Board adopted regional climate plan 6-0; Planning Commission hears implementation briefing

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopted the Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) and its thresholds by a 6-0 vote, Director Ford reported to the Planning Commission on Tuesday. Ford described the board-approved thresholds as approximately a 35% reduction compared with the benchmarks that would have been generated by the RCF, and contrasted that with the planning commission's earlier recommendation.

Ford told commissioners that other jurisdictions retain discretion about whether to adopt the same thresholds; the plan becomes a true regional plan only if participating agencies opt in. He said staff expect early January discussions to begin on implementing the RCAP and any necessary county code updates.

Commissioners asked about the structure and appointment process for a proposed regional climate committee (RCC). Ford said the RCC would include representatives from participating agencies, would administer and track RCAP implementation, and could use an existing joint powers authority (JPA) to host the committee. Ford identified the Humboldt Area Council of Governments (HCOG) as a frontrunner to serve that role based on its transit and regional grant work, and also mentioned the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and HTA as potential partners.

Ford said staff are researching what it would take to get the RCC established and that many of the RCAP reductions being targeted are tied to transportation, which aligns with HCOG’s work. He also noted the county’s current zoning allowance that permits up to 30 housing units per acre in commercial zones could support transit-oriented redevelopment as part of RCAP implementation.

Ford summarized the board action as a milestone and said the county will now work to support adoption by other jurisdictions and to translate the plan into implementable programs.

The Planning Commission did not take a formal vote on RCAP at this meeting; Ford’s report served as an informational briefing and staff follow-up work was directed toward implementation planning.