In 2020, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 20-114, which set the goal of meeting a carbon-negative footprint by 2030 with a focus on equity and justice. The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) is a roadmap that outlines the actions that Yolo County will take to meet these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals and help our community be more resilient to climate impacts such as higher temperatures, more frequent wildfires and floods, and drought.
Driven by public input, the CAAP includes recommendations for how we can lower emissions, protect our natural resources, use more renewable energy, support the sustainable agricultural practices that are already thriving here in Yolo County, and more. The CAAP is designed to benefit all community members and to promote health, equity, and resilience in all processes and outcomes.
The CAAP addresses both climate mitigation and adaptation. Climate mitigation is reducing GHG emissions that cause climate change, while climate adaptation is managing the risks of climate change impacts. By combining mitigation and adaptation in one plan, the County can implement cross-cutting strategies that use resources efficiently: both reducing its contribution to climate change and preparing the community for local climate impacts such as extreme heat.
The CAAP by The Numbers
10 Strategies
GHG source & adaptation sectors
40 Measures
Sector-specific goals
183 Actions
Policies, programs & initiatives
1,300+ Community members
Shaped the plan via surveys and workshops
Background & History
The CAAP builds on Yolo County's long history of climate action, including the 2011 Climate Action Plan. In September 2020, the Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 20-114, declaring climate change a crisis and calling for a just transition to an inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and resilient local economy.
Equity & Just Transition
The CAAP is designed to empower historically disadvantaged communities, create social and economic opportunities, and protect the most vulnerable populations — ensuring they play a central role in decision-making and can fully benefit from the plan's outcomes.
Agriculture at the Heart
Transportation and building energy are Yolo County's two largest emission sources. The plan also emphasizes nature-based solutions and support for the agricultural community (including carbon farm planning, electric farm equipment programs, and agroforestry practices) as a vital partner in building a sustainable future.
Governance & Oversight
The Yolo County Climate Action Commission (YCCAC) is an 9-member advisory body that oversees CAAP implementation. The YCCAC meets bimonthly via Zoom on the fourth Monday of the month, 4–6:30 PM. The Sustainability Division coordinates with municipalities, regional agencies, and community-based organizations across the county.
CAAP Timeline
2011 | Yolo County's first Climate Action Plan adopted.
September 2020 | Board of Supervisors passed Climate Emergency Declaration (Resolution No. 20-114), setting the carbon-negative by 2030 goal and creating the YCCAC.
2021–2022 | Early Action Projects approved, accelerating action on critical projects, including a carbon farm planning, Countywide zero emission vehicle (ZEV) planning, weatherization kit distribution, and more.
2022–2024 | Extensive community engagement - 1,300+ residents contribute to the plan development; draft CAAP workshops held across the county.
December 3, 2024 | Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Final CAAP, initiating the transition from plan development to implementation.
2025 | Phase I Implementation Begins.
- 150+ home weatherization kits distributed.
- $171,240 in Community Climate Action Fund awarded to 8 local, community-based organizations.
- $60,000 provided to Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers to replace gas-powered electric UTVs with electric equivalents.
- Yolo County Regional Resilience Collaborative Launched, supporting implementation of the CAAP and other local climate plans.