The following resources can help Albany residents lead a more sustainable lifestyle. 

General Resources

  • Carbon-Free Albany: Sign up for Carbon-Free Albany, and start taking actions that reduce your environmental impact, save money, and increase the comfort of your home! Sign up today at carbonfreealbany.org. 

Zero-Emissions Buildings & Transportation 

 

  • BAAQMD Clean Cars for All Program: The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Clean Cars for All Program is offering incentives for income qualified Bay Area residents to retire their older vehicle and replace it with a hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or battery electric vehicle, or to get a Clipper Card for public transit. The Clean Cars for All Program is open and accepting applications. Find out if you are eligible and apply today! 

  • Access Clean California: Access Clean California connects people with low- to moderate-incomes to energy assistance programs, to help you find all the clean energy benefits you're eligible for.

 

  • The Switch is On: A one-stop-shop for everything you need to get started on home electrification, including information on electric appliances, direct access to vetted contractors in your area, and thousands of dollars in rebates.

  • Albany Home Electrification Guide: Learn about Albany's permitting requirements and technical assistance available for going all-electric. 

  • BayREN: Led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), BayREN provides regional-scale energy efficiency programs, services, and resources.

Adaptation and Urban Greening

  • City of Albany Urban Forestry Program: Trees provide many benefits to the community. Trees reduce noise and air pollution, keep our streets and homes cool in the summer, reduce wind and stormwater runoff in the winter, create privacy, provide food and habitat for wildlife and garner a sense of well-being for everyone. Trees also sequester carbon, meaning they store carbon that might otherwise be released into the atmosphere and further intensify global climate change.
  • Street Tree Inventory Community Viewer: The City of Albany’s street tree inventory was completed in April 2023, laying the foundation for the forthcoming Street Tree Management Plan (STMP). With an inventory of all existing street trees and vacant planting sites, the City is better able to maintain, identify and prioritize opportunities to expand the City’s tree canopy. Visit the Community Viewer to explore and learn about the many species that make up Albany’s street tree population.

 

Annual Events: 

The Sustainability Division hosts a number of annual events for the community to enjoy and learn about our local environment. 

  • Neighborhood Park Clean-Up Days
    The Friends of Albany Parks Program puts on clean-up events where community members to get involved with the care, maintenance and beautification of their favorite neighborhood park.

  • Compost Giveaway: The City of Albany, in partnership with Waste Management of Alameda County, holds an annual compost giveaway.

  • CC DayCoastal Cleanup Day (3rd Saturday in September): Join over 200 volunteers to clean our local waterfront. This annual event is located at the foot of Buchanan Street at the Albany Waterfront Park Trail.

  • Solano Stroll: Held the second Sunday of September annually. The City booth includes a variety of environmental education materials and tools.

  • Citywide Garage Sale: Here is your opportunity to make some spending cash, and turn what you consider trash into someone else’s treasure! The citywide garage sale is held each May. The City will conduct all publicity, and advertising materials will be given to all participating residents.

Special Events: 

Periodically, the Sustainability Division will host special events, such as workshops, webinars, and virtual classes. Make sure to check out the City calendar for upcoming events, subscribe to the Albany eNews, and follow the City of Albany on Facebook and Twitter for event announcements and reminders!