ORGANIZATION/ENTITY: City of Pacific Grove
SOLICITATION TITLE: Request for Proposals to Provide Climate Action and Adaptation Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The City of Pacific Grove issued an RFP to retain a qualified consulting firm to develop a comprehensive Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to guide the City in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, evaluating climate hazards, identifying vulnerable populations, and building community-wide resilience.
SDG 13 AND RELEVANT TARGETS SUPPORTED BY THIS RFP:
- 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards
- 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning
- 12.3 Improve education, awareness-raising, and institutional capacity on climate mitigation, adaptation, and early warning
- 13.4b Promote climate-responsive planning and capacity building in vulnerable communities
HOW DOES THE PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION ALIGN OR CONTRIBUTE TO SDG 13?
The solicitation advances SDG 13 by strengthening Pacific Grove’s ability to anticipate and withstand climate-related hazards, reflecting the intent of Target 13.1. The RFP requires a thorough vulnerability assessment examining the City’s exposure to extreme heat, drought, wildfires, sea level rise, shifting precipitation patterns, and air quality challenges. It also mandates the development of adaptation and resilience strategies across critical sectors such as transportation, land use, water, and energy. By integrating scenario modeling, KPIs, and clear implementation pathways, the CAAP becomes a proactive tool for enhancing climate resilience and adaptive capacity.
The procurement also ensures that climate change considerations are fully embedded in municipal policies and planning, consistent with Target 13.2. The consultant must update the City’s greenhouse gas inventory, establish science-aligned emissions reduction targets, and develop mitigation strategies that align with State climate mandates. These actions must integrate with existing local plans and governing documents, ensuring that climate measures are systematically incorporated into policy-making and long-term urban planning. Through data-driven methodologies and prioritized implementation actions, the CAAP supports institutionalizing climate-responsive governance.
In addition, the RFP strengthens community awareness and institutional capacity for climate action, aligning with the objectives of Target 13.3. The RFP includes extensive public engagement requirements such as workshops, surveys, educational materials, and presentations to advisory committees and the City Council. These activities inform residents about climate risks and empower them to participate meaningfully in shaping the City’s climate response. Internally, the CAAP provides staff with updated data tools, monitoring frameworks, and methodologies that improve Pacific Grove’s capacity to implement and track climate actions over time.
Finally, the procurement supports inclusive and equitable climate planning, directly reflecting the priorities of Target 13.b. The RFP requires analysis of disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups—including low-income residents, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities—and mandates broad community participation to ensure their perspectives inform the Plan. Equity is further embedded through a prioritization matrix that evaluates each action based on its impact on vulnerable populations. This ensures that mitigation and adaptation strategies address existing disparities and strengthen local capacity to respond to climate change in a fair and community-centered way.
IS THE SOLICITATION IN ALIGNMENT WITH OTHER SDGs?
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy - The solicitation supports SDG 7 by requiring an evaluation of community and municipal energy use, identifying opportunities to reduce fossil fuel dependence through efficient energy systems, renewable energy integration, and electrification strategies. Through the GHG inventory and mitigation planning process, the CAAP will outline pathways for Pacific Grove to transition toward cleaner, more sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions. This contributes to long-term energy affordability and reduced emissions.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - The RFP’s emphasis on climate vulnerability aligns with SDG 11’s focus on building safe, inclusive, and resilient communities. By assessing risks such as sea level rise, extreme heat, wildfire exposure, and drought—and by developing adaptation strategies for transportation, land use, housing, water infrastructure, and municipal operations—the CAAP establishes a foundation for sustainable urban development. Public workshops and community-centered planning ensure that residents play an active role in shaping a more resilient and livable city.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Sustainable Cities and Communities - The RFP strengthens SDG 17 by fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. The CAAP development process requires close coordination among the consultant, City staff, advisory committees, and the community. Engagement activities, public reporting, and shared decision-making ensure that climate strategies are co-created and broadly supported. By integrating best practices, analytical tools, and expert knowledge, Pacific Grove enhances its institutional partnerships and collective capacity to implement long-term climate goals.
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