Laguna Beach CAAP Receives State Award

September 3, 2025

As we begin the countdown to this year’s APA California Conference, we are honored to announce that the Laguna Beach Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) has been awarded the 2025 Resilience and Sustainability Award for its comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building community resilience to climate hazards.

The CAAP, which was unanimously adopted in February, addresses Laguna Beach’s unique conditions. It responds to the community’s specific needs and values, including its vulnerabilities, and prioritizes the sustainability and resilience needs of its vulnerable populations. The CAAP contains innovative strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, including transitioning the community to renewable sources of energy, increasing building energy efficiency, and enhancing sustainable transportation.

Community engagement was central to the CAAP’s development, involving a dedicated working group, citizen advisory committees, and targeted outreach to stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures the plan reflects local priorities and builds the necessary foundation for sustained implementation.

The CAAP represents more than a sustainability roadmap common to many climate action planning documents. It is instead a comprehensive vision for preserving Laguna Beach’s environmental treasures, economic vitality, and community character in the face of accelerating climate change and growing sustainability challenges.

It was a privilege to work alongside City staff and the Laguna Beach community on this important planning effort, and we couldn’t have done it without our talented team. Congratulations to the City of Laguna Beach, and thank you to our collaborators Fehr & Peers, Atlas Planning Solutions, Nexus Planning & Research, and Optony Inc.