Past Forum Resources

Since 2013, California Climate Investments (CCI) have implemented over $11B for projects ranging from clean energy and electric vehicles, to affordable housing and alternative fuel production. What have been the outcomes of these investments and what lessons can be learned? We will share findings from equity analysis of CCI co-produced by the Greenlining Institute and the USC Equity Research Institute. The session will spotlight one case study in particular, on the Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Community Solar Pilot, which produced the first publicly-funded community solar project on Tribal lands in California. Through a partnership between the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, Anza Electric Cooperative, and GRID Alternatives, the project created a 994-kilowatt system that is providing energy and benefits to ~200 households. The session will share lessons learned on effective partnerships and centering community participation, particularly as funding for projects in low-income, rural, and tribal communities continue to be implemented.

Lisa Castilone | Director of Tribal Programs, Grid Alternatives, Inland Empire
Steven Estrada | Tribal Chairman, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
Austin Mendoza | Data Analyst, USC Equity Research Institute
Kevin Short | General Manager, Anza Electric Cooperative
Moderator: Lolly Lim | Program Manager of Climate Investments, Greenlining Institute

Equity and Community Engagement Considerations for Gas…

Join Gridworks, Ava Community Energy, and the City of Albany to learn how local governments can support electrification to prepare neighborhoods for gas decommissioning. Gridworks and Ava Community Energy will share the results of their California Energy Commission (CEC) funded research exploring how targeted building electrification paired with tactical gas decommissioning can provide net gas system savings while promoting equity and meeting the needs of local communities. The research daylights the priorities and concerns of residents regarding electrification and offers recommendations for project implementation. The City of Albany received funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program for their pilot to electrify all buildings on a city block. The City is prioritizing community education and engagement to overcome implementation barriers identified in the CEC research project. The City will share their goals for the pilot, results thus far, and any lessons learned along the way.

Allison Lopez | Sr. Energy Efficiency Analyst, Ava Community Energy
Michelle Plouse | Community Development Analyst, City of Albany
Moderator: Neha Bazaj | Director, California & Hawaii, Gridworks

We’re All in this Together: Building People Power to Ac…

Transitioning to clean energy and building climate resilience are complex challenges that cannot be solved in silos. We need a variety of perspectives, skillsets, and constituencies to tackle climate change and foment a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. A growing number of state and federal grant programs are requiring cross-sectoral cooperation and robust partnerships, which leaves those without strong community relationships at a disadvantage. Yet meaningful collaboration is not easy, especially for organizations that are under-staffed, with limited time to build partnerships. This session will uplift successful examples of robust climate collaboration in California, providing practical insights into how these efforts were able to gain momentum and access funding. The speakers will also share useful tips for practitioners who are struggling to get meaningful partnerships off the ground. The session will be highly interactive, with opportunities for attendees to dialogue with speakers and learn from each other’s experiences.

Karalee Brown | Assistant Executive Director, Institute for Local Government
Emi Wang | Director for Capacity Building, The Greenlining Institute
Wilma Franco | Executive Director, SELA Collaborative
Ian Gabriel | Director of Data, Policy & Planning, Lift to Rise
Moderator: Ena Lupine | Program Manager, Community Assistance for Climate Equity, Strategic Growth Council

Your Past. Their Present. Our Future

Join us for an insightful break-out session on the critical role of workforce development in advancing energy efficiency initiatives within municipalities across California. With cities striving to fulfill energy efficiency projects and meet local and statewide energy targets, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more pressing. Come and learn how a new partnership, between CivicSpark and I-REN, has opened up the opportunity for 52 municipalities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, to receive the energy staffing support they have historically not been able to receive, while also keeping the local talent local. Learn about how this partnership, which is replicable anywhere, resulted in a 450% increase in participation of an energy fellowship in a subregion where energy is normally not seen as a top priority. This session will include discussion from past and present fellows and a City whose existing fellowship support is providing future benefits.

Parker Friederich | I-REN Fellow, City of Canyon Lake
Jarrod Manuel | Capital Projects and Facilities Superintendent, City of Chino Hills
Kate Rathbun | Program Manager, Frontier Energy, I-REN
Moderator: Tyler Masters | Program Manager, I-REN/WRCOG

Bringing the Heat: A Year of Heat Pump Water Heaters

This session will take participants on a behind-the-scenes journey of a 2023 heat pump water heater (HPWH) initiative designed to help agencies through HPWH procurement and installation assistance and rebates for either 80% or 100% of eligible project costs. We will highlight the teamwork and coordination as we identified the need for HPWH technology, conducted community outreach, supported procurement and installation, identified complementary funding support through TECH Clean California, and completed program reporting. The presentation will conclude with program successes, lessons learned, and sharing what is next for the HPWH initiative. Attendees will leave the session with a blueprint for collaborating with partners on program design and will have a deeper understanding of the benefits of HPWHs. The HPWH initiative is an offering of Southern California Regional Energy Network’s (SoCalREN) incentive program. The incentive program (launched in 2022) helps public agencies achieve long-term energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Code Bruder | Senior Technical Program Manager, The Energy Coalition
Fernanda Craig | Regulatory, Policy and Reporting Lead, Los Angeles County
Victor Ferrer | General Manager/Principal Analyst, City of Pico Rivera
Moderator: Alina Bonto | Project Manager, SoCalREN (The Energy Coalition)

Climate Planning Perspectives from the Original Steward…

During this panel, three Tribes in the San Diego region will discuss their unique experiences as they each developed priority and comprehensive climate action plans funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The Tribes are the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and the Jamul Indian Village. Their climate action plans will help improve Tribal quality of life and create a healthy environment for future generations. This session will highlight barriers and challenges faced by each Tribe, community engagement activities, implementation projects the Tribes plan to move forward with, the estimated community and climate impacts of these activities, and best practices and lessons learned. Session attendees will also learn about the potential for partnerships as the Tribes plan for the implementation of the projects identified in their priority climate action plans.

Syndi Smallwood | Environmental Director, Jamul Indian Village of California
Moderator: Lauri Walker | Director, Equity Engagement, Center for Sustainable Energy

Connecting Federal Funders, Developers, and Communities…

In April 2024, the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) entered an agreement with King Energy to leverage federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office to implement Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) at sites and facilities supported by SGC-member programs. Through this effort, SGC seeks to enhance site- and grid-level energy resilience while extending benefits such as reduced energy costs and rental income to participating entities and their communities. In this session, the SGC and its implementing partners will provide an applied overview of its effort to connect communities to federal funding opportunities through virtual power plants. An opening presentation will focus on specific strategies SGC and its partners have employed to access and utilize federal funding opportunities for community benefit. In the breakout discussion, participants will share project proposals and engage in cross-sectoral dialog to identify funding and project deployment opportunities.

Yakov Feygin | Director of Public Finance, Center for Public Enterprise
Jared Genova| Senior Planner, Civix
Jared Snelson | Enterprise Account Executive, King Energy
Moderator: Sean Kennedy | Deputy Director of Energy Investments, Strategic Growth Council

Driving the Future: Collaborative Strategies for Equita…

In the face of climate change and the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions, expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a pivotal challenge. This panel discussion will explore a holistic approach to building a nationwide model for EV charging infrastructure, emphasizing equity, workforce development, and innovative financing. By sharing insights from our collaborative efforts starting in California involving public and private entities, we aim to shed light on high-level strategies that address infrastructure development’s technical and financial aspects and ensure inclusivity and accessibility. Our discussion will provide a roadmap for other regions and stakeholders interested in fostering similar partnerships, highlighting the potential for creating resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities through shared visions and goals.

Donnel Baird | CEO, BlocPower
Lujuana Medina| Energy Initiatives Division Manager, County of Los Angeles
Ben Stapleton | Executive Dictor, USGBC California
Moderator: Ariel Fan | Founder and CEO, GreenWealth Energy

Building Capacity Through Contractor Development Progra…

Contractor Development Programs (CDPs) have been designed to increase the capabilities and capacity of small, local, diverse, and disadvantaged contractors through the various services they provide. When barriers are removed, contractors are given the opportunity to participate in meaningful public construction projects. It has been proven that contractors can be highly successful when provided with the right tools, support, and guidance. In addition, when public agencies require the utilization of small, local, diverse, and disadvantaged firms on their projects, it can be a win-win for all. As businesses grow their capacity, they transition into a position to hire from their communities, becoming a catalyst for workforce development. In this interactive workshop, we will use real-life challenges and barriers contractors face and together we will create solutions for a comprehensive Contractor Development Program Plan in which participants can take back to their respective marketplaces and implement with support from local implementors.

Shanette Anderson | Senior Program Manager, Emerald Cities Collaborative
Anabel Barragan | Construction and Labor Relations Specialist, Touchstone Project Solutions
Maria Quiroz | Program Manager, City of San Diego
Kevin Ramsey | President, Alameda Construction Services, Inc.
Veronica Soto | Senior Advisor for Workforce Development and Economic Impacts, Los Angeles World Airports
Moderator: Traci Watson | Vice President, Alameda Construction Services, Inc.

Climate Action Planning Tools: Empowering Equitable Tra…

The CoolClimate Network at UC Berkeley is developing a new set of tools for local government climate action. Participants in this workshop session will learn about the project, which aims to develop GHG inventories for every California local government along with planning tools that take into account equity and other non-GHG benefits that are critical for informed policymaking. Through a moderated discussion focusing on local government needs, participants will be invited to provide input to shape the tools that will be publicly available in 2025. The workshop speakers will share their reflections on the state of climate action planning based on their progress to date on this project, and welcome participants to also share their observations and insights about the future of the practice.

Twilight Greenaway, Climate Writer/Editor, UC Berkeley School of Journalism
Kim Springer, Transportation Systems Coordinator, County of San Mateo
Amaury Berteaud, Sustainability Program Manager, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
Moderator: Christopher Jones, Director, CoolClimate Network

Empowering Local Governments to Tackle Decarbonization…

In 2022, building decarbonization saw progress with record-high solar installations and supportive policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. Yet, challenges arose with soaring electricity rates, plummeting solar installations, and widespread unemployment among solar contractors. Despite these hurdles, decarbonization remains vital amidst rising gas costs and environmental concerns. This session aims to empower participants to address electricity affordability in their communities. We’ll explore reasons for price hikes, strategies for affording electrification, and actions to mitigate customer energy costs. Additionally, we’ll have a group discussion on how collective power can be harnessed to drive change, hearing insights from entities like the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition, RENs as well as local governments on advocacy options and program design to tackle rising costs. Participants will engage in group discussions on affording electrification, curbing energy costs and collective advocacy. Join us as we navigate the complexities of energy affordability.

Marc Costa | Director of Policy & Planning, The Energy Coalition
Jane Elias | Director, Energy Programs, BayREN
Lucia Pohlman | Sustainability Analyst, City of San Luis Obispo
Annie Secrest | Energy and Water Coordinator, County of San Luis Obispo
Moderator: Steven Moss | Partner, M.Cubed

Jumpstart Workshop: Scaling Equitable Transition to All…

Local governments are tasked with achieving aggressive climate goals, and one of the key areas to address is our building stock and making homes all electric and efficient. Local governments are called to do so responsibly without displacing or burdening communities that have historically been underserved. This workshop will explore barriers and opportunities to electrify neighborhoods equitably through a collaborative and interactive workshop. Local government and community-based organization collaboration is the first step in approaching building decarb equitably. Staff from San Mateo and Contra Costa Counties along with local community-based organizations, El Concilio and South Coast Sustainable, will introduce the session, and present their work and vision for equitable neighborhood electrification in two very different neighborhood contexts. The remainder of the workshop will be dedicated to small group and whole group dialogue about opportunities, barriers, and pathways forward.

Aurelio Huizar | Program Manager, El Concilio of San Mateo County
Jody London | Sustainability Coordinator, Contra Costa County
Alero Moju | Sustainability Specialist, County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability
Irma Rodriguez Mitton | Executive Director, South Coast Sustainable
Susan Wright | Program Manager, San Mateo County Sustainability Department
Moderator: Avana Andrade | Senior Sustainability Specialist, San Mateo County Sustainability Department

Charging Forward: Collaborating Towards and Equitable C…

An Investor-Owned Utility, a faith-based community development corporation empowering Black communities, an energy-focused nonprofit in rural Central California, and other community-minded organizations gather. Southern California Edison has convened diverse community-based organizations for the Clean Energy Access Working Group. Environmental, faith-based, and vulnerable population leaders participate, ensuring comprehensive dialogue and consideration of community concerns for future energy policies. The group exchanges best practices and prioritizes outreach to diverse populations. Their community improvement efforts extend beyond volunteerism, focusing on tangible project development and implementation. A web-based platform offers educational resources, fostering connection and inspiring action. This panel showcases practical examples of multi-sector collaboration, demonstrating how it enhances community well-being.

Anuj Desai | Senior Advisor, Southern California Edison
Frank Jackson | Chairman & CEO, Village Solutions Foundation
Courtney Blore Kalashian | Executive Director, San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization
Moderator: Pam Close Bold | Executive Director, High Sierra Energy Foundation

Equity Guardrails for an Emerging California Hydrogen M…

Implementing a full-fledged hydrogen system in California will take considerable investments that could fall back on ratepayers, perpetuate pollution in environmental justice communities, and coopt necessary energy and water resources from Californians. These are top-of-mind concerns for communities who have experienced these impacts before and are calling for the state not to repeat the energy system’s history of profit over people and planet. Hydrogen should only be produced and deployed where it is an affordable climate solution with environmental and equity guardrails that ensure the financial and emissions burden does not land on those who can least afford it. Join our session to hear from environmental justice, equity, and community-based organizations about the impacts and guardrails needed for the emerging hydrogen industry in California. It is time for communities to lead the way on hydrogen for California’s just transition to clean energy.

Nile Malloy | Climate Justice Director, California Environmental Justice Alliance
Jay Parepally | Federal Climate Justice Legal Fellow, Communities for a Better Environment
Michael Rincon | Research and Policy Manager, Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles
Moderator: Fatima Abdul-Khabir | Senior Program Manager of Energy Equity, The Greenlining Institute

Making Metered Energy Savings Program Work for Your Com…

Are metered energy savings programs working in California? Do the programs successfully serve their target populations? Four program administrators will discuss the challenges and successes in implementing residential and commercial metered energy savings programs in their communities. Speakers will address questions surrounding equity and serving hard-to-reach customers, incentive design, workforce development, achieving electrification goals, reducing peak load, and driving comprehensive upgrades. Join the session to discuss findings from these regional programs, the broader state context for the shift to metered energy savings programs, and their future role in supporting the state’s energy efficiency and electrification goals.

Cara Bautista-Rao | Senior Energy Specialist, San Francisco Environment Department
Peter Levitt | Manager, DER Programs, Peninsula Clean Energy
Alex Valenti | Manager of Customer Programs, Marin Clean Energy
Moderator: April Price | Energy Portfolio Manager, 3C-REN/County of Santa Barbara

Panoramic Policymaking: Equitable Community Engagement…

Christian Cruz | Senior Community Outreach Manager, Clean Power Alliance
Chelsea Kirk | Director of Policy and Advocacy, Strategic Actions for a Just Economy
Nico Predock | Sustainability Analyst, City of Santa Monica
Moderator: Mayra Vega | Senior Project Manager, TRC

Posters

14th Annual CCEC Forum

June 13 – 14, 2023 | Santa Rosa, CA

2023 Forum Theme – Investment, Innovation, and Inclusion: Locals Leading a Clean Energy, Climate-Stable Future for All

The CCEC Forum brings together leaders in local energy and climate action for a two-day event featuring in-depth conversations with local and regional governments and their partners in State agencies, CBOs, NGOs, and private sector service providers. This year marks our 14th Annual Forum and a pivotal opportunity to build upon State and federal momentum to innovate and collaborate towards a clean energy, climate stable future for all. Participate in a focused agenda that builds upon the 2022 theme of Accelerating Climate Action & Advancing Justice. We will explore local practices and timely topics, such as ensuring the recent windfall of policy investments are used to foster lasting impact and help address the most pressing local emissions and energy resiliency needs in an inclusive and culturally competent way.

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Existing Building Electrification: A Message of Hope and Action

We bring a message of hope. Hope that electrifying existing buildings is possible when led by local leaders and decision makers like you. Panelists will cover the California Scoping plan and roadmap to zero emissions, code, programs focused on electrification, and innovative actions local government and community-based organizations are taking. Panelists will integrate equity and environmental justice, while exploring opportunities and partnerships that provide the path to zero that we are reaching for.

Attendee participation will be encouraged. We will provide a space for the panelists and participants to discuss current state policy, regionalized resources, lessons learned and tools/mechanisms to advance local building electrification priorities. Participants will leave the session with a better understanding of California’s scoping plan, how code will be integrated, program opportunities, and community level strategies that promote innovation and investment.

Speakers

Lou Jacobson, Willdan, Director
Vivan Malkani, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc., Senior Consultant
Jordan Garbayo, County of San Luis Obispo, Energy Program Manager
Jaime Alonso, GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, Executive Director
Rochelle Butler, San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization, Energy Manager
Lindsey Tillisch, Pacific Gas & Electric

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Environmental Justice

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Designing the Right Building Performance Standards for Your City

All-electric building codes are decarbonizing new buildings throughout the state, but the majority of emissions come from existing buildings. Implementing Building Performance Standards (BPS) is an important strategy to cut emissions by targeting the largest polluters. BPS policies help building managers and owners identify inefficiencies and require performance improvements over time. This session will explore lessons learned from cities with experience developing and implementing BPS policies and allow participants to co-create equitable and effective policies for a range of city sizes and characteristics.

Representatives from the cities of Santa Monica, Berkeley, and San Diego will provide an overview of BPS policies in place and under development. Participants will split into breakout groups to design BPS policies based on the characteristics of the city presented at their table and consider companion policies to address any foreseeable consequences on underserved communities and stakeholders.

Speakers

Ariana Vito, City of Santa Monica, Senior Sustainability Analyst
Shelby Buso, City of San Diego, Chief Sustainability Officer
Ammon Reagan, City of Berkeley, Sustainability Program Coordinator

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Codes and Standards

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Unlocking Electrification Opportunities in Southern California’s Multifamily Housing Market

Event Date: 6/13/2023

Region: Greater Los Angeles

Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Local Governments, Nonprofit, Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

California Energy Design Assistance: K-12 Carbon Footprint

Event Date: 6/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Electrification and Permitting: It’s Complicated!

Event Date: 6/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Codes and Standards

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Building Resilience – Efficiency’s Role in Decarbonization at Home

Event Date: 6/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

How the California Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook is Accelerating Adoption of Customer-Side Energy Storage Systems

Event Date: 6/13/2023

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Renewable Energy & Storage

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Competition, Recognition, and Innovation: What Really Motivates Participation?

Event Date: 6/13/2013

Region: Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Outreach and Engagement

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Grassroots Community Carbon Conversations: An Important Ingredient toward Achieving Community Decarbonization Goals

Event Date: 6/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Nonprofit

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Outreach and Engagement

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Zero Emission Fleet Transition: Roadmap

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: San Diego

Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Rural Building Decarbonization Readiness and Resiliency: Vulnerabilities, Solutions, Barriers and Successes

This session will bring together varied perspectives on the experiences of rural Californians in their quest to decarbonize and build resiliency for their communities. Panelists will present how they’re working to overcome challenges, highlight innovative projects, identify barriers that exclude participation in funding opportunities and programs, and make recommendations on how to alleviate obstacles to provide greater opportunities to impact their communities.

Many rural communities are faced with extreme weather and their remote nature amplifies the needs for resiliency and their lack of resources, especially in light of goals to rapidly decarbonize building stock and address transportation needs. This panel will highlight programs and projects that will help deliver an equitable and clean energy future for rural Californians.

Speakers

Pam Close Bold, High Sierra Energy Foundation, Executive Director
Lou Jacobson, Willdan, Director
Stephen Kullmann, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Director for Demand Side Management
Meredith Anderson, Sierra Business Council, Climate and Energy Project Manager
Amaury Berteaud, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, Sustainability Program Manager

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Central Coast, North Coast, Sierra Nevada

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments, Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Climate Planning, Environmental Justice

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Organize, Fund, Act – Sonoma County Government Collaboration for Climate Solutions

In 2001, local climate activists launched a campaign to mobilize Sonoma County governments to fight climate change. This initiative created an innovative partnership that produced countywide greenhouse gas inventories, climate targets, and climate action plans; started a local community choice energy utility; and, in 2009, founded the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA). RCPA facilitates collaboration among Sonoma County’s local governments, helps set goals, pools resources, formalizes partnerships, and works across policy areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resiliency. RCPA became California’s first Climate Resilience District with the passage of SB 852 in 2022. The purpose of the session is to share Sonoma County’s successful model of local government collaboration on climate, learn about RCPA’s work to develop new sources of local funding for climate action centered in environmental justice, and explore how collaborative models like RCPA’s could help other regions achieve their climate goals.

Speakers

Tanya Narath, Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority, Director of Climate Programs
Suzanne Smith, Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority, Executive Director
Tasha Wright, Santa Rosa Water, Energy and Sustainability Coordinator
Eris Weaver, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, Executive Director

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Partnerships

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Electrify Everything (Except for …): Understanding Reach Code Exemptions

An important and often overlooked part of a reach code is the exemptions. Exemptions can be put in place for a variety of reasons, ranging from recognizing situations where reach code requirements are not feasible to political concessions needed to enact a reach code. As such, exemptions can help a reach code to work smoothly and avoid unintended consequences but can also provide a loophole for those who don’t want to comply. In addition, exemptions can be specific (does not include pools) or general (anything that is not feasible).

Although many jurisdictions have adopted reach codes to require all-electric new construction projects, decarbonizing existing buildings is critical to achieving local, state, and federal emissions reductions goals. The variety of buildings, construction methods, site features, and infrastructure in existing buildings can present implementation challenges for some projects that require special consideration, sometimes warranting an exemption from the reach code requirements. Common challenges include funding limitations for permit applicants, a potentially undesirable impact to local industry, technical/technology-related issues (no commercially available replacement), or site-related constraints (no suitable location for equipment). This session will delve into the options and trade-offs involved in developing and enforcing reach code exemptions that address these challenges while preserving benefits. In addition to introductory presentations, we will use role-playing, audience participation, and facilitated group discussion to engage attendees with the key issues. The session will enable attendees to better understand the options and issues related to exemptions as well as the perspectives and constraints of key stakeholders.

Speakers

Misti Bruceri, Misti Bruceri and Associates, LLC, Principal
Katen Kristiansson, BayREN, Codes and Standards Program Manager
Lawrence Garber, Building Decarbonization Coalition, Local Government Associate
Greg Mahoney, County of Sacramento, Chief Building Official
Bill Kelley, County of Marin, Deputy Director of Building and Safety

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Codes and Standards

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Achieving Equitable Decarbonization: Lessons from International Local Government Perspective

With state and federal imperatives to decarbonize through electrification in the midst of steadily rising electricity rates, local governments are being looked to as critical change agents. The panel will discuss how California is not alone in struggling to address climate change, outline a series of roles local governments could take to help lead the way, and discuss a possible high distributed energy resources future. The session will culminate with a discussion on the best role for local governments, and how the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition is supporting equal decarbonization. Topics include European Union directives for smart local energy markets, California regulatory opportunities, local resilience and decentralized energy, and perspectives from a local elected official on the path forward.

Speakers

Marc Costa, The Energy Coalition, Director of Policy and Planning
Steven Moss, M. Cubed, Partner
Arlis Reynolds, City of Costa Mesa, Councilmember
Lorenzo Kristov, PhD, Independent Consultant

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Distributed Energy Resources, Partnerships

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Consult a CBO: Tips for Collaborating on Climate Investments

Join us for an engaging and interactive Q&A session on how local governments and program administrators can effectively engage with community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop more inclusive and impactful policies, programs and outreach. CBOs serve as a critical link between government, program administrators and the community, providing valuable insights and feedback to inform decision-making processes.

This session will explore best practices and lessons learned for building strong partnerships with CBOs, including strategies for effective communication, collaboration, and capacity building. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and engage in discussions on topics such as identifying and leveraging the strengths of CBOs, fostering trust and mutual understanding, and measuring the impact of CBO, local governments and program administrators partnerships.

Whether you are a local government representative, program funder, a CBO leader, or simply interested in community engagement, this session will provide valuable insights and practical guidance for achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes through effective partnerships.

Speakers

Maggie Singleton, Center for Sustainable Energy, Equity Associate Manager
Vivian Rahwanji, Community Housing Development Corporation, Director of Operations
Kevin Hamilton, Central California Asthma Collaborative, Executive Director

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit

Topic Areas: Partnerships

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Let’s Co-Create a Roadmap to Equitably Retrofit Buildings!

You already have a foolproof building retrofit strategy for aligning federal, state, and regional resources to achieve your climate goals and deliver equitable community benefit, right? Wait, you don’t!? Well, then… let’s get together for 75 minutes to work on this problem together! We’ll start with brief overview presentations from the Building Decarbonization Coalition, City of Berkeley, and City of San Luis Obispo. Then we’ll break into small groups facilitated by staff from Central Coast Community Energy, The Switch is On, 3C-REN, Building Decarbonization Coalition and the cities of San Luis Obispo and Berkeley to develop programs for the fictional City of Heatpumptopia. By the end of the session, you’ll learn important program design considerations from your peers, make new connections, and head home inspired and ready to get to work on your own programs.

Speakers

Lucia Pohlman, County of San Luis Obispo, Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst
Panama Bartholomy, Building Decarbonization Coalition, Director
Rebecca Milliken, City of Berkeley, Sustainability Outreach Specialist

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Central Coast, San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Navigating Parallel Universes: Why Translation Alone Isn’t Enough

How do you conduct effective outreach to communities where English is a second language? Engaging thoughtfully with these communities requires an understanding of their unique institutions, norms, and information networks, which is often not represented in traditional communication resources. Diving in deeper, the way people receive information, who they trust, and how they take action can vary widely even within sub-groups of populations that speak the same language.

In this session, BayREN will share insights on how to effectively engage with communities where English is a second language. We will discuss our successes, failures, and lessons learned in our experiences working with a range of communities and discuss how our process entails collaboration with our own mothers to internationally recognized celebrities.

Speakers

Jennifer West, Program Manager, StopWaste
Jeffery Liang, BayREN, Single Family Program Manager
Yeymi Rivas Reyes, BayREN, Communications Coordinator
Tonya Veitch, County of Santa Clara, Senior Sustainability Analyst

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Outreach and Engagement

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

California Public Agency Fleet Electrification Funding and Challenges

In this session, Prospect Silicon Valley will highlight the efforts of several City Governments to electrify their vehicle fleets. Speakers will cover planning challenges including funding programs, charging infrastructure, and organizational change from senior executives to departmental vehicle users.

Speakers

Ilse Villacorta-Alatriste, ProspectSV, Senior Project Associate
Toto Vu-Duc, City of Watsonville, Senior Environmental Projects Analyst
Hilary Ego, City of La Mesa, Environmental Program Manager

Event Date: 06/14/2023

Region: Central Coast, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility, Financing/Funding

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Upsizing Electrification Potential, Not Panels: Addressing Barrier of Panel Upgrades

For many homes the electrical transformation does not need to be as daunting as is commonly thought. They will understand that many homes are capable of transitioning away from gas appliances without electrical service upsizing and be provided the tools and strategies to minimize the need to upsize electrical panels. We will share a suite of existing technologies and strategies that work within the constraints of existing panel capacity, including ‘watt-diet’, circuit sharing, low wattage appliances, and whole building controls among other options. We will also discuss electrification plans to provide options and alternatives to specific scenarios that a homeowner, contractor or utility needs to address to avoid panel upsizing as much as possible. Last, attendees will learn how policy changes and program design can drive a better-optimized approach to panels and service upsizing, as well as, how to employ limited finances, time, and services effectively and equitably across communities.

Speakers

Jenny Low, Build It Green, Program Manager
Abhijeet Pande, TRC, Vice President for Research and Technology Commercialization
Laura Feinstein, SPUR, Sustainability and Resilience Policy Director
Emily Alvarez, StopWaste, Program Manager

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

The Future of Virtual Power Plants: Empowering Underserved Communities

Sarah Delisle, Vice President, Government Affairs & Communications of Swell Energy; Ed Hamzawi, Director, Advanced Energy Solutions of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD); and Achini Bandara, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships at GRID Alternatives North Valley will discuss how aggregating distributed energy resources en masse in the form of a virtual power plant (VPP) lowers the cost of ownership for consumers and helps utilities manage demand while increasing individual reliability and resilience across the electric grid. They will demonstrate how Swell is working to help SMUD deliver on its 2030 Zero Carbon Plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from its power supply, including how the success of programs like SMUD’s My Energy Optimizer Partner+ is based not only on total enrollment but also on the additional job opportunities created for local installers, new revenue opportunities, and grid resilience benefits, as well as the socially equitable impacts of these programs.

Speakers

Sarah Delisle, Swell Energy, Vice President for Government Affairs and Communications
Ed Hamzawi, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Advanced Energy Solutions Director
Achini Bandara, GRID Alternatives North Valley, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: Sacramento Valley

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Resilience

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Building Local Resilience Models – BayREN Resilient Libraries Network Pilot

The BayREN Resilient Libraries Network seeks to develop a network of local libraries to also function as Community Resilience Centers. Libraries play critical roles especially for disadvantaged communities. Six sites were selected. BayREN is providing engineering technical assistance for each site to assess necessary upgrades to improve energy efficiency and provide access to cooling, heating, and clean air and potential for battery back-up and storage. Pilot participants will be matched with funding and financing experts to provide tailored guidance to identify relevant funding sources for both CRC building upgrades and the specific programming and services that each site intends to provide to their communities year-round. Pilot participants who will share current challenges and lessons learned from their work to build a CRC based on community needs. Information about how the pilot is funded, how BayREN is working with partners and how this pilot could be replicated will be provided.

Speakers

Jenny Berg, BayREN, Energy Section Director
Aleka Seville, Collective Strategies Consulting, LLC, Founder and Principal
Nick Kordesch, City of Oakland, Energy Program Manager
Veronika Cole, City of Oakland, Resilient Communities Analyst
Laura Wong, County of San Mateo, Sustainability Coordinator

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Energy Resilience

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Catch Them Early – Educating Los Angeles’ Youth about Opportunities in the Green Economy

In March of 2023 SoCalREN held a Future Green Leaders Summit to build awareness about different career pathways in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency that students may not be introduced to otherwise. The summit was attended by over 1,800 6th, 7th and 8th grades students from disadvantaged/low-income communities around LA. The summit featured over 18 workshops, 40 exhibitors (including Microsoft and Google) and several highly interactive displays designed to inform the audience about opportunities in the Green Energy Sector with the intent of generating interest and guiding the development of future leaders.

This panel will discuss the vision for the summit, the incredible support the summit gained throughout the public and private sector and present key outcomes and feedback. Additional discussion will be provided around the immensely challenging logistics of event coordination and lessons learned.

Speakers

Tessa Charnofsky, County of Los Angeles, Workforce Education and Training Program Manager
Lujuana Medina, County of Los Angeles, Environmental Initiatives Manager
Shanette Anderson, Emerald Cities Collaborative, Southern California Senior Program Manager

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: Greater Los Angeles

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Workforce Development

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Equitable Electrification for Multifamily Properties

As California jurisdictions seek to decarbonize their building stocks while simultaneously addressing the state’s housing crisis, the challenge of how to retrofit existing multifamily buildings without displacing residents looms large. This session will tell the story of how low-income multifamily properties in the Bay Area layered multiple funding sources to complete comprehensive clean energy and electrification retrofits. Attendees will learn how the projects came together, what technical challenges had to be overcome, and how residents were engaged throughout the process. It will also touch on how incentive programs are evolving to more holistically serve owners and residents.

The panelists will then discuss lessons learned for both local jurisdictions and multifamily property owners, including solutions to common barriers to electrification, how to make the financials of multifamily retrofits pencil out, and how to incorporate resident voices.

The following programs were leveraged and will be discussed: BAMBE, SOMAH, LIWP, TECH Clean CA

Speakers

Marisa Villarreal, GRID Alternatives, SOMAH Program Director
Sheetal Chitnis, Association for Energy Affordability, Senior Program Manager
Ben Cooper, StopWaste, Program Manager
Emma Barker, Eden Housing, Inc., Associate Project Developer

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Making Equity Real in Climate Mapping Tools and Platforms

Mapping tools such as the CalEnviroScreen and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) are used to allocate millions of dollars of climate funding. The Greenlining Institute has advocated that these tools are designed to identify communities that are most affected by climate change, economic hardships, and racism. This session provides a practical framework for technologists, government officials, and advocates to go beyond ideals and make equity real in every stage of designing, utilizing, and improving their tools and platforms. This session will touch on limitations with existing tools, such as race not being a factor or tools not including the cumulative impacts of multiple factors, and opportunities for local stakeholders to fill those holes in their planning particularly when it comes to the evaluation of equity goals and benefits.

This workshop draws from Greenlining’s decades of experience in climate justice and racial equity advocacy and technical assistance. We will provide examples from our experience working with communities and government agencies on local, state, and federal tools that are used to allocate funding to disadvantaged communities. We will then move into an interactive discussion where participants come up with strategies on how their jurisdictions use mapping tools and data to advance racial and environmental justice. Participants will have the chance to share their findings and strategies with the group.

Speakers

Sneha Ayyagari, The Greenlining Institute, Clean Energy Initiative Program Manager
Nicole Wong, The Greenlining Institute, Climate Resilience Program Manager

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Nonprofit

Topic Areas: Data Requests and Analysis, Environmental Justice

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Meeting the Moment: Building Inclusive Energy Action Across the Central Coast

This session will follow the ever-changing story of an energy program that adapted its approach to serve the unique needs of communities and sectors across California’s Central Coast. CC-LEAP, a regional utility-funded efficiency program, has had to pivot, navigating a pandemic launch and understandably strained public agencies and businesses. The program approach quickly shifted from a large-scale energy projects approach to innovative program offerings that catered to small businesses and small local governments with limited budgets and staff capacity. Through community involvement and strategic partnerships, CC-LEAP has overcome regional energy efficiency challenges and driven equitable energy and climate action. In this session, our team, along with partners and member agencies, will share best practices and encourage discussions on customized energy services and strategic partnerships to meet regional needs and goals.

Speakers

Ivana Dorin, The Energy Coalition, Program Manager
Annie Secrest, County of San Luis Obispo, Energy and Water Coordinator
Lindsey Tillisch, Pacific Gas & Electric, Expert Program Manager
Rachel Pennington, The Energy Coalition, Acting Assistant Director of Energy Services

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: Greater Los Angeles, Central Coast

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Partnerships

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Decarbonizing Homes while Creating Quality Jobs in your Community

Join us for a panel discussion on home electrification or “decarbonization” initiatives and the complementary creation of good jobs in the community – with a focus on economic justice, equity, and environmental health. The panel will explore incorporating high road labor standards into public incentive programs, working with unions and the apprenticeship training programs they provide, and promoting a more sustainable future. The discussion will showcase the Bay Area High Road Training Partnership, which aims to transform the residential retrofit industry from low road to high road, generating family-sustaining jobs while supporting climate sustainability. The panel will feature representatives from a city, a union organization, and public program administrators to discuss strategies for ensuring decarbonization jobs are high road and promoting sustainability efforts while benefiting workers and the community.

Speakers

Chiara Arellano, Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, High Road Initiatives Manager
Jennifer West, Program Manager, StopWaste
Jordan Ackerman, Construction Trades Workforce Initiative, Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Billi Romain, City of Berkeley, Energy and Sustainable Development Manager

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: Sacramento Valley, San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Workforce Development

2023 CCEC Forum Resources

Investing in a Climate-Safe Future: Business and Government Roundtable

Nonprofits and governments advocate for policies and programs to achieve social, economic and environmental goals. But the clean energy economy will be built by the private sector. This is true whether we are talking about efficient, all-electric homes, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, or farms and ranches that grow our food and wine. All these enterprises are privately held, and privately operated. This session will bring together top business leaders from the North Bay to share their programs and practices, and engage in conversation with a cross section of activists and government representatives to better understand how the public and private sectors can better collaborate in creating a future that is clean, affordable, resilient, equitable and safe.

Speakers

Doron Amiron, The Climate Center, Business Program Manager
Ardi Arian, Renewable America, President & CEO
Brad Baker, SOMO Group, CEO
Jane Elias, County of Sonoma, Energy and Sustainability Manager

Event Date: 06/13/2023

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Partnerships

13th Annual CCEC Forum

September 21 – 22, 2022 | San Diego, CA

2022 Forum Theme: Accelerating Climate Action & Advancing Justice

The consequences of an extractive fossil fuel economy are here, but so are the solutions. As we work to implement climate and energy solutions, there are dual needs: an urgency to meet our goals and a need to do so in an inclusive, conscientious way without leaving anyone behind. So as we accelerate climate and energy action with new strategies and technologies, how can we create time for the tough and meaningful discussions we need to have? How do we ensure that solutions advance justice and include historically and presently disadvantaged communities? Through this forum, we are looking to engage local governments, state agencies, organizations, and any interested practitioners to facilitate sharing best practices, tools and ideas on how to approach our statewide and local goals effectively.

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Closing Plenary: Accelerating Climate Action and Advancing Justice… with Accountability

To close out the forum, we turn our attention squarely to this year’s theme: Accelerating Climate Action and Advancing Justice. Calls for equitable and inclusive decisions, investments, plans, and projects are reverberating throughout the climate field and in our communities. There is a growing recognition that members of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized groups are disproportionately impacted by pollution and the impact of climate change, resulting from an enduring history of systemic racism and chronic disinvestment in their communities. As the momentum for equitable climate action continues to build, how do we ensure meaningful and lasting outcomes for communities? This closing plenary seeks to move beyond principles and frameworks to hear real stories from community organizers and advocates – on what’s working, what isn’t, and what it means to advance justice with accountability.

Speakers

Roger Lin (he/him) (Moderator), Center for Biological Diversity, Senior Attorney for Energy Justice
Grace Peralta Beasley (she/her), MCE, Senior Customer Programs Manager
NJ Mvondo, National Association for Climate Resilience Planners (NACRP), Member
Christian A. Torres (He/him), Comite Civico del Valle, Special Projects Manager

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Environmental Justice

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Morning Plenary: Collaborating with Tribes

The geopolitical region that we now know as California has for millennia been home to more than 100 distinct Native American Tribes. Beginning with the arrival of Spanish missionaries and soldiers in San Diego in 1769, California Tribes have endured the loss of their lands, resources, and people to the forces of colonialism. Despite an array of injustices and disadvantages, California’s indigenous peoples continue to demonstrate unparalleled resilience and stewardship of the environment. Today, many local governments share boundaries with California Tribes. They also govern land that is considered Tribal ancestral lands and that continues to be home to indigenous people and culturally-important species and resources. Collaboration between Tribal and non-tribal communities is not always easy, but it can produce powerful results. This session will showcase some of the nation-leading climate and energy work being done by Tribes and their partners in the San Diego area. Speakers will highlight Tribes’ unique history, perspective, knowledge, and legal authority, all of which make them vital leaders, teachers, and partners in regional climate and energy efforts. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of Tribal perspectives on a host of relevant issues including ways to respectfully and effectively engage and collaborate with Tribes.

Speakers

Joshua Simmons, Prosper Sustainably, President and Founder, Principal Consultant
Shasta Gaughen (she/her), Pala Band of Mission Indians, Environmental Director/THPO
Michael Connolly, Campo Kumeyaay Nation, Resource Economist/Kumeyaay Historian
Angie Hacker (Moderator), CCEC, Statewide Best Practices Coordinator

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments, Tribal Governments

Topic Areas: Partnerships

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Opening Plenary: State of Climate and Energy in California in 2022

The opening plenary will provide attendees with an overview of the State of Climate and Energy in California in 2022. This plenary aims to set the stage for this year’s theme by reviewing key policies, trends, and opportunities for Accelerating Climate Action and Advancing Justice, with particular attention to providing timely and relevant updates for local governments. Our panel of State and local leaders will reflect on statewide progress towards key climate goals, challenges to overcome, and emerging opportunities for a carbon-free, climate-resilient future by balancing speed and justice.

Speakers

Angie Hacker(Moderator), CCEC, Statewide Best Practices Coordinator
David Hochschild (he/him/his), Chair, California Energy Commission
Genevieve Shiroma (she/her), California Public Utilities Commission, Commissioner
Samuel Assefa (He/Him/His), Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), Director
Lynn von Koch-Liebert (she/her), California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), Executive Director

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Elevating and Equitable Engaging Rural Voices in the Energy Transition

California has long been a leader in the clean energy and climate transition, yet disadvantaged communities continue to be left behind. This is particularly true for rural communities, which face ever-increasing challenges with fragile grid systems, a lack of distributed generation, complications responding to public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events, disparate geographics, and local government capacity limitations.

This panel will link utility, government, and implementation to present solutions for engaging rural California voices in the energy transition, including:

Community approaches to energy programs. California community choice aggregators (CCAs) are load serving entities with unusual latitude in initiatives to address local needs. Josh Brock, Vice President of Calpine, will discuss lessons from CCAs throughout the state, drawing upon extensive research and evaluation of programs serving disadvantaged communities.
Enhanced customer communications. James Riley, Partner at Appos Advisors, will draw upon decades of experience working with investor-owned utilities to share lessons in how to qualify and engage customers in assistance programs, and best methods for supporting rural communities during PSPS events.
Local and inclusive energy and climate solutions. The Town of Truckee is a local jurisdiction that is quickly becoming a leader in community-based climate and sustainability solutions. Anna Klovstad, Former Mayor, will define successful local stakeholder engagement strategies, agency collaboration tactics, and changes to the Town’s policies and priorities to support climate solutions.

Panelists will discuss specific approaches to working with underserved communities and how these approaches have translated into program designs and solutions that can be applied in rural communities throughout California.

Speakers

Josh Brock (He/Him), Calpine Energy Solutions, Vice President – CCA Commercial Operations
James Riley, Appos Advisors, Partner
Anna Klovstad, Town of Truckee, Former Mayor
Courtney Henderson (Moderator), Resource innovations, Head of Market Strategy
Sherry Hao (she/her), Sierra Business Council, Climate & Energy Program Director

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Resilience, Environmental Justice

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Bringing Community Based Organizations to the Table to Expand EV Participation in Disadvantaged Communities

Expanding access to electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging to people in low- to moderate-income and disadvantaged communities that have borne the brunt of air pollution is critical to improving local air quality. New and used EVs, purchased or leased with the help of local, state, and federal incentives, can also decrease individuals’ commuting costs through lower costs to operate and maintain an EV. The Center for Sustainable Energy will lead a panel discussion with well-respected leaders from community based organizations (CBOs) across California that work directly with disadvantaged communities. They will share best practices and examples of successful outreach methods that bring their audience in closer to better understand the benefits and funding incentives available. We will review why and how it is important for program administrators for EV and EV infrastructure programs to develop a deep and lasting relationships with trusted CBOs that understand their community needs and the issues to reduce barriers to EVs and EV charging acceptance. This informative panel discussion will also cover how CBOs help inform policy and program design through their understanding of their communities’ challenges and concerns. We hope you will join us for this impactful presentation.

Speakers

Lauri Walker (she/her/hers) (Moderator), Center for Sustainable Energy, Senior Manager, Equity
Flora Barron (She/Hers), Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee, Director of Economic Development
Christian A. Torres (He/him), Comite Civico del Valle, Special Projects Manager

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Electric Vehicles and Clean Mobility

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Going Beyond 2022 Building Standards to Continue Accelerated Climate Action

With the effective date for the new 2022 statewide Building Energy Efficiency Standards only a few months away, many active reach codes will be revisited in the context of the new requirements. What will remain a “reach” over state minimums? What actions can local jurisdictions take to continue accelerating progress on their own climate action plans? How can existing buildings be a bigger part of the progress?
This session tackles the challenge, focusing on how local experience both informs development of the state code, and provides a platform that jurisdictions may use to leapfrog beyond these minimums. First, the presenters will share the results of a survey conducted by Building Decarbonization Coalition, BayREN and Acterra that connected with local government staff from jurisdictions with a building electrification ordinance. This will offer insights on the effects that reach codes are having on jurisdictions with permitted residential and commercial projects and the number of those projects that were designed all-electric. Then, panelists and attendees will share insights and experiences from the 2019 cycle, including lessons learned and opportunities to continue advancing climate-related policies by local leadership in the next code cycle. Together, the session participants will explore ordinance options, from the general policy structure, building types, and targeted activities and measures.

Speakers

Danuta Drozdowicz (she), California Energy Commission, Energy Specialist Efficiency Division
Crystal Najera, City of Encinitas, Sustainability Manager
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Contra Costa County, Department of Conservation and Development, Senior Planner
Misti Bruceri (She/Her/Hers), (Moderator) Statewide Reach Codes Program, Coordinator and Technical Lead
Lawrence Garber, Building Decarbonization Coalition, Program Associate
Cora Panturad, Monterey County, Sustainable Infrastructure Analyst

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Codes and Standards, Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Uniting Data and Community: San Diego’s Climate Equity Index

This panel discussion will cover the process in which the City of San Diego co-developed the first-of-its-kind Climate Equity Index (CEI) in partnership with 32 community-based organizations and nonprofits, to better understand and map out the impacts of climate change at the community level. The discussion will cover the CEI results, process of co-developing, first-hand account from CBOs, detailed information on amount of staff time and budget to develop the CEI, and how the CEI has used the CEI to inform City policy and define Communities of Concern. This will be a conversation around equity, environmental justice, embedding equity in institutional processes, and forging non-traditional partnerships.

Roberto Carlos Torres (Moderator), Institute for Local Government, Senior Program Manager
Patrice Baker, Groundwork San Diego, Community Outreach Director
Dr. Cindy Lin (She/Her), Business for Good, Environmental Health Committee Lead & Board Member
Randy Wilde, City of San Diego, Office of Mayor Todd Gloria, Senior Policy Advisor

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: San Diego

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Environmental Justice, Outreach and Engagement, Partnerships

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Accelerating Clean Energy in Rural and Disadvantaged Communities

Energy efficiency works the same in rural and disadvantaged communities as it does anywhere else, right? The short answer is, not exactly.

Implementing clean energy projects in these communities comes with its own unique set of challenges, some of which include fiscal, geographical, and political. During this breakout session, we will take a closer look at how people in these communities are able to achieve success in implementing clean energy projects despite their many obstacles.

To illustrate these challenges and successes, this panel will explore energy efficiency from each perspective including small cities with a population of less than 20,000, a larger city with a population of more than 500,000 as well as the energy efficiency program implementer in their service territory. All of the cities represented are classified as disadvantaged and 2 of the 3 are classified as rural as per the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 tool.

Speakers

Ann Kloose, City Of Fresno Sustainably Division
Mark Staples, City of Taft, Director of Planning and Development Services
Christine Viterelli, City of Arvin, Grants Manager
Rochelle Butler (Moderator), SJVCEO, Energy Manager
Michelle Villa (She,Her), Willdan Energy Solutions, Account Manager

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy & Storage

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Locals Only: Breaking Through Regional Barriers for Energy Action

Just before the start of the pandemic, SoCalREN began partnering with regional organizations to equitably expand program reach. By mid 2020, we had onboarded five regional partners—a mix of non-profit organizations and councils of governments—with a tremendous breadth of insights into how we could craft more regionally-relevant resources. Fast forward two years, and we’ve got a lot to show for our collaborative efforts! This session will highlight how regional partners have worked with SoCalREN to break through agencies’ skepticism of a region-wide program, promote existing offerings, and co-create new ones. SoCalREN’s regional partners will feature the initiative pilots that they designed and launched this year, including a home energy assessment program, and a comprehensive Energy Resiliency Action Plan program for climate-vulnerable communities. As we enter the third year of regional partnerships, we will engage the audience in a discussion of best practices to increase local energy action so that all communities can realize the benefits of energy savings.

Speakers

Kim Fuentes, South Bay Cities Council of Governments, Deputy Executive Director
Sumi Gant (She/Hers), Gateway Cities Council of Governments, SoCalREN Program
Pam Close Bold, High Sierra Energy Foundation, Executive Director
Amy Whitehouse (she/her) (Moderator), SoCalREN, Project Manager
Samantha Dodero, San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization, Associate Executive Director
Nicholas Ryu, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, Manager of Natural Resources & Sustainability
Lujuana Medina, SoCalREN, Environmental Initiatives Manager

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Greater Los Angeles, Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Partnerships

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Making the Case for Energy Efficiency Retrofits in Multifamily Buildings

Serving Hard-to-Reach customers is both inherently difficult and vitally necessary as the climate crisis continues to disproportionally affect the most vulnerable populations. Energy efficiency upgrades are the most cost-effective way to reduce energy waste and GHGs in the built environment, while lowering energy bills and improving comfort and indoor air quality. This panel will explore the challenges of implementing deep energy efficiency retrofits in multifamily projects, specifically low-income or affordable housing, and the opportunities to provide EE benefits at scale in the sector. The discussion will touch on project scope, timeline, obstacles, layering of incentive programs, expected benefits, and lessons learned. Attendees will leave with an understanding of decisions and pain points that need to be addressed for multifamily property owners to implement EE upgrades, how to support them in overcoming those obstacles, and some of the ways to leverage incentives and grants to make a project financially feasible.

Speakers

Ellen Muscarella, Many Mansions, Vice President
Nick Dirr, Association for Energy Affordability, Senior Director, Programs
David Segan, Association for Energy Affordability, Inc., Senior Associate, Programs
Marisa Hanson-Lopez (Moderator), County of Santa Barbara, Energy Program Manager

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Central Coast

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Session

At the Table: Local Governments’ Role in Energy Regulation

How to decarbonize, maintain affordability, enhance resilience and address historic environmental injustices, among other critical issues in the energy sector are determined largely through regulatory processes under the California Public Utilities and Energy commissions. Join the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) for a Regulatory Primer to better understand how regulatory policies create opportunities and threats for local governments. Hear from members about regulatory successes that have helped achieve local climate and energy goals, and exposed community-based problems for which state decision makers were unaware. Learn how collaborating with other local governments can tailor statewide decision-making to address local needs while filling capacity gaps.

Speakers

Steven Moss, M.Cubed, LGSEC Regulatory Consultant, Partner
Alelia Parenteau (she/her), City of Santa Barbara, Sustainability & Resilience Director
Jennifer Berg (She/Her), BayREN, Director, Energy Programs
Garrett Wong (he/him/his) (Moderator), County of Santa Barbara, Climate Program Manager

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Nonprofit

Topic Areas: Codes and Standards, Energy Efficiency, Partnerships

2022 CCEC Forum Session

The 3 C’s: Community Colleges, Climate Action and Community Engagement

This breakout session will be a moderated discussion with Bakersfield College / Kern CCD and their governmental and community partners on the work developing the Kern Energy Innovation Workforce coalition. The session will explore how broadening and deepening partnerships has resulted in greater trust, collaboration, and a heightened ability to attract state and federal resources. Discussion will include approaches to intentional outreach to ensure that disadvantaged communities are included in the discussions and how a broad representation from industry, labor, nonprofits, and government helps to break down silos and lead to strategies developed by the community with workforce and inclusion as a central focus. The session will address challenges presented in forming the coalition, and climate action initiatives that are underway arising from the development of the partnerships. Participants will be asked to think about their communities and develop a list of 3-5 potential community partners for outreach.

Speakers

Traco Matthews (He/Him), Community Action Partnership of Kern, Chief Program Officer
Christine Viterelli, City of Arvin, Grants Manager
Norma Rojas-Mora (she/her/ella) (Moderator), Bakersfield College, Executive Director, Government Relations and Development
David Teasdale (he/him/his), Kern Community College District, Executive Director, Economic and Workforce Development Programs

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Local Governments, Nonprofit

Topic Areas: Outreach and Engagement, Workforce Development

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Co-Designing Climate Policy Solutions with Environmental Justice Communities & Workers

Co-designing equitable climate policies with government officials, environmental justice communities and the labor movement is difficult, yet necessary work. This interactive breakout session will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with co-designing climate policies and programs that center environmental and labor justice. Our panelists include a sitting City Councilmember as well as community advocates and leaders, all of whom are at the forefront of innovative, community-led climate policies throughout the state. Join us to hear their unique perspectives and vital lessons learned in pursuit of equitable climate policies that advance justice. An open discussion format will provide ample opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the expert panelists and learn how to apply those lessons in their own communities.

Speakers

Alex Jasset (Moderator), Physicians for Social Responsibility – LA
Katie Valenzuela (she/her), Sacramento City Councilmember, Environmental Justice Policy Consultant
Laura Gracia, CBE
Kameron Hurt, RePower LA

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Environmental Justice, Partnerships

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Collaborative Pathways to Equitable Decarbonization in the San Diego Region

Recognizing the need for a regional approach to addressing climate change, the County of San Diego is in the process of creating an integrated Regional Decarbonization Framework (RDF). The integrated RDF is a visionary document to address regional emissions in the San Diego region to getting to zero carbon emissions in the energy system in alignment with State and federal goals and pathways. The integrated RDF is also visionary because it seeks to provide the data-driven emissions reductions pathways to all jurisdictions, agencies, and governments to foster a collaborative approach to decarbonization and to ensure that no parts of the region are left behind. In focusing on collaboration, learning, and a data-driven approach to emissions reductions, the Integrated RDF is also centering on equity because addressing climate change will require addressing climate justice and environmental justice. This panel will discuss the integrated RDF’s initial findings and relevance for the region.

Speakers

Elise Hanson, County of San Diego, Management Fellow
Scott Anders (He/Him), Energy Policy Initiatives Center, University of San Diego School of Law, Director
Kyle Heiskala, Environmental Health Coalition, Climate Justice Policy Advocate
Gordon McCord (he/his) (Moderator), University of California, San Diego – School of Global Policy & Strategy, Associate Professor of Economics

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: San Diego

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency, Partnerships

Presentation Slides Event Resources

2022 CCEC Forum Session

The Yolo Climate Commission: Emission Reduction through Community-Driven Action

This interactive session highlights the role that resource-constrained, rural, and/or agricultural communities play in taking aggressive, grassroots action on climate change. We will discuss how Yolo County passed a climate emergency declaration, established a carbon negative by 2030 goal, and created a community-driven Climate Action Commission that is charged with guiding the development and implementation of the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. We will hear from a panel of community leaders and elected officials about the development of the Commission, and strategies employed—such as funding early action projects, undertaking creative engagement in unincorporated regions, and centering historically and presently disadvantaged communities—to ensure that resources are urgently mobilized to tackle our climate goals efficiently and equitably. Session attendees will discuss lessons-learned in standing up a Climate Action Commission, the opportunities for leveraging funding and engagement to overcoming resource constraints, and the models that worked for Yolo County.

Speakers

NJ Mvondo, National Association for Climate Resilience Planners (NACRP), Member
Kristen Wraithwall (she/her), Yolo County, Sustainability Manager
Jim Provenza, Yolo County, District 4, County Supervisor
Adelita Serena (She/Hers), Yolo County Climate Commission/Sierra Club, Commissioner/Community Outreach Coordinator

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: Sacramento Valley

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Partnerships

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Building Electrification: Dystopian Novel or an Opportunity for Equitable Action

Real and perceived barriers to building electrification, renewable generation, and advanced energy storage paint the outline to the next hit novel chronicling a dystopian future. Imagine a world not so far off, perhaps only a few generations, where we have electrified communities, resilient to the escalating climate crisis. Who are they and will conflict emerge between those who have reliable access to resources and those who do not?

The goal is simple—to discuss how to keep this potential eventuality squarely in the fiction section of our collective future. To achieve our goal, panelists will discuss how policy, energy code and programs intersect with building electrification and equitable access to resources. Focus will be placed on discussing barriers, community messaging and recommended actions to accelerate equitable change.

Speakers

Rochelle Butler, SJVCEO, Energy Manager
Lou Jacobson (Moderator), Willdan, Senior Program Manager
Jessie Knapstein (she/her), Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3), Senior Managing Consultant
Jordan Garbayo, Tri-County Regional Energy Network, County of San Luis Obispo, Energy Program Manager
Jaime Alonso (He/Him), GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, Executive Director
Jose Buendia, Southern California Edison, Sr. Project Manager

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Commercial, Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

Advancing Resource Accessibility & Energy Resilience: The Energy Education & Resource Hub

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: San Diego

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

How Multifamily Clean Energy Programs Support an Equitable and Sustainable Future

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Distributed Energy Resources, Renewable Energy & Storage

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

Access to Solar Brings Power: Centering Community in the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Renewable Energy & Storage

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

Multifamily Zero Carbon Action Plan – carbon neutral, resilient, affordable

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

Empowering Residents to take Climate Action on a Community Scale

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Central Coast, San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Outreach and Engagement

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

Google Nest Smart Thermostat: An Accessible and Equitable Energy Solution

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Residential

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

County of Santa Barbara One Climate Initiative

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Central Coast

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Climate Planning, Environmental Justice

2022 CCEC Forum Poster

Visualizing Illumination Photometrics in an Equitable Environment

Event Date: September 22, 2022

Region: Statewide

Sectors Targeted: Local Governments

Topic Areas: Energy Efficiency

2022 CCEC Forum Session

Funding Equitable Residential Decarbonization in Berkeley

Decarbonizing existing buildings is imperative to achieving our climate goals but has a large price tag. Absent the ability to access substantial incentive dollars, many building owners will not be able to afford these investments or will pass these costs on to tenants, exacerbating displacement risk and the housing affordability crisis. Building on Berkeley’s cutting-edge climate policies, city staff and the Building Electrification Institute wanted to understand how to fund the decarbonization of Berkeley’s housing stock while preserving housing affordability. They commissioned a funding gap analysis, which analyzed the cost to decarbonize Berkeley’s residential buildings by 2045; identified federal, state, regional, and local funding sources that support equitable decarbonization; quantified the remaining funding gap; and explored fundraising opportunities to fill that gap. Members of the project team will share their approach, provide key findings from this analysis and offer a roadmap for other jurisdictions to conduct similar assessments.

Speakers

Dani Makous (she/her)(Speaker)Building Electrification Institute, Assistant Director
Bridgett Neely(Moderator)Firefly Energy Consulting, President
Catherine Campbell-Orrock(Speaker)Building Electrification Institute, Deputy Director
Nick Dirr(Speaker)Association for Energy Affordability, Senior Director, Programs

Event Date: September 21, 2022

Region: San Francisco Bay Area

Sectors Targeted: Disadvantaged Communities, Residential

Topic Areas: Building Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency, Financing/Funding

12th Annual CCEC Forum

Transforming Tomorrow Together | August 3 – 19, 2021

2021 Forum Theme

Transforming Tomorrow Together: Weaving recovery, equity, and public health into local energy and climate work.

The dilemmas of 2020 are not yet behind us. From ongoing budgetary challenges to the systemic issues of racism and environmental injustice that have been illuminated, together local climate and energy practitioners must take decisive action to create a brighter, cleaner, and safer tomorrow for all. Making meaningful progress towards our clean energy vision requires us to embrace the challenging task of advancing holistic energy efficiency solutions, creating authentic relationships with communities, and lifting up viable climate and energy strategies that deliver tangible benefits. Promising pathways continue to emerge for local governments to strengthen their ongoing efforts with new partnerships, resources, policy solutions, and recovery strategies.

The virtual forum will focus on pivotal opportunities for local climate and energy practitioners to address the climate crisis in ways that result in lasting, institutional changes centered around equity and community wellbeing. The forum will create space to recognize the reality that people in our communities are living in today from the effects of climate change, historic and ongoing systemic inequities, COVID-19 impacts, and beyond. By doing so, local governments can focus on these interconnected issues to highlight local solutions and catalyze transformative change through collaboration.

The 12th Annual CCEC Forum, taking place in August 2021, will feature topics weaving recovery, equity and public health into local climate and energy work. The forum will spotlight progress and best practices through the tracks of Holistic Climate/Energy Planning and Readiness, Equitable Decarbonization, and Just Clean Energy Transition. We invite you to join fellow climate and energy practitioners from across California to collaborate on Transforming Tomorrow Together.

Schedule at a Glance

Track Legend

Plenary Events (Recommended)

Holistic Climate/Energy Planning and Readiness

Equitable Decarbonization Strategies

A Just Transition to Clean Energy

Week 1

Tuesday, August 3

10:00 – 11:30 am

Opening Plenary – A Statewide View of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Recording | Presentation Slides | Additional Resources

Details

Opening Plenary – A Statewide View of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities
Tuesday, August 3 | 10:00 – 11:30 am

California communities are emerging from the pandemic with new needs, priorities, and possibilities. Local governments are managing many fundamental shifts at once including a wave of commitments to recover in ways that take climate change, equity, and health more seriously than ever before. In this session, we welcome State and local speakers to help us begin the forum by ground setting in the “new normal” and highlighting clean energy progress, challenges, and opportunities from around the State.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Angie Hacker \| Statewide Best Practices Coordinator \| Local Government Commission Angie Hacker has nearly 20 years of public, private and non-profit experience serving communities in the areas of sustainability, energy, and climate change, primarily in California. Prior to becoming CEO and Principal Consultant of Prosper Sustainably, she served as Energy and Sustainability Division Chief for the County of Santa Barbara. Her areas of expertise include designing innovative local/regional solutions, communicating a strategic vision, pursuing policy and regulatory opportunities, obtaining resources, building local capacity, leveraging cross-sector partnerships, and engaging stakeholders.
	Alejandra Téllez \| Program Management Analyst \| Tri-County Regional Energy Network Alejandra Téllez is the program analyst for Sustainability Programs for the County of Ventura. Alejandra, manages the Local Government Partnership; Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance which is the County’s local energy efficiency clearinghouse office for training seminars, project identification, technical project support and energy planning for municipal governments, school and community college districts, special districts and small commercial businesses. In partnership with the counties of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Alejandra oversees the residential programs which provide utility customers and contractors with a direct link to dozens of energy rebates, training workshops and customer programs. Also manages sustainability activities via building operations and program implementation in County of Ventura services.
	Darcie Houck \| Commissioner \| California Public Utilities Commission Commissioner Darcie L. Houck was appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) by Governor Gavin Newsom on Feb. 9, 2021. She formerly served as Chief Counsel for the California Energy Commission since 2019. Commissioner Houck was an Administrative Law Judge at the CPUC from 2016 to 2019, a Partner at Fredericks Peebles & Morgan from 2005 to 2016, and Staff Counsel and Policy Advisor at the California Energy Commission from 2000 to 2005. Commissioner Houck has expertise in matters concerning environmental equity, nuclear energy regulation, and safety policy. She has an extensive background representing Native American tribes throughout the country on matters involving energy, natural resources, land claims, and water rights, among others. Commissioner Houck is a member of the California Indian Law Association, California Lawyers Association, Schwartz-Levi Inn of Court, Women Lead and the Association of Women in Water, Energy, and Environment. She earned a law degree from the University of California, where she also earned a Master of Science in community development.
	Alana Mathews \| Director of Policy Resources and Training \| Prosecutors Alliance of California Alana Mathews is an impact attorney, executive leader, and equity champion. She is a former prosecutor who transitioned from protecting victims and criminal justice to protecting vulnerable communities and environmental justice. She was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as the Public Adviser for the California Energy Commission where she developed the agency’s energy equity initiative, DEI programs, and coordinated a multi-agency disadvantaged communities advisory group. She later served as the chief consultant for the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies where she focused on environmental and climate equity. Ms. Mathews is currently the Director of Policy Resources and Training for the Prosecutors Alliance of California and an adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law. She is also the founder of the Community Justice Collaborative and an Advisory Board Member for the Rising Sun clean energy workforce development program.
	Debra Gore-Mann \| President & CEO \| Greenlining Institute As the middle child of a biracial, military, first generation immigrant family, Debra Gore-Mann embraces the beauty and strength that lies in her differentness. With an engineering degree and an M.B.A. from Stanford (where she was the only African American woman in a class of 300 graduate students), her work has spanned across the private, public and political sectors in uplifting low opportunity communities with funding, team building and financial and people resources. As Greenlining’s President and CEO, Debra serves as the unifying voice for our multifaceted policy work, bringing her unique, intersectional perspective to bear. She currently serves on several nonprofit boards and as a managing director for the fledgling Oakland Rise professional women’s basketball team.
	Ronaldo Fierro \| Councilmember \| City of Riverside Born and raised in Riverside, many of Ronaldo Fierro’s earliest memories are those of his father sharing stories of immense perseverance, working in fields up and down California and overcoming insurmountable challenges to start their family’s produce company. On the Riverside City Council, Councilmember Fierro is focused on ensuring that the City of Riverside is doing all that is within its power to actively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to bring Riverside forward into a full recovery, and eventual rebound, from the traumatic effects of the pandemic. As the Chair of the City Council’s Economic Development Committee, Councilmember Fierro has taken a leadership role in continuing business attraction and retention efforts amidst the pandemic. Ronaldo currently lives in the Victoria neighborhood with his wife, Sheena and their 7-year old daughter, Luna.
	David Burdick \| Executive Vice President \| TerraVerde David serves as Executive Vice President of Business Development for TerraVerde Energy, supporting CCAs and public agencies (including transit agencies, school districts, municipalities, and water agencies) in evaluating, deploying, and managing intelligent energy programs (solar PV projects, battery energy storage projects, resiliency programs, facility microgrids, and DER Programs). Prior to joining TerraVerde, David served as a General Manager for a solar & battery EPC firm.
	Laurel Rothschild \| Vice President \| The Energy Coalition As Vice President, Laurel oversees The Energy Coalition’s diverse portfolio of programs and collaborates with stakeholders across the state to advance the organization’s mission of empowering communities to leap into the future of clean energy. She has over 13 years of experience working with local governments and communities to promote energy efficiency action through various Programs. Laurel is a current member of the California Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee (CAEECC), a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) and a LEED AP O+M. She holds a B.S. in Business Economics from UCSB.

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch 1 – How Local Governments Can Seize the Moment: 2021 State Budget and Policy Updates

Details

Lunch 1 – How Local Governments Can Seize the Moment: 2021 State Budget and Policy Updates
Tuesday, August 3 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm

At a federal and State level, pandemic recovery efforts are meeting stronger commitments to equity, health, clean energy, and climate change. This intersection may result in an unprecedented wave of opportunity for local governments to tackle multiple needs and goals at once, but it also means that local governments will have to stay on their feet to take advantage of all the changes. This opening day lunch session will feature a state budget and energy policy review from Nuin-Tara Key with the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Roger Dickinson, Policy Director with the Local Government Commission.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Angie Hacker \| Statewide Best Practices Coordinator \| Local Government Commission Angie Hacker has nearly 20 years of public, private and non-profit experience serving communities in the areas of sustainability, energy, and climate change, primarily in California. Prior to becoming CEO and Principal Consultant of Prosper Sustainably, she served as Energy and Sustainability Division Chief for the County of Santa Barbara. Her areas of expertise include designing innovative local/regional solutions, communicating a strategic vision, pursuing policy and regulatory opportunities, obtaining resources, building local capacity, leveraging cross-sector partnerships, and engaging stakeholders.
	Sarah White \| Senior Advisor: Jobs and the Economy \| Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Sarah L. White is Senior Advisor for Jobs and the Economy at OPR, where she leads state efforts to map an equitable high road transition to carbon neutrality. She works at the intersection of labor, workforce, and climate policy across OPR concerns.
	Roger Dickinson \| Policy Director \| Local Government Commission Roger Dickinson serves as the Policy Director for the Local Government Commission, providing direction and advocacy at the state and local levels for the policies, programs, and priorities of the Commission. In addition, he works with the Housing Concepts Coalition sponsored by the Resources Legacy Fund. The Coalition brings together a diverse set of stakeholders to advocate for and support legislative and administrative steps to increase housing. Previously, until March, 2019, Roger served as the Executive Director of Transportation California, a non-profit construction industry coalition which provides public education and advocacy to increase state funding for surface transportation infrastructure. Roger was elected to the State Assembly in November 2010, and re-elected in November 2012, and represented the 7th Assembly District including the Cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento. Roger currently serves on the boards of the MS Society of Northern California, the Aerospace Museum of California, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation, and is a co-founder of SMART, Sacramento Metro Advocates for Rail and Transit.

Wednesday, August 4

10:00 – 11:00 am

Webinar 1 – Championing Cross-cutting Programs: Effective Equity and Climate Resilience Partnerships

Recording | Presentation Slides | SGVRHT Website | SoCalREN Website

Details

Webinar 1 – Championing Cross-cutting Programs: Effective Equity and Climate Resilience Partnerships
Wednesday, August 4 | 10:00 – 11:00 am

As California recovers from the COVID-19 Pandemic, local governments will be tasked with implementing cross-cutting programs that tackle issues of affordable housing, homelessness, water resiliency, and the environment altogether. Oftentimes, projects that address the issues of affordable housing, homelessness, water, and the environment are developed separately. Through local regional partnerships, these projects can be united in their goals to promote equity and climate resiliency. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) and its regional partners will present on three regional programs that represent these ideals. The highlighted programs include the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust, the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN), and the Water Policy and Technical Advisory Committees. These programs represent the power and benefits of regional partnerships at accomplishing intersectional goals. Speakers will share strategies and recommendations for local jurisdictions, community partners, and agencies to address intersectional issues by embedding regional partners in institutional processes and practices.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Samuel Pedersen \| Management Analyst \| San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Sam works on a wide range of programming in his role as a Management Analyst at the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments; from energy efficiency to homelessness and even the Neighborhood Coyote Program. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School.
	Brielle Acevedo \| Regional Housing Trust Administrator \| San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust Brielle is an affordable housing lending professional with experience in the public and private sector. As the Administrator of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust, her work seeks to increase the supply of affordable and homeless housing in the San Gabriel Valley. Brielle is a graduate of USC Price School and completed the Ross Minority Program in Real Estate. Brielle serves on the boards of the Glendale Youth Alliance and LA County Community Development Foundation, whose work aims to end generational poverty. She is Vice President of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council.
	Lujuana Medina \| Environmental Initiatives Manager \| County of Los Angeles – ISD Environmental & Energy Services Lujuana is responsible for managing and operating the SoCalREN energy efficiency portfolio. She also leads policy and grant development regarding energy efficiency, economic development and the electrification of transportation throughout the Southern California Region. Over the past 16 years, she has worked in various capacities in the energy policy field. Before joining the County of Los Angeles, Lujuana served as the Regulatory Manager for SoCalREN under ICF consulting, as the Energy Efficiency Policy Lead for Southern California Gas Company, as a Regulatory Case Manager in the Power Procurement Department for Southern California Edison, as a Generation Resource Planner and Utility Finance Advisor for San Diego Gas & Electric.
	Alex Tachiki \| Deputy Director of Public Works \| City of Monrovia Alex Tachiki currently serves as the Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of Monrovia. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California with a certificate in Public Policy. Alex currently manages various divisions within Public Works including Environmental Services, Engineering, Transportation, Capital Improvement Program and Administration.

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch 2 – Resilience Hubs: Equitable Climate Solutions

Details

Lunch 2 – Resilience Hubs: Equitable Climate Solutions
Wednesday, August 4 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Resilience hubs are some of the most promising and equitable approaches to scaling up local resilience. Existing community-serving facilities can become resilience hubs by increasing their adaptive capacity and augmenting their building systems. Hubs center equity by creating power-building opportunities and relying on community leadership and expertise in decision-making processes. A group of Bay Area agencies collaborated with NorCal Resilience Network to implement a pilot leadership training series in 2021 to introduce the resilience hubs framework. The development of a program curriculum with local speakers allowed for partnership building, collaboration with existing sites, and responsiveness to local needs. Overall, the Resilience Hub training engaged with over 275 community participants from 50 sites. This fishbowl discussion will introduce resilience hubs as an important model for agencies collaborating with community organizations and equitable preparation for climate disruptions, and cover the program overview, impacts at hub sites, and lessons learned from agencies involved.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Shayna Hirshfield-Gold \| Climate Coordinator \| City of Oakland Shayna Hirshfield-Gold oversees climate action planning and implementation for the City of Oakland. She led the creation of Oakland’s 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP), which was adopted by Oakland City Council in July 2020 and puts the city on a trajectory to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. She also co-led development of a new City Ordinance, adopted in December 2020, prohibiting the use of natural gas in new buildings. Shayna’s other projects have included developing plug-in electric vehicle policies and infrastructure, regional energy policy coordination, urban forest planning, and working with cross-sector teams to build a more equitable approach to City-community engagement. Shayna leads with a justice-oriented approach to climate and environmental policy development, informed by her upbringing and background in organizational work.
	Susan Silber \| Executive Director \| NorCal Resilience Network Susan Silber has worked as both a community organizer and environmental educator for the past 30 years. She was introduced to community resilience after learning about the Transition Movement several years ago. Susan went on to help organize Transition Berkeley, co-produce several Permaculture Convergences and then founded the NorCal Resilience Network. Susan is also proud to have introduced thousands of youth to the joys of nature and coordinating environmental education programs, from serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica to writing the Berkeley Unified School District’s Sustainability Plan. She lives in a tight-knit neighborhood in Berkeley with her daughter and husband.
	Patrice Strahan \| Community Organizer \| Disability Justice Culture Club Patrice Strahan is a core member of Disability Justice Culture Club, a collective led by and centering disabled and neurodivergent QTBIPOC located in unceded Chochenyo Ohlone territory (in deep East Oakland, CA). DJCC has been involved in several projects, including the #PowerToLive campaign and the DJCC COVID Response Network.
	Hoi-Fei Mok \| Sustainability Manager \| City San Leandro Dr. Hoi-Fei Mok, PhD (they/them) is a neurodivergent, queer, non-binary Asian American artist and organizer born and raised in San Leandro / occupied Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone lands. They currently work as the sustainability manager at the City of San Leandro, leading the City’s implementation of the Climate Action Plan and other sustainability programs. With a strong interdisciplinary background in environmental science, climate policy, and social justice, Fei aims to build out equitable community-driven strategies for local resilience and agency to climate change in their hometown of San Leandro. Fei currently serves on the California Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Climate Network, the national NAACP Centering Equity in Building Energy Sector Initiative, the National Adaptation Forum equity advisory committee, and the Bay Area Climate Adaptation Network (BayCAN) equity working group.

Thursday, August 5

10:00 – 11:15 am

Webinar 2 – Soup to Nuts: An Interagency Approach to Guiding Constituents from Education to Energy Savings

Details

Webinar 2 – Soup to Nuts: An Interagency Approach to Guiding Constituents from Education to Energy Savings
Thursday, August 5 | 10:00 – 11:15 am

This session will present a framework for collaboration between county, regional, and state agencies that provides a continuum of support for constituents to improve their energy efficiency. With many energy-focused programs and resources available statewide, it can be difficult for constituents to navigate the options and overcome barriers to making energy upgrades. Collaboration across multiple agencies is key to raising awareness about available support for efficiency and sustainability improvements at the local level. The webinar will begin with an overview of available rebates and financing that can be used together by constituents undertaking energy upgrades, followed by a panel discussion about how the three presenters work together to streamline the complex energy retrofit landscape for constituents. Participants will learn about available energy efficiency resources for their constituents, how to pair them together to provide continuity of support, and best practices for interagency collaboration to raise awareness in their community.

Speakers:

	Kaylee D’Amico \| Marketing, Education and Outreach Specialist \| California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing, State Treasurer’s Office Kaylee D’Amico serves as the Marketing, Education and Outreach Specialist at the California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF), a program of the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) in the State Treasurer’s Office. She manages public awareness efforts for three statewide energy efficiency financing programs in the residential, small business and affordable multifamily sectors, working closely with utilities and other stakeholders to promote the financing options.
	Jeffery Liang \| Single Family Project Manager \| BayREN Jeffery Liang is the Bay Area Regional Energy Network Single Family Program Manager and manages the residential energy efficiency and electrification rebate program for the nine county Bay Area since 2020. Previously, Jeffery helped launch and manage several energy efficiency rebate and financing programs over the past decade in order to bring cost-effective and practical solutions for homeowners and renters in California.
	Tonya Veitch \| Senior Sustainability Analyst \| County of Santa Clara, Office of Sustainability Tonya Veitch is a Senior Sustainability Analyst with the County of Santa Clara Office of Sustainability where she manages the County’s Sustainability Master Plan and local community relations activities for the Bay Area Regional Energy Network. Her background crosses public health, urban planning, and sustainability, working towards creating healthier, sustainable, and resilient communities for all. Tonya holds a Master of Urban Planning and Bachelor of Science in Public Health from San Jose State University.

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Webinar 3 – Sustainable Procurement: Opportunities for Local Government

Recording | Presentation Slides | Empower Procurement Website

Details

Webinar 3 – Sustainable Procurement: Opportunities for Local Government
Thursday, August 5 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Empower Procurement, a program lead by Doug Davenport, Founder and Executive Director of ProspectSV will be joined by Richard Schorske, Executive Director of ZNE Alliance and EV Alliance, and Christopher Payne Deputy for Operations, Building Technology & Urban Systems Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab to explore the opportunities for carbon reduction through sustainable procurement approaches and what their findings may mean for Local Government.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Doug Davenport \| Founder and Executive Director \| Prospect Silicon Valley Doug Davenport is the Founder of Prospect Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting innovative startups in the transportation, energy and infrastructure sectors. Since its beginnings in 2013, ProspectSV has grown to engage more than 65 high-impact startups and corporate partners and has implemented $30M in grant funding and $80M in public financing to improve the lives and surroundings of people in the Bay Area. Prior to founding ProspectSV, heled business strategy and industry partnerships for Berkeley Lab’s Energy and Environmental Technologies Division, and prior to that led consulting teams in Tetra Tech’s environment and energy practices. Doug is an active member of the Bay Area Council and is a founding member of both the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator Program and the Innovate Energy Network. He holds master’s degrees in civil engineering and business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
	Christopher Payne \| Research Scientist and Engineer \| Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Over his career in energy efficiency and sustainability policy research, Christopher Payne has focused on understanding how decisions related to energy consumption are made, how public policy shapes those decisions, and how energy policy can be made more efficient, effective, and persistent. Dr. Payne is a recognized expert in organizational decision-making related to energy and sustainability, with a research specialty in institutional acquisition processes and their role in clean energy technology adoption. His current projects include Federal acquisition of energy-efficient products, Institutional procurement of clean energy technologies in California, and State & local government procurement of emerging technologies.
	Richard Schorske \| Founder and Executive Director \| Zero Net Energy Alliance Richard Schorske is founder and Executive Director of the Zero Net Energy Alliance – which partners with leading cities and companies to achieve net zero emissions across the built environment and energy and transportation systems. Mr. Schorske is also founder and Executive Director of the EV Alliance, accelerates adoption of EVs by supporting fleet electrification transitions, deploying charging infrastructure at scale, and via EV planning and program development with utilities, fleet operators, and local government. Accomplishments of the EV Alliance include: 1) Developing the Bay Area EV Corridor Project to provide 400+ public EV charging ports throughout the Bay region; 2) Developing the Bay Area EV Council to drive EV-friendly policies; 3) Developing Transportation Electrification Plans for San Francisco and five Counties in the Monterey Bay and Central Coast regions, and for the Kingdom of Jordan; 4) Developing EV infrastructure programs for Community Choice Energy agencies, including Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Central Coast Community Energy, and Lancaster Choice Energy.
	Renee Lafrenz \| Senior Manager \| Energy Solutions Ms. Lafrenz is a Senior Manager with Energy Solutions, where she focuses on energy market transformation and code readiness integrations. She has extensive experience within the energy sector developing and delivering energy programs and projects for the Alliance to Save Energy and at the Oakland Unified School District as the inaugural Energy Manager. Ms. Lafrenz received her Master of Environmental Science and Management with a specialization in Corporate Environmental Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara and Bachelor of Science from University of California, San Diego.

Week 2

Tuesday, August 10

10:00 – 11:00 am

Webinar 4 – Increasing EV Adoption: From Paper to Production

Recording | Presentation Slides | Additional Resource

Details

Webinar 4 – Increasing EV Adoption: From Paper to Production
Tuesday, August 10 | 10:00 – 11:00 am

Electric vehicles have received more attention than ever in California in recent years and are continuing to gain more market share in the U.S. auto industry, with ripple effects on the energy industry. To support greater EV adoption, local governments are transitioning their own public fleets to EV while targeting EV infrastructure investments towards the populations and locations that need them. This session will feature a moderated panel of local EV experts that will share thoughts on the current progress and opportunities for EVs in California, and innovative approaches to planning, procurement, and implementation of local EV initiatives that can effectively curb emissions and drive equity.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Michael Chiacos \| Director of Energy and Climate Programs \| Community Environmental Council Michael directs CEC’s energy, transportation, and climate programs. He has 14 years of experience leading dozens of clean energy and climate projects, including forming ElectricDrive805, the regional electric vehicle readiness coalition for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. This group has worked with dozens of businesses, local governments and others to install hundreds of EV charging stations, as well as conducted EV marketing, education, and outreach activities, including large Green Car Shows with hundreds of ride and drives. Michael has also influenced state energy and electric vehicle policy as an intervenor at the California Public Utilities Commission and has contributed to projects such as the EV Readiness Blueprint for Ventura County, the Central Coast ZEV Equity project, and the Central Coast EV Implementation Project.
	Carlos Huizar \| Planning Associate \| City of Torrance Carlos Huizar is a Planning Associate and manages the Sustainability Initiative for the City of Torrance. With over six years of professional planning experience, Carlos provides well-rounded technical expertise in land use, environmental planning, healthy communities, urban design, and community engagement. Under the City’s Sustainability Initiative, Carlos is currently working on the Climate Adaptation Plan and advancing the planned expansion of the City’s EV charging program into fleet applications. Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban & Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and recently obtained a Master’s in Public Administration from the California State University, Long Beach.
	Sigalle Michael \| Sustainability Coordinator \| City of Burlingame Sigalle Michael is the City of Burlingame’s Sustainability Coordinator. She manages climate action, EV, renewable energy, waste reduction, and resource conservation projects for the City. She has over a decade of experience developing and implementing environmental actions for local governments. Prior to Burlingame she worked for the Bay Area Air District on clean air and climate action policies.
	Janelle London \| Co-Executive Director \| Coltura Janelle London is the co-executive director of the nonprofit Coltura, the executive director of Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s Beyond Gasoline initiative and the vice-chair of Menlo Park’s Environmental Quality Commission. She published the first op ed in California calling for a phaseout of gasoline-powered vehicles. Janelle is the co-author of several papers on gasoline, including State Vehicle Electrification Mandates and Federal Preemption, Governing the Gasoline Spigot: Gas Stations and the Transition Away from Gasoline, and an upcoming paper on redesigning EV incentives to target those drivers who use the most gasoline. She wrote the first children’s storybook about the harms of gasoline, Sparky’s Electrifying Tale. Janelle holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a law degree from University of California, Berkeley.

2:00 – 3:15 pm

Webinar 5 – Planning for Equitable Existing Building Electrification

Details

Webinar 5 – Planning for Equitable Existing Building Electrification
Tuesday, August 10 | 2:00 – 3:15 pm

While many cities have begun the transition to decarbonize new construction through electrification ordinances, the conversion of existing buildings from mixed fuel to all-electric must consider the implications for low-income, disadvantaged, and historically under-invested communities. This session presents a facilitated discussion with the parties involved in the recently completed City of Berkeley Existing Building Electrification Strategy, which serves as a guide to an equitable transition of existing buildings from fossil fuel reliance to primarily renewable electricity by identifying the policy, funding, and regulatory processes which must be addressed. The City of Berkeley strategy is a first of its kind document which combines a parcel level cost and energy assessment of electrification options, funding mechanisms for the electric building transition, and a thorough evaluation of the equity impacts on the community. To develop the strategy, the project team conducted extensive and targeted outreach to Berkeley’s marginalized communities and received substantial feedback that guided the goals, timeline, and associated actions. The discussion panel will address topics relevant to their expertise and development of the strategy, including the detailed analysis of existing residential buildings, extensive community engagement, equity considerations, regulatory constraints, and electrification policy development.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Reema Shakra \| Senior Planner \| Rincon Consultants, Inc. Ms. Shakra is a Climate Adaptation Program Manager with Rincon’s Environmental Planning and Sustainability Department and has experience in sea-level rise vulnerability and adaptation assessments, climate action and adaptation planning, and community outreach and engagement. Ms. Shakra has a wide-ranging policy background, having prepared or managed general plan updates, climate action plans, local coastal program updates, corridor plans, and climate adaptation plans. She co-authored a step-by-step guidebook for the Southern California Association of Governments region which provides local governments with a compendium of tools, resources, and best practices to efficiently advance their climate adaptation planning process. Ms. Shakra has extensive experience conducting public outreach and engagement, having facilitated several dozen open house and community workshop meetings and advisory committee meetings, and presented at city council and planning commission hearings.
	Denaya Shorter \| Community Engagement Program Director \| Ecology Center Denaya Shorter is the community engagement program director for the Ecology Center, a Berkeley nonprofit that focuses on improving the health and the environmental impacts of urban residents. The Ecology Center addresses critical issues through a model of education, demonstration, replication, and advocacy through a variety of programs and services such as farmers’ markets, curbside recycling, eco store for sustainable living, classes, workshops, youth development, resource center, seed library, and much more! Denaya oversees programming for the Ecology Center’s store and public resource center, engagement & education programs, and EcoHouse. She leads and supports programming focusing on climate action through the Berkeley Climate Action Coalition, and zero waste education that supports Berkeley’s residential curbside recycling program. Denaya brings with her rich experience in education and engagement, most recently, leading equitable community outreach alongside the City of Berkeley in local efforts to transition towards a fossil fuel-free future through its Existing Buildings Electrification Strategy.
	Michael Gartman \| Manager, Carbon Free Buildings \| Rocky Mountain Institute Michael supports RMI’s Residential Energy+ and Building Electrification initiatives and is currently focused on providing both project developers and policymakers with the information and resources they need to drive a market shift toward a more efficient, affordable, and equitable housing stock. Michael utilizes a background in cost estimating and project management that comes from a diverse array of experience in the construction industry. His past work has included serving over 50 cities through ongoing technical assistance on residential policies, cost-estimating over 1,000 commercial energy retrofits and solar installations, and building bridges in South America.
	Katie Van Dyke \| Climate Action Program Manager/Chief Resilience Officer \| City of Berkeley Katie Van Dyke (she/her) serves as the Climate Action Program Manager and Chief Resilience Officer at the City of Berkeley where she manages projects and programs to advance Berkeley’s ambitious climate goals and resilience strategies. Her work focuses on multi-benefit solutions to prepare the community to withstand and thrive amidst the many intersecting environmental, social and economic challenges it faces. Some of her work has included supporting development of the City’s first Resilience Strategy as part of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, coordinating implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan, leading the City’s recent study on how to equitably transition all existing buildings away from fossil fuels, and co-managing a $1.5M grant for a microgrid feasibility study.
	Ryan Gardner \| Climate Action Program Manager \| Rincon Consultants, Inc. Ryan Gardner serves as Rincon’s Climate Action Program Manager and an Environmental Scientist with Rincon’s Sustainability Services Group. His work focuses on climate action plan development, greenhouse gas reporting and audits, life cycle analysis, green building strategies, carbon accounting, carbon sequestration and sustainable infrastructure. Through this work Ryan has become involved in the electrification field helping to lead the City of Berkeley’s existing building electrification strategy as well as working with cities throughout the State on electrification ordinances, cost effectiveness studies, and community outreach and focus groups. Ryan uses his 8+ years of experience working with local governments, agencies, and special districts to help craft implementable plans and strategies that lead to meaningful change.

Wednesday, August 11

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch 3 – Building Equity Into Policy & Programs with SOMAH

Details

Lunch 3 – Building Equity into Policy & Programs with SOMAH
Wednesday, August 11 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Join the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) team for an interactive discussion on this pioneering program and opportunities to bring its impact to your community. The team will walk through the program’s equity-driven approach to a state-level solar incentive program, with a walkthrough of how equity is integrated into the program’s policies and implementation. There will be breakout sessions focused on two of the program’s pillars: 1) community-based organization partnerships and tenant education, and 2) workforce development. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of the program, its goals, and how local governments may be able to access SOMAH’s nearly $1 billion in incentives.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Kajsa Hendrickson \| Project Manager \| SOMAH Kajsa Hendrickson is a facilitator and project manager with global experience working in sustainability and environmental justice. Kajsa works on a pilot environmental and social justice solar initiative, Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) at the Center for Sustainable Energy. She oversees SOMAH’s evaluations, partnerships, as well as CSE’s Marketing, Education, and Outreach teams for SOMAH. She holds a bachelor’s degree in global politics from Washington State University and a master’s degree in Peace and Justice Studies from the Kroc School at the University of San Diego. Kajsa’s previous work experience includes managing custom educational and leadership programs at Washington State University, University of San Diego, and the Center for Creative Leadership, teaching English in Asia, and serving as a Political/Economic Graduate Assistant and Site Officer with the United States Embassy in Vientiane, Laos.
	Sarah Salem \| Senior Tenant Services & Community-Based Organization Manager \| SOMAH Sarah received a Bachelor of Architecture from Temple University and later received her master’s from the Bren School of Environmental Management specializing in Economics and Politics of the Environment alongside the communications focus. Upon graduating Sarah joined GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization that envisions a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone. There Sarah serves as the HQ Outreach Sr. Community Engagement Manager, focusing on community and tenant care for both community solar and multifamily affordable housing solar projects. She currently leads tenant education and community-based-organization partnerships for the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program, a ten-year clean energy program overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). As an Egyptian-American, Sarah has seen firsthand how developing nations and communities of color are often left out of the conversations that impact them the most. In her role, she strives to amplify the voices and stories of those most impacted by climate change and injustice and contribute to energy justice for all.
	Staci Hoell \| Workforce Development Manager \| SOMAH Staci works at GRID Alternatives as the Workforce Development Manager for California’s Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program, a $1 billion investment in solar energy on low-income multifamily properties and solar job training opportunities. As the Workforce Development Manager, Staci connects job trainees with solar contractors participating in SOMAH to get hands-on training; conducts outreach and builds relationships with job training organizations across the state; and develops resources and workshops for job seekers in the solar industry. Prior to joining GRID, Staci managed alternative transportation programs and operations at the University of San Francisco. She is a double alumna of the University of San Francisco with a BS in Molecular Biology and a Master of Public Health focusing on environmental health.

2:00 – 3:15 pm

Webinar 6 – Incorporating Environmental Justice Priorities into Regulatory and Enforcement Policy

Details

Webinar 6 – Incorporating Environmental Justice Priorities into Regulatory and Enforcement Policy
Wednesday, August 11 | 2:00 – 3:15 pm

While investments in clean energy opportunities for environmental justice communities is a critical component to a just transition, influencing decision-making and conducting robust environmental enforcement are equally necessary for rectifying environmental injustice. In this session, we will hear from leaders at the CA Public Utilities Commission, the California Department of Justice, and Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability about their approach to incorporating environmental justice into regulatory and enforcement policy, some early successes, and where the State has room to grow. Participants will leave with a deeper knowledge of how an equity approach can be incorporated into enforcement practices and concrete examples of communities accessing decision-making power.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Monica Palmeira \| Analyst \| California Public Utilities Commission Monica Palmeira was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina as a first-generation American with parents originally from Portugal. Her professional background includes ethnographic research, affordable housing advocacy, climate policy, and community engagement. In her current role as an Analyst at the California Public Utilities Commission, she focuses on implementing the Commission’s Environmental and Social Justice Action Plan across energy, telecommunications, water, wildfire, rail, and safety and enforcement divisions. Monica has also served as Community Assistance Program Manager for the Strategic Growth Council at the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, where she spearheaded various outreach and technical assistance programs to support communities in accessing climate-related funding programs. Additional roles have included Policy & Programs Specialist at California Coalition for Rural Housing and as managing director at the Marian Cheek Jackson Center, a dynamic public history and community organizing center in Chapel Hill, NC. She received a B.A. in International Studies and Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
	Martha Guzman Aceves \| Commissioner \| California Public Utilities Commission Martha Guzman Aceves was appointed Commissioner at the CPUC by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Dec. 28, 2016. Her portfolio includes issues related to distributed energy, fiscal oversight of utilities, broadband access, water affordability and conservation, increasing access to clean energy programs for Disadvantaged Communities, and preventing disconnections of basic utilities. Commissioner Guzman Aceves serves as co-chair of the Emerging Trends Committee, and is one of two Commissioners on the Senate Bill 350 Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group in coordination with the California Energy Commission. She also represents the CPUC on the California Broadband Council and the Lithium Valley Commission. In May 2021, Commissioner Guzman Aceves was appointed to the NRRI Board of Directors. Commissioner Guzman Aceves earned a Master of Science degree in agricultural and resource economics from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University.
	Ashley Werner \| Directing Attorney \| Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability Based in Fresno, Ashley Werner is a Directing Attorney with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability where she helps to shape and advance the organization’s legal and policy initiatives to eliminate barriers to opportunity impacting disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin and Coachella Valleys. Through her work together with community residents, co-workers, and coalition partners across the state, Ashley has helped to secure commitments by public and private actors that advance access to safe and affordable housing and fair housing choice, essential infrastructure and services, a healthy environment, and inclusive decision-making processes for disadvantaged communities across the regions and state. Previously, Ashley worked as a Staff Attorney with California Rural Legal Assistance and with non-profits in Peru on matters relating to women’s rights and rural development. Ashley earned her B.A. from Swarthmore College and her law degree with a Certificate in Human Rights and International Justice at Boston College Law School.
	Chanell Fletcher \| Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Justice \| California Air Resources Board Chanell Fletcher was appointed to the position of Deputy Executive Officer of Environmental Justice in January 2021. Ms. Fletcher oversees CARB’s Environmental Justice and Community Air Protection Program and is responsible for developing CARB-wide environmental justice policies. She plays a key role in CARB’s programs designed to address disproportionate impacts from air pollution and climate change and associated chronic health conditions affecting Black, Latinx and other communities of color across the state.

Thursday, August 12

10:00 – 11:15 am

Webinar 7 – The Future is Local: Just and Equitable Clean Energy Transformation

Details

Webinar 7 – The Future is Local: Just and Equitable Clean Energy Transformation
Thursday, August 12 | 10:00 – 11:15 am

Local government leadership is truly the best driver for transformation to a clean and democratized energy economy. Regional Energy Networks (RENs) and Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) are leading the charge and have deep and expanding roots in climate program deployment. They are crafting unique programmatic solutions to address local risks, including energy resilience, climate change mitigation, and workforce preparedness. Panelists representing RENs and CCAs will provide a peek into pilot efforts, programs, and partnerships offering community-focused initiatives with the potential to scale up and spark innovation in this era of renewed national commitment to climate change work. This session celebrates the change-makers and initiatives harnessing the power of local mobilization and engagement to shepherd in a cleaner, environmentally just energy future—one that succeeds by increasing access while building community equity and resilience.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Laurel Rothschild \| Vice President \| The Energy Coalition As Vice President, Laurel oversees The Energy Coalition’s diverse portfolio of programs and collaborates with stakeholders across the state to advance the organization’s mission of empowering communities to leap into the future of clean energy. She has over 13 years of experience working with local governments and communities to promote energy efficiency action through various Programs. Laurel is a current member of the California Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee (CAEECC), a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) and a LEED AP O+M. She holds a B.S. in Business Economics from UCSB.
	Lujuana Medina \| Environmental Initiatives Manager \| County of Los Angeles, ISD Environmental & Energy Services Lujuana is responsible for managing and operating the SoCalREN energy efficiency portfolio. She also leads policy and grant development regarding energy efficiency, economic development and the electrification of transportation throughout the Southern California Region. Over the past 16 years, she has worked in variety capacities in the energy policy field. Before joining the County of Los Angeles, Lujuana served as the Regulatory Manager for SoCalREN under ICF consulting, as the Energy Efficiency Policy Lead for Southern California Gas Company, as a Regulatory Case Manager in the Power Procurement Department for Southern California Edison, as a Generation Resource Planner and Utility Finance Advisor for San Diego Gas & Electric.
	Alice Havenar-Daughton \| Director of Customer Programs \| MCE Clean Energy As Director of Customer Programs for California’s first Community Choice Aggregator, MCE, Alice is focused on the development and implementation of programs that promote building efficiency and decarbonization, increase adoption of electrify vehicles, deliver grid resiliency and further environmental justice goals. Under her leadership, MCE’s energy efficiency programs have grown seven-fold and the electric vehicle-charging program has funded over 1,000 public charging ports. Her team oversaw the developed an open-source software tool to helping CCAs effectively plan for the deployment of distributed energy resources across the state. Alice has a dozen years of experience designing energy programs and holds a dual Masters degree in Sustainable Development and International Affairs from American University.
	Stephen Kullmann \| Director of Demand Side Management \| Redwood Coast Energy Authority Stephen Kullmann is the Director of Demand Side Management at Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), a local government Joint Powers Agency and Community Choice Aggregator serving Humboldt County in rural Northern California. RCEA is an elect-to-administer Program Administrator and Implementor of resource programs and manages a Local Government Partnership with PG&E, as well operating several locally funded customer programs. Prior to joining RCEA in the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, Stephen served as the Community Development and Resilience Director for the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe and the Natural Resources Director for the Wiyot Tribe. Stephen earned an M.S. in Environmental Systems from Humboldt State University and also serves as an elected Harbor Commissioner for the Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District.
	Kathy Wells \| Energy Program Manager \| California Choice Energy Authority As the newest member to the CalChoice team, Kathy serves as the Energy Programs Manager, implementing and managing energy programs for the benefit of the member agencies. She brings over 20 years of customer service experience to CalChoice, having worked for the City of Lancaster in multiple sectors including Public Works, City Engineering, and City Administration. An inaugural member of the Lancaster Choice Energy (LCE) team, Kathy helped launch the City’s Community Choice Aggregation program, the first program of its kind in southern California, in May 2015. As LCE’s Energy Projects Coordinator, she developed energy efficiency programs for both residential and business customers, and managed LCE operations, customer outreach and retention, marketing, rate analysis, and customer programs. Most recently Kathy served at the City of Palmdale managing the implementation of the City’s new community choice aggregation program, Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC), which is scheduled to debut October 2022. Kathy serves on the Legislative, Compliance, and Marketing and Outreach committees for California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) and holds an MBA in Energy and Sustainability Studies from Franklin Pierce University.
	Kate Meis Wright \| Executive Director \| Local Government Commission Kate Meis Wright is the Executive Director of the LGC, a nationally recognized nonprofit connecting local leaders, implementing innovative solutions and advancing smart-growth policies. Kate is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum and has been recognized for her climate-change work by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of the nation’s “40 under 40 Young Leaders Who Are Solving the Problems of Today – and Tomorrow.”

12:00 – 1:15 pm

Lunch 4 – BPC Spotlight Event: How Local Governments Can Be Competitive in Today’s Funding Climate

Details

Lunch 4 – BPC Spotlight Event: How Local Governments Can Be Competitive in Today’s Funding Climate
Thursday, August 12 | 12:00 – 1:15 pm

Moderated by the Statewide Best Practices Coordinator, this session features experts that will review changing trends in relevant energy/climate funding sources, eligibility, and selection criteria and provide tips for how to write a competitive proposal to advance your organization’s strategic goals, including a live demo of how review a solicitation for “fit,” “deal-breakers,” and “score-boosters.” The Statewide Best Practices Coordinator will also share CCEC’s new Funding Resources website and database that can help you identify new ways to pay for your initiatives.

Speakers

	Moderator: Angie Hacker \| Statewide Best Practices Coordinator \| Local Government Commission Angie Hacker has nearly 20 years of public, private and non-profit experience serving communities in the areas of sustainability, energy, and climate change, primarily in California. Prior to becoming CEO and Principal Consultant of Prosper Sustainably, she served as Energy and Sustainability Division Chief for the County of Santa Barbara. Her areas of expertise include designing innovative local/regional solutions, communicating a strategic vision, pursuing policy and regulatory opportunities, obtaining resources, building local capacity, leveraging cross-sector partnerships, and engaging stakeholders.
	Josh Simmons \| President and Founder, Principal Consultant \| Prosper Sustainably Joshua Simmons, President and Founder of Prosper Sustainably LLC, has 15 years of grant writing experience. Since 2007, Josh has received 60+ grant awards totaling approximately $30M from federal, state, and private sources. The majority of Josh’s grant writing experience has involved innovative clean energy, climate change, and sustainability related projects and programs. Josh’s experience also includes strategic planning, feasibility studies, and project management and he is currently leading or supporting several cleantech projects. Josh is a licensed California Attorney and earned his J.D. at the University of San Diego. Josh also earned a Master of Environmental Science & Management degree from the UCSB Bren School.
	Ena Lupine \| Community Assistance Program Manager \| Strategic Growth Council Ena leads SGC’s California Climate Investments Technical Assistance Program, which helps create a more equitable playing field for under-resourced applicants looking to access the funds to transition to climate-smart communities. In this role, she manages a broad range of capacity building activities for applicants to cap-and-trade grant funded programs, including workshops, trainings, and direct application assistance. Ena holds a Master of Science in Community Development from UC Davis and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, French, and Environmental Studies from Colby College in Maine.
	Katrina Leni-Konig \| Specialist \| California Energy Commission Katrina Leni Konig is a Supervisor within the Energy Research and Development Division at the California Energy Commission. Katrina leads a team that supports technology scale-up and outreach efforts to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future for all. Her research areas of interest include sustainable communities, building decarbonization, and energy equity.

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Webinar 8 – Preparing Workers to Build Back Cleaner

Recording | Presentation Slides | Additional Resource

Details

Webinar 8 – Preparing Workers to Build Back Cleaner
Thursday, August 12 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm

As California recovers from the pandemic and prepares for forthcoming effects from the climate crisis, local clean energy workforce development programs will play an essential role in sustainable recovery efforts aimed at “building back better.” Local agencies help people obtain skills and good jobs and, therefore, can be strategic about increasing the number of skilled workers needed to achieve a vision for efficient, decarbonized, and resilient buildings in the future. This session features speakers from local and regional workforce development programs that demonstrate innovative approaches to putting people to work in the energy and building trades. Join us to learn what these programs are doing to boost skills and job opportunities, how they were developed, what lessons they’ve learned, and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Jordan Garbayo \| Program Manager \| Tri-County Regional Energy Network Jordan Garbayo is an Energy Program Manager at the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) and the County of San Luis Obispo, where he works to administer and deliver energy efficiency programs to the Central Coast. In the past three years with 3C-REN and the County, Jordan has developed and delivered the Energy Code Connect program to public and private building professionals across the tri-county region via an Energy Code Coach service, educational offerings, and Regional Forums. Jordan is also a board member for the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC), due to his passion and experience surrounding California’s ever changing Energy Code. He has also delivered various municipal energy programming for the County under its Local Government Partnership prior to working with 3C-REN.
	Ian Logan \| Sustainability Program Specialist \| Tri-County Regional Energy Network Ian has been in the building industry for the past 10 years in varying degrees, working in carpentry and property management. He acquired his bachelor’s in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Energy & Sustainability from UC Santa Barbara in 2018. Ian now works closely with 3C-REN’s Building Performance Training & Energy Code Connect Programs to provide stellar educational opportunities and code support for the Central Coast’s workforce.
	Jennifer Green \| Manager of Customer Programs \| MCE Jennifer Green joined MCE in 2019 as a Manager of Customer Programs, focusing on MCE’s residential energy efficiency and Workforce, Education and Training program development and management. Jennifer has worked in the energy industry for over 15 years. She began her career in energy as a policy coordinator for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, then moved onto a policy role at the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO-now the Center for Sustainable Energy). She worked on policy and regulatory issues prior to transitioning to program management for CSE’s EE programs, ranging from contractor training to residential in-home energy efficiency assessments, to the development of municipal ordinances. She holds an MA in Political Science with an emphasis on energy policy from San Diego State University. She is certified as a BPI Analyst and Envelope Professional and is a certified HERS rater for the state of California.
	Wendy Angel \| Program Director \| Emerald City Los Angeles Wendy leads the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) Workforce Development Program to facilitate access to education and training and implements the E-Contractor Academy Training Program to prepare small, diverse contractors to compete for energy efficiency projects with the County of Los Angeles and SoCalREN participating agencies. Wendy manages the ACES (Architecture Construction Engineering Students) Engineering Pathway Program to expose and engage students of color to pursue Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) careers. ACES students are concurrently enrolled in Los Angeles Community College District campuses to earn stackable skills certificates and participate in paid summer internships with design and construction companies that prepare them to be college and career ready. The ACES Engineering Pathway Program promotes and supports female participation in STEAM; 38% of ACES students are female, far exceeding the national average of 3%.

Week 3

Tuesday, August 17

10:00 – 11:00 am

Webinar 9 – Planning for Energy Reliability Solutions That Do More Than Keep the Lights On

Recording | Presentation Slides | Additional Resource 1 | Additional Resource 2 | Additional Resource 3

Details

Webinar 9 – Planning for Energy Reliability Solutions That Do More Than Keep the Lights On
Tuesday, August 17 | 10:00 – 11:00 am

Power disruptions and changing energy usage patterns in the past several years have underscored the urgent need for reliable energy. More than ever, local, State and federal governments are looking for the best ways to actualize commitments to economic recovery in ways that also advance climate action, energy assurance, and environmental justice. Through thoughtful load, feasibility, and financial analysis, local governments can strategically implement solutions like solar microgrids, battery backup, and coordination with utility providers to maintain critical public facilities and services. Plans can also identify programs and policies to encourage private property owners to implement these solutions and target attention where vulnerable populations may be being left behind. This session will highlight the latest energy reliability news, planning case studies, and financing best practices from communities across California to help local governments as they consider their own energy reliability or microgrid initiatives.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Peter Asmus \| Research Director \| Navigant Peter Asmus is Research Director at Guidehouse Insights focusing on emerging energy distribution, integration and optimization platforms such as microgrids and virtual power plants (VPPs) and distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS). Asmus has 30 years of experience in energy and environmental markets, as an analyst, writer, book author and consultant.
	Alelia Parenteau \| Energy and Climate Manager \| City of Santa Barbara Alelia Parenteau, LEED Green Associate & Certified Energy Manager; runs the Energy and Climate Program at the City of Santa Barbara. As Energy & Climate Manager, Ms. Parenteau identifies energy efficiency and conservation strategies, implements new technologies to reduce the City’s energy consumption and transition to 100% renewable energy and coordinates the development and implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. With expertise in utility operations, creative financing strategies, energy development, policy development and energy and climate best practices, Ms. Parenteau has helped position the City of Santa Barbara as a City to watch in the State when it comes to energy management and climate action.
	Martin Carver \| Managing Partner \| ZeroCity LLC Martin Carver, AICP, is Founder and Managing Partner of ZeroCity LLC, a firm that specializes in strategic energy planning for municipalities. Mr. Carver has 38 years of professional experience working with municipalities and since 2017 has led the team developing the Gonzales Municipal Microgrid Project. His responsibilities under contract with the City of Gonzales included strategic planning, project feasibility, and procurement of the public-private partnership that resulted in the city’s ground-breaking success.
	Craig Lewis \| Founder and Executive Director \| Clean Coalition Craig Lewis has over 30 years of experience in the renewables, wireless, semiconductor, and banking industries. Previously VP of Government Relations at GreenVolts, he was the first to successfully navigate a solar project through California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard solicitation process. Craig was energy policy lead on Steve Westly’s 2006 California gubernatorial campaign. His resume includes senior government relations, corporate development, and marketing positions at leading wireless, semiconductor, and banking companies such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, and Barclays Bank. Craig received an MBA and MSEE from the University of Southern California and a BSEE from the University of California, Berkeley.

11:30 – 1:00 pm

Lunch 5 – Local Government Electrification: Opportunities and Challenges

Recording | Presentation Slides | Local Government Electrification Interest Form

Details

Lunch 5 – Local Government Electrification: Opportunities and Challenges
Tuesday, August 17 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Join the Empower Procurement Program for an exciting and collaborative workshop which will tackle the challenge of electrification strategic planning through the lens of DERs procurement. Along with fellow local government representatives, participants at various stages in their journey will have an opportunity to share best practices and gain access to valuable planning resources designed by subject matter experts. This session is intended to kick start a coordinated and networked support system to enable local governments to work together to meet this challenge in California. Empower Procurement is a CEC EPIC-funded program including partners from Energy Solutions, Prospect Silicon Valley, the Local Government Commission and others.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Benjamin Zank \| Engineer \| Energy Solutions Mr. Zank is an Engineer with Energy Solutions, where he works on building and appliance efficiency standards, midstream and upstream incentive programs, and local government procurement practices. Mr. Zank also has experience within the energy sector managing energy modeling, MEP engineering, and HERS testing on behalf of building industry clients. He has performed extensive academic research in renewable energy subject matter. His areas of interest and experience include: just transition for workers and communities, whole building energy efficiency, electric grid resilience, next generation solar and storage, and the science/policy nexus. Mr. Zank received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from McGill University.
	Renee Lafrenz \| Senior Manager \| Energy Solutions Ms. Lafrenz is a Senior Manager with Energy Solutions, where she focuses on energy market transformation and code readiness integrations. She has extensive experience within the energy sector developing and delivering energy programs and projects for the Alliance to Save Energy and at the Oakland Unified School District as the inaugural Energy Manager. Ms. Lafrenz received her Master of Environmental Science and Management with a specialization in Corporate Environmental Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara and Bachelor of Science from University of California, San Diego.
	Marna Schwartz \| Sustainability Coordinator \| Office of Energy and Sustainable Development, City of Berkeley Marna is the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Berkeley and works on a wide variety of projects ranging from building electrification and microgrids to community engagement and amplifying equity in climate efforts. Marna has worked in sustainability for the City of Berkeley for 13 years and co-project managed the EPIC funded Berkeley Energy Assurance Transformation (BEAT) project and led the Berkeley Climate Action Coalition to implement on-the-ground, community-driven projects. Prior to her work on energy and climate, Marna worked in the field of community economic development with a focus in affordable housing. She has an undergraduate degree from University of California Santa Cruz in Community Studies and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning & Environmental Sustainability from Kings College in London, England.
	Jessie Denver \| Senior Distributed Energy Resources Manager \| East Bay Community Energy Jessie leads development of demand side solutions that deliver benefits to residents and businesses throughout EBCE’s service area. Priority initiatives include development of EBCE’s Transportation Electrification strategy and investments, and local solar and energy storage projects to increase community resilience. Prior to joining EBCE, Jessie served as the City and County of San Francisco’s Distributed Energy Resources Program Manager. In this role her team developed and implemented citywide building and transportation electrification, energy efficiency, distributed solar and energy storage policies and programs. With 20 years of experience, Jessie also served as a Program Director with Vote Solar and was the City of San Jose’s Energy Officer. She holds a Master’s degree in Environment and Community Planning and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Webinar 10 – Speeding Decarbonization Efforts with Reach Code Development Tools

Details

Webinar 10 – Speeding Decarbonization Efforts with Reach Code Development Tools
Tuesday, August 17 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Reach codes, local measures that “reach” beyond the minimum state Building Energy Standards to require more resource-efficient buildings, are powerful tools for driving climate action and decarbonization efforts. Today, at least one in three Californians live in a community with effective reach codes. However, the development and adoption process can be challenging for jurisdictions that are disadvantaged, under-resourced or struggling to identify the best options. One new and highly effective tool that helps ‘level the playing field’ is the free online Cost Effectiveness Explorer, developed by the statewide reach codes program. This session presents a hands-on look at this tool to demonstrate how a local jurisdiction can effectively use the tool to identify reach code measures, as well as lessons learned from two different jurisdictions.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Misti Bruceri \| Technical Lead\| Statewide Reach Codes Program/Misti Bruceri & Associates Misti has worked in the energy efficiency field for more than 20 years. As principal of Misti Bruceri and Associates, LLC, established in 2007, she provides technical consulting services to private firms, non-profit organizations, and utilities. She is technical lead for the Statewide Reach Codes Program.
	David Freedman \| Member \| Palm Springs Sustainability Commission Following a 30-year career as an international lawyer in New York and Paris focused on corporate finance and energy and water projects, David Freedman retired in Palm Springs and began a new career as a volunteer environmental activist. Mr. Freedman has served since 2015 on the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission, where he has written many of the City’s renewable energy and energy and water conservation policies. He has also served since 2019 as Chair of the Community Advisory Committee of Desert Community Energy, the Community Choice Aggregator that provides electricity in Palm Springs.
	Eric Engelman \| Principal \| Energy Policy Consulting Eric Engelman has a master’s degree in public policy from University of California-San Diego. After working as a development economist internationally, he returned to San Diego to specialize in local government energy policy. Over the last decade, Eric served as Senior Energy Policy Adviser to the City of San Diego and consulted with local governments to help them accelerate energy policy adoption. Building software to simplify data-driven energy policy making is a dream come true.
	Cory Downs \| Conservation Specialist \| City of Chula Vista Cory Downs is a Conservation Specialist with the City of Chula Vista and manages their residential energy & water efficiency outreach. He also assists with Climate Acton Planning efforts including compiling the GHG inventories and CAP updates. Before working with the City full time he was an Environmental Scientist with AECOM and Climate Fellow with ICLEI.

Wednesday, August 18

12:00 – 1:15 pm

Lunch 6 – The State of Local Climate Planning – a Needed Evolution

Recording | Presentation Slides | Additional Resource | Mural Discussion Board

Details

Lunch 6 – The State of Local Climate Planning: a Needed Evolution
Wednesday, August 18 | 12:00 – 1:15 pm

A group of climate change practitioners convened in 2019 and again in 2021 to develop a collective statement regarding the State of Local Climate Planning. Released in May 2021, this Statement found that local climate action planning had reached an inflection point, and progress has become stagnant. In order to achieve the rapid transformational GHG reductions needed, the field must identify lessons learned from the last decade and move beyond traditional climate action planning processes to prioritizing implementation. The work ahead does not live with a single organization or small group of people: we hope these observations support reflection, spark dialogue, and fuel an appetite to work in a new direction with new partners. This session will be a facilitated discussion to support this reflection towards the goal of shifting practitioners and practices to implementation and action. See link here.

Speakers:

	Moderator: Michael McCormick \| Founder and President\| Farallon Strategies LLC Michael McCormick, AICP is the Founder and President of Farallon Strategies, LLC, an advisory, policy, and management consulting firm based in Davis, California. He founded Farallon Strategies to support the creation of transformative solutions to reduce society’s contributions to climate change and the needed resilience in communities to address the impacts of climate change. He has worked at the local, regional, state, federal levels, and in non-profit, business, and government. These perspectives allow him to see the interconnectedness of work across governance and organizations, and to help create the vision and strategy to affect change.
	Mike Steinhoff \| Director of Technical Services \| Kim Lundgren Associates Mike Steinhoff has worked to support local climate planning and analysis for over a decade, helping to create many of the tools, protocols, and practices that have been relied on to date throughout the US and internationally. Some of those resources included methods like GHG contribution analysis that illustrate the limits of inventory data for high quality performance tracking. Mike brings a wealth of experience in lessons learned from having tried to support many different end goals in community wide analyses and a drive to place the emphasis back on building local knowledge for local decisions.
	Miya Kitahara \| Program Manager \| StopWaste Miya Kitahara is Program Manager in the Built Environment at StopWaste, a public agency in Alameda County working on energy and material efficiency. She has managed the Bay Area Regional Energy Network’s multifamily program, and has worked on the program since its inception in 2013. She also supports local government climate action planning, and connects building energy and emissions impacts to climate action plans. She has worked in sustainability with cities across the Bay Area since 2006 and holds an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise.
	Hoi-Fei Mok \| Sustainability Manager \| City of San Leandro Dr. Hoi-Fei Mok, PhD (they/them) is a neurodivergent, queer, non-binary Asian American artist and organizer born and raised in San Leandro / occupied Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone lands. They currently work as the sustainability manager at the City of San Leandro, leading the City’s implementation of the Climate Action Plan and other sustainability programs. With a strong interdisciplinary background in environmental science, climate policy, and social justice, Fei aims to build out equitable community-driven strategies for local resilience and agency to climate change in their hometown of San Leandro. Fei currently serves on the California Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Climate Network, the national NAACP Centering Equity in Building Energy Sector Initiative, the National Adaptation Forum equity advisory committee, and the Bay Area Climate Adaptation Network (BayCAN) equity working group.

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Webinar 11 – Next Generation Building Decarbonization: Policy Evolution in California & Washington

Details

Webinar 11 – Next Generation Building Decarbonization: Policy Evolution in California & Washington
Wednesday, August 18 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm

This Pacific Coast panel will discuss the latest in decarbonization policy in Brisbane, San Francisco and the State of Washington. From small cities like Brisbane, to dense urbanized cities like San Francisco, to the Evergreen State of Washington, we will discuss how to address any scale of policy creation to meet big bold climate goals. With less than 5,000 residents, the City of Brisbane is an unlikely hero in California’s journey to decarbonization, but in 2019 it passed the most comprehensive benchmarking and auditing ordinance in the country. San Francisco has recently launched an innovative approach, helping commercial asset managers plan for decarbonization, to better connect their local ordinance to the city’s Climate Action Plan. Lastly, the State of Washington will discuss their Clean Building Act, which aims to lower costs and pollution from fossil fuel consumption in existing buildings through a performance standard and incentive program.

Speakers

	Moderator: Marc Costa \| Director of Policy & Planning\| The Energy Coalition Marc has more than twelve years of experience in the building industry focusing on areas ranging from advanced energy community planning, federal energy data standards and software development, as well as state and local government energy policy. Marc previously led the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) “To Code” committee, is an active member of the California Technical Forum, advisor to the CEC on AB 802 data regulations and machine learning GIS data efforts, a member of the Department of Energy’s Task Force to create and implement data exchange standards, and was on the triennial DOE Solar Energy Technology Office investment proposal review team to award National Research Laboratories 2018-2020 funding. He holds a B.S. in Management Science from UCSD, a B.S. in Construction Engineering from CSULB, and is a LEED AP, CGBP, and BOC Level II.
	Adrienne Etherton \| Sustainability Manager \| City of Brisbane, Brisbane Building Efficiency Program Adrienne Etherton is the City of Brisbane’s Sustainability Manager. Prior to joining the city, she served as Executive Director of Sustainable San Mateo County from 2011-2017. She has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has studied architecture and worked in design, construction and logistics, and holds LEED AP and NABCEP Solar certifications. Adrienne also serves on the Board of the San Mateo Resource Conservation District.
	Barry Hooper \| Senior Green Building Coordinator \| San Francisco Department of the Environment Barry Hooper manages the Existing Buildings Energy Performance ordinance, which motivates improved energy efficiency through benchmarking and energy use disclosure for commercial and multifamily buildings, and requires commercial buildings to prepare an actionable plan for improvement. Barry leads development and supports implementation of San Francisco’s codes and regulations requiring new buildings to be all-electric, install solar photovoltaics or living roofs, provide electrical infrastructure for vehicle charging, and meet credible 3rd party green building standards including GreenPoint Rated or LEED. Barry is an active contributor to Bay Area Regional Energy Network Codes & Standards program, and is active in the C40 Cities Private Buildings Efficiency Network.
	Emily Salzberg \| Managing Director \| Building Unit, State of Washington Emily Salzberg is the Managing Director for the Building Standards and Performance Unit at the Washington State Department of Commerce where she currently oversees administration of Washington State’s Clean Buildings Law. Emily has over 15 years of experience administering, evaluating, and providing technical assistance for energy efficiency programs in the Northwest. Her experience includes low-income weatherization, community-based efficiency programs, technology research, market development and energy code implementation.

Thursday, August 19

10:00 – 11:00 am

Webinar 12 – Leveraging Solar & Battery Systems to Lower Costs & Increase Resiliency

Recording | Presentation Slides | Additional Resource 1 | Additional Resource 2

Details

1:00 – 2:30 pm

Closing Plenary – Highlights and Horizons: An Interactive Forum Closing (Recommended)