Meaningful Engagement and Community-Driven Decisions - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Priority Area: Meaningful Engagement & Community-Driven Decisions

Barriers & Solutions

Since SLECC began in 2023, state and local stakeholders have elevated topics critical to advancing place-based energy, climate, and land use progress that require further attention and ideation. This section details the barriers and solutions under the Meaningful Engagement and Community-Driven Decisions Cross Cutting priority area. Barriers identified are: Representation & Inclusion, Awareness, Education & Language Accessibility, Compensation & Resource Gaps, Participation Process & Meeting Design, Coalition & Partnership Challenges, and Structural & Systemic Barriers.

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Systemic inequities and power dynamics—such as privileging academic credentials over lived experience, relying on the same few individuals, or pursuing symbolic rather than genuine participation—undermine authentic, diverse, and trusted community involvement in decision-making.

Representation and Inclusion Challenges

View related challenges SLECC stakeholders have experienced across the state.

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Local Solution Opportunities

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Ensure planning processes don’t treat diverse groups (e.g., tribes) as monolithic; establish multiple relationship pathways

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Support multilingual outreach and culturally grounded facilitation, not just translation

Spanish-language organizing as leverage: In one case, a community organizer intentionally spoke in Spanish at a board meeting to force board members to struggle with translation, highlighting neglect of a 1,000-member Spanish-speaking church. This action mobilized 200 residents to show up at a Saturday meeting and submit 115 letters of support, shifting the agency’s stance

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Rotate and diversify who is asked to participate, rather than relying on the same small group repeatedly

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Incorporate community expertise as equal to technical expertise in decision-making frameworks

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Expand compensation for community reps (stipends, childcare, transportation) to reduce barriers to participation

Resident stipends through re-granted funds: One foundational partner redirected part of a $10,000 and $3,000 micro-grant into direct stipends for residents. This ensured more grassroots voices were included, though it reduced CBO staff participation in long-term feedback loops.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Build long-term relationships with communities outside of grant cycles; not just transactional engagement

Community advisory boards can be used as a structure to allow continuous engagement outside of grant cycles

State Solution Opportunities

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Fund and invest in long-term, community-centered partnerships—beyond one-time events or grant cycles—to strengthen trust and collaboration between agencies, local governments, and community-based organizations (CBOs). Sustained relationship-building should include dedicated resources for translation, stipends, and culturally appropriate engagement, ensuring that partnerships remain continuous, equitable, and grounded in local priorities.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Support regional anchor organizations through state funding to hold relationships and ensure continuity across grant cycles

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Require agencies to treat community expertise as equivalent to technical expertise in state-level planning

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Require compensation standards for community representatives (stipends, childcare, transportation) as allowable expenses in state-funded grants

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Mandate equitable representation benchmarks (e.g., racial/ethnic diversity, multiple tribal seats rather than one token) in state decision-making bodies

Solution Spotlight

No results found.

Awareness, education and language accessibility: Gaps in communication, education, and outreach limit communities’ ability to connect climate issues with everyday concerns and sustain broad, intergenerational understanding.

Awareness, education and language accessibility Challenges

View related challenges SLECC stakeholders have experienced across the state.

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Local Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Maintain consistent community input during both planning and implementation.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

More in-person engagement; meet people where they’re at.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Require agencies to budget for awareness and education as part of engagement processes, not an optional add-on

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Leverage trusted community institutions—such as libraries, clinics, parks, CBOs, faith organizations, and city programs—as outreach hubs to distribute pamphlets and simple resources.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Find allies or champions in institutions to fund engagement and bring people to the table

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Mandate plain language primers in planning documents so residents understand what’s at stake

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Engage communities in co-developing language for programs (bottom-up, not top-down translation)

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Use visual tools (infographics, murals, photos, maps) and storytelling to explain technical concepts

Visual and language-based tools: In Bassett/Avocado Heights, Spanish-speaking communities responded best to pictures, infographics, and descriptive terms rather than literal translations of “amenities” and “energy efficiency.” Murals and multilingual displays (like the water mural in Santa Anita Park) served as effective entry points

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Provide intergenerational education through schools and community centers to normalize climate knowledge across age groups

School-based education integration: Some programs have worked with schools to integrate climate and sustainability language, building intergenerational knowledge so children become familiar with technical terms and can also help teach parents

State Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Partner with school districts and higher ed to integrate climate concepts across curricula, ensuring intergenerational climate literacy

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Fund visual communication resources (infographics, videos, murals) statewide for use by local governments and CBOs

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Require all state-funded programs to provide plain-language primers and multilingual materials as part of engagement

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Develop a state-level climate language directory (translations of technical terms, plain language equivalents) for CBOs and agencies

Solution Spotlight

No results found.

When resources are scarce and funding structures are too rigid or short-term, communities struggle to participate fully and maintain long-term involvement.

Compensation and Resource Gaps Challenges

View related challenges SLECC stakeholders have experienced across the state.

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Local Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Pool regional resources to ensure smaller CBOs and rural jurisdictions can compete for grants and maintain participation

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Advocate for local governments to adopt compensation standards for community engagement (stipends, travel reimbursements, childcare)

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Philanthropic gentrification safeguards: Local/regional entities should advocate that funders prioritize existing CBOs rather than parachuting in outsiders

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Allow flexible micro-grants to CBOs to sustain staff capacity and ensure ongoing feedback loops

LARC - Micro-granting model for CBOs: One program broke down millions in funding into 100+ micro-grants ($10,000 and $3,000 tiers). This allowed smaller organizations to participate in awareness-building and engagement, multiplying local voices in decision-making

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Provide stipends and food/childcare for resident participation, especially for evening/weekend meetings

State Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Extend planning grant timelines (beyond 2 years) for deeper community engagement.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Make childcare, food, and resident stipends allowable expenses across all state-administered grant programs

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Provide advance funding or flexible sub-grants to CBOs so they can staff up and provide early outreach so that engagement is not stalled by cash flow.

Southern California Edison - Utility-funded outreach: Edison provided advance engagement funding to CBO partners, enabling early outreach before state funding cycles caught up. This ensured participation wasn’t stalled by cash flow issues

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Require a minimum percentage of all state grants (e.g., 5–10%) be allocated to community engagement and participation

Solution Spotlight

No results found.

Exclusionary participation processes and meetings erode trust and limit communities’ influence on decisions.

Participation Process & Meeting Design Challenges

View related challenges SLECC stakeholders have experienced across the state.

Filtered Database

Local Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Conduct community workshops in multiple languages (Spanish, Khmer, etc.).

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Adopt regional anchor organizations that hold continuity and relationships across grant cycles

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Create regional collaboration mechanisms (shared grant applications, pooled resources, joint housing/energy trust models)

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Celebrate coalition successes regularly to maintain morale and collaborative spirit

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Provide consistent feedback loops so communities see their input reflected in outcomes

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Require participatory budgeting or co-design processes in planning cycles

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Embed engagement requirements into local land use and climate planning frameworks

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Schedule meetings at accessible times (evenings, weekends, outside school pickup hours)

Mandated Saturday meetings with pre-distributed questions: After resistance to weekday-only sessions, advocates forced an agency to hold Saturday meetings with questions sent out in advance. This created accountability (agencies had to come prepared with answers) and expanded access for working families

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Use creative engagement formats (e.g., movie nights, fun events) instead of dry presentations

Movie nights as community engagement: In a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) project, organizers hosted a community movie night (funded piecemeal from multiple sources). This creative approach combined fun with climate education, yielding strong participation compared to standard Q&A sessions

State Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Institutionalize incentive-linked education models

Carrots tied to awareness/education: Some engagement linked short awareness sessions to access to under-publicized state benefits (e.g., family services, rebates). Attendance at education sessions became a gateway to tangible benefits, boosting turnout to 900+ participants

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Expand the definition of engagement to include renters, property owners, and frontline workers.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Ask communities what they want rather than relying solely on state metrics.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Institutionalize regular regional listening sessions (not one-offs) where state agencies hear directly from local CBOs

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Allow creative engagement activities (e.g., movie nights, cultural events) as reimbursable grant expenses

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Require evening and weekend meeting options in all state-funded engagement processes

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Set standards for feedback loops — ensuring communities see how their input influenced final plans

Solution Spotlight

No results found.

When coalitions and partnerships lack alignment, conflict resolution, or sustained support, competing agendas and power imbalances erode trust, displace local groups, and weaken long-term collaboration.

Coalition & Partnership Challenges

View related challenges SLECC stakeholders have experienced across the state.

Filtered Database

Local Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

Foster coalitions between local governments, CDFIs, EJ groups, and housing orgs to pursue funding opportunities.

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Provide training for coalition members in conflict resolution and collaborative governance

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Fund third-party facilitators/mediators to manage coalition conflicts and sustain trust

State Solution Opportunities

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Provide neutral third-party facilitators or project managers as part of state-funded coalition efforts

Living Schoolyards Coalition: A coalition of multiple organizations dedicated to schoolyard greening and transparency in partnerships. The coalition has maintained collaboration but highlighted the need for third-party mediation to sustain trust when conflicts arise

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Support regional collaboration models (shared housing/energy trust funds, pooled RHNA credits) through technical and financial assistance

GRID Alternatives, Move LA etc. - TCC collaborative planning phase: In several TCC projects, the planning phase produced high levels of collaboration and community input. This was cited as a best practice in design, even though sustaining momentum during implementation proved difficult

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Require coalition governance structures (mediation procedures, conflict resolution protocols) in state-funded collaboratives

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Fund longer-term grant cycles (beyond 5 years) to allow coalitions time to sustain collaboration

Solution Spotlight

No results found.

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

Structural & Systemic Barrier Challenges

View related challenges SLECC stakeholders have experienced across the state.

Filtered Database

Local Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Planning/Land Use )

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Provide technical assistance to smaller cities and CBOs for grant applications

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Construction/Installation/Procurement )

Incorporate professional project managers into large-scale community projects (as is required in federal procurement) to improve delivery and reduce coalition breakdowns

Long Beach Transit and LAX - Professional project management in procurement: Major infrastructure projects (e.g., electrification of 200 buses at Long Beach Transit, airport contracts at LAX) included professional project managers and diversity management plans. These ensured complex multi-contractor projects delivered results while meeting diversity and community goals

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

Local Solution

(Type of Activity: Community Program Implementation )

Establish regional or state-level repositories for qualitative data and community feedback (akin to data portals for quantitative info)

Active San Gabriel Valley - Qualitative story maps: Activists in San Gabriel Valley developed a community-based story map highlighting historical and cultural assets. Unlike traditional quantitative vulnerability maps, this tool visualized community identity and priorities, making engagement more accessible

State Solution Opportunities

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Construction/Installation/Procurement )

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Construction/Installation/Procurement )

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

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

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Program Implementation and Outreach )

Fund statewide qualitative data repositories (like open data portals but for community stories and feedback)

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Require qualitative data collection and sharing alongside quantitative reporting in state grants

Local or State

Solution

Existing Examples of Progress

Further Progress Pathways

State Solution

(Type of Activity: Policy/Regulation )

Standardize institutional memory systems — requiring grantees to archive engagement results for future use

Solution Spotlight

No results found.