Structural - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Barrier 6: Structural & Systemic Barriers

Barrier Statement

When systems are rigid, fragmented, or unable to retain knowledge, communities face repeated setbacks as inflexible funding, data silos, and staff turnover erase lessons learned and stall progress.

Filterable Database

How communities are experiencing this barrier

View the details on what communities have shared with SLECC from across the state.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Loss of institutional memory: High turnover in city staff erases prior knowledge. Past needs assessments or engagement findings are lost, requiring communities to “start over” repeatedly with each new grant cycle

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Data inequities: While quantitative data is widely shared across agencies, qualitative data (community stories, feedback) is siloed and rarely reused, even though it could inform other programs

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Rigid funding structures: Grants lock implementers into pre-set deliverables with little flexibility for unexpected realities like cost spikes or staff turnover

Local Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by local leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

Local Solution

Encourage reuse of past community input and needs assessments to prevent redundant engagement and fatigue

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

Local Solution

Advocate for flexible grant structures that allow adjustments for cost overruns, staffing changes, or shifting priorities

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

Local Solution

Require minimum funding set-asides for engagement activities in all major grants

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by state leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

State Solution

Integrate diversity management plans and oversight in state procurement contracts to ensure inclusive subcontracting

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution

Require professional project managers on large-scale state-funded community projects (as is already standard in federal procurement)

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution

Provide technical assistance grants to smaller cities and rural jurisdictions to level the playing field

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

Solution Spotlight

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Additional Resources

Please share any additional resources you would like to include by emailing eecoordinator@civicwell.org.