The San Francisco City Council meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the city's five-year strategic delivery plan for climate action, led by Director Tyrone Joo. The meeting featured presentations from Deputy Director Leo Chee and Climate Program Manager Cindy Comerford, who provided updates on the progress and funding needs related to the city's Climate Action Plan (CAP).
During the discussion, Joo emphasized the importance of mapping out resources and prioritizing work to meet the city's climate goals by 2030. The team has been actively assessing funding gaps and resource needs to ensure effective implementation of the CAP. Chee outlined the budget history, noting significant funding secured in previous years, including the largest Board of Supervisors add-back in department history in 2022, which supported CAP implementation.
The meeting also addressed the upcoming budget process, with instructions from the mayor's office expected soon. Chee indicated that the new mayor's administration might influence budget discussions, particularly in light of a significant structural deficit facing the city. He anticipated that the new administration would likely continue to seek reductions in spending, which could impact the department's budget requests.
Comerford provided an update on the CAP's progress, revealing that 10% of actions had been completed, with 42% on track and 17% facing delays. The department is currently updating the CAP, with a release planned for late 2025. The estimated cost of implementing the CAP is projected to be around $22 billion, prompting discussions on various funding strategies, including public revenue options.
The strategic planning process revealed a total internal budget request of approximately $96 million over five years, with a focus on building electrification, public awareness campaigns, and support for small businesses. The prioritization of these requests will be guided by their potential impact on economic security, public health, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
As the meeting concluded, Joo reiterated the importance of transparency and communication with the commission regarding budget developments and the challenges ahead. The council plans to continue discussions on the budget process in upcoming meetings, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the city's climate action efforts.