Sustainability Strategy

The City launched a new sustainability initiative concurrent with a 2019 update to the Comprehensive Plan that established a Climate Change Element. The City prepared a Sustainability Strategy that will provide a strong foundation in sustainability and resilience. The City Commission approved this approach, authorizing the strategy and workplan, in the fall of 2020.

Sustainability Focus Areas

Workplan Phase 1 – Sustainability Baseline and Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report

View the Sustainability Baseline and Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report

This report establishes a quantitative baseline for evaluating the City’s present sustainability performance in the six focus areas proposed for organizing the City’s efforts. Including a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, this activity supplements the qualitative baseline developed within the Sustainability Strategy report. A comprehensive baseline is essential for establishing goals to achieve the City’s emerging Sustainability Vision.

Status: Completed Spring of 2021 (Funded via Florida Department of Economic Opportunity grant)
Primary Outcome: The City has committed to a 45% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (from the 2019 baseline year) by the year 2030.
Next Steps/Outcomes: The recommendations of the report will be considered for implementation by the various relevant departments of the City, with the intent to reduce GHG emissions and increase sustainable practices within the community and local governmental operations.

GOAL	TARGET	YEAR
Short Term	45% Reduction	2030
Mid Term	75% Reduction	2040
Long Term	Net-Zero	2050
Note: reduction is measured from 2019 study base year.

Workplan Phase 2 – Vulnerability Assessment & Adaptation Action Areas

This phase involved the development of a comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment (VA) to evaluate the City’s exposure and sensitivity to flooding from sea level rise, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and rising groundwater. The VA supports evidence-based decision-making for infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and long-term resilience.

Status: Completed Summer 2025 (Funded via Resilient Florida Program)
Primary Outcome: The assessment models nine flood scenarios and provides a detailed evaluation of vulnerable critical assets, transportation systems, and disadvantaged communities. It includes GIS-based mapping and identifies potential Adaptation Action Areas (AAAs).
Next Steps: The City will use this analysis to guide adaptation planning and future capital investments.

View the Vulnerability Assessment Report

Launch the VA Mapping Tool

Download the VA Presentation (PPT)

Workplan Phase 3 – Sustainability Project Portfolio & Implementation Plan

View the Sustainability Project Portfolio & Implementation Plan

This strategy includes several project recommendations derived from benchmarking and collaboration with City staff that will be developed and implemented as part of a portfolio of sustainability projects.

Status: Completed Summer of 2022 (Funded via Florida Department of Economic Opportunity grant)
Primary Outcome: The report provides a summary of benefits of the various projects such as their contributions to the City’s emissions goals as well as a cost/benefit analysis of each proposed project.
Next Steps: The report includes a project implementation plan. Projects will be undertaken by staff as directed in the implementation plan.

Workplan Phase 4 – Adaptation Plan

This phase builds on the findings from the Vulnerability Assessment and focuses on the development of a citywide Adaptation Action Plan to address identified flood risks.

Status: In Progress (Grant awarded via Resilient Florida Program, Winter January 2025)