Bike for the Planet

Biking is good for the planet, a great way to get outside and explore the community and can improve your mental and physical health. May is bike month, and there is no better time than now to get outside and go for a ride! In this community update, learn about how you can commit to biking more with the Planet Protection Pledge, explore Safe Routes to Schools resources for safer rides, and participate in Bike to Wherever Days.

Thank you for Taking Action this Earth Month!

The Palo Alto Earth Day Festival was a smashing success! Thank you for joining us to celebrate our community’s commitment to sustainability and for taking action all Earth Month long. In Palo Alto, everyday is Earth Day, and we hope you continue to take action for the planet all year round. Learn how you can get involved, or check out the Planet Protection Pledge to find meaningful actions you can take now.

City Council 2024 Priorities Community Update

Each year, the City Council selects annual priorities to focus on and objectives that advance these priorities. For 2024, there are four City Council Priorities and we kicked off a community series sharing more about the 78 objectives adopted to advance each Priority and progress to date.

Read this two-part update on progress towards the Climate Change and Natural Environment – Protection and Adaptation priority objectives, including electrification and transportation goals and progress on flood protection, storm readiness, and sea level rise planning. Here are a few takeaways:

A new objective this year to adopt a single-family whole home electrification pilot program would expand on the Heat Pump Water Heater program to make it easier and more affordable to switch to electric space heating, cooking, and other appliances. Even one electric upgrade can have a significant impact on reducing gas emissions!
Two efforts to enhance mobility and make it easier to choose sustainable transportation options are underway, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan.
The innovative Horizontal Levee Project, which helps protect against Sea Level Rise while creating habitat, is in its final design stage.

Switch to a New Water Heater Today!

Access big savings, low pricing, the same easy process. The City is offering expert help to get you permits, installers, and rebates worth thousands of dollars to install a better water heater. Check out what your neighbors are saying:

"Joining the heat pump water heater program was a step towards aligning my lifestyle with my environmental values. The process was smooth, and the benefits were immediate. I’m not just enjoying a top-notch water heating system; I’m part of a movement towards a more sustainable Palo Alto." — Nancy R.

"I was fortunate to stumble on this program and what really sold me was its environmental impact. The entire process was straightforward and satisfying. I'm glad I made this choice." — Dexter G.

Ready to make the switch? Call us today at (650) 713-3411.

Make the Switch

Help Understand Extreme Heat in the Bay

Join Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition (PASCC) to map the distribution of heat in Palo Alto and neighboring communities. On the hottest day of 2024, resident volunteers will drive along pre-planned routes to record temperature and humidity data that will support climate resilience and planning for extreme heat. Fill out this form to sign-up (Registration managed by PASCC).

Pick up Litter for

National River Cleanup Day

Saturday, May 18 | 9 AM - Noon

Celebrate this national day of action to protect our rivers, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. Volunteer to help pick up litter and prevent water pollution. There are two clean-up sites in Palo Alto, but consider volunteering at a site in a neighboring city who may require more support.

Join us for the Climate Protection Ad Hoc Working Group Meeting

Tuesday, May 14 | 3 – 4:30 PM | Palo Alto City Hall (Hybrid)

Please join us for the next Working Group Meeting of the Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee to discuss the Building Sector Study and receive updates on the Full-Service Heat Pump Water Heater Program. Learn more.