As climate impacts accelerate — rising temperatures, wildfire risks, water scarcity — the role of cities in leading meaningful, on-the-ground climate action has never been more essential. As Mayor Pro Tem of Rancho Cucamonga, I see firsthand how local governments are uniquely positioned to turn ambitious sustainability goals into tangible, community-centered outcomes.

In Rancho Cucamonga, our work began with listening — to science, to data, and most importantly, to our residents. That foundation led to the development of our award-winning climate action plan, a policy-aligned blueprint that’s helping us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build long-term community resilience. It has become the cornerstone of our sustainability strategy, driving initiatives across energy, transportation, water, and land use.

While some of our actions are large in scope, like supporting the Brightline West high-speed rail project along the I-15 corridor, others are smaller. But they are still deeply impactful. We have introduced an electric fire truck to our public safety fleet and expanded our electric vehicle infrastructure through our citywide EV Readiness Plan and hub of charging stations. With every new municipal vehicle purchase, we ask: Can it be electric? That mindset has also informed updates to our zoning code: New gas stations must include EV charging in their design.

We are adding solar shade canopies to public parking lots, distributing community mulch from our composting program, and converting landscaping to drought-tolerant designs. These may seem like incremental steps, but collectively, they are changing the way our city looks, feels, and functions.

But the future demands even more. Our next frontier is reshaping the very fabric of our suburban landscape. We are reimagining car-centric corridors as walkable, transit-rich neighborhoods, guided by a comprehensive active transportation strategy that will connect people more safely and sustainably to jobs, schools, and services.

We have the vision, the space, and the will to make this transformation real. What we need are the tools: local control and sustained infrastructure funding.

That’s where our greatest challenge lies. As the state continues to centralize land use authority and federal funding becomes more competitive and limited, delivering climate-friendly, community-benefit housing becomes increasingly difficult. We can’t advance sustainability without aligning housing, transportation, and climate planning. Cities must be empowered, not sidelined, to lead that integration.

To my fellow city leaders: You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with a climate action plan. Use it as your roadmap. Build momentum with small, visible projects — EV infrastructure, tree planting, composting events. Celebrate progress and engage your community. Let the plan grow with your city.

California’s climate future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Cities are where solutions take root. Together, through creativity, shared learning, and relentless determination, we can build communities that are not only more sustainable — but also healthier, more resilient, and more connected than ever before. Let’s lead the way — one bold step at a time.