Accessible and affordable transportation central for City of Wilsonville’s pathway to climate target
Climate Mitigation Plan
City of Wilsonville Climate Action Plan
Client
City of Wilsonville
Population
27,000 (2025)
Schedule
2024-2025
The Problem
Wilsonville’s growing population and economy were on track to increase its energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20% by 2050. The City needed a clear, evidence-based plan to reverse that trend and align with Oregon State’s targets to cut emissions 45% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.
The Problem
How can a growing community that depends on commuters meet the state climate targets?
12
MtCO2e greenhouse gas emissions/ person (2018)
93%
local trips taken by personal vehicle in 2018
The Solution
SSG modeled a 2018 baseline and five future scenarios for Wilsonville, pinpointing the ten actions that would cut emissions most cost-effectively.
SSG used its ScenaCommunity model to build a 2018 baseline inventory of Wilsonville’s energy use and emissions, then modeled five future scenarios out to 2050. Transportation was found to be the largest source of emissions in Wilsonville, accounting for 48% of community-wide emissions in 2018. SSG’s analysis showed that increasing accessible and affordable transportation options for residents, and switching to a zero-emissions fleet can play a significant role in supporting the City to achieve its targets. In total, SSG’s analysis identified ten climate actions that would cut emissions by 58% by 2035 and 83% by 2050. SSG also delivered initial implementation measures so the City can move directly from planning to action.
The Outcome
SSG’s modeling identified a pathway to:
83%
reduction in community emissions by 2050
11k
MTCO2e emissions eliminated between 2025-2050 by switching city fleet to zero-emissions vehicles
$100M
in avoided social costs (social cost of carbon)*
*Based on a Low Carbon pathway where Oregon’s electricity grid reaches zero emissions by 2040. See the City of Wilsonville Climate Action Plan (2025) for details.
Outcome
Key Takeaways
This Plan provides a thoughtful, forward-looking framework to secure the long-term environmental, economic and social sustainability of our community. It’s grounded in the core values of responsible growth, fiscal stewardship and quality of life. It outlines a data-driven path to reduce greenhouse gases, boost energy-efficiency, and strengthen community resilience.
Sam Scull, City Councilor, City of Wilsonville
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We can help you address the climate crisis and navigate the energy transition