Taking control to do more: how local governments and communities can enact ambitious climate mitigation policies

While local governments have emerged as policy leaders on climate change, evidence indicates that many of the policies enacted do not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study focuses on ambitious climate policymaking, examining the stakeholders involved and their concerns, including the role of local control. The study analyzes Community Choice Aggregation in California, an impactful climate policy that local governments have pursued throughout the state over the past decade. A qualitative-driven approach is used, including interviews with policymakers and stakeholders in five areas of the state that adopted the policy and two areas that voted against it. An interconnected effort of local elected officials and grassroots groups led the policymaking process, driven by concern about climate change and a desire for local control. Grassroots engagement can be critical in building support and coalitions for ambitious climate policies. Stakeholders and governments embraced local control to shape policies to match their priorities and achieve a variety of co-benefits.