The City of Sacramento has received a 2026 Beacon Leadership Award for its work with Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) to prepare the region’s transportation system for the impacts of climate change.
City staff were recognized Tuesday, Oct. 13, during a Sacramento City Council meeting for the Sacramento Transportation Infrastructure Adaptation Plan, known as SacAdapt. The project received the award in the Cross-Agency Collaboration in Climate Resilience and Adaptation category.
Presented through the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program, the awards recognize California local governments for projects and programs that advance sustainability and climate resilience.
“This award is a reflection of the dedication, expertise and hard work of our City staff, who are finding innovative ways to prepare Sacramento for the future,” said City Manager Maraskeshia Smith. “I’m incredibly proud of this team and the meaningful work they’re doing to strengthen our community. This recognition also highlights the importance of working with partners like SacRT to tackle challenges that extend beyond any one agency.”
Developed jointly by the City and SacRT, SacAdapt evaluates how extreme heat, flooding and severe storms could affect Sacramento’s streets, sidewalks, bicycle routes and public transit systems. The plan identifies vulnerable infrastructure and recommends strategies to improve reliability, reduce risks, and guide future investments.
“Climate change is already affecting how people move through our city, and those impacts will only become more significant,” said Sarah Kolarik, the City’s Sustainability Specialist. “SacAdapt gives us a roadmap for making informed investments that protect our transportation infrastructure and help residents travel sustainably, safely, and reliably, even as weather conditions change.”
Community input played a central role in developing the plan. The City and SacRT conducted 36 outreach events and received more than 860 survey responses during the first two phases of engagement.
Residents emphasized the need for more shade and tree canopy, weather-protective bus shelters, improved drainage, and investments in neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme weather.
The City and SacRT approved SacAdapt in April 2026. The plan will help both agencies prioritize improvements, pursue grant funding and guide future projects that strengthen Sacramento’s transportation network.
Learn more about the Beacon Awards.