City of Napa Electric Vehicle and E-bike Charging Plan

Organization: City of Napa

Funding Request: $400,000

Project Summary

The City of Napa is set to develop a plan for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and electric bike (E-bike) infrastructure aimed at enhancing community accessibility. This initiative will actively involve residents from low-income neighborhoods to ensure fair distribution of EVSE and E-bike charging stations. The plan will pinpoint City-owned facilities and perform a power assessment to identify optimal charging locations. Once finalized, the City will possess a comprehensive roadmap for charging infrastructure and can start putting it into action.

Project Descriptions and Transportation Equity

The project aims to enhance community-accessible infrastructure by expanding electric vehicle (EV) and e-bike charging facilities, particularly focusing on 11 low-income census tracts and 10 additional areas in Napa. The City will assess its facilities for potential charging site locations and engage local residents and stakeholders in the planning process. This initiative addresses clean transportation outreach and equity planning by promoting behavior change and conducting feasibility studies. Currently, Napa has 14 public charging ports, but the new plan will prioritize low-income communities to improve transportation equity and community resilience. Collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders is emphasized to build trust and capacity within the community. The project includes a long timeline and a substantial engagement budget to foster relationships and ensure thorough community involvement. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to ensure that low-income communities benefit from electrified transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Benefit

The City of Napa is vulnerable to climate change effects such as fires, floods, and high heat days, particularly impacting its low-income communities. The local economy, centered on agriculture and tourism, relies heavily on farmworkers and service workers. Napa County has a high cost of living, leading to 11 low-income census tracts in downtown Napa, surrounded by more affluent areas. Additionally, Napa is classified as disadvantaged in terms of transportation insecurity, which includes issues like transportation costs and safety. Future planning will focus on engaging residents from these low-income areas and identifying opportunities for electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations on city-owned property to support these communities.

Partnerships and Structure

The NCRCD, a non-regulatory agency with a focus on public outreach, will collaborate with the NCBC to develop a public engagement strategy aimed at enhancing active transportation safety and accessibility for all residents. The NCBC has a track record of engaging low-income communities and will ensure that residents’ voices are prioritized in decision-making. This partnership may involve establishing a community advisory board, rotating meeting times and locations, and conducting listening sessions to gather input. The community will play a crucial role in prioritizing implementation locations for an electric vehicle and e-bike charging plan, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future for the city.