The new office is aimed at combating climate change through a city-wide approach and to encourage the Alexandria community to participate in sustainable action.
The City has launched a nation-wide search for a Climate Action Officer to serve as the public face of Alexandria’s climate efforts. This individual will partner with residents, businesses, nonprofits and governmental agencies to meet shared climate, sustainability and energy objectives. The city will also recruit a public affairs and engagement specialist to join the office.
Alexandria was first locality in Virginia to adopt an Eco-City Charter in 2008. In 2011, the Alexandria City Council passed the Energy and Climate Change Action Plan (ECCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, the City declared a Climate Emergency and adopted its Environmental Action Plan (EAP) 2040 which established a target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030, and 80-100% by 2050.
The Office of Climate Action will lead efforts in a variety of areas, including energy efficiency, high performance buildings, renewable energy, climate change mitigation and reporting, electric mobility, business assistance, community engagement and advocacy.
The Climate Action Officer and Public Affairs and Engagement Specialist will join five reallocated employees from the partnering departments to form the City’s Office of Climate Action.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Eco-City to learn more about the City's strategic effort to achieve sustainability.