City of Montgomery Releases First Climate Action Plan to Guide Future Resilience and Sustainability Efforts

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The City of Montgomery is proud to announce the release of its inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP), a comprehensive planning document that establishes a strategic framework for understanding local climate risks, identifying opportunities to strengthen community resilience, and supporting informed decision-making for future investments.

"This Climate Action Plan represents an important milestone for Montgomery," said Mayor Steven L. Reed. "It provides us with the data and tools needed to better understand the challenges our community faces while helping us make thoughtful, strategic decisions that protect our residents, strengthen our infrastructure, and create opportunities for future investment."

The plan identifies how changing weather patterns - including more frequent extreme heat, heavier rainfall, flooding, and rising energy costs - may impact public health, infrastructure, local businesses, and household affordability. It also outlines opportunities to improve resilience while supporting economic development and responsible growth.

Among the report's findings:

• Electricity accounts for approximately 56 percent of Montgomery's community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation represents roughly 32 percent of emissions.
• The plan identifies seven sectors - buildings, energy, urban forestry, waste management, agriculture, land use, and transportation - that each present opportunities to improve efficiency, resilience, and community outcomes.
• Urban forestry continues to play an important role by reducing heat, managing stormwater, improving neighborhood livability, and naturally capturing carbon emissions.

Developed through collaboration among City departments, regional agencies, community organizations, industry partners, and residents, the Climate Action Plan provides the City's first comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related vulnerabilities, and potential strategies to improve Montgomery's long-term sustainability while enhancing quality of life for residents.

Development of the plan included extensive public engagement beginning in 2024, including stakeholder interviews, public workshops, surveys, and collaboration with representatives from P.I.P.E., Planning, Land Use, Urban Forestry, Transportation, Inspections, Engineering and Environmental Services, Traffic Engineering, GIS, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, the Innovation Team, and numerous external partners.

Residents are encouraged to review and provide feedback on the complete Climate Action Plan and learn more about the City's ongoing sustainability and resilience initiatives.