The Del Mar City Council approved a contract with Ascent Environmental May 5 to update the Climate Action Plan with two new greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
“As described in their proposal, Ascent is a full-service climate change, land use planning, urban design, environmental, and natural resources consulting firm with a staff of approximately 150 professionals,” according to a council agenda report.
The city also learned in December that it will be receiving $164,000 in grant funding through the Smart Growth Incentive Program by the San Diego Association of Governments, according to a council agenda report. The grant will cover the $163,995 cost of the contract.
The city received 12 proposals from technical consultants after issuing a request for proposals in February. They were evaluated based on “project understanding, consultant qualifications, and experience and expertise of key personnel,” according to the agenda report.
“Ascent’s proposal clearly identifies a team of planners, GHG specialists, and outreach experts that would be dedicated to the City’s project,” according to the agenda report. “The proposed project team has experience working with coastal cities in San Diego County, including Encinitas, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Oceanside, and is based in San Diego. The City has previously worked with Ascent on the CAP Implementation Plan and Home Energy Savings Program, and was highly satisfied with their performance and work products. Finally, Ascent accepted all of the terms and conditions in the City’s Professional Services Agreement, which will allow for a smooth contracting process.”
Del Mar’s Climate Action Plan was established in 2016, and the city’s goals going forward include “incorporating measures that reflect current climate action planning science, technologies, best management practices, policies, and state mandates.”