The Municipal Climate Action Plan [MCAP], is an update to the 2009 Sustainability Management Plan and focuses on city operations. The MCAP incorporates new policies and resolutions, identifies the top 22 most impactful, equitable, and feasible activities, and creates a roadmap for accomplishing the three adopted goals and building the City’s resilience.
Two key performance measures were developed to track progress on each of the three MCAP goals. Baseline data gathering and analysis was completed in 2024 and will provide the foundation for ongoing monitoring across activity areas. Click on one of the six performance measures cards below to learn more.
Performance Measures
Goal 1: City-owned assets are resilient, sustainable and efficient.
Reduction in the number of City facility or infrastructure closures due to flooding, extreme temperatures, wildfires, or landslides
Goal 2: Sustainability and climate priorities are embedded in city operations, participation, and decision making.
Funds allocated through the operating and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budgets for sustainability and climate related projects
Goal 3: The City supports sustainability and resilience for area residents and businesses.
Number of trees preserved, planted, or paid annually through compliance with the Tree Canopy Ordinance
Increase in the number of edible and pollinator sites included on the Asheville Edibles Map
Actions Taken
- MCAP approved by City Council at their March 28, 2023 meeting.
- Completion of solar installations on 7 City-owned facilities
- Emergency Operations Plan/Continuation of Operations Plan developed with consideration for Climate Justice, Equity and Resilience best practices
- Ongoing utilization of Green Fleet Policy for fleet electrification
- Ongoing use of Climate Justice and Sustainability Tools for Planning and Decision Making
- Continuous engagement in state-level and utility policy on climate and sustainability
- Partnered with Buncombe County to intervene at the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission Dockets on Duke’s 2020 Integrated Resource Plan, 2022 Carbon Plan and 2023 Carbon Plan Integrated Resource Plan to advocate for access to more clean renewable energy
- Initiated Solid Waste Master Planning Process via budget approval and contractor selection
- Initiated Urban Forest Master Planning Process via budget approval and contractor selection
- Launched Elevate AVL programming and community-led resilience action
- Ongoing support for Food Policy Action Plan activities
- Community Gardens, Asheville Edible Parks, Pollinator Gardens
- Baseline metrics assessments and data analysis completed
Supporting Documents
August 22, 2023 Environment & Safety Meeting Recording (MCAP Implementation Update)
Resolution 23-70 Adoption of Municipal Climate Action Plan
March 28, 2023 City Council Meeting Recording
March 28, 2023 Staff Report for City Council
March 28, 2023 Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recording
February 28, 2023 Environment & Safety Committee Meeting Recording
February 21, 2023 Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting Recording
Contact Information
Bridget Herring, Sustainability Director
828-259-5558