Board Adopts Climate Action Resolution, Climate Office Presents Plan
Published on February 25, 2025
At its February 22 Regular County Board Meeting, the Arlington County Board adopted its Climate Action Resolution, a guiding document that reaffirms the County’s commitment to comprehensive collective action in the ongoing response to the climate crisis. This resolution calls for a unified “whole-of-community" and “whole-of-government" approach to guide both current and future climate-related policies and operations.
“We are proud to build on a strong foundation of decades of work,” said Chair Takis Karantonis. “The County has long demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and climate action through strategic planning, policy and meaningful coordinated community action. This resolution reflects our continued dedication to creating a thriving, sustainable future, and I am grateful for the shared efforts that have brought us to this moment.”
Advancing a Collaborative Approach
The adopted resolution has three key focus areas, with detailed actions listed in the resolution itself:
1. Comprehensive Climate Strategy – Develop and implement an integrated energy and environmental strategy that engages both governmental operations and the broader Arlington community.
2. Fostering a Sustainable Future – Promote collective action to ensure a safe, livable, and adaptable environment for all who live, work and visit Arlington.
3. Enhancing Sustainability in Budgeting – By FY 2027, the County will incorporate questions to be used in the Operating Budget process to enhance sustainability and climate-related decision-making.
Work Plan Presented by the Climate Policy Office
At the February 25 Recessed County Board Meeting, the Climate Policy Office presented its work plan, which includes the development of one of the core deliverables of the Climate Action Resolution, a Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP will identify pathways to equitably and cost-effectively expedite the County’s carbon-neutrality goal. Progress on meeting CAP goals, as well as steps to address any barriers to achieving those goals, will be disclosed annually to the Board.
Community Engagement and Action
As the Board concluded its deliberations on the Climate Action Resolution, several members reiterated how vital community engagement and action will be to realize the goals of the resolution.
"Our collective action—the support of our community and our community partners—is critically important. As a local government, we cannot do this alone,” said Board member Susan Cunningham. “Every action, from government to business and individual, across generations, matters in our fight to address climate change. I am thrilled to roll up our sleeves, together, to accelerate this important work.”
Every action counts. Interested in taking steps in your own life to support the goals of this resolution? Search for the "GetGreen Arlington" app to download on your mobile phone today!