Climate Action Plan

Energy management, efficiency, and renewable production will lead to a higher quality of life; whether that be lower bills, cleaner air, or lessened fossil fuel production. The Climate Action Plan encourages both the City and Community to first manage their energy use, then pursue energy efficiency, and lastly to install renewable generation and storage technology.

The short-term (1-3 year) actions for the City and the greater Syracuse Community are listed below. More information can be found at the end of the implementation chapter.

City Short-Term

• 1.1.3 Energy Management Systems — Construct, contract, or hire an internal position to manage the City's municipal energy bills and overall energy use.
• 1.2.1 Building and Facilities Audits — Conduct ASHRAE Level 2 or 3 efficiency audits across 50–75% (or more) of the City's existing building energy portfolio.

Community Short-Term

• 1.1.1 Smart Metering — Promote National Grid utility tools that let residents, businesses, and organizations meter and track their own energy use.
• 1.3.1 Community Renewable Generation — Promote opportunities for residents, businesses, and organizations to subscribe to existing renewable sources like community solar or install their own generation and battery storage.

Transportations systems shape the way residents, business owners, and tourists interact with the various neighborhoods and business districts of the City of Syracuse. The Climate Action Plan encourages mixed use development patterns that encourage micromobility and public transportation access throughout the City. Additionally, the Plan encourages expansion of EV charger access, especially in underserved neighborhoods (referred to as Disadvantaged Communities) and strategic locations.

The short-term (1-3 year) actions for the City and the greater Syracuse Community are listed below. More information can be found at the end of the implementation chapter.

City Short-Term

• 2.1.3 Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure — Pursue development opportunities such as protected bike lanes, the municipal sidewalk program, and e-bike/e-scooter partnerships, aligned with Vision Zero's Complete Streets toolkit.
• 2.2.1 Municipal Charging Infrastructure — Install EV charging stations in municipal lots and garages to support City fleet operations.

Community Short-Term

• 2.1.1 Bike and Pedestrian Trails — Promote expanded bike lanes and municipal sidewalk trails through use education and map distribution, guided by Vision Zero for safe micromobility.
• 2.1.2 Centro-Bus Rapid Transit System — Promote use of the BRT system through public education and map distribution.

Climate Adaptation focuses on nature-based solutions that improve quality of life and public health by specifically focusing on the mitigation of urban heat and flood risks.

The short-term (1-3 year) actions for the City and the greater Syracuse Community are listed below. More information can be found at the end of the Implementation chapter.

City Short-Term

• 3.1.4 Flood Mitigation Plan — Develop a formal flood mitigation plan for Syracuse that includes public participation components.
• 3.3.1 Climate Events and Education — Engage City and County educational materials, communication networks, and workshops to build public understanding of climate events like extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke.

Community Short-Term

• 3.2.2 Expand Cooling Access — Empower residents in aging housing stock to install electrical cooling systems and building envelope improvements that reduce extreme indoor heat.
• 3.1.2 Green Infrastructure Projects — Continue public-amenity green infrastructure projects and funding, specifically to avoid impervious surfaces and expand water retention.

Natural Environment actions focus on the preservation and expansion of natural areas within the City of Syracuse. Additionally, actions that address waste and food systems are included as methods of urban land use.

The short-term (1-3 year) actions for the City and the greater Syracuse Community are listed below. More information can be found at the end of the Implementation chapter.

City Short-Term

• 4.1.1 Natural Resource Inventory — Inventory flora and fauna through partnerships, engagement, and contracted services to build a Natural Resource Inventory that informs the City's Natural Areas Management and Open Space plans.
• 4.1.3 Natural Areas Management — Create a natural areas management and protection plan to guide updates to the City's zoning ordinance that protect natural assets.

Community Short-Term

• 4.2.1 Private Tree Canopy Expansion — Connect private residences to the Parks Department Forestry Division's right-of-way tree request program.
• 4.3.3 Recycling Education and Engagement — Engage residents through City and OCRRA educational materials on proper recycling practices.