Political Risks - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Barrier 5: Political, Economic & Structural Risks

Barrier Statement

When outdated tax systems, fragmented governance, and political or financial mistrust shape funding, communities face unstable revenues and limited access to resources needed for long-term solutions.

Filterable Database

How communities are experiencing this barrier

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

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Outdated tax structures (e.g., Prop 13) limit revenue generation for critical public services.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Political relationships and weak advocacy hinder local access to state/federal dollars.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Jurisdictional fragmentation (overlapping agencies, competing local jurisdictions) slows regional implementation.

Key challenge discussed in - Los Angeles

Past failures of financial institutions (e.g., LA Community Development Bank) fuel skepticism about large-scale funding mechanisms.

Key challenge discussed in - Statewide

Voter fatigue can limit the ability for local governments to seek new funding resources specific to their jurisdictions. (i.e. receiving funding from Prop 4 for any given jurisdiction is not guaranteed, however those jurisdictions may be unable to try to create a local climate bond for many years because of Prop 5.)

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

Involve policymakers in practical, ground-level discussions

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

Local Solution

Encourage frontline workers/community leaders to run for office

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution Opportunities

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

State Solution

Develop state-backed insurance programs to lower costs of climate-related programs (e.g., e-bike fleets).

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution

Push for equitable funding distribution within CA (avoid dominance by LA County and other large jurisdictions).

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

State Solution

Address jurisdictional fragmentation (88 cities, multiple overlapping districts in LA County).

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Los Angeles

Solution Spotlight

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Additional Resources

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