The City of San José is developing its Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) with a clear focus on reducing the impact of climate-related threats, such as wildfires, flooding, sea level rise, and extreme heat events, on the community. This plan will identify the foundational measures, policies, and procedures necessary to achieve this goal, enhancing equity by addressing the unique adaptive needs of vulnerable communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts.

Climate adaptation refers to strategies aimed at minimizing these risks and vulnerabilities by adjusting the way we live and care for people in our community, and operate our infrastructure.

The CARP complements the mitigation strategies outlined in San José’s existing climate action plan, Climate Smart San José, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

How is CARP different from other related City plans?

Climate Smart San José, the CARP, and City's Emergency Operations Plan, at least in part, address challenges that stem from climate change, but each serves a distinct purpose.

• Climate Smart San José, focuses on mitigating climate change by implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming.
• The City's Emergency Operations Plan provides a framework for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the immediate effects of natural and human-caused disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, heat waves, and extreme weather events.
• San José's CARP details how the City plans to prepare for and adapt to the unavoidable consequences of climate change.

Together, these three plans complement one another by outlining actions to reduce further warming, accommodate long-term impacts, and address the immediate effects of climate change.

Project Timeline

In June 2023, the California State Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation awarded the City a grant to develop a CARP. We expect to complete the project by late 2025. Below are the completed and planned project milestones. There will be several opportunities for participation in the process beginning in Spring 2025.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Draft Documents

• CARP Public Review Draft (published with Konveio) (9/25/25)
• CARP Vision Statement (draft, 2/08/2025)
• San José Vulnerability Assessment (draft, 2/12/2025)
• CARP Community Engagement Plan (draft, 8/7/2024)
• CARP Framework (draft, 1/6/2025)

Useful Links

• Learn more about Climate Smart San José 
  •  View the Climate Smart San José Plan 
• Learn more about the Office of Emergency Management 
  • View the Emergency Management Strategic Plan (2022-2025) 
  • View the Emergency Operations Plan 2024 

For any questions or comments, please email ClimateSmart@sanjoseca.gov. To stay informed about CARP updates, please subscribe to the San José Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan Email List.

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