County staff gives quarterly climate action update, highlights Foxtail Flats solar and EV fleet conversions

County sustainability staff delivered the quarterly implementation update for the climate action plan, reminding the board that the county’s strategic leadership plan seeks carbon neutrality by 2050 and a carbon‑neutral electric provider goal for county operations by 2040. "We have a big goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050," staff said.

Staff said the county completed one roadmap item and had several ongoing projects. Fiscal‑year 2026 actions included transitioning five internal combustion vehicles to electric for county fleets and plans to convert an additional two to four vehicles in the coming year. The presentation highlighted the Foxtail Flats solar project: a 170 megawatt solar array with an estimated 80 megawatts of battery storage currently under construction; staff said partial completion targets could be met by April with full completion expected by June of next year.

Other items included DC fast charger installation at Mesa Public Library (estimated completion in October), public education campaigns ("Give a Shift"), a drafted RFP to contract commercial food composting (starting with restaurants and large generators) and exploration of extended producer responsibility legislation at the state level for items such as tires, mattresses and paint. Board members asked staff to quantify greenhouse gas reductions from Foxtail Flats (staff said they would obtain numbers and suggested utilities staff could help).