Ascent is supporting the City of Bakersfield in developing the Sustainable Opportunities Advancing Resilience (SOAR) Bakersfield project, a comprehensive climate action plan under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts through implementable projects, programs, and policies aligned with current and future funding. SOAR Bakersfield also addresses related priorities such as air quality, workforce development, and services for underserved communities. As the City’s first comprehensive climate action plan, it reflects extensive input from community members, stakeholders, and City departments, helping to shape locally relevant measures and funding priorities.
A key success of SOAR Bakersfield is its broader focus beyond climate change, addressing the links between environmental, economic, and social systems. The plan emphasizes co-benefits like reducing air pollution, supporting jobs in clean technologies, and improving access to essential services that align with community needs and values. The plan was developed through a robust outreach effort, led by Ascent. Outreach included three community workshops, nine stakeholder meetings, and targeted engagement with economic and workforce partners.
Project Contact
