Environment & Sustainability
Climate change is an issue that affects everyone. It will continue to have profound impacts on the City of Stockton for the coming decades. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment (see Environmental Resources below), published in 2018 identifies several impacts that directly affect the San Joaquin Valley including:
- acceleration of warming,
- acceleration of sea-level rise,
- more intense and frequent heatwaves,
- more intense and frequent droughts,
- higher flood frequency, and
- increased wildfires.
These climate changes also have a direct impact on human health. In fact, many of Stockton’s neighborhoods already fall within census tracts that rank among the worst (100th percentile) in the State for environmental health (see Environmental Resources below for data provided by CalEnviroScreen 4.0). These neighborhoods experience some of the highest rates of emergency department visits for asthma, emergency department visits for cardiovascular disease, and low birth-weight infants.
Investing in Impacted Neighborhoods
The City must prepare to meet and overcome these challenges by investing in the resiliency of neighborhoods that are at the greatest risk of climate-related consequences. The City has multiple existing climate-related strategic plans, which provide more context to the challenges and needs of Stockton’s various communities.
The cost of inaction cannot be overstated; climate change is an existential threat to our community and the world.
Getting Involved
If you are interested in partnering with the City on an environmental or sustainable initiative, please contact us at sustainability@stocktonca.gov. A list of the City's current projects & initiatives can be found below.
Stockton Rising is a City-led program aiming to improve the environment and climate resilience of neighborhoods most impacted by Climate Change and poor environmental conditions. The City, along with 11 Partners, is implementing projects that will directly benefit residents in South Stockton. Stockton Rising is supported by the California Strategic Growth Council's (SGC) Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program with funds from California Climate Investments - Cap-and-Trade Dollars at Work.
Stockton Rising offers several no-cost programs for residents within the TCC Project Area (explore the project area here). These programs offer major benefits, including solar installation, energy- and water-efficiency upgrades, and tree planting services. The impact of these projects will be a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for residents, as well as significant cost savings for participating households.
To find out if you are eligible for a program, please use the links below or email Stockton Rising and/or submit an Ask Stockton request.
Free Energy & Water Efficiency Upgrades – Rising Sun Center for Opportunity
Rising Sun will install energy and water-efficient devices at qualifying households throughout the project area, open to both renters and homeowners These devices include LEDs, refrigerators, water heater blankets, smart thermostats, kitchen aerators, bathroom aerators, showerheads, dishwashers, and toilets. This work is done through local youth who are recruited and trained by Rising Sun professionals.
Sign up here to see if you’re eligible to receive energy and water efficiency upgrades. You can also call (209) 890-4341 x 301. Click here to see if you live in the project area.
Free Solar Installation – GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives will install solar systems on over 100 single-family and 4 multi-family homes at no cost to homeowners. GRID will also facilitate a workforce development program directed toward disadvantaged populations within the Project Area. This project is occurring between 2021 and 2023. Click here to see if you live in the project area.
If you want to know if you’re eligible for solar or want to know how to become “solar ready”, fill out this form. If you’re interested in GRID’s workforce program, sign up here. You can also call (866) 921-4696.
Urban Greening (Tree Planting) – City of Stockton Public Works Department
The Urban Forest Renovation Project will plant approximately 1,750 trees and remove old tree stumps. Planting locations will be in the City’s right-of-way (Public Works) as well as in parks and residences. This project is occurring between 2021 and 2023.
- Partners: Little Manila Rising
Sustainable Neighborhood Plan (2019)
The Sustainable Neighborhood Plan (SNP - 150 page PDF) was created during the City’s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Planning Grant. The purpose of the SNP was to capture the perspectives of the residents of the Planning Area and translate them into actionable Community Priorities. Naturally, the SNP was foundational to the City’s TCC Implementation Grant, which largely sought to implement the Community Priorities. City Council approved the SNP in October 2019.
2040 General Plan (2018)
While it is not exclusively a climate plan, the City’s 2040 General Plan (244 page PDF) contains many goals, policies, and actions that address public health, environmental justice, air quality, and climate change. Appendix A of the 2040 General Plan sorts the goals, policies, and actions by the aforementioned topics.
Climate Action Plan (2014)
The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP - 243 page PDF) was completed in August 2014 per a Settlement Agreement following the adoption of the 2035 General Plan. The primary purpose of the CAP was to complete an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with community activity and recommend strategies to reduce GHG emissions.
The community GHG inventory conducted for the CAP is the most recent inventory available for the entire City. An updated community GHG inventory is planned during FY 2023-24.
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