Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Equity Each action of the CEAP should be implemented in an equitable manner that addresses Ashland’s unique equity issues and concerns. The sections below provide suggestions for ensuring equitable implementation of the CEAP . It is expected that specific criteria and indicators will be determined and formalized in Year 1 of CEAP implementation. Equity Considerations When planning for implementation, the City should consider equity impacts and potential benefits. For example, the City of Portland put forth the following equity considerations in implementation of their Climate Action Plan: In addition, these equity considerations can be explicitly integrated into the cross-cutting strategy CC 3 1 “Consider climate change in all City Council policy, budgetary, or legislative decisions. Incorporate climate action considerations/relationship as part of the Council Communication (staff report) document template.” The inclusion of equity considerations as part of the standard formal communication template for City Council deliberation and decision making ensures that equity related impacts of City Council decisions are by default considered in the deliberation and able to be understood and commented on by the public. EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS Disproportionate impactsDoes the proposed action generate burdens (including costs), either directly or indirectly, to communities of color or low-income populations? If yes, are there opportunities to mitigate these impacts? Shared benefitsCan the benefits of the proposed action be targeted in progressive ways to reduce histor - ical or current disparities? AccessibilityAre the benefits of the proposed action broadly accessible to households and businesses throughout the community — particularly communities of color, low-income popula - tions, and minority, women and emerging small businesses? EngagementDoes the proposed action engage and empower communities of color and low-income populations in a meaningful, authentic and culturally appropriate manner? Capacity buildingDoes the proposed action help build community capacity through funding, an expanded knowledge base or other resources? Alignment and partnershipDoes the proposed action align with and support existing communities of color and low-income population priorities, creating an opportunity to leverage resources and build collaborative partnerships? Relationship buildingDoes the proposed action help foster the building of effective, long-term relationships and trust between diverse communities and local government? Economic opportunity and staff diversityDoes the proposed action support communities of color and low income populations through workforce development, contracting opportunities or the increased diversity of city and county staff? AccountabilityDoes the proposed action have appropriate accountability mechanisms to ensure that communities of color, low-income populations, or other vulnerable communities will equitably benefit and not be disproportionately harmed? 113ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANIMPLEMENTATION PLAN