Residents discussed how pollution is worse in some neighborhoods and how those areas also have the fewest resources. They want to see investments in cleaner air, accessible transportation, and environmental improvements in areas with the worst pollution.

Problems should be tackled cohesively, not in isolation. People believe that coordinated solutions across sectors and between localities will have a bigger impact on reducing emissions and improving communities.

People want genuine commitments from local government and industry. They want consistent updates on climate actions, and they want to stay engaged. They are looking for measurable solutions that keep our communities moving toward emissions reduction targets.

It should be easier for individuals and businesses to do the right thing. There were suggestions to create incentives to encourage a faster and broader transition to renewable energy and to build more sustainably. Identifying and implementing solutions that help more people and organizations take concrete steps to reduce emissions would be useful.

Many residents want better access to information on environmental programs, services, and benefits going forward. They desired to know more about programs that can benefit them, such as home energy-efficiency improvements, increased transportation options, and access to composting and recycling.

Residents believe that climate action can strengthen the local economy by creating blue-collar jobs, particularly in renewable energy and energy efficiency (often referred to as “green jobs”). There is a desire to see climate initiatives that support sustainable economic growth and that provide training and employment opportunities for residents.