Today, on June 4, at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ (USCOM) 94th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, I accepted the USCOM’s 2026 Mayors’ Climate Protection Award for Alameda’s Community-wide Equitable Decarbonization Program. Alameda’s Sustainability and Resilience Manager Danielle Mieler also attended the awards ceremony because her tireless work led to the implementation of this important plan.
The Mayors’ Climate Protection Award program, now in its 20th year, highlights how cities are working to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Alameda won the Small City category (for cities with populations under 100,000) for its work to integrate clean electricity, policy, and incentives to address both buildings and transportation. Key innovations include affordability through low rates and rebates; building codes that embed electrification into routine upgrades; a cross-department working group; and a comprehensive EV strategy combining rebates, curbside charging, and public infrastructure. This equity-centered program ensures renters and underserved communities also benefit and creates a scalable model for other cities.
Alameda’s comprehensive, community-wide decarbonization program is anchored by Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), established in 1887, originally known as the Bureau of Electricity, and the oldest municipal electric utility west of the Mississippi. Since 2020, AMP’s electricity has been generated by 100% clean, carbon-free sources, including geothermal, hydroelectric, and wind.
Key components of Alameda’s decarbonization program include electricity at rates up to 45% below neighboring investor owned utilities; rebates for electric appliances (heat pumps, induction cooking, smart thermostats) and transportation (used EVs, e-bikes, chargers); adopting supportive building codes and reducing permit fees; encouraging electrification during remodels and replacements; expansion of curbside and public EV charging; creating an interdepartmental Electrification Working Group; community outreach, including the annual Home Electrification Fair; and adoption of the Equitable Building Decarbonization Plan and 2025 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP). All of these initiatives are improving our environment while protecting Alameda residents and businesses from fossil fuel price volatility.
As an island where sea level rise is an existential threat, Alameda recognizes the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), as demonstrated by CARP’s ambitious goal to reduce GHGs 50 percent by 2030. In Alameda, transportation is the largest GHG source, followed by natural gas use in buildings.
To date, Alameda has reduced community-wide GHG emissions by 29%, even as the island saw growth in residents and employees. We are clearly on track to achieve our goal of a 50% reduction by 2030.
Additionally, natural gas use has declined 12 percent since 2005, meeting our 2030 goal five years early. Transportation emissions are also decreasing as a result of EV adoption supported by rebates and charging expansion. Currently, 11% of registered vehicles in Alameda are zero-emission (the 2030 target is 12%). Efficiency and electrification are lowering overall energy use, and, with 100% clean electricity, each electrification measure delivers immediate emissions reductions.
As I told the U.S. Conference of Mayors, “Alameda is further demonstrating how renewable energy can provide a reliable and non-polluting source of electricity to power our cities and showing how clean power can help stabilize — and even reduce — electricity costs for the public and businesses.”
More good news
The City of Alameda achieved a 46.8% reduction in homelessness between 2024 and 2026.
Every two years, communities across the country conduct counts of individuals experiencing both sheltered (living in temporary housing) and unsheltered (living on the street, in cars, or tents) homelessness. This Point-in-Time Count (PIT Count) is federally mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This year’s community-wide PIT Count was conducted on January 22, 2026.
Alameda’s reduction in homelessness is particularly gratifying because we have worked hard as a community to create and support a strong network of programs, partnerships, and direct outreach efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, healthcare resources, and pathways to permanent housing. This outcome was made possible as a result of our hardworking, dedicated City staff and City partners, including the Warming Shelter, Dignity Village, Alameda’s Day and Night Center, the Safe Parking Program, Street Engagement Team, CARE Team, emergency supportive housing, and Alameda Family Services. Our progress was also made possible by the compassion and generosity of community members — from Girl Scout troops and school groups, faith-based organizations, and concerned individuals who asked, “How can we help?” and stepped up to volunteer.
The 2026 PIT Count results reflect the City’s meaningful progress over the past two years to address homelessness effectively and compassionately. We remain committed to continuing this progress going forward, because we must.
Traveling abroad this summer? Register with STEP.
If you’re planning to travel overseas this summer, or anytime, be sure to enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) before you leave. This free U.S. Department of State service allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad (passport number, contact information, itinerary) so the embassy or consulate at your destination(s) can accurately and quickly contact you if there’s an emergency such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency back home. You can also get updates about health, weather, and safety tips for your destination. To enroll visit the MyTravelGov website.
Be Energy Efficient! Be a Smart Traveler! Be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].
