Leading Together: Collaborative Climate Planning at the Regional Level

Achieving California’s ambitious GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045 requires bold, locally driven action through land use authority, project implementation, and ordinances. Most Californians live in metropolitan areas spanning multiple cities and counties, making regional coordination essential for developing and implementing cohesive and equitable strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled, sequester carbon in agricultural lands, and transition to zero-emission fuels and energy. However, aligning jurisdictions with diverse goals, resources, and visions presents its challenges. Recognizing this, the USEPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program funds 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) across California to develop regional climate action plans. This interactive panel brings together MSA lead agencies to discuss the challenges and opportunities of regional climate action planning. Panelists will present strategies for building momentum, securing resources, and aligning efforts across jurisdictions, while attendees will share examples of successful regional coordination to inspire and inform local action.

Speakers
  • Victor Briones, County of Ventura CEO Sustainability Division
  • Brianna Moland, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Associate Air Quality Planner/Analyst
  • Jamesine Rogers Gibson, Bay Area Air District, Senior Advanced Projects Advisor
Moderator
  • Ryan Wolfe, Southern California Association of Governments, Manager of Sustainable and Resilient Development