Imagine what Healdsburg might be like in 2035. On hot days, residents and businesses throughout the city of Healdsburg could be cooled by a stunning canopy of shade trees. Urban gardens, farms and vineyards would flourish with locally produced compost.
Children could safely ride bikes or walk to school. Protected bike lanes would be created for cyclists, crisscrossing the city from Highway 101 through downtown to north Healdsburg Avenue. Free on-demand electric shuttles would serve not just seniors but those who work in and around the city.
More of the water that flows through Healdsburg can be diverted into local aquifers. Recycled water from the wastewater treatment plant keeps the schools, local parks and Plaza green and lush, even during droughts. Sustainable sources of solar, wind and geothermal energy could supply Healdsburg Electric with almost all of the electricity it needs.
If any of these ideas are of interest, one may join Climate Action Healdsburg at the City of Healdsburg’s Open House on Wednesday, July 26, between 6 and 7:30pm at the Healdsburg Community Center. Snacks, childcare and Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Healdsburg has been fortunate this year. It has been cooler than normal. So far, there have been no major fires or smoke-filled skies. Reservoirs filled up during the winter. But this may change again. And just like the rest of the world, Healdsburg can’t escape the climate crisis and needs to adapt.
The city is in a good position, with the financial means, dedicated city staff and active residents. It will take time and commitment in a small town of 12,000 residents to significantly reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses, but it can be done.
Healdsburg took a huge step forward this year. Since the City Council mandated a Climate Mobilization Strategy, city staff have been hard at work developing a list of measures and actions to mitigate the impact of climate change. Difficult decisions will have to be made.
Transportation is the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Healdsburg by far. How can it be made attractive for people to leave their cars at home and find alternative ways to get around?
The Climate Mobilization Strategy will be presented to the City Council in September for implementation in the coming years. At the Open House, attendees will have an opportunity to view the proposals and discuss the questions about the unique climate challenges of the town.
Residents can have a direct impact on the choices that will be made and get involved with those who have already started to work on projects such as planting more street trees, composting more waste, reducing idling in town or bringing back beavers to the Russian River.
Climate change has been in the news for years, and many have tuned out, thinking that the situation seems hopeless. Even though the world’s average temperature reached a new high on July 3, 2023, there are also signs that humans are collectively turning this around. Like many other communities across the world, Healdsburg is committed to bringing down emissions, but will need the support of its residents for this effort to be successful.
Measures that not only reduce emissions, but maintain Healdsburg’s small-town character and make it a vital and healthy place to live and work, can make an impact. Climate policy is local. By attending the Open House on the evening of July 26, one can demonstrate support of the creation of a more beautiful, climate-resilient Healdsburg.
Ty Benoit is the volunteer coordinator of Climate Action Healdsburg. Walter Niederberger of Healdsburg 2040 contributed to this story.
