For the past decade, Alameda County has been bringing its vision of a healthy environment and thriving population to life through the County’s Climate Action Plan for Government Services and Operations.

Last year, the Institute for Local Government (ILG), of which CSAC is a parent organization, awarded Alameda County a platinum level Beacon Spotlight Award for 27% reductions in agency greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2019. Alameda County also received the inaugural Beacon Leadership and Innovation Award for cross-agency collaboration in climate resilience and adaptation for its Air Quality Communications Protocol.

With larger, more frequent wildfires across the state, smoke and poor air quality pose an increasing threat to public health. Alameda County’s new protocol aims to reach the most vulnerable populations – particularly people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, children, older adults, and people experiencing homelessness – with vital health messages and air quality alerts.