Coalition - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Barrier 5: Coalition & Partnership Challenges

Barrier Statement

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.

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How communities are experiencing this barrier

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

Key challenge discussed in - San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles

Power imbalances allow larger institutions to overshadow or displace smaller CBOs. Big organizations often dominate agenda-setting, funding flows, and visibility, and in some cases even replace long-standing local CBOs—undermining years of community relationships and trust.

Key challenge discussed in - San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles

Coalitions lack structures and resources for conflict resolution and shared governance. Without formal processes—or funding for mediation and facilitation—partnerships struggle to address disagreements, leading to deteriorating relationships and loss of momentum.

Key challenge discussed in - San Francisco Bay Area

Misalignment of goals and timelines. Academic partners, local governments, Tribes, and CBOs often operate under different constraints that make collaboration difficult without intentional coordination.

Key challenge discussed in - San Francisco Bay Area

Coalitions built only for grant cycles. Partnerships dissolve once funding ends, disrupting continuity and trust.

Key challenge discussed in - San Francisco Bay Area

Competition for limited funding undermines collaboration. Organizations may protect their own funding instead of building shared strategies.

Local Solution Opportunities

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

Local Solution

Require formal collaboration for multi-partner projects. Partnerships must be demonstrated—not symbolic—before applying for funding.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Francisco Bay Area

Local Solution

Establish shared governance structures for coalitions. Develop conflict-resolution norms, shared agenda-setting, and equitable decision-making.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Francisco Bay Area

Local Solution

Leverage existing partnerships rather than creating new ones for each grant. Use trusted networks to reduce burden on communities.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Francisco Bay Area

State Solution Opportunities

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

State Solution

Support and fund regional collaboration models that streamline efforts and share resources. State agencies should help organize and finance regional coalitions, offering technical and financial assistance for pooled resources, joint trust funds, and shared planning mechanisms that reduce duplication and strengthen coordination.

Existing Examples of Progress:

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

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles

State Solution

Require partnership structures for state grant eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate genuine collaboration, not symbolic partnerships.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Francisco Bay Area

State Solution

State acts as a connector among agencies, CBOs, and communities. State coordinates across partners so groups don’t have to navigate silos alone.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): San Francisco Bay Area

Solution Spotlight

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Additional Resources

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