During the recent Environmental Commission meeting in Encinitas, officials discussed the ongoing development of a tree canopy goal as part of the city's updated Climate Action Plan (CAP). This initiative aims to enhance the community's green spaces and address climate change impacts.

The proposed tree canopy goal is currently included in the draft of the updated CAP, which is still under review. City staff are working on a benefit-cost analysis to evaluate the proposed measures within the CAP, which is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. This analysis will help the City Council prioritize which measures to implement.

Commission members expressed interest in understanding the timeline for the CAP update and the associated analysis. The finalized CAP, along with the benefit-cost analysis, is anticipated to be ready for approval in early 2026. Importantly, there will be opportunities for public feedback during this process. The Environmental Commission plans to present the draft CAP and the analysis to the public, potentially through an additional workshop, before it is submitted to the City Council for final consideration.

This initiative reflects the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that residents have a voice in shaping environmental policies that directly affect their quality of life. As the process unfolds, Encinitas residents can look forward to contributing their thoughts on the future of the city's green initiatives.