Healdsburg Expands EV Charging Benefits for Low-Income Residents

City leverages state funding to boost electric vehicle adoption and equity goals

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The City of Healdsburg is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging programs, using state Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) funding to increase benefits for low-income residents. The city is adopting a local definition of low-income to capture more eligible households, offering up to 50% discounts on city-owned EV charging stations, increased rebates for home/business chargers, and exploring an EV purchase rebate program.

Why it matters

Healdsburg's initiatives aim to boost EV adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring equitable access to clean transportation options for low-income residents. The city is leveraging available state funding to support its climate and equity goals through transportation electrification.

The details

Healdsburg's City Council approved updates to its transportation electrification programs, which will be implemented by Earth Day 2026. The city generates around $100,000 annually from EV charging credits it can sell, plus an additional $300,000 in unsold credits. It is also eligible for a one-time $883,300 transfer from the California Clean Fuel Rewards program. These funds will be used to expand services and user benefits, including up to 50% discounts on city-owned EV charging, increased rebates for home/business chargers, continued e-bike rebates, and potentially an EV purchase rebate program.

  • The City Council approved the program updates at its February 2, 2026 meeting.
  • The new programs and benefits will be implemented by Earth Day 2026 (April 22).

The players

Terra Sampson

Healdsburg's utility conservation analyst, who presented the program updates to the City Council.

City of Healdsburg

The local government implementing the expanded electric vehicle and clean transportation programs.

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What they’re saying

“'LCF is one of our strictest energy program funding sources: It can only be to support transportation electrification, and predominantly for the primary benefit of low-income individuals and communities.'”

— Terra Sampson, Utility Conservation Analyst (Healdsburg Tribune)

“'Adopting a local low-income definition is part of tonight's resolution.'”

— Terra Sampson, Utility Conservation Analyst (Healdsburg Tribune)

“'A local definition will capture more Healdsburg residents than the State default definition, allowing the City to use LCFS funds to benefit low-income residents in Healdsburg.'”

— Terra Sampson, Utility Conservation Analyst (Healdsburg Tribune)

What’s next

The city plans to identify additional locations for new public EV charging stations, focusing on areas with a significant number of low-income households as defined by the new local definition.

The takeaway

Healdsburg's expanded EV programs demonstrate how cities can leverage state funding to drive transportation electrification and ensure equitable access to clean mobility options, particularly for low-income residents.