduced
quantitatively modeled for efficacy. Rather, actions were
emissions associated with switching from gasoline to electric
qualitatively assessed relative to other potential actions
vehicles will depend largely on the mix of energy sources used
using a set of criteria that included estimated emissions
to generate electricity and the average fuel economy of the
reduction potential. Outcomes from that qualitative
vehicles. Emissions associated with use of electricity will in
assessment informed the order of priority actions in this plan.
turn be affected by other actions in this plan, such as increased
It is expected that, at the time of implementation, the City
local renewable energy production. It is therefore difficult and
will undertake more detailed modeling efforts to quantify
counterproductive to single out reductions associated with any
anticipated outcomes.
one individual action.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
“In urban settings, neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status
have some of the highest needs for climate adaptation and
resilience-building efforts. Applying the concept of social equity to
these efforts can help ensure that all communities are involved.”
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
CLIMATE AND EQUITY
Equity is central to addressing climate change.
to at-risk communities, will pay dividends not just for those
populations, but also for the greater Ashland community. When
Many of the countries most responsible for contributing
everyone is healthy, employed, and safe, the community enjoys
to climate change, such as the United States, will not bear
greater economic and social stability and prosperity.
the brunt of global climate change impacts. Countries and
communities that were not large historical emitters of
In addition to these larger societal benefits, many strategies
greenhouse gases, such as small island nations, Arctic villages,
and actions in this plan result in other co-benefits, such as
and developing coastal communities, are facing a rapidly
enhanced natural aesthetics or quality of life. For example, the
changing environment of thawing ice, flooded coasts, and
introduction energy-saving equipment and behaviors not only
extreme storms. Many of these communities do not have the
address climate goals, but they can also lower energy costs for
resources or capabilities to protect, restore, or adapt to these
residents and citizens. This plan prioritizes these “win-win”
changing conditions. It is the responsibility of the United States
solutions that benefit both the climate and other facets of the
and its communities, as historical and current contributors
Ashland community.
to the problem, to be a committed and proportionate part of
Co-benefits considered in prioritizing the strategies and actions
the solution. This plan provides a foundation for ensuring
of this plan include the following:
that Ashland contributes to being part of the climate change
Public health. In some cases, actions that reduce
solution.
greenhouse gas emissions also promote healthier
Climate change will also have a disproportionate impact on
lifestyles, such as supporting more people walking and
some local populations. In Ashland, elderly, low-income,
biking and eating less carbon-intensive foods.
and minority populations will be most vulnerable to many
Quality of life. Many climate actions can also improve
changing climate conditions, such as threats from severe heat,
quality of life for Ashland citizens, such as the creation
wildfire smoke exposure, and flooding. These populations
of more comfortable and inviting homes through
may also suffer from other secondary impacts of climate
energy efficiency improvements.
change, such as risks to seasonal employment and agricultural
productivity. Ashland will need to commit special focus
Recreation and aesthetics. In addition to enhancing
when implementing all actions in this plan to ensure the
ecosystem resilience, minimizing heat impacts, and
continued and improved prosperity and quality of life of these
storing carbon, actions that improve natural habitat
populations in the face of a changing climate.
and tree cover can also enhance natural beauty and
provide recreational opportunities for visitors and
Actions to address these inequities, such as by reducing urban
residents.
heat islands or providing disaster preparedness assistance
21
CLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND
THE CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN AT-A-GLANCE
The table below summarizes the strategies and actions of this plan, detailed by focus area in the following sections.
22
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
23
BUILDINGS
& ENERGY
When many people think of greenhouse gas emissions,
they picture cars and trucks, but commercial,
residential, and industrial buildings are some of the
largest energy users—and thus responsible for a large
portion of greenhouse gas emissions.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
PROGRESS TO DATE
Ashland’s commercial, residential, and industrial building energy
use declined 21% from 2011 to 2015. These changes were due
largely to increased renewable electricity in the regional grid,
In fact, Ashland’s built environment accounts for more than
decreased electricity use in the residential sector, and reduced
one-quarter (27%) of the city’s total emissions, more than all
natural gas use from warmer winters.
types of transportation combined. This represents a significant
Ashland owns its own electric utility, which means that the
opportunity to reduce emissions and help Ashland meet its
City has greater control over its electricity rates and programs
reduction targets. On the plus side, because their emissions
than other cities. This arrangement has contributed to the
are primarily due to the energy they use for electricity, heating,
City’s progress in supporting community renewable energy and
and cooling, buildings can reduce their emissions by increasing
improving building systems efficiency. The City has implemented
their energy efficiency. Installing efficient lighting, heating,
three successful programs focused on expanding renewable
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, windows and
energy sources and improving the energy efficiency of existing
insulation, and other upgrades can significantly reduce the
residential, commercial, and government buildings:
amount of energy a building requires.
• A retro-commissioning incentive program provides
Also, because most buildings’ energy use Ashland is
financial and technical assistance to tune up energy
predominantly in the form of electricity, changes in the fuel
systems in commercial and residential buildings.
mix used to generate electricity—for example, by replacing
This program offers incentives to building owners
a coal-fired power plant with wind turbines—reduce the
and occupants to upgrade or replace building
GHG emissions footprints of all buildings that draw electricity
systems—including lighting, HVAC, heating—
from the grid. These factors, among others, contributed
with newer and more efficient equipment.
to a reduction of 21% in overall emissions from Ashland’s
• Solar Pioneer II, a 63.5-kilowatt City-sponsored
built environment from 2011 to 2015. The impact of energy
community solar project, gives citizens the
efficiency improvements was especially pronounced among
opportunity to “adopt” one of its 363 panels as
residential homes, which saw a 9%t decrease in electricity
a way to purchase local renewable energy.
demand over the same period.
• A City Facilities Energy Audit identified energy
Climate change will have complicated effects on Ashland’s
efficiency opportunities at the City’s own facilities.
built environment. On one hand, warmer winters will mean
buildings require less energy to heat; a significant portion of the
GOALS AND INDICATORS
reduction in energy use seen in the city’s buildings from 2011
to 2015 was due to a series of warmer winters, which caused
Goals:
natural gas use to decline. The number of heating degree
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
days—a measure of the number of degrees that a day’s average
associated with Ashland’s energy use.
temperature is below 65°F, commonly used to describe heating
• Increase energy and water efficiency
energy demand in buildings—decreased by 20% of this period,
in City and private buildings.
contributing to a 13% drop in natural gas use. At the same time,
• Maximize protection of Ashland’s buildings stock
reduced snowpack due to climate change may affect regional
and energy supply to future climate impacts.
hydropower capacity, and increased temperatures will increase
Indicators:
energy demand for cooling during the dry summer months. The
• Commercial and residential building energy
projected increase in wildfire frequency and severity may also
use and associated emissions.
put transmission lines at risk, making electricity less reliable in
the region.
• Proportion of buildings that use heat-resistant
materials, passive buildings, and/or white roofs.
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BUILDINGS & ENERGY
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
STRATEGY BE-1. SUPPORT CLEANER ENERGY SOURCES.
Efforts to support cleaner energy sources will minimize harmful pollution associated with energy use and help meet the additional
energy needs as climate change causes temperatures to rise. This strategy deals with enhancing the use of cleaner fuels through
fuel-switching in residential and commercial buildings and renewable energy production and generation.
Priority Actions
BE-1-1. Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility to transition to 100% clean
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evaluation of rate structures.
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The transition to low-carbon energy will require taking a broad-level approach that transcends traditional utility
boundaries. Although some aspects would not fall under the traditional purview of the utility, a comprehensive
energy plan for the Municipal Electric Utility that addresses clean energy, energy efficiency, and electrification of
the transportation sector will provide a more strategic path forward for maximizing societal benefits and achieving
climate goals. This plan would set targets, address policy and service issues, and identify potential solutions related to
comprehensive energy planning. For example, the plan could delineate energy efficiency program funding levels, goals
and targets for installation of solar photovoltaics within the City’s distribution grid, a long-term strategy for wholesale
power acquisition, and demand management. The recently adopted 10% new, local, and clean energy by 2020 ordinance
is a key policy decision that would play a large role in development and shaping of this comprehensive energy plan.
BE-1-2. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production.
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Local generation of renewable energy can offset emissions associated with energy consumption from the electric grid,
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and in some cases, may also mitigate climate-related risks to the electricity supply due to changes in precipitation and
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increased drought risk. This action calls for the City to support increased solar energy production in Ashland, such as
through the installation of a large-scale community solar project or rooftop solar panels on buildings in the community.
It is worth noting that City-sponsored community solar has faced cost challenges in the past, so this action would need
to address potential financial hurdles, such as by finding a nongovernmental organization or institution to sponsor the
project or by developing new models and policies to facilitate community interest and investment, such as virtual net
metering and solar production aggregation.
BE-1-3. Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities.
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Enhancement of solar energy production capacity at City facilities would reduce electricity demand from the grid, set an
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example for the Ashland community, and provide reliable power for both the City operations and broader community.
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Other Actions
• Establish a solar recognition program for neighborhoods that meet a certain
percentage of electricity needs through renewable energy.
• Coordinate with Oregon cities to promote and reinforce higher renewable energy standards.
• Develop promotional materials that encourage solar investments.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Solar Pioneer I and II
From 2000 to 2002, the City of Ashland, in collaboration with the Bonneville
Environmental Foundation, implemented the Solar Pioneer I project, which involved
installing photovoltaic arrays totaling 30 kilowatts (kW) at the Civic Center, Oregon
Shakespeare Festival, and Southern Oregon University. The project was funded in part
by voluntary contributions from more than 260 ratepayers, who paid small surcharges
on their utility bills to support the project. In addition to bringing renewable energy to
the city, the program aimed to inform Ashland residents about solar energy.
Building on the success of the first round of the program, in 2007, Ashland launched
Solar Pioneer II, which used the same community funding mechanism to finance a
63.4-kW photovoltaic system on the City service center.
STRATEGY BE-2. ENCOURAGE INCREASED BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
In addition to changing the energy source, cutting energy use within buildings presents another opportunity to
reduce emissions. This strategy presents actions to reduce energy consumption through efficiency improvements
in the commercial and residential sectors.
Priority Actions
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and promote climate-friendly practices in building and construction such as passive house
construction principles.
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Ashland currently provides energy conservation incentives and educational materials to residents and
businesses through its electric energy efficiency programs. The program currently provides guidance for
conducting home energy audits, as well as incentives for weatherization, improved heating and cooling,
and more efficient appliances. Expanded outreach efforts will ensure that all Ashland residents are aware of
these valuable programs and understand actions they can take to be more energy efficient in the home. For
example, the City could discuss with businesses ways to reduce conduct a comprehensive energy audit.
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Energy used in Ashland’s building stock accounts for more than one-quarter of the city’s greenhouse gas
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emissions. The City could require and facilitate energy audits and/or scores for Ashland’s buildings, perhaps
triggered at the point of sale or permitting phase for new development or major remodels. For example,
the City of Portland requires commercial buildings over a certain size threshold to annually report their
energy use. The City also recently proposed a policy that would require sellers of single-family homes to
obtain a home energy performance report and disclose the report to the City and prospective home buyers.
The audits could educate property managers about energy use and opportunities, help the City understand
building energy use, and facilitate implementation of energy-saving measures.
27
BUILDINGS & ENERGY
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properties.
Residents and businesses who own their properties often have stronger incentives to invest in energy
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efficiency technologies and equipment than those who rent or lease their homes and offices. Although
more difficult to motivate, the introduction of energy efficiency approaches in rental and lease properties
presents a significant opportunity for reducing emissions from buildings.
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Ashland’s Affordable Housing Program is an ongoing program that provides incentives to promote
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affordable housing development and requirements for affordability. The establishment of minimum
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energy efficiency standards for these housing units present a valuable opportunity to make homes more
comfortable and energy efficient for residents, while also lowering energy bills and supporting those most
in need.
Other Actions
• Launch a program for providing home energy scores when a house is listed for sale.
• Coordinate with other cities to establish and implement more energy-efficient building code standards.
• Restart the energy and green business challenges.
• Expand partnership with the school district to support energy efficiency programs and solar installation.
• Enhance retailer, contractor, and building professional training and awareness of best practices and rebates.
• Implement a program to pay for actual energy savings instead of upfront payments for modeled savings.
• Explore opportunities to encourage increased shading of homes and other buildings, such as through increased
tree canopy cover or design features.
STRATEGY BE-3. MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY OF CITY FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT &
OPERATIONS.
Although City buildings contribute only a small proportion of the city’s overall emissions, efficiency improvements
to City facilities can allow the City to lead by example and communicate to residents that energy-efficient buildings
can be beautiful, affordable, and comfortable. This strategy aims to reduce emissions associated with the City’s built
environment and promote energy conservation.
BE-3-1. Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize City Facilities Capital
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Improvement Plans (CIPS) and maintenance improvements.
City facilities frequently undergo routine maintenance and improvement projects. This action calls for using
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an evaluation of City facilities to identify opportunities for energy (and water) efficiency upgrades, The
evaluation could be used to integrate more energy-efficient practices and equipment into City maintenance
schedules and prioritize efficiency upgrades within capital improvement plans (CIPs).
Other Actions
• Continue to monitor and adjust load-shifting measures at the wastewater treatment facility.
• Pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or ENERGY STAR certification for
existing and new City buildings. Adopt the LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) rating system or
equivalent to guide operation, management, and upgrade of the City’s existing building inventory.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
STRATEGY BE-4. IMPROVE DEMAND MANAGEMENT.
Managing the timing and intensity of energy demand can help make sure that more polluting forms of energy are
not needed during peak times of high demand.
Priority Actions
BE-4-1. Expand the current net meter resolution to include and incorporate virtual net
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metering.
Net metering allows customers who generate their own electricity to sell the excess electricity back into
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the grid. Traditional net metering works at the level of the individual electricity meter, where excess energy
supplied to the grid results in running the meter backwards. Virtual net metering, on the other hand,
credits energy generation that occurs at another location against one’s electricity bill. Working outside the
utility meter enables residents to experience the financial benefits of generating renewable energy even
if they are unable to generate the electricity on their own property. Expanding current net metering will
make energy generation more cost-effective and available to Ashland’s residents, including through such
mechanisms as community solar.
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distributed energy solutions, such as storage.
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Implementing new energy solutions requires bringing the electricity delivery systems, or the “grid,”
into the 21st century. Updating the grid involves enabling automation, remote control, and two-way
communication. These updates help the grid to handle sources of electricity like wind and solar power and
to integrate electric vehicles. Smart grids also collect data and allow residents to better understand their
energy use and identify energy-saving opportunities. Implementing smart grid technologies will enable the
adoption of clean energy solutions, and complementary strategies promoting renewable energy, electric
vehicles, and energy efficiency will help realize the environmental benefits of the smart technologies.
STRATEGY BE-5. PREPARE AND ADAPT BUILDINGS FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE.
The City can promote actions that help adapt buildings to withstand climate impacts such as extreme heat and
wildfire, as well as protect building dwellers and visitors through improved design and functionality.
Priority Actions
BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling.
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Buildings play a role in both withstanding climate change impacts as well as providing infrastructure
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to protect people from impacts. Buildings will be subject to potential increased flooding, extreme
temperatures, and exposure to wildfires. At the same time, buildings can also shelter inhabitants and
visitors from many of these impacts. To optimize the built environment to address climate change, the City
can encourage heat-tolerant building approaches, such as cool roofs that block heat and passive cooling
features such as improved air circulation designs. There are many venues available to encourage the public
and developers to adopt these building approaches, including through education and incentive programs.
Other Actions
• Consider future climate conditions when designing or upgrading City buildings and incorporate
resilience-building elements such as heat-resistant materials, passive cooling, and white roofs.
• Enhance resiliency of building energy to fluctuations in energy markets and supply.
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BUILDINGS & ENERGY
CASE STUDY
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and
organizations can take to make a difference in addressing
climate change within our buildings and energy systems:
• Make your home or business energy- and
water-efficient. Simple improvements can
make a big difference for energy and water use.
Weatherization, equipment upgrades, and basic
SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
behavior changes can also make your space
more comfortable and lower utility bills.
Southern Oregon University (SOU) has used its
position as one of Ashland’s leading institutions to
• Explore participation in renewable energy
advance sustainability programs, both on campus
programs. Community solar programs provide
and by serving as a hub to connect with and support
the community. SOU’s ongoing sustainability efforts
opportunities for residents to participate in
include implementing energy efficiency and solar
renewable energy programs without needing to
power projects, reducing waste, and conducting
greenhouse gas inventories to assess its progress
install solar panels on their own roofs. There are
in reducing emissions. SOU was one of the first
increasing options for residents to participate in
universities in the country to offset 100% of its
these programs, including the development of
energy and water use, with on-site renewable
energy generation, carbon offset credits, and Water
a new statewide community solar program that
Restoration Certificates. The university also worked
will soon be available to all Oregon residents.
closely with Bee City USA—an organization that
honors cities for their commitment to supporting
• Think small before you rent or buy. Consider what
pollinators —to create Bee Campus USA, an
size home or business you need, and consider
offshoot designation that recognizes pollinator-
friendly campuses.
downsizing to avoid having to spend more on energy.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
URBAN FORM,
LAND USE &
TRANSPORTATION
The movement of goods and services is central to Ashland’s
economy and community—and one of the largest GHG-
emitting sectors. Emissions from the transportation sector
made up nearly one-quarter (23%) of the city’s total
emissions in 2015.
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URBAN FORM, LAND USE, & TRANSPORTATION
PROGRESS TO DATE
Residential on-road vehicle use accounts for nearly three-
quarters of the sector’s emissions, followed by residential air
Ashland has made strides in incorporating climate and
travel. While emissions from buildings have decreased markedly
sustainability priorities into its land-use policies. Many of
since 2011, transportation emissions have seen no significant
Ashland’s existing plans and standards address activities that
change. This speaks to the challenge of reducing emissions from
contribute toward emissions from the transportation sector,
vehicles, the vast majority of which burn fossil fuels and which,
including the Transportation System Plan, local land use code,
unlike buildings, are difficult to retrofit in ways that improve
and Comprehensive Plan. Some examples of climate-friendly
their efficiency or reduce GHG emissions.
actions and requirements in these plans include the following:
While electric vehicles are becoming more available and
• Street standards and street classifications in the
affordable, near-term progress on reducing Ashland’s
Transportation System plan promote shared
transportation-related emissions can focus on reducing reliance
streets that incorporate infrastructure for people
on personal vehicles by improving public transit access and
walking, biking, and riding mass transit.
convenience, and by improving the design of streets and
• The City’s Comprehensive Plan and street
public spaces to support people walking and biking. Also worth
standards highlight connectivity as a
noting are potential climate-driven impacts on alternative
requirement in new development.
forms of transportation: with increased temperatures and
• The City’s land use code has a “Pedestrian Places”
wildfire-induced smoke, biking and walking may become more
component, which encourages the creation
hazardous and thus increase reliance on vehicles. Addressing
of walkable mixed-use areas that “encourage
challenges like these will be crucial to improving the resilience
walking, bicycling, and transit use.”
and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions footprint of
Ashland’s transportation.
GOALS AND INDICATORS
Climate change will also put Ashland’s infrastructure at
Goals
greater risk of damage or destruction. More frequent and
• Reduce community and City employee
severe wildfires and floods may threaten roads, bridges, and
vehicle miles traveled.
real estate, and hotter summers may increase the rate of
• Improve vehicle efficiency and expand low-carbon
deterioration of some building materials. Culverts and road
transport, including within the City’s fleet.
crossings may not be sized to withstand increased flooding, and
roads bordering rivers and streams may be at risk of inundation.
• Support local and regional sustainable growth.
The City, its residents, and private property owners will need to
• Protect transportation infrastructure to climate impacts.
work together to reduce the risks that extreme weather events
Indicators
pose to Ashland’s infrastructure.
• Passenger vehicle emissions.
• Community vehicle miles traveled.
• Emissions per mile traveled.
• Average city “Walk Score.”
• Transit and bicycling ridership.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
STRATEGY ULT-1. SUPPORT BETTER PUBLIC TRANSIT AND RIDESHARING.
Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) provides Ashland’s primary public transit service for visitors and residents.
The RVTD provides intercity and regional public transit within Jackson County, serving the city of Ashland as well as Talent,
Phoenix, and Medford with fixed-route bus and dial-a-ride paratransit service.
Residents have voiced a desire for expanded public transit options, including more frequent and accessible downtown
bus service, cleaner-fueled public transit vehicles (e.g., electric buses), and other public transit systems such as shuttles
or trolleys. These options can reduce per-person emissions associated with residential on-road transportation, as well as
reduce congestion, save fuel costs, and provide transportation options for those who cannot afford or choose not to own a
personal vehicle.
Priority Actions
ULT-1-1. Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit, carpooling,
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and car-sharing.
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Ashland is already a member of the Rogue Valley Transportation District, which provides shared bus service to
cities throughout the greater Jackson County area. Using the RVTD as a model, the City, together with nearby
jurisdictions, can provide additional service offerings, such as carpooling and car-share programs, that expand
transportation options and strengthen important connections to other areas in the Rogue Valley.
ULT-1-2. Work with the RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit, including electric or diesel-
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options.
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The City and neighboring jurisdictions in the RVTD already have a longstanding and successful partnership that has
brought public transit to residents throughout the area. This action calls on Ashland to use its position as a partner
in the RVTD to improve the sustainability and accessibility of its services by upgrading the fleet and updating its
schedule and payment methods.
ULT-1-3. Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing
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disadvantaged populations.
Transit-oriented development (TOD) increases housing density within walking distance of transit hubs. Creating a
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TOD zoning overlay or similar policy could reduce car use, but Ashland will need to design any policy carefully to
avoid unintended consequences, such as gentrification that displaces vulnerable populations.
ULT-1-4. Evaluate feasibility locally-owned and operated transit.
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Rogue Valley Transportation District currently offers the only bus service in Ashland, and service and routes
are limited. This action calls on the City to evaluate the possibility of developing an additional intra-city service
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to augment RVTD service and provide more public transit options to residents. This assessment would involve
determining potential transit providers, assessing demand, identifying possible routes, and estimating costs
associated with purchasing and operating a transit fleet.
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URBAN FORM, LAND USE, & TRANSPORTATION
Other Actions
• Provide additional park-and-ride lots to promote public transit and reduce downtown congestion.
STRATEGY ULT-2. MAKE ASHLAND MORE BIKE- AND PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY.
On-road transportation generates nearly one-fifth of Ashland’s total emissions. It is difficult to substantially improve the
efficiency of existing cars and trucks, so one of the most feasible methods of reducing emissions from them is to make
other forms of transportation more desirable. A city that supports people walking and biking not only reduces the need
for residents to drive but also offers the public health co-benefit of encouraging exercise.
Priority Actions
ULT-2-1. Implement bicycle-friendly Transportation System Plan actions, such as: 1)
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installation of bike intersection safety improvements; 2) increased bike lane infrastructure;
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For bicycling to be considered a viable alternative to driving, the City will need to invest in infrastructure to
improve its safety and convenience. For example, the City could encourage installing bike lanes at schools and
arteries connecting to schools, or provide dedicated bicycle infrastructure downtown or at area hotels. The City
should commit to implementing bicycle-related actions in the Transportation System Plan.
ULT-2-2. Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide
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multimodal connectivity.
Shared streets are popular because they offer improvements for people walking and biking while preserving
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vehicle access. This action will spur Ashland to assess which streets or corridors may make sense to convert to
shared streets due to their current use, potential future use, location, or other considerations.
Other Actions
• Provide incentives for employer-sponsored bicycle programs, including for City employees.
• Conduct a community survey to understand barriers to biking.
• Implement projects that reallocate a portion of the right-of-way to spaces that are friendly to people walking, such
as installation of parklets where appropriate.
• Further evaluate options for reducing vehicle use downtown in future updates of the transportation system plan.
STRATEGY ULT-3. SUPPORT MORE-EFFICIENT VEHICLES.
With on-road vehicle use responsible for nearly 20% of Ashland’s overall emissions, improving the overall efficiency of
the cars and trucks use throughout the city could have a significant impact on meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals.
While most vehicles already on the road are likely not cost-effective to retrofit, the City can make progress by focusing
on providing education, incentives, and support for hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs), and other cleaner-fueled vehicles.
Priority Actions
ULT-3-1. Implement a local fuel-related tax.
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Having a sense of the baseline use of fossil fuels for transportation can help Ashland shape the most effective
fuel-switching policies and incentives possible. A local gas tax or a carbon tax on gasoline and diesel would
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serve as an indicator of fuel demand, while also providing the City with funds that could be used to improve
transportation infrastructure, expand public transit options, or invest in other actions. A gas tax would also
encourage drivers to change their behavior to reduce their use of fossil fuels.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
ULT-3-2. Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at multifamily and
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commercial developments.
Lack of charging infrastructure is a barrier to expanded use of electric vehicles. Additionally, residents in
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multifamily buildings typically have little say in whether their buildings offer the charging equipment necessary
to support electric vehicle use. Requiring new multifamily and commercial developments to provide charging
stations will make electric vehicle use possible and practical for a larger segment of Ashland’s population by giving
them the ability to charge their vehicles near where they live, work, and shop.
ULT-3-3. Provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles and rebates on the City’s
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website.
The technology and market for hybrids and EVs can be difficult for consumers to decipher. Educating the public
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on these vehicles—and the rebates and incentives available for them—is an easy and low-cost early step that can
make the process of choosing and purchasing one of these vehicles more straightforward.
Other Actions
• Expand and increase enforcement of anti-idling policy.
• Initiate a partnership with Tesla to install a supercharging EV station in Ashland.
• Designate a portion of downtown parking spaces for EVs.
• Promote low-carbon fuels and technologies in taxicabs and for-hire vehicles.
STRATEGY ULT-4. SUPPORT MORE CLIMATE-READY DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE.
Ashland’s population is growing, and with a larger population comes new development. Updating zoning requirements and
land-use policies can shape new development in the city to be as climate-resilient as possible.
Priority Actions
ULT-4-1. Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the Wildland Urban Interface
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(WUI) part of the urban growth boundary (UGB).
The WUI zone includes areas on the fringe of Ashland where homes and buildings are in close proximity with
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undeveloped lands. Evidence from other cities indicates that wildfires are most deadly and destructive when they
burn into denser neighborhoods on the outskirts of town. Expanding the WUI and/or limiting construction can
limit the density of these areas, reducing the risk of severe damage as the frequency and intensity of wildfires
increase.
ULT-4-2. Revise community development plans to favor walkable neighborhoods
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Ashland has a series of long-range planning documents that guide development across Ashland districts,
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neighborhoods, and natural areas. Revisiting these plans to ensure that they support climate-ready development
needs, such as walking, biking, transit, and climate adaptation features, will ensure that Ashland development is
consistent with the City’s climate goals and commitments.
ULT-4-3. Modify the WUI code to include construction techniques appropriate
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Ashland’s WUI zones are the most wildfire-threatened parts of the city, and the risk of wildfires affecting these
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areas will only increase as climate change increases the frequency and severity of fires. Modifying the WUI code
to require more resilient construction techniques can minimize the risk that new structures built in the WUI are
damaged or destroyed by fire.
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URBAN FORM, LAND USE, & TRANSPORTATION
Other Actions
• Require, through a Brush Ordinance, property construction and maintenance for “defensible space.”
• Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the WUI part of the urban growth boundary (UGB).
• Evaluate future climate impacts on transportation infrastructure and operations, including critical
needs for emergency response, goods and services movement, and community access.
• Change zoning to minimize development in high flood-risk areas.
STRATEGY ULT-5. INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF CITY FLEET VEHICLES
AND EMPLOYEE COMMUTING.
To move Ashland toward a future of low-carbon transportation, the City should lead by example. While the City’s
own emissions are relatively small compared to personal and commercial vehicle use, there is an opportunity to
make internal improvements that demonstrate its commitment to supporting efficient vehicles, alternative fuel
sources, and public/shared transportation.
Priority Actions
ULT-5-1. Provide carpool and vanpool parking, charging stations, and preferred
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parking for EVs for City employees.
Supporting multiple commute options for City employees is an important step on the path to reducing
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the use of fossil fuels for transportation, one of Ashland’s biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Encouraging the use of ridesharing, vanpooling, and alternative fuel vehicle use among City staff will set
an example for private citizens and serve as tangible evidence of the City’s commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, some of this infrastructure—EV charging stations, for example—can be opened to the public,
increasing its positive impact.
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vehicles, vehicle-sharing across departments, and out-of-town vehicle use.
Conducting an audit of the City’s vehicles is a straightforward and low-cost action that sets the stage for
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policies to govern the fuel efficiency of the fleet and/or mandate a transition to alternative fuel vehicles
over time.
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Ashland has no control over the policies, fuel sources, and infrastructure of jurisdictions beyond the city
limits. Purchasing carbon offsets is a straightforward action that allows the City to extend its commitment
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to reducing its emissions to staff who travel for work reasons. Furthermore, if the City’s offset payments are
invested in local projects, they can provide a wide range of co-benefits to the local community.
Other Actions
• Improve biking amenities at City facilities such as showers, lockers, and covered/secured bike parking.
• Take advantage of potential opportunities under the new state clean fuels program.
• Increase incentives for sustainable City employee commuting such as through competitions or cost shares.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
CASE STUDY
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
• Take a walk, ride a bike, or take public transit.
Leaving your personal vehicle behind when
commuting or running errands can make a big
difference for your carbon footprint and can also be
a healthy and enjoyable alternative to driving.
• Purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle. When purchasing
your next personal vehicle, consider more efficient
ROGUE VALLEY
alternatives such as hybrid or electric vehicles.
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
• Consider where you live. Next time you move, think
about the proximity of where you live to where you
The Rogue Valley Transportation District pools
resources and shares service across a number of
need to travel. Are there opportunities to live closer to
cities in the greater Jackson County area, while
where you need to go? Living within walking, biking,
keeping costs down by taking advantage of
or public transit distance to work, school, or retail
economies of scale. The RVTD currently operates
seven routes that provide vital intercity public transit
stores can save you time, money, and headaches.
connections that enable car-free travel throughout
the Rogue Valley, reducing the need for Ashland
residents to own cars and providing greater mobility
for children, students, the elderly, and others who
may not be able to or want to drive.
In addition to providing standard bus service, the
RVTD operates a paratransit service that is available
to senior citizens, people with disabilities, or others
who are unable to use the standard bus service. In
2016, Jackson County voters approved a levy that
restored Saturday and evening services, as well as
expanded service to southwest Medford, Rogue
Regional Medical Center, and the Rogue Community
College Table Rock Campus.
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CONSUMPTION
& MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
Upstream emissions from the production and
transportation of food and goods account for 48% of
Ashland’s total emissions—more than any other sector.
A large portion of food emissions are from the production of meat, and
emissions from household goods are largely from home construction,
furniture, clothing, and vehicle purchases.Because Ashland’s industrial
sector is small and there is no significant agriculture within city limits,
the Ashland community relies almost entirely on imported goods, food,
and energy products to meet its needs. Encouraging greater local food
production would have emissions-reduction benefits while simultaneously
improving food security and availability for Ashland’s residents. Climate
change may disrupt global supply chains and thereby affect the cost of
household goods and services that local residents and businesses rely on.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
While these emissions are large, they are “indirect” emissions • Community garden programs, farmers’ markets,
that are not under the same level of community control as the and co-ops: Ashland enjoys a number of venues
local, sector-based emissions. While Ashland might change for growing and purchasing locally produced food,
local development codes to address building energy, there is no including at four City-sponsored community gardens,
similar ability to influence production efficiencies for imported the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market,
goods and services. Therefore, Ashland’s potential actions and at retailers like the Ashland Food Co-op.
related to consumption and materials management mostly
Residential curbside recycling programs and
center on influencing consumption behavior and supporting a
outreach: Recology provides curbside recycling service
variety of local and/or more sustainable purchasing options for
to Ashland residents, as well as education and outreach
its residents.
programs on backyard composting and reduce/reuse
best practices. Recology also provides a drop-off
Climate change is also expected to increase stressors such
recycling center for some hard-to-recycle materials.
as pests, disease, and drought on the region’s small local
agriculture sector, potentially reducing the availability of local
food. Global climate change could also disrupt global markets
GOALS AND INDICATORS
and supply chains, potentially resulting in global price increases
Goals
and resource scarcities.
• Increase waste diversion through waste
prevention, recycling, and composting.
PROGRESS TO DATE
• Reduce consumption of climate-intensive
Ashland exemplifies its commitment to reduced waste and food, products, and services.
local sourcing through a variety of programs, ordinances, and
• Support locally-produced products.
offerings, such as the following:
Indicators
• Bans on plastic bags and polystyrene containers: • Waste emissions (from landfill).
In 2014, the City approved an ordinance to
• Waste diverted from landfill to recycling and composting.
substantially reduce consumption of single-use
• Consumption-related emissions.
plastic carryout bags. The City also bans polystyrene
foam food packaging at local restaurants, retail
food vendors, and nonprofit food providers.
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CONSUMPTION & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
STRATEGY CM-1. REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF CARBON-INTENSIVE GOODS AND SERVICES.
Since the City cannot directly influence how goods are produced outside its jurisdiction, its main feasible option is to seek to
reduce the use of targeted carbon-intensive goods and services by encouraging residents to change their consumer habits—and
supporting programs that reduce the need to own products by promoting bartering or shared use.
Priority Actions
CM-1-1. Implement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies such as
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Private consumption of food and goods is the largest single source of Ashland’s greenhouse gas emissions. While the
City does not have the ability to directly control or reduce these emissions, it can encourage sustainable habits and
purchasing decisions that target common sources of waste and carbon-intensive consumption. For example, the City
could continue to include tips and instructions for energy-saving opportunities within City bills and newsletters.
CM-1-2. Support “collaborative consumption” community projects like tool libraries and repair cafes,
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such as through mini-grant programs.
Collaborative consumption reduces demand for new products by facilitating the sharing and/or repair of existing
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products in the community. Tool libraries, for example, allow community members to avoid purchasing new tools by
instead borrowing from a communal pool of donated tools. The City can explore how best to encourage these types of
sustainable consumption and sharing activities.
STRATEGY CM-2. SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE AND ACCESSIBLE LOCAL PRODUCTION AND
CONSUMPTION.
Supporting environmentally responsible production of goods and food locally—in or around Ashland—is beneficial both because
it eliminates the emissions associated with shipping goods produced far away to the city, and because the City can have greater
influence on encouraging sustainable production practices.
Priority Actions
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One way the City can support sustainable local food production is to work with independent organizations to showcase
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and support climate-friendly retailers and products. For example, the City could work with systems such as the Ashland
School District, Southern Oregon University, and Asante Ashland Community Hospital to incorporate “climate-friendly
first” food purchasing.
CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture opportunities at community gardens,
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schools, parks, and rooftops.
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Increasing the land and resources available for local agriculture can help satisfy a portion of the city’s demand for
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food, reducing the quantity of food that must be imported from outside the region. “Greening” public spaces can have
numerous co-benefits, too, including offsetting the urban heat island effect and providing garden space to those who
do not have yards. The City could work to expand existing local food programs, such as by encouraging farms to work
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directly with organizations such as churches or schools to provide community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Other Actions
• Consider climate change-related risks to local supply chains in
implementation of the economic development strategy.
• Work with nonprofits and universities to create outreach and training materials about agricultural
practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase diversity and drought resistance.
STRATEGY CM-3. EXPAND COMMUNITY RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING.
Diverting more waste from the landfill is one of the most direct strategies Ashland can focus on to reduce the
environmental impacts of the city’s consumption. While the City cannot influence upstream production methods at
factories and farms beyond its city limits, minimizing downstream waste has a clear and measurable positive impact
that will help Ashland move toward its sustainability goals.
Priority Actions
CM-3-1. Improve recycling programs to make them easier to use and implement new
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education and outreach to increase recycling in all sectors; expand public space recycling.
Making recycling a convenient and straightforward process is crucial to helping Ashlanders to reduce waste
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disposal and increase diversion from the landfill. Education and outreach, better signage, and placing more
bins in public areas are some of the potential ways to improve recycling in Ashland.
CM-3-2. Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diersion ordinance to enhance enforcement
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and increase diversion and reuse.
Due in large part to the sheer quantity of material involved, home demolition has an outsized impact on
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Ashland’s materials management strategy. Targeting buildings for reuse and salvage not only reduces the
quantity of material being sent to the landfill, but also creates a local market of recovered building materials
that can be used again in new construction projects, remodels, and landscaping. This actions calls for
enhancing Ashland’s current Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance so that it is more strictly enforced
and encourages further diversion and reuse of building materials. For example, the City could explore the
introduction of mandates for a greater percentage of deconstruction over time. The City could also consider
efforts to promote reuse of those materials in new construction projects.
Other Actions
• Implement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies such
as replacing inefficient appliances, opting-out of junk mail, and reuse stores.
• Update the multifamily recycling ordinance to encourage more diversion.
• Examine options for expanding commercial and residential composting; assess the feasibility of
establishing a permitted facility to compost or anaerobically digest organic materials and food waste.
• Improve City facilities to encourage waste reduction, such as by installing water bottle-filling stations.
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CONSUMPTION & MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
STRATEGY CM-4. REDUCE FOOD WASTE.
Production of food is a large emissions source, and, unfortunately, a significant portion of the food that makes it
into Ashland’s homes and businesses spoils or is otherwise wasted. Reducing this waste—and using the remaining
food waste productively—will ensure that Ashland gets the most benefit possible out of its food and does not
purchase food that is not consumed. In addition to reducing the GHG emissions associated with wasted food, edible
food that would have gone to waste can be donated to residents who might otherwise struggle to afford groceries.
Priority Actions
CM-4-1. Support edible food donation through coordination with the food bank and
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donations from City and community partner events.
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In addition to the environmental benefits of reducing food waste means there is more food to share with
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those in need. This action calls on the City and community to work with the food bank to make sure edible
food left over or not used at public events ends up on dining tables, not in the landfill.
CM-4-2. Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce
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food waste and consumption.
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Educating residents and businesses on how to reduce food waste is a low-cost option to reduce wasted
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food, a preventable source of greenhouse gas emissions.
CM-4-3. Facilitate recycling of commercial food waste.
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While reducing food waste by addressing its root causes is the best option, some food waste will
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always remain. The City can serve a central role in taking advantage of this waste stream by arranging
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for discarded food to be used for energy production, including the use of cooking oil for biodiesel and
biofuels. The City could also consider working with Recology to provide organic waste pickup services.
Other Actions
• Seek grant funds to launch a food waste reduction campaign for residents, such as the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Food: Too Good to Waste program.
STRATEGY CM-5. IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY OF CITY OPERATIONS AND PURCHASES.
While City operations account for a relatively small portion of Ashland’s emissions, they are a relatively easy target
for sustainability improvements because the City has direct control over them.
Priority Actions
CM-5-1. Introduce City environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) guidelines for City
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procurement.
Creating an EPP policy is a low-cost action that would guide City staff to choose more sustainable
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products and services by modifying the procurement process. While the complexity of Ashland’s existing
procurement process may make this action more difficult to implement, it is worth considering since
a wide range of cities similar to Ashland have successfully implemented EPP policies of their own.
For example, the City could require evaluation of electronic equipment using the Electronic Product
Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
CM-5-2. Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste
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and biosolids to generate electricity at the wastewater
treatment facility.
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Generating electricity from the gases captured from decomposing
organic matter is a win-win strategy: it prevents harmful GHGs from
entering the atmosphere, and it creates electricity that can offset the
wastewater treatment facility’s energy use or be fed back onto the
power grid.
Other Actions
• Promote online citizen services (such as permitting and
bill payment) to reduce paper use and car trips.
CASE STUDY
• Evaluate the use of low-carbon concrete and/
or recycled asphalt shingles on City buildings.
• Evaluate feasibility of increased use of recycled aggregate
in residential street construction and sidewalks.
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
• Eat carbon-friendly. Animal products are extremely GHG-intensive
ROGUE VALLEY
to produce compared to plants. Eating less meat and dairy can make
FARM TO SCHOOL
a big cut in food consumption emissions. Eating regionally-grown
food that is suitable for the southern Oregon climate can also make
The Rogue Valley Farm to School (RVF2S) program’s
a difference through reduced transportation-related emissions.
mission is to educate children about our food
system through hands-on programs, and bring
• Plan, prepare, and store food carefully to waste less food.
healthy, local foods to their school cafeterias.
Studies show that in America, approximately 40% of food never
RVF2S has relationships with five local farms in the
valley, including The Farm at SOU. The organization
makes it to our dining tables—meaning the water, fertilizer, farm
facilitates the purchase of locally grown produce by
equipment, and transportation involved in producing this food
schools, assists food service staff with estimating
and getting it to your refrigerator is wasted. Planning carefully
annual produce needs, and helps farmers use this
information to plan their seasonal planting. It also
when you shop and storing food properly can go a long way
facilitates field trips to farms and the creation of
toward reducing food waste, and save you money, too.
sustainable on-site gardens at schools.
• Buy less new stuff. The purchase of manufactured goods is
one of the largest contributors to Ashland’s GHG emissions;
consider buying reused or borrowing items you only
use infrequently to help reduce these emissions.
• Buy things that last. The fewer items you purchase, the
better for the environment. Investing in quality items that
last longer often also makes sense for your wallet, since you
don’t have to keep replacing items when they break.
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NATURAL
SYSTEMS
Although not formally accounted for in Ashland’s
greenhouse gas emissions inventory, natural
ecosystems such as forests and wetlands capture and
store carbon, acting as a greenhouse gas “sink.”
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
GOALS AND INDICATORS
Proper ecosystem management can optimize this process of
carbon sequestration, as well as minimize the potential risk of
Goals
GHG emissions from catastrophic wildfires. Many of Ashland’s
• Enhance ecosystem health and resilience.
natural systems and surrounding natural areas will be harmed
• Ensure sustained access to clean air and drinking water.
by climate change, threatening the ecosystem services they
Indicators
provide such as water filtration, flood abatement, pollination,
• Acres of protected and restored habitat.
recreation, and fire protection. Importantly, the effects of
• Stream water quality.
climate change on natural systems are interrelated and may
compound each other; for example, more frequent and
• Water supply.
severe droughts will increase the risk of wildfires. Changes in
temperature, snowpack, and the abundance of diseases and
pests will stress sensitive and high-elevation plants, wildlife,
and ecosystems such as the northern spotted owl, anadromous
fish populations, and mid-elevation coniferous forests. Other
stressors, such as habitat loss and pollution, exacerbate this risk.
PROGRESS TO DATE
The City of Ashland works within its city limits and with partners
outside its limits to promote sustainable management and
conservation of its natural ecosystems. Here are some ways the
City is currently taking action:
• The Ashland Forest Resiliency Project has produced
planning documents that consider
optimized forest fuel management and wildfire
planning in the face of climate change.
• A new city Water Master Plan will incorporate
future climate risks to water supply and quality
into future service planning and activities.
• The City promotes drought-tolerant landscaping
through education, outreach, and technical assistance.
• The City water utility has a tiered rate
structure to provide incentives for conservation
among the largest water uses.
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NATURAL SYSTEMS
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
STRATEGY NS-1. PROMOTE ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE.
Climate change has the potential to significantly disrupt local ecosystems by altering precipitation patterns, increasing
average temperatures, and making extreme weather events more frequent and severe. These changes can affect a
wide range of ecosystem features and functions, from causing fish die-offs to disrupting pollinators. Local government
policies and actions will play a key role in protecting ecosystem elements from climate-related threats.
Priority Actions
NS-1-1. Manage forests to retain biodiversity, resilience, and ecosystem function and services
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planning to manage ecosystem health, community safety, and carbon storage.
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Responsible management of existing natural areas within and surrounding Ashland will bolster ecosystem
health and prevent the breakdown of important ecosystem functions. Incorporating climate change projections
specifically into the City’s management and planning processes will ensure they account for possible
scenarios—more common wildfires, for example—that threaten ecosystem stability and public health.
NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement, other pervious
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Runoff from rainwater and snowmelt can carry pollutants and sediment into ecologically sensitive waterways.
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Pollution due to runoff and flooding will likely become a more common—and more serious—problem for
Ashland as climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases the frequency of severe rainstorms.
Green infrastructure allows water to infiltrate into the soil, reducing the amount of polluted runoff that flows
into sensitive creeks, wetlands, and other waterways. The City should continue to promote green infrastructure
where possible and consider green infrastructure as a default option for on-site stormwater management.
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Ashland and Bear Creeks.
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The fish and riparian species that call southern Oregon home will likely be increasingly stressed by water
scarcity and other climate-driven impacts on the health of local waterways. Undertaking habitat restoration
and protection efforts not only supports healthy stocks of these species, but can provide co-benefits to
residents and visitors by creating beautiful natural environments for visitors to enjoy and educational
opportunities for residents to understand and appreciate native ecosystems and species.
NS-1-4. Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services, such as remnant spring,
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ownership and promotion of conservation easements and private open spaces.
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This action focuses on identifying and prioritizing the protection of the most important elements of the local
ecosystem through public ownership and providing incentives for conservation easements.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
The Ashland Forest Resiliency Project
The Ashland Forest Resiliency Project is a ten-year stewardship program that aims to reduce
wildfire risk and protect ecosystem features on approximately 7,600 acres of land. The
project is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service, the City of Ashland, the
Nature Conservancy, and the Lomakatsi Restoration Project. It focuses on thinning small
trees and conducting controlled burns to prevent wildfires from spreading, while prioritizing
saving large, old trees and preserving key habitat elements. In addition to implementing
sustainable forestry techniques, the project includes an education component and has
delivered presentations and field activities to more than 2,000 local students.
Other Actions
• Update the City’s approved street tree guide and landscape design standards for new
development for tree species appropriate for a future local climate.
• Assess the deployment of ecosystem market approaches as a means to protect and restore ecosystems efficiently
and effectively, such as by paying upstream landowners for water-friendly management of their lands.
STRATEGY NS-2. MANAGE AND CONSERVE COMMUNITY WATER RESOURCES.
The City can, through a combination of education, policy, and incentives, encourage the community to make meaningful
changes to reduce its water use.
Priority Actions
NS-2-1. Evaluate the value and potential for incentives for practices that reduce use of potable
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water for nonpotable purposes and recharge groundwater.
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Incentives can be a valuable tool to reduce water use and encourage the installation of rainwater collection and
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water reuse systems. As a bonus, these systems offer stormwater prevention co-benefits. Similar incentives have
been used successfully in a number of other cities. The viability and benefits of these practices are currently being
examined as part of Ashland’s Comprehensive Water Master Plan update, including exploration of options to
promote and install graywater reuse at community gardens and other local urban agricultural areas.
NS-2-2. Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider requiring them
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during the permitting process.
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Landscaping irrigation uses large quantities of water. Requiring advanced irrigation systems, especially for large
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commercial or multifamily properties, could have a large impact on the city’s water use.
NS-2-3. Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses.
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Providing additional education and support to residents and businesses can help reduce water use on private
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properties by identifying easy, cost-effective ways to reduce water use such as installing low-flow fixtures and faucet
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aerators. The City may consider providing additional financial incentives to encourage widespread adoption of these
upgrades or to make more costly water-saving upgrades financially feasible. This action could also involve facilitating
sustainability certifications at local businesses, such as under the Salmon Safe certification.
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NATURAL SYSTEMS
Other Actions
• Introduce a system whereby when a new building is permitted, a conversation is triggered
around the introduction of feasible new technologies that reduce water and wastewater.
• Manage upstream flows to minimize downstream flood risk, such as through
habitat protection, restoration, or adjusted reservoir management.
• Explore new technologies for treating wastewater for use.
STRATEGY NS-3. CONSERVE WATER USE WITHIN CITY OPERATIONS.
While the City’s internal operations account for a relatively small portion of Ashland’s overall emissions, conserving
resources sets a visible example that residents and businesses in the community can follow. Water use, in particular,
will be important to minimize in the future: with more frequent and severe droughts due to climate-driven changes
in precipitation and snowpack, Ashland and the surrounding area will have to manage its water resources to
minimize the impacts of increasing water scarcity.
Priority Actions
NS-3-1. Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City
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facilities for graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing
and new City facilities and properties.
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This action aims to reduce the quantity of filtered, potable water used at City facilities by using rainwater
for nonpotable uses, such as toilet-flushing and irrigation. Graywater recycling could further reduce the
quantity of fresh, clean water used by the City for nonpotable purposes.
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The City is currently in the process of conducting an audit of water use at its facilities. The audit will help
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the City identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve the water efficiency of its operations.
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Other Actions
Update City landscaping standards for reducing water consumption and chemical use.
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
• Install rain gardens, rain barrels, or cisterns on your property. Work with the City to learn about options
for reducing stormwater runoff and increasing water storage and reuse at your home or business.
• Be waterwise in your daily household water consumption. Install water-efficient
fixtures, take shorter showers, irrigate at night, and otherwise reduce water use.
• Support habitat protection and restoration. Volunteer at a habitat restoration event,
donate to land conservancy or education organizations, and get outside!
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
PUBLIC
HEALTH,
SAFETY &
SECURITY
While at first climate change may seem removed
from issues of health, safety, and security,
its effects may have significant impacts on
Ashland’s population.
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PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, & SECURITY
Increased heat waves, flooding, and wildfires will threaten • Firewise Ashland provides residents of the
the health and safety of all residents, and Ashland’s outdoor wildland urban interface with the knowledge
industry workers, the elderly and very young, and low-income and skills necessary to prepare for wildfires.
populations will be especially vulnerable.
• The Social Service Grant and Community
Development Block Grant programs support
Rafting, skiing, and other outdoor recreation industries may
disadvantaged and at-risk populations.
suffer from reduced snowpack and reduced summer flows,
affecting workers throughout the local tourist industry. • The annual Ashland is Ready workshop
Increased wildfire risk will stress emergency services and provides emergency planning assistance
increase the number of homes within wildfire risk areas. While and information for residents.
many of the strategies and actions in other sections of this
report have positive direct impacts or co-benefits on public
GOALS AND INDICATORS
health and safety, these issues are important enough to merit
Goals
specific discussion; without healthy, happy, and secure citizens,
• Protect public health from air
Ashland cannot continue to thrive.
pollution and climate impacts.
Note: Emissions associated with public health, safety,
• Improve community capacity to understand, prepare
and security services are encapsulated in other sectors of
for, and respond to climate change security risks.
the greenhouse gas inventory and therefore cannot be
Indicators
independently evaluated.
• Number of people that can be accommodated
by available cooling centers.
PROGRESS TO DATE
• Tree canopy cover.
Although the City of Ashland has limited influence over the
• Percent of Ashland residents experiencing
health and social security of its residents, the City has made
health issues such as asthma.
great strides in supporting the local economy and preparing for
emergency events. For example:
Firewise Ashland
Ashland is part of Firewise Communities, a national program that educates homeowners and
community members on wildfire home safety. The city received its first Firewise Communities
recognition award in 2011, and now the program recognizes a dozen different Ashland
neighborhoods. The program provides residents within the wildland/urban interface (WUI) with
knowledge and skills for taking action to prevent wildfire losses,
such as by addressing home construction and landscaping.
These actions can help houses withstand wildland fire without
intervention such as fire-fighting services. For more information
or to become a Firewise neighborhood, visit firewise.org or call
Ashland Fire and Rescue.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
STRATEGY PHSS-1. MANAGE ECOSYSTEMS AND LANDSCAPES TO MINIMIZE CLIMATE-
RELATED HEALTH IMPACTS.
With average temperatures on the rise and extreme weather events predicted to become more common due to
climate change, Ashland will need to consider adapting its management of the cityscape and ecosystems to protect
its residents’ quality of life.
Priority Actions
PHSS-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need
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air conditioning such as schools.
The urban heat island effect can have serious impacts on public health and quality of life, including
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causing heat-related fatalities among elderly or otherwise vulnerable people. The City can reduce this
effect by increasing tree canopy cover in targeted areas that do not currently have adequate shade or air
conditioning, as well as promote and educate citizens about the benefits of shading with trees and building
features.
Other Actions
• Evaluate and implement slash removal methods that minimize smoke production, such as air curtain burners.
• Develop an incentive program to convert fuel-burning lawn equipment
such as gas-powered lawn mowers and blowers to electric.
• Evaluate opportunities to plant additional trees near city facilities to reduce heat island.
STRATEGY PHSS-2. PROMOTE A SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY THAT MINIMIZES
EMISSIONS AND VULNERABILITY.
Becoming more sustainable and preparing for the effects of climate change will require more than government
action; the private sector will also play a central role. The City can serve as a thought leader, facilitator, and central
coordinator to spur climate action by a wide variety of independent businesses.
Priority Actions
PHSS-2-1. Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action, for example, by
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organizing and facilitating roundtables.
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This action involves bringing local employers together with City staff and independent experts to discuss
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how climate change will affect their businesses, how to minimize those risks, and how to incorporate
climate and sustainability concerns into their businesses in effective ways.
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PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, & SECURITY
PHSS-2-2. Support organizations, such as SOU, in evaluating risks to local food sources
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under climate change.
As discussed in Strategy CW-2, local food production minimizes greenhouse gas emissions associated
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with food transport, supports the local economy, and brings other sustainability benefits. As part of the
City’s work to support and expand local agriculture, it can consider taking a supporting the work of other
organizations to evaluate how local food sources may be stressed or affected by climate change, and how
best to navigate the challenges to ensure that local farms remain viable and productive. This work would
include researching new crops, technologies, and innovative approaches, and working with farmers to
adapt to climate change.
Other Actions
• Work with businesses to assess their climate change vulnerability and plan for the future.
STRATEGY PHSS-3. OPTIMIZE CITY SERVICES TO MINIMIZE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS.
Many of the facilities and services provided by the City, such as libraries, parks, and emergency management
services, can also serve as important venues for adapting to climate change. This strategy identifies ways that the
City can adjust or repurpose its current activities and facilities to help minimize public health threats from climate
change such as from severe heat, wildfire smoke, and flooding.
Priority Actions
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to address public health risks.
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While the effects of climate change are expected to be fairly uniform throughout the Ashland region,
some neighborhoods will be more vulnerable to these impacts than others. The City can work to minimize
the impacts on its most at-risk neighborhoods—for example, outlying areas exposed to wildfires or
communities with infrastructure that is susceptible to flood damage—by collaborating with residents and
local organizations to create localized adaptation plans.
PHSS-3-2. Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts, such as by designating
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cooling centers through the city, improving cooling systems in schools and senior centers,
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canopy.
Climate change is expected to increase the number and severity of heat waves in Ashland, putting
vulnerable people at greater risk of heat-related health complications and reducing the quality of life for
all Ashland residents. The City can take steps to minimize the risks presented by heat waves by identifying
where heat-related impacts will be most pronounced and working to encourage and/or directly implement
strategies for offsetting these impacts.
PHSS-3-3. Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees and the public.
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Heat-warning systems help minimize the health dangers associated with extreme heat by giving the public
a chance to plan ahead to avoid being outside or take refuge at a designated cooling center during the
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hottest periods.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Other Actions
• Educate public and public health professionals about health risks posed by climate
change, including potential changes in air quality and impacts on mental health.
• Adjust City-sponsored outdoor activity schedules and plan for indoor
alternatives to accommodate longer and hotter summer seasons.
STRATEGY PHSS-4. OPTIMIZE CITY SERVICES TO MINIMIZE PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACTS.
Climate stress can add additional burdens on City services to protect public safety. This strategy involves taking
measures within City operations and current services to protect the public from injuries caused by extreme events
such as wildfires and flooding.
Priority Actions
PHSS-4-1. Update the City’s emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and
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updates recognize and address likely climate change impacts.
From wildfires to floods, the emergencies that Ashland faces will increasingly be linked to climate change.
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The City can help protect its citizens from these emergencies by incorporating climate projections and likely
impacts into its existing emergency response plan.
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zone.
Climate-driven changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns will likely increase the frequency and
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severity of flooding in the city. One way Ashland can mitigate the damage of severe floods is by identifying
essential services in flood-prone areas and working to relocate or protect them.
Other Actions
• Expand and publicize the Ready, Set, Go! Evacuation program.
• Utilize federal and state reporting and monitoring assets, such as the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s Hazard Mapping System, to prepare for smoke and wildfire impacts.
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
• Assemble an emergency kit. Jackson County offers tips and checklists to help residents
create emergency kits for their homes and cars. Visit the Jackson County Emergency
Management website or contact Jackson County for more information.
• Stay informed. Sign up for Citizen Alert!, a free program from Jackson County that
sends community alerts to your phone and email when you register online.
• Prepare your home for the extremes. Understand the risk of flooding or wildfire to your home, and
take action to safeguard your home. Ashland provides free Firewise assessments for properties at
potential risk of wildfire. Find more information at the City’s Ready, Set, Go! Evacuation website.
• Understand the risks and how to mitigate them. Injuries from heat exhaustion and wildfire
smoke can be exacerbated by conditions such as dehydration, diabetes, heart conditions,
and obesity. Staying healthy, avoiding harmful activities, and taking proper precaution can
make sure you and your family are safe from deadly heat- and smoke-related illnesses.
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CROSS-
CUTTING
STRATEGIES
Addressing climate change requires that we
work across sectors to incorporate climate
change considerations into all that we do. Only
through a coordinated and multifaceted effort
can significant progress be made.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
PROGRESS TO DATE
The City of Ashland has demonstrated a commitment to
comprehensive climate action through development of this
Climate and Energy Action Plan. Prior to the plan, the City also
completed its first citywide greenhouse gas inventory, which
served as an essential benchmark for understanding and taking
action against the community’s greatest GHG emission sources.
The City has also hosted a number of public outreach and
engagement events around climate change and sustainability,
including the Ashland Climate Challenge in 2015.
GOALS AND INDICATORS
Goals
• Increase awareness of city climate goals and needs.
• Integrate climate change considerations into day-to-
day City operations, planning, and decisionmaking.
Indicators
• Public and City staff knowledge and understanding
of climate change issues and actions.
• Proportion of other City plans or activities that
incorporate climate change considerations.
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CROSS-CUTTING STRATEGIES
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
STRATEGY CC-1. EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE PUBLIC.
Addressing community-wide emissions starts with ensuring that the public understands climate change and what
they can do to address the challenge. This strategy involves not just enhancing public knowledge, but also continuing
to learn and understand the needs and challenges the public faces in taking action. This strategy involves finding
ways to address the public’s needs and challenges through incentives, education, and behavior change programs.
Priority Actions
CC-1-2. Support capacity of neighborhood and community groups to implement climate
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mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
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Every community is different in how it affects and is affected by climate change. To accommodate these
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differences and empower communities to take action, the City should provide resources and support for
neighborhoods that wish to tackle climate change directly. Options could include providing resource guides
or checklists, venues for community meetings, or mini-grant programs for specific adaptation actions.
CC-1-1. Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the community about
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climate actions and progress.
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An informed community is critical to empowering and inspiring climate action. The outreach and education
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plan will inform residents about climate actions, what they accomplish, how they can be accessed or used,
and how the community is progressing toward its targets.
Other Actions
• Develop a climate-ready recognition program.
• Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program whereby residents can offset their emissions.
STRATEGY CC-2. EDUCATE AND EMPOWER CITY STAFF.
Tasked with implementing the Climate and Energy Action Plan, City staff and leadership must understand threats
and issues related to climate change and the actions needed to address it. This strategy deals with ensuring that all
City departments inform their staff members about the Climate and Energy Action Plan and clarify their roles and
expectations for its implementation.
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Energy Action Plan.
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This action includes identifying the expectations, roles, and responsibility of each department in meeting
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specific community and City operations actions within the Climate and Energy Action Plan.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
STRATEGY CC-3. MAINSTREAM AND INTEGRATE CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS.
As a cross-cutting issue, climate change should be integrated into all other City activities and processes, as
relevant. For example, climate change could be considered in all City Council policy, budgetary, or legislative
decisions, and as part of regular City Council communications..
CC-3-1. Consider climate change in all City Council policy, budgetary, or legislative
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decisions (e.g., triple bottom-line evaluation). Incorporate climate action
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Council decisions present key points in the policy-setting process for incorporating and considering City
priorities. Asking how policy, budgetary, and legislative decisions may affect or be affected by climate
change during these key decision points will provide further assurance that no new policy or decisions
hinder progress toward reaching Ashland’s climate goals.
CC-3-2. Consider CEAP goals in future updates of city plans.
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To enhance integration of climate change across City activities, climate mitigation and resiliency goals
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set for in this plan should be promulgated through future updates of related City plans. Example
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plans to which this action would apply include the City Comprehensive Plan, Water Master Plan,
Transportation System Plan, Neighborhood Master Plans, and Emergency Management Plans.
STRATEGY CC-4. ENGAGE WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS
AROUND REGIONAL, STATEWIDE, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE
POLICY AND ACTION.
The City of Ashland can learn from the experience of others, and a larger, unified coalition can be more
powerful. This strategy involves coordinating with other local governments that have set ambitious climate
targets, such as Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Fort Collins, to learn from their experiences, share best practices,
and together advocate for broader regional, state, and national action and leadership.
CC-4-1. Engage
with other governments and organizations around regional, statewide,
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national, and international climate policy and action.
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Ashland should continue to collaborate with neighboring cities to share information and foster
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coordinated and unified action. The City should lead and pursue a partnership model, such as the King
County-Cities Climate Collaboration in Washington State, to coordinate and enhance the effectiveness
of local government climate and sustainability action within its region.
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NEXT STEPS
The goals, strategies, and actions presented
in this plan signify an ambitious step forward
for the Ashland community.
Although sustainable living, operations, and management is not
new to Ashland, this plan pulls together the strong momentum and
action that already exists in the city and provides a coordinated and
intentional strategy going forward. Making progress on these goals
will require Ashland’s government and community to work together
and commit dedicated time and resources.
This Climate and Energy Action Plan is only the beginning of an
ongoing process. The accompanying Implementation Plan (see
Appendix) provides a framework for launching the implementation
phase of the plan, This phase will require the City and community to
take priority actions—outlining specific plans of action and resource
needs among responsible parties—and monitoring and benchmarking
progress along the way.
As details are outlined, more specific quantitative goals
and milestones can be created, driving the pace of strategy
implementation. The Implementation Plan also details the proposed
structure for ongoing plan implementation, monitoring, evaluation,
and adaptive management, as well as a list of key actions to be taken
in the first year of implementation. It concludes with a discussion of
how the goals and strategies of this plan fit with a potential ordinance
establishing binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
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ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Notable actions detailed in the Implementation Plan include
establishment of the following:
• A City position dedicated to coordination,
promotion, implementation and reporting of
the Climate and Energy Action Plan, including
both community and City operations.
• A City and community leadership advisory team or
committee to shepherd the City’s climate action
plan goals, actions, reporting, and updates.
• An ordinance tied to the goals and targets
of the Climate and Energy Action Plan.
Through careful and committed action by all Ashlanders,
and with this plan as a basis, the city can achieve its vision of
becoming a resilient community that has zero-net greenhouse
gas emissions, embraces equity, protects healthy ecosystems,
and creates opportunities for future generations.
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APPENDICES
APPENDICES
(Appendices will be available in future draft versions of the plan)
Implementation Plan
Climate Trends Summary
Public Engagement Process Overview
Emissions Modeling and Target Setting Methodology
Ashland GHG Inventory
Glossary
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
This implementation plan sets forth a proposed structure and schedule for implementation of the
Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). It contains the following sections:
Year 1 Implementation Summary A summary of key tasks to be accomplished in Year 1 of
CEAP implementation, described in more detail in the following sections.
Oversight An ongoing structure for ongoing citizen oversight of the CEAP.
Accountability and Enforcement Potential policy mechanisms for ensuring that the CEAP is
implemented to its full potential.
City Coordination A structure for ongoing City coordination and implementation of the CEAP.
Funding Potential funding mechanisms for financing CEAP actions.
Monitoring and Evaluation A mechanism and set of metrics for monitoring and evaluating
CEAP progress and updating the plan as necessary.
Equity Guidance for ensuring that equity is considered in CEAP implementation.
Near-term Actions CEAP actions to be implemented by 2020.
Implementation Schedule Implementation detail for each priority CEAP action, including
relative measures of action cost and effectiveness; accompanying co-benefits; timeframes for
implementation; and responsible departments.
Year 1 Implementation Summary
Assuming adoption by the Council in February, the focus in 2017 will be on establishing the institutional
foundation for plan implementation and taking initial steps on key priority actions. Table 1 provides a
schedule and key milestones for Year 1. Key activities to undertake are:
Form and convene a citizen advisory committee to provide guidance and oversight of plan
implementation.
Formalize commitment to CEAP actions and goals (e.g., ordinance or resolution).
Designate a CEAP Coordinator position and constitute an internal City Climate Action Team.
Designate funding sources and identify additional funding needs.
Establish CEAP progress indicators and corresponding baselines and targets (including equity
indicators).
Determine and formalize approach to incorporating equity considerations into plan
implementation.
Commence priority near-term CEAP actions.
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Table 1. Schedule and key milestone for Year 1 CEAP implementation (this section under development).
Item Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Citizen Advisory Committee
Resolution/Ordinance
CEAP Coordinator
Internal Climate Action Team
Funding
Progress Indicators
Equity Considerations
Priority Near-Term Actions
Oversight
A citizen advisory committee is recommended to oversee implementation of the CEAP. The advisory
committee will be composed of stakeholders who represent Ashland residents, have interest,
experience or expertise on climate-relevant topics or related policy work, and/or represent key
community or civic organizations that may play a role in implementation.
Roles of the advisory committee could include:
Monitoring and tracking progress towards meeting CEAP goals.
Providing recommendations to the Climate and Energy Coordinator regarding CEAP progress
and implementation.
Ensuring that the CEAP stays up-to-date over time, with a focus on the three-year plan update
cycle
Reviewing and making recommendations as part of the three-year greenhouse gas (GHG)
inventory update process
It is expected that the advisory committee will meet at least quarterly.
Accountability and Enforcement
Adoption of this Climate and Energy Action Plan will
addressing the challenge of climate change in the Ashland community. Establishing a more formal City
commitment to CEAP goals, such as through a resolution or ordinance, would be seen by many as
reinforcing the importance of this plan and could help ensure implementation of CEAP actions and
measurable progress toward meeting CEAP goals over time.
City Coordination
The plan calls for a designated City Climate and Energy Coordinator position to be created to
coordinate and shepherd implementation of the CEAP. Job responsibilities of the position include the
following:
Working with City departments to facilitate and track strategy and action implementation.
Working with external stakeholders, including public, to encourage taking and/or contributing to
actions identified in the CEAP.
Briefing the advisory team on progress updates and relaying advisory team recommendations to
relevant implementing parties.
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Leading development of annual CEAP progress reports, as well as plan updates.
Communicating CEAP progress to internal and external stakeholders.
Developing and implementing a system to systematically review, adjust, and update plan
strategies and actions as needed.
Maintaining a dashboard or other interactive platform for tracking and communicating progress.
The Climate and Energy Coordinator will ideally have the following qualifications:
Familiarity with both climate mitigation and adaptation, including greenhouse gas accounting
methodologies and climate change projections and anticipated impacts.
Experience managing climate-related programs that involve both internal and external
stakeholders.
It is anticipated that an internal Climate Action Team will be formed within the City to coordinate and
implement CEAP actions. The following departments should be represented as part of the Climate
Action Team:
Community Development (including Parks and Recreation
Building Division and Planning Division)
Conservation
Ashland Municipal Utility (Electric)
Public Works
Administration
Fire
Funding
Funding for near-term actions of the CEAP will come from a variety of sources within the City budget
depending on the type of action, the responsible department, and the legal and operational limitations
of the particular funding source. Additionally, some of the actions recommended in the plan are
expansion of existing City programs or efforts and therefore already have funding sources. However,
incremental funding increases may be needed to meet the higher level of action called for in the plan.
Current and potential funding sources include:
City general fund
Electric Utility revenues (energy related actions)
Storm Water Utility revenues (flood/riparian related actions)
Water Utility revenues (water conservation, water quality related actions)
Bonneville Power Administration
Federal and state grants
Revolving loan funds
As the implementation commences in earnest, City staff and the proposed CEAP advisory committee
should pay particular attention to additional funding sources. This examination should include
exploration of specific grant opportunities targeted at individual plan actions, potential new local
revenue streams such as from a carbon/fuel tax, and multi-jurisdiction or public/private partnerships to
provide the resources needed for City and community goal achievement.
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Monitoring and Evaluation
Progress toward meeting CEAP targets and goals will be evaluated and tracked on an action-by-action
basis with an overall progress report for all actions and activities provided on at least an annual basis. If
possible, qualitative updates will be provided to the advisory team on a quarterly basis.
The plan will be evaluated and updated on a three-
Offsets
year cycle to ensure that plan strategies and
Every time Ashland completes its greenhouse
actions reflect the latest knowledge and best
gas inventory, the City and community can
practices around climate mitigation and
evaluate the need to purchase carbon offsets
adaptation. The plan will also be reevaluated to
to help meet emission reduction goals.
assess whether actions are sufficient to meet
Offsets provide a pathway for achieving
emission reduction goals and, if not, to add new or
emission reductions beyond what can be
expanded actions to the plan. To facilitate the
achieved internally.
three-year update, the Ashland community and
City greenhouse gas inventories will also be
Purchasing offsets means counting emission
updated on recurring cycle, one year in advance of
reductions achieved by another party and
the plan update process. This cycle will provide
often in another geographic area. For
City staff and the proposed commission with
example, Ashland could purchase offsets
concrete measurement results to inform plan
from Bonneville Environmental Foundation,
evaluation and updates.
which offers emissions reduction credits from
regional and global renewable energy
At a minimum, the following indicators will be
projects, forest enhancement projects, and
tracked and reported on at least an annual basis.
waste methane and heat capture projects.
Due to data availability limitations, some of these
indicators will require establishment of baseline
When an entity sells their carbon offsets,
and target values for meeting CEAP goalsto be
those emission reductions cannot be counted
developed in Year 1 of implementation.
by anyone except the party that purchased
Additionally, we expect that some methodologies
the offsets, thereby minimizing the risk of
for measuring some indicators, such as
double counting.
consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions, will
evolve and improve over time.
Further development and build-out of the monitoring and evaluation indicators likely form a significant
opportunity for the proposed new commission to work on as an early oversight activity.
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Table 2. Potential CEAP progress indicators
CEAP Goal Primary Indicator Target 2015 Baseline
Goal
Overarching Goal 1: Reduce GHG Emissions
Community GHG emissions 8% reduction 342,480
(mtCOe) per year
2
City GHG emissions (mtCOe) 0 by 2030 10,757
2
Fossil fuel consumption (MMBTU) 50% reduction Unknown
by 2030;
100% reduction
by 2050
Overarching Goal 2: Prepare for Climate Impacts
N/A (see individual focus areas) N/A N/A
Buildings and Energy
Reduce building GHG Building GHG emissions (mtCOe) 8% reduction 82,426
2
emissions. per year
Increase energy and water Energy & water use per square foot TBD Unknown
efficiency in City and private (MMBTU/sf & CCF/sf)
buildings.
Proportion of buildings that use TBD Unknown
stock and energy supply from heat-resistant materials, passive
climate impacts. heating/cooling, and/or white roofs
(%)
Local renewable energy production
(%)
Urban Form, Land Use & Transportation
Reduce transportation GHG Transportation GHG emissions 8% reduction 79,000
emissions. (mtCOe) per year
2
Reduce community & City Vehicle miles traveled (miles) TBD Unknown
employee vehicle miles
traveled.
Improve vehicle efficiency and Emissions per mile traveled TBD Unknown
expand low-carbon transport, (mtCOe/mile)
2
Transit ridership (passenger miles)
and bicycling
Support local and regional TBD 53
i
sustainable growth.
Protect transportation TBD TBD TBD
infrastructure from climate
impacts.
Consumption & Materials Management
Reduce solid waste & Solid waste & wastewater GHG 8% reduction 6,923
wastewater GHG emissions. emissions (mtCOe) per year
2
Increase waste diversion Waste diverted from landfill to TBD Unknown
through waste prevention, recycling and composting (%)
recycling, and composting.
Reduce consumption of Consumption-related emissions 8% reduction 166,731
climate-intensive food, (mtCOe) per year
2
products, and services.
Support locally-produced Community gardens (#) TBD 4 gardens;
products. Farmers markets (#) 1 farmers market
Natural Systems
i
Source: https://www.walkscore.com/OR/
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
CEAP Goal Primary Indicator Target 2015 Baseline
Goal
Enhance ecosystem health and Water quality (EPA score out of TBD Water quality =
resilience. 100) 60/100
ii
Acres of forest maintained
Acres of protected and restored Over 2,000 acres
habitat of forests
maintained
iii
Ensure sustained access to Water consumption (avg MGD) TBD 4.5 MGD
iv
clean air and drinking water.
Public Health, Safety & Security
Protect public health from air Air quality (EPA score out of 100) TBD Air quality =
pollution and climate impacts. Cooling center capacity (# people) 70/100
ii
Tree canopy cover (%)
Improve community capacity # homes in the wildland urban TBD 1,400 homes
v
to understand, prepare for, interface (WUI)
and respond to climate change
security risks.
Cross-Cutting Strategies
Increase awareness of city Public and staff knowledge and TBD (e.g., over 2,000
climate goals and needs. understanding of climate change students)
vi
issues and actions
(e.g., # students engaged in AFR
project)
Integrate climate Number of other City plans or TBD 2 (Water Master
considerations into City activities that incorporate climate Plan Update; 2016
operations, planning, and change considerations Ashland Forest
decision-making. Plan)
ii Source: http://www.bestplaces.net/health/city/oregon/ashland
iii Source: http://www.ashland.or.us/Files/Fall_2016Flyer_Updated_9272016_Final%20Draft.pdf
iv Source: http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=17045
v Source: http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=13511
vi
Engaged in AFR project from 2010 to 2014 (Source: 2016 Ashland Forest Plan)
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Equity
Each action of the CEAP should be implemented in
unique equity issues and concerns. The sections below provide suggestions for ensuring equitable
implementation of the CEAP. It is expected that specific criteria and indicators will be determined and
formalized in Year 1 of CEAP implementation.
Equity Considerations
When planning for implementation, the City should consider equity impacts and potential benefits. For
example, the City of Portland put forth the following equity considerations in implementation of their
Climate Action Plan:7
Equity Considerations
Disproportionate Does the proposed action generate burdens (including costs), either directly or
impacts indirectly, to communities of color or low-income populations? If yes, are there
opportunities to mitigate these impacts?
Shared benefits Can the benefits of the proposed action be targeted in progressive ways to reduce
historical or current disparities?
Accessibility Are the benefits of the proposed action broadly accessible to households and
businesses throughout the community particularly communities of color, low-income
populations, and minority, women and emerging small businesses?
Engagement Does the proposed action engage and empower communities of color and low-income
populations in a meaningful, authentic and culturally appropriate manner?
Capacity building Does the proposed action help build community capacity through funding, an expanded
knowledge base or other resources?
Alignment and Does the proposed action align with and support existing communities of color and low-
partnership income population priorities, creating an opportunity to leverage resources and build
collaborative partnerships?
Relationship building Does the proposed action help foster the building of effective, long-term relationships
and trust between diverse communities and local government?
Economic Does the proposed action support communities of color and low income populations
opportunity and through workforce development, contracting opportunities or the increased diversity of
staff diversity city and county staff?
Accountability Does the proposed action have appropriate accountability mechanisms to ensure that
communities of color, low-income populations, or other vulnerable communities will
equitably benefit and not be disproportionately harmed?
In addition, these equity considerations can be explicitly integrated into the cross-cutting strategy
CC-3-ry, or legislative decisions.
Incorporate climate action considerations/relationship as part of the Council Communication (staff
communication template for City Council deliberation and decision making ensures that equity related
impacts of City Council decisions are by default considered in the deliberation and able to be understood
and commented on by the public.
7
Source: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/583501
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Equity Indicators
Progress toward advancing equity through implementation of the CEAP will also be assessed as part of
the monitoring and evaluation process. Identification and baseline assessment of relevant indicators will
be an important part of Year 1 implementation. Potential process and outcome indicators related to
climate resilience implementation identified by the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP), for example, including the following:8
Example Climate Resilience Process/Outcome Indicators
Infrastructure Solar and wind installation community level, home, commercial/business
(mapping/distribution)
Economic Development and New, local jobs created
Jobs Businesses temporarily or permanently closed (net new businesses)
Community Workforce Agreements for redevelopment projects
Food Security Households identified as food insecure
Housing Property values increased or reduced
Healthcare Services Health care and mental health facilities
Emergency Management Emergency shelter availability, capacity, and access
Planning and Decision Inclusive stakeholder engagement in community planning
Making Equity-based resource allocation
8 Source: http://action.naacp.org/page/-
/Climate/Equity_in_Resilience_Building_Climate_Adaptation_Indicators_FINAL.pdf
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Near-Term Actions
The following twenty actions were identified as near-term priority actions to be implemented by 2021.
Actions were identified as near-term that meet one or more of the following criteria:
Easy, early wins relatively straightforward actions that demonstrate climate action and help
the City hit the ground running on making progress toward climate goals.
Foundational steps actions that set the stage or guide direction for other actions.
Complex, but important initiatives actions that will make a big difference but may be
challenging or resource-intensive to implement, so getting started as early as possible will be
important.
Windows of opportunity actions align with or could synergize with other City plans, projects,
or initiatives, and so should be implemented concurrently.
Too good to wait actions that will be very effective in meeting climate action goals or carry
significant co-benefits, and so should be implemented immediately.
Scope Type Criterion
Buildings and Energy
BE-1-1. Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility. Initiate
Foundational step
planning process in 2017.
BE-1-2. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. Begin exploring
increased local solar energy production as part of the 10-by-20 ordinance Window of opportunity
implementation.
BE-1-3. Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities. Prioritize
and development implementation plan and funding for recently completed City Window of opportunity
facility solar audit.
BE-2-1. Increase outreach efforts to expand participation in energy efficiency
programs and promote climate-friendly building and construction. Update the
Easy, early win
Smartbuild program, and expand zero-interest loan program opportunities.
Urban Form, Land Use & Transportation
ULT-1-2. Work with the RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit. Begin
conversations with RVTD to begin transitioning to lower emission buses and Too good to wait
exploring ways to expand access and ridership.
ULT-2-1. Implement bicycle-friendly Transportation System Plan (TSP) actions.
Window of opportuntiy
Begin implementing capital improvement plans as part of TSP implementation.
ULT-2-2. Explore additional opportunities to convert to shared streets where
appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity. Pursue East Main St super-Window of opportunity
sharrow concept through Transportation Commission.
ULT-3-2. Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at Complex, but
multifamily and commercial developments. Draft revised code. important
ULT-3-3. Provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles and rebates on
Easy, early win
ULT-4-1. Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the Wildland
Complex, but
Urban Interface (WUI) part of the urban growth boundary (UGB). Explore available
important
policy instruments or incentives for limiting development in this area.
Consumption and Materials Management
CM-2-1. Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase of climate-
friendly produce and products. Implement as part of Economic Development Easy, early win
Strategy 1.3: local import substitution.
CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture at community
gardens, schools, parks, and rooftops. Offer additional trainings, programs, and Too good to wait
gardening areas.
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Scope Type Criterion
Natural Systems
NS-1-1. Manage forests to retain biodiversity, resilience, and ecosystem function
and services in the face of climate change. Use best available science to inform
Too good to wait
fire management and planning. Continue efforts as part of the Ashland Forest
Resiliency Project, and implement actions in the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan.
NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and
riparian species. Identify and create new restoration sites, and continue Easy, early win
maintaining existing sites.
NS-2-2. Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider Complex, but
requiring them during permitting. important
Public Health, Safety, and Security
PHSS-2-1. Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action. Convene
Foundational step
ongoing, organized meetings in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.
PHSS-3-1. Identify and work with vulnerable neighborhoods to create site-specific
Fondational step
adaptation strategies that address public health.
Cross-Cutting Strategies
CC-1-2. Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the
Foundational step
community about climate actions.
CC-2-1. Ensure all City departments educate their staff members about the
Climate and Energy Action Plan. City CEAP Coordinator can engage with each Foundational step
department.
CC-4-1. Engage with other governments and organizations around climate policy
and action. Join a formal organization such as ICLEI to explore best practices and Foundational step
establish relationships with peer communities.
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Mid-Term Actions
The following forty actions were identified as mid-term priority actions to be implemented by 2025.
Priority actions that were not identified as near-term were assigned as mid-term.
Scope Type
Buildings and Energy
Strategy BE-2. Encourage increased building energy efficiency.
BE-2-2. Require building energy audits to identify and incentivize cost-effective energy efficiency
improvements.
BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties.
BE-2-4. Establish minimum energy efficiency standards for the affordable housing program.
Strategy BE-3. Maximize efficiency of City facilities, equipment & operations.
BE-3-1. Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize City Facilities Capital Improvement
Plans (CIPs) and maintenance improvements.
Strategy BE-4. Improve demand management.
BE-4-1. Expand the current net meter resolution to include and incorporate virtual net metering.
BE-4-2. Implement utility-level smart grid technologies to facilitate efficiency and distributed energy
solutions.
Strategy BE-5. Prepare and adapt buildings for a changing climate.
BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling.
Urban Form, Land Use & Transportation
Strategy ULT-1. Support better public transit and ridesharing.
ULT-1-1. Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit, carpooling, and car-
sharing.
ULT-1-3. Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged
populations.
ULT-1-4. Evaluate feasibility of locally-owned and operated transit.
Strategy ULT-3. Support more-efficient vehicles.
ULT-3-1. Implement a local fuel-related tax.
Strategy ULT-4. Support more climate-ready development and land use.
ULT-4-2. Further revise community development plans to favor walkable neighborhoods and infill
density.
ULT-4-3. Modify the WUI code to include construction techniques appropriate for wildfire-prone areas.
Strategy ULT-5. Increase the efficiency of City fleet vehicles and employee commuting.
ULT-5-1. Provide carpool and vanpool parking, charging stations, and preferred parking for EVs for City
employees.
ULT-5-2. Conduct a city fleet audit and use it to set policy and targets.
ULT-5-3. Develop policy to require the purchase of verified carbon offsets to offset City staff travel.
Consumption and Materials Management
Strategy CM-1. Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive goods and services.
CM-1-1. Implement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies.
CM-1-
Strategy CM-3. Expand community recycling and composting.
CM-3-1. Improve recycling programs to make them easier to use and implement new education and
outreach to increase recycling in all sectors; expand public space recycling.
CM-3-2. Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance to enhance enforcement and
increase diversion and reuse.
Strategy CM-4. Reduce food waste.
CM-4-1. Support edible food donation.
CM-4-2. Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste
and consumption.
CM-4-3. Facilitate recycling of commercial food waste.
Strategy CM-5. Improve sustainability of City operations and purchases.
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Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan Implementation Plan DRAFT 12/29/2016
Scope Type
CM-5-1. Introduce City environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) guidelines for City procurement.
CM-5-2. Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and biosolids to generate electricity at the
wastewater treatment facility.
Natural Systems
Strategy NS-1. Promote ecosystem resilience.
NS-1-2. Expand use of green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement, other pervious
surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads.
NS-1-4. Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services.
Strategy NS-2. Manage and conserve community water resources.
NS-2-1. Evaluate the value and potential for incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water
for nonpotable purposes and recharge ground water.
NS-2-3. Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses.
Strategy NS-3. Conserve water use within City operations.
NS-3-1. Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City facilities for
graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and
properties.
NS-3-2. Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facilities water audit.
Public Health, Safety, and Security
Strategy PHSS-1. Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize climate-related health impacts.
PHSS-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air
conditioning such as schools.
Strategy PHSS-2. Promote a sustainable local economy that minimizes emissions and vulnerability.
PHSS-2-2. Support organizations, such as SOU, in evaluating risks to local food sources under climate
change.
Strategy PHSS-3. Optimize City services to minimize public health impacts.
PHSS-3-2. Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts, such as by designating cooling centers
through the city, improving cooling systems in schools and senior centers, and incentivizing cooling
strategies such as cool roofs/pavements and expanded tree canopy.
PHSS-3-3. Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees and the public.
Strategy PHSS-4. Optimize City services to minimize public safety impacts.
PHSS-4-
recognize and address likely climate change impacts.
PHSS-4-1. Identify and address essential City services that are within the 100-year flood zone.
Cross-Cutting Strategies
Strategy CC-1. Educate and empower the public.
CC-1-1. Support capacity of neighborhood and community groups to implement climate mitigation and
adaptation initiatives.
Strategy CC-3. Mainstream and integrate climate considerations.
CC-3-1. Consider climate change in all City Council policy, budgetary, or legislative. Incorporate climate
action considerations/relationship as part of the Council Communication document template.
CC-3-2. Consider CEAP goals in future updates of city plans.
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ASHLAND PLANNING DIVISION
STAFF REPORT
January 24, 1017
PLANNING ACTION:
#2017-00024
APPLICANT:
City of Ashland
LOCATION:
FEMA regulated Neil Creek Floodplain
ORDINANCE REFERENCES:
18.5.9 Comprehensive Plan, Zoning, and Land Use Ordinance Amendments
18.3.10.080 Development Standards for Flood Plain Corridor Lands
15.10 Flood Damage Prevention Regulation
REQUEST:
To amend the City of Ashland Physical and Environmental Constraints map to reflect
changes in the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps relating to the Neil Creel 100 year floodplain,
to provide consistency with Chapter 15.10 (Flood Damage Prevention Regulations) of the
Ashland Municipal Code and federal regulations regarding building within the 100 year
floodplain.
I. Relevant Facts
A. Background - History of Application
A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) was completed for Jackson County which evaluated flood
hazards, floodway boundaries, and water surface elevations of the base flood utilizing the
most current topographic information available, and current computer modeling of flood
inundation scenarios. The result of this study is the creation of the new Digital Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) which is the official map issued by the Flood Insurance
Administration delineating the areas of special flood hazard.
Ashland’s Land Use Ordinance includes standards for development within floodplain
lands (18.3.10) , and Ashland’s Building Code (15.10) contains specific requirements for
construction within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100 year
floodplains. The land use code specifically defines the Flood Plain Corridor Lands as
areas within the 100-year Flood Plain as defined by the Federal Insurance Administration
and identified in the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) (18.3.10.060.A).
FEMA is preparing to issue a letter of Final Determination to Jackson County and the
City of Ashland stating that new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) will become
effective on April 1, 2017. Prior to the effective date of the new FIRM the City shall
have completed its local adoption process to modify our Physical and Environmental
Constraints map to accurately reflect FEMA’s revised 100 year floodplains.
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The floodplain changes reflected in the new FIRM maps only impact properties along
Neil Creek along the eastern perimeter of the city. The FIRM floodplain designations for
the other regulated creeks within Ashland’s City Limits (Ashland Creek, Bear Creek,
Kitchen Creek, Tolman Creek, Cemetery Creek, Clay Creek, Hamilton Creek) are
unchanged from those adopted in 2011. Of those properties that contain lands within the
newly defined Neil Creek 100 year floodplain the majority are outside Ashland’s City
Limits and therefore have been notified by Jackson County of the pending FIRM
changes. Within the city limits the only property affected by an increase in the area
designated as 100 year floodplain is the City of Ashland Airport. The Neil Creek
floodplain on other properties within the City of Ashland is to be reduced in area by the
revised designation. A detail map is provided as attachment that illustrates where the 100
year floodplain is being reduced, and the area on the Ashland Airport property where it is
increasing.
B.Detailed Description of the Site and Proposal
Staff has been coordinating with FEMA and the Department of Land Conservation and
Development since mid-2016 regarding the FIRM updates. The following modifications
were made for the FIRM update in Ashland:
Update of the “Flood Insurance Study for Jackson County and Incorporated
Areas” containing the scientific and engineering data and analysis for
establishing the flood zones. The delineated Special Flood Hazard areas
including the 100 and 500 year floodplains have been modified Neil Creek for
within and adjacent to Ashland’s City Limits. Ashland Creek, Bear Creek,
Kitchen Creek, Tolman Creek, Cemetery Creek, Clay Creek, and Hamilton
Creek have not been modified from the previously approved 2011 FIRM
update, or Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) that have been approved
subsequent to 2011.
The City of Ashland Flood Plain Corridor Map has been updated to illustrate
changes to the Neil Creek 100 year floodplain.
No changes to the Land Use Ordinance (Ch. 18), or local Building Code (Ch.
15) are proposed as numerous amendments were made in 2011 to address
State and Federal requirements.
II. Project Impact
A. Regulated Area
The City of Ashland Physical and Environmental Constraints ordinance classifies
flood plain corridor lands as including:
Land contained within the 100-year Flood Plain as defined by the Federal
Insurance Administration and identified in the Flood Insurance Map (FIRM)
Land within the area defined as Flood Plain Corridor Land in maps adopted by
the Council (the official Physical and Environmental Constraints Floodplain
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Corridor Land Map)
Lands which have physical or historical evidence of flooding in the historical
past.
All areas within 20 feet (horizontal distance) of any stream identified as a
Riparian Preservation Creek on the Physical and Environmental Constraints
Floodplain Corridor Lands Map.
All areas within ten feet (horizontal distance) of any stream identified as a Land
Drainage Corridor on the Physical and Environmental Constraints Floodplain
Corridor Lands Map.
Of these five distinct areas the proposed map changes to adopt the new Digital
FIRMS only relate to the delineation of the 100 year Floodplain. Adoption of the
proposed changes to Ashland’s Flood Plain Corridor Lands Map will provide
consistency between the official city map, and the 100-year Flood Plain as defined by
the Federal Insurance Administration and identified in the Flood Insurance Map
(FIRM). Other water resource protection zones including riparian protection zones,
wetlands, and areas of historic flooding remain regulated and are not modified by this
planning action.
The FEMA regulated floodplains include areas along Ashland Creek, Bear Creek,
Kitchen Creek, Neil Creek, Tolman Creek, Cemetery Creek, Clay Creek, and
Hamilton Creek. Given the scope of changes to the 2017 FIRM maps only affect the
Neil Creek floodplain, the Ashland Municipal Airport is the only property within the
City Limits will be impacted by an increase in the area designated as being within the
100 year floodplain. Other properties along Neil Creek, both within the City Limits,
and within the County, will see a reduction in the area regulated as 100 year flood
plain following adoption of the revised FIRMs.
Detailed comparison maps showing the areas where the FEMA 100 and 500 year
floodplain have been remapped to expand or contract are included as attachments to
this staff report.
B. Insurance Rates
The City of Ashland is a jurisdiction that exceeds the National Flood Insurance
Programs (NFIP) minimum requirements for implementing protections in special
flood hazard areas. Due to these efforts the City is ranked highly in the NFIP
Community rating system which entitles residents to purchase NFIP insurance and
receive a 15% reduction in flood insurance rates. Adoption of the model code
language into the Municipal Code in 2011 furthered Ashland’s efforts to address
structural and non-structural developments regulated by the NFIP and maintain
Ashland’s status as a participating jurisdiction.
Adjustments to the 100 and 500 year floodplain may impact flood insurance rates for
individual properties within the special flood hazard areas. In cases where the land
area delineated as within a flood zone is reduced as a result of the FIRM changes
insurance costs could decrease. In cases where the flood zone area is increased on a
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property, or moved into a higher risk classification, they could see an increase in
insurance premiums. In the event an increase in insurance rates is anticipated due to
adjustments in the flood zone location or area property owners are well advised to
work with their insurer and the NFIP to determine if they can “grandfather” in their
existing rates.
C. Planning Commission Deliberations
The Planning Commission makes a recommendation on the Map amendments to the
City Council and the City Council makes the final decision.
III. Procedural - Required Burden of Proof
18.5.9.020 Applicability and Review Procedure
Applications for Plan Amendments and Zone Changes are as follows:
B. Type III.
It may be necessary from time to time to make legislative amendments in
order to conform with the Comprehensive Plan or to meet other changes in
circumstances or conditions. The Type III procedure applies to the creation, revision,
or large-scale implementation of public policy requiring City Council approval and
enactment of an ordinance; this includes adoption of regulations, zone changes for
large areas, zone changes requiring comprehensive plan amendment, comprehensive
plan map or text amendment, annexations (see chapter 18.5.8 for annexation
information), and urban growth boundary amendments. The following planning
actions shall be subject to the Type III procedure.
1. Zone changes or amendments to the Zoning Map or other official maps,
except where minor amendments or corrections may be processed through the
Type II procedure pursuant to subsection 18.5.9.020.A, above.
2. Comprehensive Plan changes, including text and map changes or changes to
other official maps.
3. Land Use Ordinance amendments.
4. Urban Growth Boundary amendments.
IV. Conclusions and Recommendations
Staff supports the revisions to the official Physical and Environmental Constraints map as
proposed. The map changes are warranted due to the change in conditions as reflected in
the Flood Insurance Study completed by FEMA in 2016 and to correspond to the FEMA
Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Should the revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps amendments
not be adopted, the City would not conform to federal regulations regarding development
within the flood hazard areas.
Attachments:
Draft Ordinance adopting the FIS and Revised Firm Maps
2017 FEMA 100 Year Flood Plain Neil Creek Comparison Map
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http://www.ashland.or.us/SIB/files/2017_NeilCreek_FIRM_update.pdf
Electronic Link attachments – very large files
2017 FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (12Mb)
http://www.ashland.or.us/SIB/files/Revised_FIRM_maps_2017.pdf
2017 Flood Insurance Study (16Mb)
http://www.ashland.or.us/SIB/files/2017_FIS_41029CV00_full.pdf
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ORDINANCE NO. __________
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FLOOD PLAIN CORRIDOR LANDS MAP
REFERENCED IN CHAPTER 18.3.10 OF THE ASHLAND MUNICIPAL CODE,
AND ADOPTING THE FEDERAL INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION’S APRIL 1,
2017 FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY AND ACCOMPANING FLOOD INSURANCE
RATE MAPS FOR JACKSON COUNTY OREGON AND INCORPORATED
AREAS.
Annotated to show deletions and additions to the code sections being modified. Deletions are
boldlined throughbold underlined
and additions are .
WHEREAS
, Article 2. Section 1 of the Ashland City Charter provides:
Powers of the City The City shall have all powers which the constitutions, statutes,
and common law of the United States and of this State expressly or impliedly grant
or allow municipalities, as fully as though this Charter specifically enumerated each
of those powers, as well as all powers not inconsistent with the foregoing; and, in
addition thereto, shall possess all powers hereinafter specifically granted. All the
authority thereof shall have perpetual succession;
WHEREAS,
the above referenced grant of power has been interpreted as affording all
legislative powers home rule constitutional provisions reserved to Oregon Cities. City of
Beaverton v. International AssÓn of Firefighters, Local 1660, Beaverton Shop, 20 Or. App.
293, 531 P 2d 730, 734 (1975);
WHEREAS,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a preliminary
Flood Insurance Study (FIS), and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) on __________, and
both, after public input and revision, are completed and will be effective on April 1, 2017 for
Jackson County, Oregon and the incorporated areas;
WHEREAS,
the City of Ashland is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program,
and each participating community is responsible for planning, adoption and enforcement of
regulations to accomplish proper floodplain management;
WHEREAS
Adoption of FEMA's Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps
benefits fiscal sustainability as it enables the City's continued participation in the NFIP,
qualifying the City for Federal assistance and making flood insurance available for property
owners.
WHEREAS,
notice of the proposed Ordinance Amendment was sent to the Department of
Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) ___________ as required by State law;
WHEREAS
, the City Council of the City of Ashland conducted a duly advertised public
hearing on the above-referenced amendments on February 7, 2017;
Ordinance No. ____ Page 1 of 3
WHEREAS
, the City Council of the City of Ashland, following the close of the public
hearing and record, deliberated and conducted first and second readings approving adoption
of the Ordinance in accordance with Article 10 of the Ashland City Charter;
WHEREAS,
the City Council of the City of Ashland has determined that in order to protect
life and property from flooding and flood hazards, and manage the areas subject to flooding
to protect the publics interest, it is necessary to amend the Flood Plain Corridor Lands Map,
as referenced in Chapter 18.3.10 of the Ashland Municipal Code, to be consistent with the
Federal Insurance AdministrationÓs Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM); and
WHEREAS,
the City Council of the City of Ashland has determined that an adequate
factual base exists for the amendments, the amendments are consistent with the
comprehensive plan and that such amendments are fully supported by the record of this
proceeding.
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.
The above recitations are true and correct and are incorporated herein by
this reference.
SECTION 2.
The City of Ashland hereby adopts the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Study (FIS) dated ÐRevised April 1, 2017Ñ, and the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for Jackson County, Oregon and the incorporated areas dated
ÐRevised April 1, 2017Ñ
SECTION 3.
The officially adopted City of Ashland Physical and Environmental
Constraints Flood Plain Corridor Map, referenced in Chapter 18.3.10.060.A of the Ashland
Municipal Code, is hereby amended to reflect the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) designated 100 year Floodplain boundaries
within Ashland to be effective on April 1, 2017.
SECTION 4. Severability
. The sections, subsections, paragraphs and clauses of this
ordinance are severable. The invalidity of one section, subsection, paragraph, or clause shall
not affect the validity of the remaining sections, subsections, paragraphs and clauses.
The foregoing ordinance was first read by title only in accordance with Article X,
Section 2(C) of the City Charter on the _____ day of ________________, 2017,
and duly PASSED and ADOPTED this _____ day of ________________, 2017.
_______________________________
Barbara M. Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2017.
Ordinance No. ____ Page 2 of 3
________________________
John Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
_______________________________
David Lohman, City Attorney
Ordinance No. ____ Page 3 of 3
§
¨¦
5
Legend
FEMA zone comparison
Ashland City Limits
®
now 100 yr zone
Was 100 yr, no longer in zone
100 year, no change
500 year, no change
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