To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Barbara Lee 565-2510 and Anna Yip 565-2132
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Climate Action and Resiliency Ad Hoc Recommendations
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Accept the Climate Action and Resiliency Ad Hoc Recommendations
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Executive Summary:
The Climate Action and Resiliency Ad Hoc was created to develop recommendations for the Board of Supervisors regarding a future structure for Board Member engagement in climate action and resiliency issues in 2023. The Ad Hoc has also developed recommendations regarding the proposed range of climate action and resiliency topics that would potentially be addressed during 2023 under the structure recommended by the Ad Hoc, as well as recommendations regarding public engagement and staff reporting on the County’s climate action and resiliency work. Recommendations around significant items to discuss in 2023, Board Member engagement, public engagement, and staff reporting are presented to the Board of Supervisors as detailed below.
Discussion:
The Climate Action and Resiliency (CAR) Ad Hoc was created in August 2022. The Ad Hoc Committee consists of Supervisor Susan Gorin (1st District) and Supervisor Lynda Hopkins (5th District) and is supported by staff from Climate Action and Resiliency Division (CARD) within the County Administrator’s Office, County Counsel, and as-needed subject matter support provided by other departments/agencies’ staff.
The Ad Hoc was created to develop recommendations for the Board of Supervisors regarding a future structure for Board Member engagement in climate action and resiliency issues in 2023. The Ad Hoc has also developed recommendations regarding the proposed range of climate action and resiliency topics that would potentially be addressed during 2023 under the structure recommended by the Ad Hoc, as well as recommendations regarding public engagement and staff reporting on the County’s climate action and resiliency work. Recommendations are presented to the Board of Supervisors as follows:
2023 Climate Action and Resiliency Division Significant Board Items
• May 2023: Municipal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory
o CARD is overseeing an ongoing effort to quantify the amount of emissions that result from the County of Sonoma’s operations. CARD has hired a consultant to complete this inventory and the final report is on schedule to be presented to the Board in May.
• August 2023: Zero Waste Audit
o CARD will oversee the completion of a zero waste audit. The audit will characterize and quantify the amount of waste the County of Sonoma currently produces through its operations and will suggest a path forward to achieve zero waste. The final report is expected to be presented to the Board in August.
• October 2023: Carbon Sequestration Study
o CARD will oversee the completion of a carbon sequestration inventory and potential study. This effort will provide a quantitative estimate of the existing ecosystem carbon stored in the county’s land base, as well as projections and estimates of the carbon sequestration potential based on different scenarios. The final report is expected to be presented to the Board in October.
• Dates vary: Climate Resilience Fund (CRF) Round #3 Allocation
o The Board of Supervisors set aside $10 million for the CRF for climate action projects at the County. To date, the Board has allocated $9,429,494 of the CRF, leaving $570,506 remaining to be allocated to other climate action work at the County. CARD staff will continue to work with County departments/agencies on scoping projects that promote climate resiliency and leverage outside funds, and will present recommendations on funding additional projects to the Board as opportunities develop.
Semi-annual Board Workshops
Twice per year, hold half-day Board workshops focused on climate action and resiliency. Workshops will offer opportunities for presentations from County departments/agencies, community-based organizations, and other partner organizations, public input, and general outreach and engagement.
In 2023, the Ad Hoc recommends the following workshop focuses:
• Summer: Review of progress implementing the Climate Action and Resiliency Pillar of the Strategic Plan <https://socostrategicplan.org/climate-action-and-resiliency/>, funded CRF projects, and other climate and resilience projects; discussion of work planned for 2023; presentations from County and partner organizations; and identification of Board and public priorities for additional actions
• Fall: Review a draft Climate Action Plan, which will be based on the completed GHG Inventory, Zero Waste Audit, and Carbon Sequestration Study, as well as Board and public priorities from the Summer workshop
Climate Workshop Planning Ad Hoc
Establish the Climate Workshop Planning Ad Hoc for the duration of the 2023 calendar year and assign Supervisors Hopkins and Gorin to the Ad Hoc. The Ad Hoc will meet with CARD and staff of key County departments/agencies to plan the content and format of the Board’s Summer workshop and will develop recommendations for the Board of Supervisors based on the Summer and Fall workshops.
Public-facing Workshops and Trainings
Throughout the year, CARD staff will lead public-facing workshops and trainings on a range of topics, including financing energy and safety home upgrades, green certifications, transitioning to all-electric, and available rebates and incentives. Topics might also be added based on public input gathered from the Semi-annual Board Workshops.
The Energy and Sustainability program <https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/general-services/divisions/energy-and-sustainability/eands-calendar>, formerly housed in the General Services department but now within CARD, has been offering workshops and training to the community for over eight years. These workshops and trainings aim to build public awareness of available resources and programs that promote sustainability and climate resiliency. They also aim to achieve a just transition to the green and clean economy via workforce development programs and strive to promote climate and environmental equity by offering services and resources to underserved communities. Additionally, these workshops and trainings offer the County opportunities to collaborate with partner agencies and other community groups on specific topics or engagement efforts. CARD staff will work to enhance collaboration with partners on shared messaging, workshops, and other opportunities to engage the public.
Tribal Engagement
The following conceptual approach to Tribal engagement has been initiated by the Ad Hoc Committee in response to earlier discussions with Tribal representatives during development of the Climate Resilient Lands Strategy. Pending Board of Supervisors’ support, this approach would be presented to Tribes and the engagement plan would be developed collaboratively with them.
Coordinated and ongoing engagement between the County and the five federally recognized Tribes in Sonoma County is recommended to ensure enhanced collaboration on climate action and resiliency work. Tribes have indicated a desire to collaborate on such issues, thus the following engagement plan is recommended to acknowledge this request and strengthen our partnership over climate action and resiliency work in Sonoma County.
The Ad Hoc recommends meetings be held once or twice per year between one or two Board Members and Tribal leaders from the five federally recognized Tribes in Sonoma County. The Chair could establish Climate Resilience Tribal Engagement Ad Hoc for this purpose, or the Chair could hold meetings with individual Tribes and include another Board member based on which tribe will be at the meeting or the content that is to be discussed. Meetings could potentially be included within the half-day Board Workshops (as described above).
Additionally, the Ad Hoc recommends staff should hold two to four meetings per year between County and Tribal staff. Tribal representatives will also be welcomed and invited to participate in broader stakeholder meetings. Engagement with Tribes will be coordinated with the County’s Intergovernmental Affairs manager to ensure a cohesive and collaborative approach. All engagement efforts will be structured in ways approved by Tribes.
Ongoing engagement between the County and local Tribes is recommended to focus on potential needs and collaboration related to land resilience and adaptation, as well as reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a clean and green economy. The intent with this engagement is to strengthen the County’s partnership with Tribal nations, share knowledge to enhance implementation of County climate initiatives, and align climate goals and objectives where possible. Discussion topics would be added or removed based on Tribal input.
Newsletter
In collaboration with the CAO’s Communications Division, CAO CARD staff will create a quarterly public-facing Climate and Resilience newsletter. Content will include updates on departmental progress on the Climate Action and Resiliency Pillar of the Strategic Plan and spotlight articles on climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives. When applicable, CARD staff will also coordinate with District-specific newsletters to share information specific to a region. Public-facing content may highlight specific projects, grant awards, initiatives, or other climate and resilience stories, and will help keep the public informed on climate action and resiliency efforts at the County between the Semi-annual Board Workshops.
Website
CARD staff will launch and regularly update its public-facing website. The website offers users information on significant County projects and initiatives, upcoming events, and publicly accessible resources. The new site is slated to include topical focus areas on climate resilient lands, clean water, and sustainable and resilient buildings and transportation. The website will provide multiple points of entry into the content so users can access it based on sector, service, and other focused topics.
Internal Updates for Board of Supervisors and Department/Agency Heads
On a monthly basis, CARD staff will release a brief internal update for the Board of Supervisors and Department/Agency Heads on key climate activities or projects and will help keep County/Agency staff and elected officials coordinated and informed on climate work.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Climate Action and Resiliency
Goal: All goals
Objective: All objectives
The Climate Action and Resiliency Ad Hoc Recommendations were drafted to help guide climate action and resiliency work at the County, which includes all of the work being done to achieve the Climate Action and Resiliency Pillar goals and objectives.
Prior Board Actions:
November 11, 2022 - Quarterly Ad Hoc Update
August 9, 2022 - Quarterly Ad Hoc Update
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment A: Climate Action and Resiliency Ad Hoc Charter
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A