Nicole Capretz

Director of Policy

District Two, City Council 

As the Director of Policy for the District Two office, Nicole has over 15 years of professional experience representing public interests in the environmental arena, both in nonprofit and government agencies. She was most recently Director of Environmental Policy for Interim Mayor Todd Gloria in the City of San Diego where she developed the City of San Diego's Climate Action Plan in 2013. Previously, Nicole was the Director of the Green Energy Green Jobs campaign at Environmental Health Coalition (EHC), and before that she was a Senior Policy Advisor for Council member Donna Frye.

The City has identified FIVE BOLD STRATEGIES to reduce GHG emissions to achieve the 2020 and 2035 targets:

1. ENERGY & WATER EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

2. CLEAN & RENEWABLE ENERGY

3. BIKING, WALKING & TRANSIT

4. ZERO WASTE

5. CLIMATE RESILIENCY

These viable strategies will leverage the City's existing efforts as well as provide clear direction for meeting the challenges of a changing climate. San Diego is taking the lead in California to tackle climate change.

SAN DIEGO CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

The City of San Diego (City) Climate Action Plan (CAP) identifies measures to effectively meet greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 2020 and 2035. Attainment of the reduction targets requires commitment to local and regional actions as well as continued implementation of federal and state mandates. These actions and associated co-benefits will contribute to the City's future prosperity and quality of life by:

* Furthering San Diego's leadership in clean technology industries, such as renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing, and waste management. 

* Advancing the "City of Villages" concept of walkable and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with a mixture of uses that revitalize existing neighborhoods while retaining their individual character.

* Prioritizing active transportation and rapid transit systems to help preserve and improve accessibility for vulnerable groups, including: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and the economically disadvantaged. 

* Fostering programs to create well-paying jobs for the middle class. Implementation of the CAP will lead to an increased demand for workers in high-growth "green" industries. This will lead to greater opportunities for new and existing workers to flourish in these innovative sectors.

* Building communities that are resilient to climate change through the identification of vulnerabilities and the corresponding implementation of adaptation measures.

These measures are intended to protect public health and safety; secure and maintain water supplies and services; protect and maintain urban infrastructure and community services; protect environmental quality; maintain open space, parks, and recreation; support coastal management and protection; promote urban forest management and local food production; improve building and occupant readiness; and enhance community education, knowledge and collaboration.