A Sustainable and Resilient City
A Sustainable and Resilient City
A sustainable City is one that conducts its daily business and plans for the future dedicated to these principles and encourages and promotes residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. A sustainable city also focuses on the interconnectedness of three vital systems – a prosperous economy, a healthy environment, and an equitable community – “the three E’s.”
Facing the increasing effects of climate change, communities are also becoming focused on the concept of resiliency, which is to harden the built environment, and creating more redundant and efficient backup systems for energy, communications, banking, etc. when disasters occur. This concept is inherent in the City’s efforts to prepare for emergencies as discussed in the Safe and Prepared Community Core Value, but it is also intrinsically connected to long term efforts to manage the incremental environmental effects of climate change.
The City will create a Climate Action Plan (CAP), as required by state law, when it updates its General Plan in 2023-2025. The CAP will create a scientific baseline for Temecula of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and climate change risks. It will create metrics and adaptation strategies the community can use to reduce its impact on the environment. It is important to recognize the need for a commitment to adaptive management and a science-based approach to developing future strategies for both sustainability and resiliency.
When we measure our progress, we can see that the City has engaged in a number of actions to improve the efficiency of resource use and to protect environmental quality in the community. In addition, the City’s municipal utility and service partners, including Southern California Edison, Rancho California Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), and CR&R Environmental Services (solid waste) have also implemented a number of sustainability and resiliency measures. The City can also coordinate with the many regional, state and federal agencies and organizations working on resiliency and environmental quality.
Measuring Our Progress
| Indicator | Meets/Exceeds Goals | Progressing | Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone: Maximum 8 hr. concentration in ppm: Goal: .07 ppm; Progressing: <.085 | 0.091 (2020) |
| Indicator | Meets/Exceeds Goals | Progressing | Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| City facilities energy usage baseline: Goal: Decreasing Trend | Yes | ||
| Community-wide energy usage baseline: Goal: Reduction per capita | Yes | ||
| Kilowatts/megawatts of renewable energy generated: Goal: Increasing trend | Yes |
| Indicator | Meets/Exceeds Goals | Progressing | Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preserved open space: Goal: 30% of City in parks and open space | 29.0% |
| Indicator | Meets/Exceeds Goals | Progressing | Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 State baseline of 7.5 lbs daily waste per person: Goal: Exceed State baseline | 4.8 lbs per person | ||
| Consistent with SB 1383, provide organics collection service to all residents and businesses | Yes |
| Indicator | Meets/Exceeds Goals | Progressing | Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community usage of potable water (non-agricultural): Goal: Decrease in usage | Down 27% | ||
| City facilities baseline usage of water: Goal: Decrease in usage | Yes | ||
| Goal: Reduction of urban runoff – decrease | Yes | ||
| Goal: Improved water quality in creeks | Yes |
Our Accomplishments, Strategic Objectives, and Goals for 2040
- Urban Forest Management Plan
- Bicycle and Trails Master Plan
- Green Streets Program
- Alternative Compliance Program for Stormwater Management
- Solar Facility at the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER)
- Early implementation of SB 1383, Organics Recycling, and utilization of CR&Rs anaerobic digester
- Storm Water Jurisdictional Runoff Management Plan
- Continued implementation of SB 1383 for green waste composting
- Incorporate the concept of Greenway Planning and “Green Infrastructure”
into the General Plan - Public education on energy efficiency, including solar, recycling, and water conservation
- Continued expansion of multi-use trails
- Continued expansion of reclaimed water use in City landscaped areas including parks and street medians
- Integrated Watershed Management Plan
- Increase available electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Expand multi-modal transit options
- Develop a City-wide Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
- Be the most sustainable city in Southern California – one that uses local resources effectively and efficiently; protects the City’s residents and environment; develops a more diverse, green and competitive economy, and improves the livability and quality of life for all its residents
- Ensure safe and sufficient water supplies for the 21st century, through continued conservation (reduced per capita use and recycling), infrastructure improvements, and protection of 100 year floodplains in their natural state
- Work to maintain the City’s high level of air quality possible in Temecula
- Develop community resiliency in infrastructure, the economy, natural resources, and hazard mitigation
- Adopt a Climate Action Plan (CAP) as part of the General Plan update and Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Community Survey
The survey acts as the City’s report card from the community. The purpose of the study is to assess perceptions of quality of life in the City and identify important issues and services. The survey gathers opinions on topics and has the residents rate the topics by level of priority (high priority vs. lower priority). It also evaluates perceptions of local government and customer services by rating the expectation level (exceeds expectations vs. not satisfied).
Exceeds Expectations or is a High Priority (>85%)
Progressing or is a Medium Priority (70-84%)
Not Satisfied or is a Lower Priority (<70%)
Waste Reduction
88.7%
Resident importance to provide reliable garbage and recycling services
91.5%
Resident satisfaction with City's efforts to provide reliable garbage and recycling services
Open Space
78.0%
Resident importance to acquire and protect open space
70.4%
Resident satisfaction with City efforts to acquire and protect open space
Many of the things that residents value most about living in Temecula are directly connected to the pristine environment; the city’s picturesque vistas, open space, surrounding mountains, fresh water, and clean air.