We envision a California that grows and changes while allowing everyone to live, work, and move with dignity and freedom—and protects our iconic landscapes and the places we call home from pollution and climate change.
Our Impact
Since 2008, ClimatePlan has helped shape how California plans, funds, and governs transportation and land use. We have helped win landmark policy and funding decisions, and influenced decision-making at California’s state agencies. Our work consistently strengthens accountability, embeds equity, and shifts public investment toward better outcomes for Californians.
Highlights:
Influenced billions of dollars in state and regional transportation investments toward transit, walking, and biking
Shaped California’s major transportation and land-use policies and funding programs
Strengthened accountability for how transportation dollars are spent, including reforms to state decision-making and oversight
Embedded equity and climate expertise in transportation leadership and governance
Shifted public investment away from highway expansion and toward better transportation choices
2008–2014
Laying the groundwork for better housing and transportation outcomes
Helped establish the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program
Championed the shift from level of service (LOS) to vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in environmental review
Influenced early Sustainable Communities Strategies across regions and helped secure ambitious climate targets for each.
2015–2019
Major policy and funding shifts
Sponsored and passed legislation embedding equity expertise in transportation decision-making and strengthening accountability for regional climate targets.
Co-led advocacy to pass SB 1, securing a major increase in funding for transit and active transportation statewide.
2020–today
Strengthening decision-making and accountability
Secured appointments of climate and equity leaders to California’s transportation leadership bodies, strengthening oversight of billions in public investment.
Successfully advocated for the creation of an Equity Advisory Committee that now advises multiple state transportation agencies.
Influenced updates to statewide transportation plans, helping align long-range investments with climate and equity goals.
Advanced on the ground implementation of the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI).
Our Network
ClimatePlan is a statewide network of 50+ organizations working at the intersection of transportation, land use, housing, public health, and environmental justice—bringing together the partners needed to drive meaningful change across California.
The network is led by experienced organizations and supported by a small staff that coordinates strategy, alignment, and implementation.
Beyond our core leadership, ClimatePlan engages dozens of additional partners—some deeply and others more episodically. This mix keeps us grounded in realities across the state while allowing us to move quickly and at scale when it matters most.
We’re known for real collaboration, trusted relationships, and a willingness to take on complex work—and move it forward.
ClimatePlan is the California state anchor for the Clean RIDES network, which works across 7 states to modernize transportation systems.
Network Leadership
How We Work
Our work is organized around three strategic initiatives. Each initiative is led by a small group of organizations with deep expertise in the issue area, who work together to set strategy, identify priorities, and guide overall direction.