Climate Policy Progression: A Comparative Analysis of U.S. Cities’ Climate Action Plans Over Time

Abstract

Climate Action Plans (CAPs) are important tools for translating climate plans into actions. As many U.S. cities are developing their second round of CAPs, it is essential to consider how and why a city's CAP objectives may change over time, given local political contexts. To examine these changes, we selected 11 large U.S. cities that have two rounds of CAPs and analyzed both CAPs through keyword and qualitative analysis, utilizing a multiple within-case study analysis approach. Our findings show an increase in climate equity and justice integration, including diversified community participation during development. Transportation and building infrastructure persist as universal priorities, and most plans are focused on mitigation activities, compared to adaptation and resilience building. Finally, 16 out of 22 CAPs discussed specific monitoring strategies; however, gaps remained in implementation accountability. Our CAP analysis framework can be applied across scales, regions, and longitudinally to assess how CAPs change over time.