City of Boulder Releases Updated Climate Action Plan Focused on Resilience, Affordability and Accelerated Emissions Reductions

The CAP reaffirms the community's ambitious science-based targets, including reducing emissions 70% by 2030, achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 and becoming a carbon-positive city by 2040. It outlines coordinated strategies across buildings, transportation, energy, land use and natural systems while connecting climate action to affordability, public health, resilience and economic opportunity.

The updated plan underscores an ongoing shift from planning to implementation, bringing city departments, community organizations, businesses, institutions and community members together around a shared vision for a thriving, climate-ready Boulder.

"Boulder has a long history of climate leadership, and this plan is focused on what comes next," said City of Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett. "It gives us a clear path to reduce emissions faster, strengthen resilience and deliver real benefits for our community today and for future generations."

Climate equity remains at the core of this work, recognizing that climate change disproportionately impacts communities with the fewest resources and greatest vulnerabilities. To help address this, the CAP emphasizes investments that lower energy costs, improve health and safety, expand access to clean transportation and ensure that the benefits of climate action are shared equitably across all neighborhoods.

For the first time, the CAP incorporates localized climate projections and detailed heat vulnerability mapping, giving the city and its partners a clearer understanding of how climate change will affect specific neighborhoods. These tools help identify where risks such as extreme heat are greatest and ensure that investments are targeted where they are needed most.

The plan identifies seven priority action areas, supported by targeted strategies, or "Big Moves," designed to deliver the greatest benefits:

• Preparing the community for climate risks such as wildfire, drought, flooding and extreme heat
• Transitioning to clean, reliable and affordable energy
• Improving building efficiency and accelerating the shift to electric systems
• Expanding clean transportation options and reducing vehicle emissions
• Reducing waste and advancing a circular economy
• Expanding nature-based solutions to cool the city and strengthen ecosystems
• Advancing climate equity and investing in frontline communities

It reflects a coordinated, citywide implementation effort across energy, buildings, transportation, land use and natural systems.

Key highlights include:

• A goal to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030
• Expansion of local solar generation to 145 megawatts by 2030
• A target for 80% of trips to be made by sustainable transportation by 2030
• Transitioning to 100% all-electric buildings by 2035
• Increasing tree canopy coverage to reduce extreme heat, particularly in high-risk neighborhoods
• Reducing consumption-based emissions and expanding reuse and repair systems

The CAP also incorporates analysis of consumption-based emissions. When accounting for goods and services produced outside the city, Boulder's total climate impact more than doubles, which underscores the importance of reducing material use and supporting circular systems.

"Boulder has long been a leader in local climate action, from establishing the nation's first climate tax to exceeding renewable energy goals ahead of schedule," said City of Boulder Climate Initiatives Director Jonathan Koehn. "This plan builds on that foundation with clear metrics, accountability and a focus on delivering real benefits for our community today and for future generations."

The city tracks progress through measurable indicators related to emissions reductions, resilience outcomes and equity outcomes, with regular public updates to ensure transparency and accountability.

To learn more about the Climate Action Plan and track progress, visit our website.