City Initiatives
Rethink Paradise: Sustainability Action Plan
The City of West Palm Beach is on the front lines of sea-level rise and climate change in Southeast Florida. The Office of Sustainability was created in 2008 to manage the City’s resilience and climate change efforts. In 2012, the City launched the “Rethink Paradise: Sustainability Action Plan,” which addresses climate change and sea level rise challenges comprehensively.
The 2023 update to the Plan provides an overview of some of the accomplishments that the City has made since the Plan was last updated and provides actions that will guide the City going forward.
This webpage provides up-to-date strategies that the City has or is undertaking to address the goals, objectives, and actions identified in the Plan. It should be noted that some actions will not have strategies listed, as they may not have been identified or started. You can also view the 2023 Rethink Paradise: Sustainability Action Plan by clicking here(PDF, 28MB) .
Metrics
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 2016, the City pledged to achieve Net Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by 2050. Based on recommendations from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), in 2023, a science-based, mid-term target for emissions reductions was calculated. Meaning that by 2030, the City will need to reduce its GHG emissions by 63% from its 2018 baseline emissions.
The city-wide GHG inventory is calculated every 3 years and covers all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions within the municipal boundary.
Goal 1: Resilience
Plan for a more resilient, sustainable, & equitable community for all.
Objective A: Energy & Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Track, monitor, & reduce energy use & greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to improve air quality & mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Action 1a: Increase access to energy efficiency solutions for businesses & residents, with a particular focus on frontline communities.
Action 2a: Improve the energy efficiency of City-owned & -operated facilities.
Action 3a: Expand use & access to renewable energy sources & storage.
Action 4a: Reduce transportation & fuel-related GHG emissions.
Objective B: Transportation & Land Use
To become a more connected community with multimodal transportation options & efficient, diverse land use patterns.
Action 1b: Encourage the use of multimodal transportation while improving access & safety.
Action 2b: Preserve historical, cultural, natural, and archaeological assets.
Action 3b: Transform underutilized properties to meet resilience goals & better serve neighborhoods.
Action 4b: Encourage the transition to low-emission fuel vehicles.
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EV Fleet Vehicles
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Activity Buses
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Drive Electric WPB
Action 5b: Continue to adopt & update consistent plans that address & integrate hazard mitigation, sea level rise, & climate change adaptation.
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The “Future Land Use Element” of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
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Bicycle Master Plan
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Downtown Mobility Plan
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“Transportation Element” of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
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Resilient Waterfront Shoreline Adaptation Plan
Objective C: Quality of Life
Improve our City’s quality of life, including health & safety, while expanding opportunities for education, culture, & civic engagement.
Action 1c: Improve food security.
Action 2c: Improve access to green, affordable housing.
Action 3c: Secure & analyze relevant socio-demographic data & integrate the findings into the City’s planning process.
Action 4c: Reduce extreme heat exposure & other climate-related health risks.
Action 5c: Engage in equitable community outreach & engagement to build a climate-informed community, emphasizing frontline communities.
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Sustainability Newsletter
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Sustainability Social Media
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Public Utilities Bill Insert
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Climate Smart Floridians
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Green Living Lab
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Sustainability Advisory Committee
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Youth Climate Action Fund
Action 6c: Grow green jobs locally.
Goal 2: Resource Management
Protect our natural resources now & for future generations & grow the seeds of environmental stewardship across the community.
Objective A: Natural Systems & Ecology
Protect our City’s natural assets & foster awareness of the impacts of climate change on these areas.
Action 1a: Protect Grassy Waters, our waterways, & other green spaces.
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Pollinator Week
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City Nature Challenge
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City Comprehensive Plan: Coastal Management, Conservation, Recreation & Open Space
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Tree Canopy Assessment
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Large Canopy Improvement Fund
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Urban Tree Management Plan
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10K Trees in 10 Years
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“Single-Use Plastic” Ordinance
Action 2a: Plan & protect against drought & wildfire.
Action 3a: Continue to update the City’s resilience efforts & integrate them into the City’s planning process.
Objective B: Water Efficiency
Prioritize water conservation, emphasizing a high-quality, economical, & sustainable water supply for today & future generations.
Action 1b: Expand & enhance the City’s water management processes to ensure a reliable water supply while maintaining high water quality.
Action 2b: make smart investments in water & wastewater infrastructure.
Action 3b: Enhance stormwater management by expanding the use of green infrastructure & improving flood incident data collection.
Action 4c: Enhance & expand water conservation programs & education for residents & businesses.
Objective C: Materials & Resources
Effectively & efficiently manage waste while prioritizing waste reduction & environmentally-preferred materials.
Action 1c: Enhance & expand the City’s recycling program for residents & businesses, with a focus on waste reduction.
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“Single Use Plastic” Ordinance
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Plastic Free July – now Plastic Free Campaign
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“Unwrap the Wave”
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FOG Program
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Keep West Palm Beach Beautiful
Action 2c: Develop composting programs for residents & businesses.
Action 3c: Increase the purchase of environmentally-preferred municipal products & services.
Goal 3: Vulnerability
Prepare for the impacts of climate change through local & regional collaborations & embedding sustainability into the City’s culture.
Objective A: Integrative Process
Include climate change decision-making into the City’s daily operations to lead by example & increase support.
Action 1a: Create a sustainability culture across City departments & operations.
Action 2a: Implement green building standards.
Action 3a: Empower & incentivize businesses and home & property owners to develop adaptation plans & actions.
Objective B: Innovation
Demonstrate commitment to resilience by serving as a model for municipalities & leveraging funding to address climate change.
Action 1b: Serve as a model for national climate resilience through certifications & commitments.
Action 2b: Leverage current financial resources while identifying new & creative funding opportunities for resilience projects.
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Since 2022, the Office of Sustainability has assisted in securing over $17 million dollars of grant funding.
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South Florida Water Management District
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Florida Department of Environmental Management
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Customer Services
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US Department of Energy
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US Department of Transportation
Objective C: Regional Priority
Collaborate with local government & organizations, relying on the best scientific & policy approaches to resilience.
Action 1c: Strengthen relationships & partnerships with all relevant local, state, & federal agencies & organizations on climate issues.
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Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact
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Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition
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FSDN, SSDN, USDN
Action 2c: Ensure consistency in water resource scenarios used for planning.
Action 3c: Collaborate regionally on consistent plans that address & integrate hazard mitigation & climate adaptation.