On March 27, 2025, ECOS submitted a letter regarding support for three community project requests for Sacramento County FY26 Appropriations.
Category Archives: ECOS Updates
2024 ECOS Annual Highlights
Dear ECOS Community,
ECOS has achieved much this past year and I’d like to express my thanks to you for your time, effort, and financial support during 2024. Without you, ECOS would not be as effective in advocacy as it is today.
We still have a long way to go in our region to contain sprawl, build transit and infill housing, preserve open space, ensure equity and environmental health, and achieve net-zero carbon by 2045. Changes at the federal level obviously are making it even more challenging.
Since ECOS was founded in 1971, it has fostered a community of organizations and individuals dedicated to protecting the environment and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Over the years, we’ve earned a respected voice in the Sacramento. I am honored to have served as President of the Board from 2022 to 2024.
On January 1, 2025, we welcomed former Mayor Heather Fargo as our new president. Her experience in moving public opinion has already increased our effectiveness, particularly on the campaign to oppose proposed developments on farmland in Natomas.
ECOS increased its capacity by hiring a policy analyst in July and a part-time GIS policy/admin staff member, at the start of 2025.
As you read this Annual Report, please consider making a financial contribution to ECOS. Become a sponsor of Sacramento Earth Day now through April 27.
Sincerely yours,
Susan Herre AIA AICP
Immediate Past President of the Board
New! Streets for People Draft Plan – Comments due 4/6/2025
New! Sacramento’s Streets for People Draft Plan is out! We want to make it easier for everyone to choose walking, rolling, or biking for the short trips they take every day.
Sacramento’s Streets for People Draft Plan is available for review through April 6. You can comment on the Plan in the link below or by sending staff a comment.
Part two will include completing the Streets for People Active Transportation Plan, with the public review of the Draft Plan available March 5 through April 6, and Plan adoption in summer 2025.
Comment on the draft plan at sacstreetsforpeople.org.
Climate Change Speaker Series
Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) Sacramento/Roseville is partnering with the Climate Reality Project to host several Zoom presentations to keep you current with how tools to fight climate change will be impacted by the Trump administration.
Read more and register here.
- 3/24, 6 pm – Tariffs for the Climate
- 3/27, 6 pm – SMUD’s March to Carbon Zero in 2030
- 3/31, 6 pm – Climate Change and your Wallet
- 4/7, 6 pm – How to talk about Climate Change so People will Listen
Truxel Bridge comment letter, February 18, 2025
Submitted via electronic mail – February 18, 2025
RE: City Hall Special Meeting, Discussion Item #1 — Truxel Bridge Concept and Feasibility Study
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
The Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) applauds City Staff for their efforts to increase multimodal connectivity and bicycling and pedestrian transit routes in Sacramento. Such efforts are fundamental to Sacramento’s transition towards accessible, green infrastructure and to achieve regional air quality, VMT, and climate goals. As such, ECOS generally supports this project, but urges the Council to strongly consider pursuing the Northgate Boulevard-location alternative, as it is a more appropriate setting for transit-friendly (re)development. Because 160 already has a bridge cross the river, it would provide the desired connection decades before a new bridge, and provide a second river crossing above the floodway (in addition to I-5) for Natomas residents.
Climate Committee meeting with Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum 3/4/2025
New date announced! Join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
6:00 PM social period in-person / 6:30 PM start time for Zoom
Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6656164155
To phone in: 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 665 616 4155
AND: In-person, at Breathe Bldg. Conference Room, 909 12th St.
(press button for Breathe Conference Room)
Speaker: Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum
We’re happy to host Phil Pluckebaum, who joined the Sacramento City Council in December 2024. Phil represents Sacramento Council District 4, which includes downtown and East Sacramento. Phil served for several years on the city’s Planning and Design Commission.
As city councilmember, he serves on its Law and Legislation Committee, Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), Sewer District (SacSewer) Lower American River Conservancy Advisory Committee; Sacramento Homeless Policy Council; alternate on our Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) and Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA); and others.
Come with your questions for Phil Pluckebaum! We look forward to hearing his plans for his new role, and to an exchange of ideas relating to ECOS priorities.
ECOS priorities include: transit-oriented infill development vs. sprawl; funding for transit, active transportation, bridges, Sac Valley station; implementation of city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
6:00 PM: Social period (snacks and refreshments for attendees!)
6:30 PM: Welcome and Introductions
6:40 PM: Phil’s plans, and exchange of ideas
7:20 PM: Updates
• Sacramento Earth Day (hosted by ECOS), Southside Park, April 27 – Plan it for the Planet!
• SacRT starts 15-minute headway on Sacramento-Folsom rail line; new light rail stations (Horn Road, Dos Rios), Hydrogen-fueled bus fleet
• Lawsuits over Caltrans’ plan to add lanes to I-80 in Yolo County
• Sacramento County County’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force – recommendations to Board of Supervisors in June
• Other? – your updates welcome!
