HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 02222021 - Sustainability Cte MinCONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
February 22, 2021, 5:00 P.M.
**Meeting Remotely Until Further Notice**
To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Health Officer’s Shelter Order of December 16, 2020, prevents
public gatherings (Health Officer Order). In lieu of a public gathering, the Board of Supervisors meeting
will be accessible via television and live-streaming to all members of the public as permitted by the
Governor’s Executive Order N29-20.
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community, Chair
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Vice Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2,
John Sierra, Member, District 3
Ryan Buckley, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Alternate, District 3
Travis Curran, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Harry Thurston, At-Large, Community Group
Russell Driver, At-Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education
Agenda
Items: Items may be taken out of order based on business of the day & preference of the Commission.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/83662529191
Meeting ID: 836 6252 9191
Or Telephone, dial:
214-765-0478 US Toll
888-278-0254 US Toll-free
Conference code: 198675
1.Call to Order and Introductions
2.Public Comment
3.APPROVE Record of Action for December 14, 2020 meeting.
4.ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2021.
5.ADOPT CALENDAR for 2021.
6.RECEIVE UPDATE on Draft Environmental Justice Policies for General Plan.
7.RECEIVE PRESENTATION on Green Benefits Districts Research.
8.RECEIVE UPDATE on Solid Waste Programs and Policies.
9.RECEIVE UPDATE from Just Transition Working Group, and PROVIDE DIRECTION
as needed.
10.RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution.
11.RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed.
12.RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator.
13.RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability.
14.The next meeting is currently scheduled for April 26, 2021.
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 1 of 117
15.Adjourn
The Sustainability Commission will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with
disabilities planning to attend Commission meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at
least 72 hours before the meeting.
Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and
distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Commission less than 96 hours prior to
that meeting are available for public inspection at 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA during normal
business hours. Staff reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at
www.co.contra-costa.ca.us.
Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day
prior to the published meeting time.
For Additional Information Contact:
Jody London, Commission Staff
Phone (925) 674-7871 · Fax (925) 674-7250 · jody.london@dcd.cccounty.us
Glossary of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and other Terms (in alphabetical order): Contra Costa County
has a policy of making limited use of acronyms, abbreviations, and industry-specific language in
meetings of its Board of Supervisors and Committees. Following is a list of commonly used
abbreviations that may appear in presentations and written materials at meetings of the Ad Hoc
Sustainability Committee:
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 2 of 117
AB Assembly Bill
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
ACA Assembly Constitutional Amendment
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BART Bay Area Rapid Transit District
BAYREN Bay Area Regional Energy Network
BGO Better Government Ordinance (Contra Costa County)
BOS Board of Supervisors
CALTRANS California Department of Transportation
AO County Administrative Officer or Office
CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CCA Community Choice
CCE Community Choice Energy Aggregation
CCWD Contra Costa Water District
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CSA County Service Area
CSAC California State Association of Counties
DCC Delta Counties Coalition
DCD Contra Costa County Dept. of Conservation &
Development
DPC Delta Protection Commission
DSC Delta Stewardship Council
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EBEW East Bay Energy Watch
EBMUD East Bay Municipal Utility District
EIR Environmental Impact Report (a state requirement)
EIS Environmental Impact Statement (a federal
requirement)
FTE Full Time Equivalent
FY Fiscal Year
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GGRF Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds
GIS Geographic Information System
HSD Contra Costa County Health Services Department
IPM Integrated Pest Management
JPA/JEPA Joint (Exercise of) Powers Authority or Agreement
LAMORINDA Area of Lafayette-Moraga-Orinda
MAC Municipal Advisory Council
MBE Minority Business Enterprise
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MOE Maintenance of Effort
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission
NACo National Association of Counties
NEPA National Environmental Protection Act
PDA Priority Development Area
PV Photovoltaic
PWD Contra Costa County Public Works Department
RDA Redevelopment Agency or Area
RFI Request For Information
RFP Request For Proposals
RFQ Request For Qualifications
SB Senate Bill
SGC Strategic Growth Council
SR2S Safe Routes to Schools
TWIC Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee
U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
WBE Women-Owned Business Enterprise
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 3 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
3.
Meeting Date: 02/22/2021
Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for December 14, 2020, Sustainability Commission
Meeting.
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, DCD Contact: Jody London (925) 674-7871
Referral History:
County Ordinance (Better Government Ordinance 95-6, Article 25-205, [d]) requires that each County
Body keep a record of its meetings. Though the record need not be verbatim, it must accurately reflect
the agenda and the decisions made in the meeting.
Referral Update:
Any handouts or printed copies of testimony distributed at the meeting will be attached to this meeting
record. Links to the agenda and minutes will be available at the Committee web page, to be announced.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Staff recommends approval of the attached Record of Action for the December 14, 2020, Sustainability
Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
12-14-20 Record of Action
Attachments
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 4 of 117
RECORD OF
ACTION
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
December 14, 2020
Online Via Zoom
DRAFT
Present: Nick Despota, Member, District 1
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Ryan Buckley, Alternate, District 2
John Sierra, Member, District 3
Mike Moore, Alternate, District 3
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4, Vice Chair
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Reneé Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Russell Driver, At-Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Harry Thurston, At-Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group, Chair
Kimberly Hazard, At-Large, Education/Research
Absent: Travis Curran, Alternate, District 4
Staff: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Demian Hardman, Senior Energy Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development
Amalia Cunningham, Assistant Deputy Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development
Maureen Toms, Deputy Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development
Steve Kowalewski, Chief Deputy Director, Public Works
Chris Lim, Executive Director, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District
Erin Steffen, County Administrator
Nicole Shimizu, Climate Corps Fellow, Dept. of Conservation and Development
1. Call to Order
Chair Goudey introduced the two new Sustainability Commission members: Isabella Zizi, At-
Large, Environmental Justice and Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business.
2. Public Comment
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 5 of 117
There were no public comments.
3. APPROVE Record of Action for October 26, 2020 meeting.
The Record of Action was approved.
MOTION: Smith SECOND: Despota
4.RECEIVE UPDATE on Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative.
Amalia Cunningham provided an update on the Northern Waterfront Economic Development
Initiative (NWEDI). Cunningham holds two roles in the Department of Conservation and
Development: she serves as the County’s Economic Development Director and as Assistant
Deputy Director in the Department of Conservation and Development. In her economic
development role, Cunningham serves as staff to the Ad-Hoc Committee on the NWEDI. NWEDI
was spearheaded by Supervisor Glover in 2013 to focus attention and resources on this historic
industrial region. The Initiative was solidified when the joint powers authority partnership
between the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Hercules, Martinez, Oakley, and Pittsburg
and the County was formed. The Northern Waterfront Economic Strategic Plan was adopted in
2019 after over 200 community meetings. This is an ongoing partnership and program of the
County that waxes and wanes according to changing city commitments. Cunningham noted that
the project has been relatively inexpensive considering the amount of high-profile activity.
Cunningham said that the Ad-Hoc Committee had hoped to see more investment from cities and
the County in 2020, but once COVID-19 hit, plans shifted.
The Commission asked how recent events such as the idling of the Marathon and Phillips 66
refineries will affect the Northern Waterfront. NWEDI targets. Amalia Cunningham listed the
following industries: transportation-related, green energy, food and beverage, biotech and
bioscience, and advanced manufacturing. Refineries fall under the advanced manufacturing and
transportation industry categories.
The Sustainability Commission members working on Just Transition issues committed to attend
NWEDI Ad-Hoc Committee meetings.
5. RECEIVE UPDATE from Just Transition Working Group, and PROVIDE DIRECTION
as needed.
At its October 26, 2020 meeting the Sustainability Commission asked a subset of members to help
scope Just Transition issues. Shoshana Wechsler reiterated the Sustainability Commission’s role
as stated in the Climate Emergency Resolution (CER) is to be a liaison to the community.
Wechsler referenced the letter attached in the agenda as an example of the community organizing
around the topic of Just Transition.
During public comment, community members voiced their support for a well-planned and
sequenced Just Transition. The members of the working group stated their intention to continue
meeting and report their findings at the next Commission meeting.
Victoria Smith moved for the Sustainability Commission to state that it has reviewed the
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 6 of 117
community groups’ letter and requested it be forwarded to the Sustainability Committee for
further consideration. The Commission voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
MOTION: Smith SECOND: Despota
6. RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency
Resolution.
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, reported on implementation of the Climate
Emergency Resolution (CER). The Interdepartmental Task Force will hold its first meeting on
Wednesday, December 16, 2020. The California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) is
looking statewide at Just Transition work and expects to issue guidance in June 2021. The
County received a planning grant to develop a carbon sequestration feasibility study. Lastly,
the County’s CER was distributed to cities to reference for their own CERs.
Shoshana Wechsler expressed interest in OPR presenting its Just Transition findings and
committed the Just Transition Working Group to submitting questions for the presentation.
7. RECEIVE UPDATE on Development of Building Electrification Ordinance.
Demian Hardman, Senior Energy Planner, said that a full report on cost-effectiveness would
be presented to the Sustainability Commission for feedback in February 2021. Hardman
elaborated that the report would consist of cost-effectiveness studies comparing electrification
options based on climate zones and building types most relevant to the County.
8. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan.
The 2020 Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan was adopted unanimously.
MOTION: Sullens SECOND: Smith
9. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2020.
Commission members asked clarifying questions regarding the energy efficiency, water
conservation, and waste sections of the report. The Commission noted its interest in Public Works’
report, especially on the topic of green infrastructure.
The Climate Action Plan Progress Report for 2020 was adopted unanimously.
MOTION: Despota SECOND: Thurston
10.RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed.
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 7 of 117
Charles Davidson expressed interest in the Sustainability Commission creating an ad-hoc
working group that would support the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative
using industrial trends to create an economic roadmap.
Kim Hazard, who holds the Sustainability Commission seat on the Integrated Pest Management
Advisory Board, recommended people review the Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board’s
annual report.
11. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator.
The Commission referred to the written report in the agenda for this item.
12. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability.
The Commission did not discuss this item.
13. The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 22, 2021.
14. Adjourn.
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 8 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
4.
Meeting Date: 2/22/2021
Subject: ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2021
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, DCD
Referral History:
On August 28, 2017, the Sustainability Commission adopted Bylaws. These Bylaws were approved by
the Board of Supervisors on September 26, 2017. Section IV.A of the Bylaws regarding Organization
states: “The Commission shall annually at its first meeting in the calendar year elect its Chair and
Vice-Chair.” The duties of the Chair are defined in the Bylaws as conducting meetings, developing
agenda, and serving as the official spokesperson for the Commission. The duties of the Vice-Chair are
defined as acting for the Chair in the Chair’s absence.
Referral Update:
The February 22, 2021, meeting is the first meeting in the calendar year of the Sustainability
Commission. It is therefore the meeting at which the Commission should elect its officers for 2021.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ELECT OFFICERS for the Sustainability Commission for 2021.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
N/A
Contact: Jody London (925) 674-7871
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 9 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
5.
Meeting Date: 2/22/2021
Subject: ADOPT CALENDAR for 2021
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, DCD
Referral History:
N/A
Referral Update:
The Sustainability Commission meets on the fourth Monday in the months of February, April, June,
August, October, and December. In the alternate months, the Sustainability Committee of the Board of
Supervisors holds its meetings. The Sustainability Committee has the option to modify a meeting date.
Given the winter break, staff recommends the attached meeting calendar for 2021. The calendar lists
potential topics for meetings, with room for the calendar to evolve as the year progresses.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ADOPT CALENDAR for 2021
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Sustainability Commission 2021 Calendar
Contact: Jody London (925) 674-7871
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 10 of 117
Contra Costa CountySustainability CommissionMeeting DateTopicAction and Next StepsFebruary 22, 2021 Elect Officers for 2021Set Meeting Dates for 2021Green Benefits District UpdateGeneral Plan Environmental Justice Policies UpdateSolid Waste UpdateReport from Ad Hoc Just Transition Working GroupClimate Action Plan Update*Climate Emergency Resolution Update*April 26, 2021 Transportation?( Followup to John Cunningham presentation 10/20)Building Electrification Just Transition Update from State?? (Office of Planning and Research)Climate Action Plan Update*Climate Emergency Resolution Update*June 28, 2021 Carbon Sequestration Feasibility Study - OverviewStudy session on hydrogen as a fuel source? Climate Action Plan Update*Climate Emergency Resolution Update*August 23, 2021Climate Action Plan Update*Climate Emergency Resolution Update*October 25, 2021Climate Action Plan Update*Climate Emergency Resolution Update*December 13, 2021Review and Adopt 2021 Annual Report and 2022 Work PlanReview and Adopt Climate Action Plan Progress ReportClimate Action Plan Update*Climate Emergency Resolution Update** Standing ItemTopics identified in 2021 Work Plan:• General Plan Update, particularly integrating equity and environmental justice•Climate Action Plan update• Implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution, particularly planning for a Just Transitionto a clean energy economyNote: Calendar will be amended as issues develop02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 11 of 117
Contra Costa CountySustainability Commission• Increasing resilience to climate-related disasters and incidents, including the Adapting to RisingTides studies for Eastern Contra Costa County and the Bay Area region and Public Safety Power Shutoffs• Outreach and education on sustainability to Contra Costa County residents and businesses• Other issues in the Climate Action Plan, including water conservation and drought; land use andpublic transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle access; energy efficiency and renewable energy; and recycling and composting.• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to develop green benefits districts throughout the County• Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint implementation• Advocacy on issues related to the Climate Action Plan• Potential health impacts of climate change• Building electrification• Carbon-neutral building materialsNote: Calendar will be amended as issues develop02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 12 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
6.
Meeting Date:
Subject:
Department:
Presenter:
February 22, 2021
RECEIVE UPDATE on Draft Environmental Justice Policies for General Plan
Conservation & Development
Will Nelson, DCD Contact: Jody London, DCD (925) 674-7871
Referral History:
As part of the ongoing update to the County’s General Plan, the County is developing environmental
justice policies, as directed in Senate Bill 1000. The Sustainability Commission provided input to
these policies in August 2020. The Sustainability Committee of the Board of Supervisors reviewed the
draft policies in September 2020.
Referral Update:
The draft environmental justice policies were released for public review and comment in October 2020
(see attached). The County has received hundreds of comments through an online survey, a Facebook
post, presentations to community groups across the County, and a series of three community meetings
this month focused on different topics in the draft policies. See attached summary.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE UPDATE on Draft Environmental Justice Policies for General Plan.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Presentation on Draft Environmental Justice Policies
Draft Environmental Justice Policies
Summary of Online Survey Results
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 13 of 117
Sustainability Commission
2/22/2021 02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 14 of 117
Envision Contra Costa 2040
General
Plan
Zoning
Code
Climate
Action
Plan
Environmental Impact Report
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 15 of 117
Senate Bill 1000
Pollution
burden
Low-
income
area
“Disadvantaged
community”
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 16 of 117
Senate Bill 1000
»In impacted communities:
•Reduce pollution exposure and
improve air quality
•Promote public facilities
•Promote food access
•Promote safe and sanitary homes
•Promote physical activity
»Engage the community in
decision-making
»Prioritize improvements and
programs that address needs in
disadvantaged communities
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 17 of 117
Draft “Disadvantaged” Communities
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 18 of 117
Community Profiles
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 19 of 117
Draft Policy Topics
»Social and economic advantages
»Healthy food
»Safe and sanitary homes
»Jobs and economic stability
»Community engagement
»Safe, affordable, and multi-modal
transportation
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 20 of 117
Draft Policy Topics
»Public facilities, infrastructure,
and services
»Health services
»Recreational activities and parks
»Air quality
»Safety from hazards and
hazardous materials
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 21 of 117
Community Input to Date
»Collected feedback via
surveys:
envisioncontracosta2040.org/
survey
•Shorter survey highlighting big
ideas: online and paper
▪Over 400 responses to date!
•Comments on individual policies
and actions: online
»Met with community-based
organizations to collect input
and promote survey
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 22 of 117
February Meeting Series
»Deeper dive into policy topics
»Meetings were held virtually
over Zoom
•2/3/21: Sustainable economy,
homes, jobs
•2/10/21: Community engagement,
transportation, infrastructure
•2/17/21: Health services,
recreation, air quality, hazardous
materials
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 23 of 117
▪Plan for phasing out fossil fuel industries and transition to just, equitable, and clean
industries that offer good-wage jobs
▪Support retraining of fossil fuel-based workers for jobs in clean industries
▪Create incentives to spur new development and redevelopment in disadvantaged
neighborhoods
Support for
clean industry
Concern about loss of
good-paying jobs
Consider
transition to
renewable
fuels
Prepare
high school students
for clean
industry jobs
Involve
unions in
retraining
Goal EJ-A: Social & Economic Advantages
Offer tax
incentives
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 24 of 117
▪Support community gardens, farmers markets, and similar ways to grow and
distribute food locally
▪Make it easier to open new grocery stores
▪Encourage fresh food stores at major transit stops
Goal EJ-B: Healthy Food
Transition some parks to
community gardens
Encourage
schools to grow food for
students in school
gardens
Promote inexpensive
grocery options
Seek out stores
including a worker-owned
co-op, Trader Joe’s,
and Sprouts
Promote organic
options at stops
Keep the cost of fresh
food competitive with
convenience foods
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 25 of 117
▪Ensure rental housing is safe and well-maintained through outreach and code
enforcement
▪Enhance programs that improve housing livability, such as the County's
weatherization program
▪Build an inventory of land available for tiny homes and similar forms of affordable
housing
Goal EJ-C: Safe & Sanitary Homes
Support for
more frequent
enforcement
Do not
add more rules;
enforce existing
ones
Support
programs
for the elderly
Promote energy
efficiency
Avoid increasing
density in over-populated
areas
Promote a mix
of affordable and market
rate housing
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 26 of 117
▪Attract manufacturing businesses in the clean technology sector
▪Promote entrepreneurship and locally owned businesses in disadvantaged
neighborhoods
▪Pursue loan programs that support small businesses in disadvantaged
neighborhoods
Goal EJ-D: Jobs & Economic Stability
Support
manufacturing
jobs
Carefully consider
where to locate
these businesses
Promote small, locally
owned businesses
Discourage
non-local
developers
Vet loan programs for
fair interest rates
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 27 of 117
▪Prepare public notices in the neighborhoods' predominant languages and provide
interpretation at meetings
▪Schedule community meetings at convenient times and locations
▪Partner with local community organizations and leaders on outreach
▪Hold community clean-up days in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Goal EJ-E: Community Engagement
Publish recorded
meetings so all can stay
informed
Ask frequent NextDoor
users to spread the word
And accessible
via free, easy
transportation
Partner
with schools
Partner with local
businesses too
Partner with community
organizations on cleanup and
awareness projects
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 28 of 117
▪Increase lighting, crosswalks, and safety measures near schools, libraries, and parks
▪Prioritize street lighting improvements in disadvantaged communities
▪Prioritize bikeway, sidewalk, road, park, landscaping, environmental, and other public
improvements in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Goal EJ-F: Safe, Affordable, & Multi-Modal Transportation
Incorporate green
infrastructure in
these efforts
Support for
speeding
enforcement
Prioritize lighting
improvements in
higher crime areas
Perform a lighting survey to
identify greatest need
Partner with
Bike East Bay for
new bike routes
Design well-lit improvements
that are visible to the street
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 29 of 117
▪Generate new funding sources for public facilities and services in disadvantaged
neighborhoods
▪Clean up illegal dump sites in disadvantaged neighborhoods
▪Improve code enforcement and public works practices,
emphasizing community-identified issues
Goal EJ-G: Public Facilities, Infrastructure, & Services
New funding
sources should not
include taxes
Install and
maintain more
trash bins
Increase surveillance
in dumping areas
Ensure adequate budget goes
to code enforcement to fully
address issues
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 30 of 117
▪Identify which neighborhoods are short on parks and open space and what kinds of
recreation options people want
▪Prioritize spending on recreation, open space, and street trees in disadvantaged
neighborhoods
Goals EJ-H & EJ-I: Health Services and Recreation
Also consider areas
with littered parks lacking
landscaping
Clean up
and improve safety at
existing parks first
Encourage outdoor
education in disadvantaged
neighborhoods too
Ensure this
spending includes operation
and maintenance costs for
the long term
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 31 of 117
▪Prepare a strategy to plant and take care of more street trees
▪Require new industrial projects to meet stringent air quality standards for any
operations in or near disadvantaged communities
▪Work with regulators to keep residents safe from industrial pollution and accidents,
prioritizing disadvantaged neighborhoods
▪Work with polluters to clean up contaminated sites in disadvantaged
neighborhood
Goals EJ-J & EJ-K: Air Quality and Hazardous Materials
Plant trees that provide
a lot of shade Don’t limit this to
street trees
Encourage higher
emissions fines
Increase buffer distance
between homes and industry
Require expedited clean-up
timeline for existing businesses with
active brownfield sites
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 32 of 117
What’s Next?
»February 2021
•Continue online surveys until 2/28/21
»March 2021
•Board of Supervisors Sustainability Committee meeting to review
and consider feedback 3/22/21
»Spring 2021 through 2022
•Draft General Plan, additional public review and feedback
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 33 of 117
We want to hear from you!
»Sustainability@dcd.cccounty.us
»https://envisioncontracosta2040.org/contact-us/
02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 34 of 117
Sustainability Commission
2/22/2021 02-22-21 Sustainabiltiy Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet, Page 35 of 117
MEMORANDUM
DATE October 2, 2020
TO Contra Costa County staff
FROM PlaceWorks
SUBJECT Discussion Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions on Environmental Justice for the General Plan
Thank you for reviewing this discussion draft of goals, policies, and actions to support environmental
justice in Contra Costa County. Environmental justice is a new legal requirement for the General Plan, but
more importantly it is also one of the topics of greatest concern to County residents. This topic is complex
and far-reaching, and the policies and actions we craft will have a direct effect on the lives and health of
many people. This draft is just the beginning of the conversation. Your additional ideas and input are
crucial to improving and strengthening the General Plan.
Throughout California, low-income communities and communities of color have experienced a
combination of historic discrimination, negligence, and political and economic disempowerment, with the
result that today, they are struggling with both a disproportionate burden of pollution and health impacts,
as well as disproportionate social and economic disadvantages such as poverty or housing instability. SB
1000 was enacted to respond to this inequity by both alleviating pollution and health impacts and
compelling cities and counties to include the voices of previously marginalized residents in long-range
planning decisions.
Legislation Summary
SB 1000, the Planning for Healthy Communities Act, passed in 2016, requires that General Plans address
environmental justice in disadvantaged communities within the area covered by the General Plan.
“Environmental justice” is defined in California law as the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures,
and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, and policies. “Environmental justice” includes, but is not limited to, all of
the following:
(A) The availability of a healthy environment for all people.
(B) The deterrence, reduction, and elimination of pollution burdens for populations and
communities experiencing the adverse effects of that pollution, so that the effects of the
pollution are not disproportionately borne by those populations and communities.
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(C) Governmental entities engaging and providing technical assistance to populations and
communities most impacted by pollution to promote their meaningful participation in all
phases of the environmental and land use decision making process.
(D) At a minimum, the meaningful consideration of recommendations from populations and
communities most impacted by pollution into environmental and land use decisions.1
“Disadvantaged communities” are defined as low-income areas that are disproportionately affected by
environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or
environmental degradation. The attached draft policy guidance uses the term “disadvantaged
community” based on this State law definition. However, the term is not supported by everyone, and we
will work with County staff to consider alternative terminology, such as environmental justice
communities, communities of concern, or frontline communities.
Environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives must do the following:
Reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by reducing pollution
exposure and promoting public improvements, public services, community amenities, food access,
safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity.
Promote civil engagement in the public decision-making process.
Prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.
SB 1000 defines DACs per Health and Safety Code Section 39711, specifying CalEnviroScreen as the
primary screening method for identifying DACs. Interactive CalEnviroScreen mapping is available online at
https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-30. CalEnviroScreen quantifies a range of
factors related to the combination of pollution burden and population characteristics (such as poverty,
educational attainment, or age) and arrives at a score for every Census tract. In general, the higher the
score, the more impacted a community is. Census tracts in the highest quartile of scores (75 to 100) are
considered to be disadvantaged communities under SB1000.2 In Contra Costa County, the following
communities are identified by CalEnviroScreen as disadvantaged communities:
North Richmond
Montalvin Manor, Tara Hills, and Bayview
Rodeo
1 California Government Code 65040.12.
2 Note that this does not refer to the same methodology used to identify “disadvantaged unincorporated communities”
under SB 244. Both use median income as one criterion, but SB 244 is focused on safe and adequate infrastructure while SB 1000
is focused on disproportionate impacts of environmental pollution.
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Crockett
Vine Hill/Mountain View
Bay Point
Sources for the Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions
PlaceWorks consulted a number of sources to compile the draft goals, policies, and actions, including, but
not limited to, the following:
Most importantly, input from the many residents and community advocates who have attended 20+
meetings in disadvantaged communities, countywide meetings, and Sustainability Commission
meetings so far.
Environmental Justice Assessment Tool developed by the Contra Costa County Sustainability
Commission
General Plan Guidelines prepared by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
The SB1000 Toolkit prepared by the California Environmental Justice Alliance and PlaceWorks.
Draft and adopted elements from other communities in California.
Comment letters from the Attorney General’s office on the environmental justice components of
other County General Plans currently underway.
Policy Suggestions from Environmental Advocates submitted to the County by a consortium of local
and regional organizations.
AB 617 Community Emission Reduction Plans (CERPs)
Recommendations
Under SB 1000, the General Plan Update process must address specific topics in the new/updated goals,
policies, and objectives, including the following:
Pollution exposure and air quality. Existing policies could be expanded to target disadvantaged
communities, the specific pollutants of concern in those communities, and mitigation approaches for
new development that could place sensitive receptors in areas with exposure to pollutants.
Public facilities. The new environmental justice components of the General Plan should ensure that
disadvantaged communities have adequate access to public facilities and services, in part by
promoting public improvements in those communities.
Food access. The County should include policies to promote projects that would improve access to
affordable and nutritious food in disadvantaged communities.
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Safe and sanitary homes. The Housing Element works to ensure access to housing, including
affordable housing, and includes policies that promote safe and sanitary homes. These policies could
be expanded in the General Plan or a future Housing Element update to address the following:
•Ensuring that affordable housing projects meet health and safety requirements that are consistent with
market-rate housing.
•Expanding efforts to repair and rehabilitate substandard housing in disadvantaged communities.
•Remediating lead-based paint, mold, mildew, asbestos, and other contaminants.
•Enforcing public health-related codes in disadvantaged communities.
Physical activity. The County could expand existing policies in the Open Space Element to target an
equitable distribution of physical activity opportunities (i.e., access to parks and open space). This
effort could build on projects identified in the County’s Capital Road Improvement Program in
addition to specific mobility plans that focus on creating safer and more comfortable streetscapes for
pedestrians and bicyclists in disadvantaged communities.
Civic engagement. The County should include new and expanded policies that promote public
participation in its planning processes, and which specifically target disadvantaged communities,
including through:
•Using culturally appropriate approaches, language, and context.
•Considering the convenience of meeting times/locations for community members.
•Using social media and other communication techniques for those without time to attend public
meetings.
•Providing translation services and childcare when needed.
•Exploring new pop-up or community-based outreach methods.
•Leveraging existing events and meetings to meet people where they already are.
Prioritization of improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.
Policies to prioritize improvements and programs that serve disadvantaged communities should
address the following:
•Whether improvements/programs meet an important community need. Under-served
communities have needs and priorities that may be distinct from those of the public at large. The
equity of projects and investments should be assessed based on whether and how well they
address these priority needs.
•Whether benefits to the local community are significant.
•Whether low-income residents are the primary beneficiaries.
•Whether improvements/programs avoid substantial burdens, like increasing toxic exposures,
causing a net loss of affordable housing, or displacing residents or local businesses.
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Related Topics
Although SB 1000 lists specific topics that must be addressed, the concept of environmental justice can be
implemented in many different ways; new policies and programs that improve sustainability, protect
community health, and support high-quality jobs (for example) will also advance environmental justice in
the county. A successful approach to environmental justice will be ambitious, broad, and holistic.
Therefore, the draft policies below are not intended to be the only “environmental justice” policies in the
General Plan, but these are a first pass at policies and actions to most directly and specifically respond to
the legislative requirements for this topic.
In addition to those policy topics explicitly required by SB 1000, related and supportive policies will
address:
Climate resilience in disadvantaged communities.
Mixed use development that provides services and jobs near housing.
Preventing displacement and gentrification when disadvantaged neighborhoods are improved and
enhanced.
Providing a range of housing types for households at a range of income levels, including “missing
middle” housing types.
Multimodal transportation that serves residents who don’t drive and offers opportunities for safe
physical activity.
Public safety and security, including crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).
Green building requirements that reduce indoor air pollution and improve health outcomes.
Emergency and community services that are responsive to the needs of residents and businesses in
disadvantaged communities.
We expect more topics to emerge and be added to this set of draft goals, policies, and actions as they
undergo review by County staff, the Sustainability Commission, the Planning Commission, the Board of
Supervisors, and, of course, the affected communities.
Updates to the Climate Action Plan and the Zoning Code will also reflect the General Plan’s commitment
to environmental justice.
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Format and Organization
The Board of Supervisors has directed that four themes should be woven throughout the updated General
Plan so that they are addressed comprehensively: environmental justice, sustainability, public health, and
economic development. The draft policies are listed under the heading of the element in which we think
they are most likely to be located.
Note that the Housing Element will be prepared separately from the rest of the Elements in order to meet
specific State deadlines and statutory requirements. However, SB 1000 requires the County to address
safe and sanitary homes. The current Housing Element, adopted in 2014, already includes a number of
policies and programs that address safe and sanitary homes. Any new housing-related policies and actions
that are developed through this process will be shared with County housing staff to be incorporated into
the Housing Element Update, which must be completed by January 2023.
Currently, based on our experience in other communities, we anticipate denoting policies that focus on
environmental justice with an icon and consolidating these policies in an appendix so they can all be
reviewed in one place. This approach worked well for the City of Stockton’s recent General Plan.
The attached draft goals, policies, and actions include only countywide guidance. The General Plan will
also include a set of community profiles that contain policy guidance specific to each community. Each
disadvantaged community, as well as many other communities in the County, will get its own community
profile. The policy guidance in each community profile is tailored to the specific issues and needs of each
community, as directed by community members through a series of meetings in each community held in
2019 and 2020. In addition, the community profiles for the mapped disadvantaged communities contain
important contextual information about the specific sources of pollution, health outcomes, and
socioeconomic concerns that contribute to each community’s status as a disadvantaged community.
To see the draft community profiles for five of the six mapped disadvantaged communities, please visit
the following links. Note that these are still open to further change based on County staff feedback and
ongoing dialog with community members. The Vine Hill/Mountain View profile is not yet drafted.
North Richmond Draft Community Profile
Montalvin Manor, Tara Hills, and Bayview Draft Community Profile
Rodeo Draft Community Profile
Crockett Draft Community Profile
Bay Point Draft Community Profile
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A Note on Wording
In consultation with ECC2040 Project Manager Will Nelson, we are following these conventions for Goals,
Policies, and Actions:
Goal: Describes the general desired result that the County seeks to create through the
implementation of its General Plan. Goals are ambitious and inspirational. A Goal can be supported by
any number of policies and/or actions.
•Most of the goals in the existing General Plan seem to start with “To…” (i.e., the goal is “to”
achieve X), but not all. To avoid the redundancy of beginning each goal with “To”, we will strike
“to” and just start with what the County is trying to achieve, phrased as a noun.
Policy: Guides decision-making as the County works to achieve a goal. Such policies, once adopted,
represent statements of County regulation. A policy is on-going and requires no further
implementation. The General Plan’s policies set out the standards that will be used by County staff,
the Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors in their review of land development projects and
in decision-making about County actions. Words like require, encourage, promote, allow, etc. indicate
policies. A policy does not have to be mandatory.
•Many of the existing policies are statements of things that “shall be” done. To reduce the number
of words required, we will use an active voice. For example, Policy 3-1 would read “Support and
stimulate housing infill…” instead of “Housing infill shall be supported and stimulated…”
Action: A measure, procedure, or technique intended to help to achieve a specified goal. The County
must take additional steps to accomplish each action in the General Plan. Words like complete, adopt,
amend, prepare, publish, collaborate with, etc. indicate actions. An action is something concrete that
can and will be completed and “checked off” (literally or metaphorically). There is not a 1:1
correspondence between policies and actions. Some policies may not require actions to implement;
some actions may implement more than one policy.
•These are called “implementation measures” in the existing General Plan. Existing
implementation measures use the active voice, and we will maintain that approach.
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Environmental Justice Draft Policy Guidance
The draft countywide environmental justice goals, policies, and actions are listed below. They were
developed based on community input at community meetings and the in-person, virtual, and online
collaborations on community health, sustainability, and environmental justice, as well as best practices
and guidance from the State. This policy guidance would be incorporated into the elements of the General
Plan as indicated by each heading.
The policy guidance below is also organized by the following goals:
•Goal EJ-A: Equitable distribution of social and economic advantages among all communities in the
county so that no community is disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution or other
hazards.
•Goal EJ-B: Equitable and convenient access to fresh and healthy foods among all communities in the
county so that all residents find it easy to make healthy food choices.
•Goal EJ-C: Equitable access to safe and sanitary homes among all communities in the county so that
no resident has to live in an unsafe or unhealthy place.
•Goal EJ-D: Equitable access to job training, job opportunities, and economic stability among all
communities in the county so that all residents can access safe jobs, earn a living wage to support
their families, and build shared prosperity.
•Goal EJ-E: Equitable engagement with all communities in the county so that all residents share an
equal voice in decisions that affect their community.
•Goal EJ-F: Equitable, convenient access to a safe, affordable, multi-modal transportation network
among all communities in the county so that all residents, regardless of age, ability, race, culture, or
economic status, are less dependent on cars and enjoy opportunities to walk, bike, roll, or take transit
to their destinations.
•Goal EJ-G: Equitable distribution and quality of public facilities, infrastructure, and services among all
communities in the county so that the fundamental needs of all residents are met and all residents
can access the services they need.
•Goal EJ-H: Equitable and convenient access to health services among all communities in the county so
that all residents can find the physical and behavioral health care services they need within their
community.
•Goal EJ-I: Equitable access to safe recreational activities and parks among all communities in the
county so that all residents are empowered to choose an active lifestyle that supports their health.
•Goal EJ-J: Equitable and healthy air quality among all communities in the county so that all residents,
including those with high sensitivity to unhealthy air, can live in their community without facing
disproportionately high risks of respiratory disease and other health problems.
•Goal EJ-K: Communities that are safe and resilient from hazards associated with the use, transport,
treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and hazardous substances, including from fossil fuels,
chemical refining, and power plants.
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Land Use Element
Goal EJ-A Equitable distribution of social and economic advantages among all communities in the
county so that no community is disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution
or other hazards.
Policies
Policy EJ-A.1 Incentivize and streamline public and private investment in new development or
redevelopment that promotes community goals in disadvantaged communities,
as identified in the community profiles.
Policy EJ-A.2 For projects that would significantly impact a disadvantaged community, pursue
community benefits agreements that achieve the community goals identified in
the community profile.
Policy EJ-A.3 Until fossil fuel industries are phased out, require any proposed project requiring
a use permit for a fossil fuel industry or its accessory infrastructure that would
impact a disadvantaged community to include early and substantial community
engagement as part of the permitting process. As conditions of approval, such
projects must include substantial community benefits that support the goals
identified by the community in the community profile.
Policy EJ-A.4 Phase out existing fossil fuel industries and transition to just, equitable, and clean
industries that offer good-wage jobs.
Policy EJ-A.5 In order for an application for a major development project to be deemed
complete, require applicants to document to the County’s satisfaction how the
project will promote environmental justice, including how the project will ensure
the following:
(a) Its costs and benefits will be shared equitably;
(b) Its economic opportunities will be shared equitably;
(c) It will not displace existing residents or businesses in disadvantaged
communities; and
(d) It will avoid direct, indirect, or unintended negative impacts on the quality of
life of residents within disadvantaged communities. Source: EJ Assessment
tool developed by Sustainability Commission
Policy EJ-A.6 Prioritize clean-up of illegal dumping in disadvantaged communities.
Actions
Action EJ-A.1 In coordination with impacted communities, workers, and business/industry,
develop and implement a plan to phase out fossil fuel industries and transition to
just, equitable, and clean industries that offer good-wage jobs. The plan should
address site remediation responsibility and strategies to improve the health,
safety, infrastructure, job opportunities, and revenue opportunities during the
shift to a zero emission economy, paying special attention to helping develop new
opportunities for how disadvantaged communities will realize economic, health,
and other benefits.
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Action EJ-A.2 Develop criteria for evaluating projects that would potentially impact a
disadvantaged community. For projects that would adversely impact a
disadvantaged community, establish required project approval findings to ensure
that community benefit agreements or other mitigation efforts would achieve the
community goals identified in the community profile. As part of this work, define
what constitutes a major development project in or adjacent to a disadvantaged
community; as indicated in other policies and actions in this General Plan, such
projects may be subject to additional requirements compared to projects that
don’t meet that definition.
Action EJ-A.3 Develop a checklist that establishes criteria to evaluate how new development
supports the County’s environmental justice and health goals and the
environmental justice and health-related community goals identified in the
relevant community profile.
Action EJ-A.4 Upon each review of the General Plan [will cross reference a Land Use Element
action related to regular reviews of the General Plan], work with the Contra Costa
County Health Services Department to monitor health outcomes data for
disadvantaged communities in order to determine the effectiveness of the
County’s environmental justice policies. During this review, assess any updated
information related to the delineation of disadvantaged communities in Contra
Costa County. Based on these reviews, update the map of disadvantaged
communities and environmental justice-related goals, policies, and actions
accordingly.
Action EJ-A.5 Explore the feasibility of creating, participating in, or attracting a public bank.
Action EJ-A.6 Develop and sufficiently fund a program to assist project applicants in
disadvantaged communities in navigating the project application and review
process.
Action EJ-A.7 Improve code enforcement and public works maintenance practices to keep
disadvantaged communities hazard free, safe, and clean, emphasizing
enforcement actions on issues identified by the community in its community
profile.
Goal EJ-B Equitable and convenient access to fresh and healthy foods among all communities in the
county so that all residents find it easy to make healthy food choices.
Policies
Policy EJ-B.1 Increase access to fresh food in disadvantaged communities by allowing and
encouraging local food production, micro agriculture, edible landscapes, rooftop
gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and farmers’ markets on vacant or
underutilized lands, including publicly-owned land, and by distributing
information about community-supported agriculture programs that provide
affordable access to fresh food.
Policy EJ-B.2 Require new or substantially renovated County facilities that interface with the
public and that are located in disadvantaged communities to incorporate facilities
and amenities that improve the public’s access to healthy food options.
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Policy EJ-B.3 Maximize multimodal access to fresh food by encouraging grocery stores, healthy
corner stores, and outdoor markets at key transit nodes and within transit-
oriented developments.
Policy EJ-B.4 Provide access to public land, cleanup, and other County services for farmers’
markets in disadvantaged communities.
Policy EJ-B.5 Encourage farmers and neighborhood community gardens to participate in local
farmers’ markets.
Actions
Action EJ-B.1 Prepare a healthy food ordinance that creates incentives and guidelines that
support access to healthy food through land use controls, such as streamlined
permitting of grocery stores. When developing this ordinance, work with Contra
Costa County Health Services to collect geographic data about current health
conditions.
Action EJ-B.2 Implement a County Nutrition Action Plan (CNAP) to promote the 2010 Dietary
Guidelines, federal and State food security programs, and physical activity.
Action EJ-B.3 Develop guidelines to support implementation of micro agriculture, rooftop
gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and farmers’ markets, including
seeking input from local residents on convenient and accessible locations.
Action EJ-B.4 Educate local farmers about opportunities for participation in local farmers’
markets to bring locally grown food to disadvantaged communities. In addition,
encourage farmers’ markets to reduce vendor restrictions or entry fees for local
farmers to incentivize local participation.
Action EJ-B.5 Conduct nutrition workshops, health events and social marketing for low income
residents to promote healthy eating and active living. (from
https://cchealth.org/nutrition/)
Action EJ-B.6 Coordinate school and after-school programs as well as peer to peer education to
empower families and youth to choose healthy foods, drink water instead of
sweetened drinks and live an active life. This could include educational field trips
to local farms, community gardens, and outdoor recreation areas. (from
https://cchealth.org/nutrition/)
Action EJ-B.7 Participate in local coalitions and subcontract with community partners to
collaborate with government agencies, child care centers, faith-based
organizations, community leaders, food retailers, other businesses and schools to
support programs and policies that mitigate child obesity and improve access and
intake of healthy foods and physical activity. (from
https://cchealth.org/nutrition/)
Action EJ-B.8 Encourage worksite wellness through access to healthier food choices in vending
machines and promotion of physical activity. (from
https://cchealth.org/nutrition/)
Action EJ-B.9 Collect data for grant funding, program planning and evaluation of interventions
to improve access and consumption of healthy food and physical activity. (from
https://cchealth.org/nutrition/)
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Action EJ-B.10 Every five years, review the existing Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial
Activities Ordinance to ensure disadvantaged communities are not experiencing
disproportionate concentrations of or impacts from new bars and liquor stores.
To support implementation of this ordinance, set up and maintain a shared data
system between the Health Services and Conservation and Development
departments that identifies the locations of current establishments, along with
information about public safety and public health.
Goal EJ-C Equitable access to safe and sanitary homes among all communities in the county so that
no resident has to live in an unsafe or unhealthy place.
Policies
Policy EJ-C.1 Ensure that future improvements in disadvantaged communities will not produce
a net loss of affordable housing or the displacement of residents.
Policy EJ-C.2 Ensure adequate living conditions for tenants through ongoing and effective code
enforcement, with priority given to rental properties in disadvantaged
communities.
Policy EJ-C.3 Coordinate with the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County, affordable housing
developers, and other organizations to transition vacant, unentitled land in
disadvantaged communities into affordable housing, which could include many
types of innovative housing products. This should include homeownership
opportunities to help residents build intergenerational wealth.
Actions
Action EJ-C.1 Conduct periodic outreach in disadvantaged communities to inform tenants of
their rights and responsibilities. Written outreach efforts should be translated
into appropriate languages.
Action EJ-C.2 Update the County Health and Safety Code to establish a framework for the
County to protect residents’ access to secure housing through eviction
moratoriums or other mechanisms when the County and/or State declare states
of emergency due to natural or human-made disasters, including epidemics and
pandemics.
Action EJ-C.3 Obtain funding for, address barriers to, and increase participation in the County’s
weatherization program for extremely low, very low, and low-income
homeowners, landlords, and renters, as well as in other programs like the Green
and Healthy Homes Initiative, to provide resources to bring older properties up to
Code and improve their livability, make minor home repairs and energy
improvements, and improve health and quality of life. Focus these resources on
homes in disadvantaged communities, and in particular rental housing and high-
density housing.
Action EJ-C.4 Create a bulk buying program that allows people to purchase air conditioners, air
purifiers, heaters, and other electric appliances at wholesale prices to increase
energy efficiency and replace hazardous appliances. Work with volunteer groups
to help people install air conditioners and other electrical appliances if they are
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unable to do so themselves, focusing on disadvantaged communities and other
areas with high levels of vulnerable people. Consider augmenting energy
efficiency programs to reduce electricity use and help offset the cost of operating
electrical appliances.
Action EJ-C.5 Partner with a local solar company to enact a solar group buy program to
purchase solar panels and battery storage in bulk for installation in disadvantaged
communities, including the establishment and subsidization
of community solar programs for joint membership, which aggregate multiple
consumers' electricity sourced from a single photo-voltaic solar location. The
program should include an educational component to teach the community
about the benefits and process of solar installation and give them the
opportunity to sign up for the program at a discounted rate.
Action EJ-C.6 In collaboration with nonprofit and for-profit developers, obtain funding for and
establish community land trusts serving each disadvantaged community that will
support long-term community ownership and housing affordability.
Action EJ-C.7 Expand the County’s first-time homebuyer program to provide more education
and assistance, prioritizing outreach and marketing in disadvantaged
communities to spread awareness of the program.
Action EJ-C.8 In coordination with Contra Costa Health Services, create an inventory of available
land for tiny homes or other types of innovative housing products as alternatives
to accommodate people who lack housing.
Action EJ-C.9 Collaborate with Contra Costa Health Services and the Contra Costa Council on
Homelessness to develop and implement a plan to provide transition facilities
and services for people facing homelessness. Link homeless programs with
supportive services such as behavioral health, substance abuse, and primary
health care.
Action EJ-C.10 Conduct periodic outreach to absentee owners of properties in disadvantaged
communities to inform owners of their legal obligations to maintain rental
properties in safe and habitable condition. Keep tenants informed of these
efforts, including by translating the information into languages other than
English.
Action EJ-C.11 Continue to support the Contra Costa Lead Poisoning Prevention Project’s
programs, including services for children, public health nurse case management,
home environmental investigation, education and outreach, and information and
referrals for parents, home remodelers and child care providers. (from
https://cchealth.org/lead-poison/)
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Goal EJ-D Equitable access to job training, job opportunities, and economic stability among all
communities in the county so that all residents can access safe jobs, earn a living wage to
support their families, and build shared prosperity.
Policies
Policy EJ-D.1 Actively work across County departments and agencies to attract businesses that
provide desired goods and services in disadvantaged communities, including food
stores with fresh produce, health care, childcare, pharmacies, and other retailers.
Balance community desires with comprehensive assessments of market demand
to guide business attraction efforts.
Policy EJ-D.2 Actively work across County departments and agencies to attract manufacturing
businesses in the clean technology sector, especially those that will not increase
emissions in or near disadvantaged communities.
Policy EJ-D.3 Promote entrepreneurship and locally owned businesses and enterprises in
disadvantaged communities to support economic self-sufficiency and stability,
including through training and outreach to local small business owners.
Actions
Action EJ-D.1 Explore the feasibility of establishing a First Source Hiring Program requiring
project applicants to make best efforts to hire new employees, workers, and
subcontractor components of the project from the local area.
Action EJ-D.2 Partner with community organizations, large employers, trade associations,
unions, and job training skills centers to support enhanced job-skills training,
recruitment programs and services, and childcare services to support workers in
disadvantaged communities. Work with experienced groups to ensure that
programs will be properly staffed and funded. Training and intervention strategies
should reduce barriers to employment for youth, formerly incarcerated residents,
and residents with limited English proficiency, and they should support a just
transition toward a sustainable economy by re-training fossil fuel-based workers
with skills for green industrial jobs.
Action EJ-D.3 Explore strategies to establish a revolving loan fund or other economic
development initiatives to support small businesses in disadvantaged
communities.
Goal EJ-E Equitable engagement with all communities in the county so that all residents share an
equal voice in decisions that affect their community.
Policies
Policy EJ-E.1 Notify the community through the County website and coordination with
community organizations and leaders when County planning decisions are being
considered in or adjacent to disadvantaged communities. Conduct outreach and
engagement with disadvantaged communities as follows:
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Prepare public notices and other materials in the predominant language(s)
spoken in the community and provide interpretation services at meetings as
needed.
Make public notices and other important documents available in print at local
libraries, community centers, or other gathering places.
Use approaches appropriate for the community.
Schedule, format, and locate community workshops and meetings to be
convenient for community members and provide childcare.
Use social media, virtual meeting platforms, and other communication
techniques for those without time or ability to attend public meetings.
Consider data that reflects the economic, gender, age, and racial diversity of
the affected population. [Source: EJ Assessment tool from Sustainability
Commission]
Clearly explain potential adverse impacts of a proposed project in plain
language that is easily understood by the target community.
Policy EJ-E.2 Support community-driven or community-led initiatives in disadvantaged
communities that work toward the goals identified in the community profiles.
Support could include technical assistance and providing staff resources and
meeting spaces, among other methods.
Actions
Action EJ-E.1 In coordination with leaders and stakeholders from disadvantaged communities,
prepare a community engagement toolkit that identifies outreach and
engagement activities based on the project type and stakeholders involved in
order to build community participation and ensure all voices are represented.
Action EJ-E.2 Establish an ongoing environmental justice advisory group comprised of
community members from disadvantaged communities to advise and assist the
County in addressing disproportionate health, safety, and welfare in
disadvantaged communities.
Action EJ-E.3 Identify, initiate, and formalize partnerships with community organizations and
leaders in disadvantaged communities to ensure that local residents can make
significant contributions to planning processes.
Action EJ-E.4 Partner with the County Administrator's Office and appropriate departments to
identify communities with a significant number of non-English speaking
households, and develop resources and strategies to better engage them.
Action EJ-E.5 As part of the General Plan annual progress report to the Board of Supervisors,
describe the County’s efforts to meet the needs of each disadvantaged
community. The report should specifically summarize the extent to which the
County has implemented the policies and actions identified in each
disadvantaged community profile.
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Action EJ-E.6 Hold at least one public meeting per year in each disadvantaged community,
including representatives from the full spectrum of County Departments, to hear
from residents of these communities, and use that input to inform the County’s
annual budgeting process. Provide translation and childcare services at these
meetings.
Action EJ-E.7 Support community events, such as block parties and community service days,
that support social connections, neighborhood identity, and behavioral health.
Action EJ-E.8 Partner with community organizations and franchise garbage haulers to optimize
community clean-up days in disadvantaged communities, including by focusing
clean-up activities in disadvantaged communities over other communities that
are part of the same contract.
Transportation and Circulation Element
Goal EJ-F Equitable, convenient access to a safe, affordable, multi-modal transportation network
among all communities in the county so that all residents, regardless of age, ability, race,
culture, or economic status, are less dependent on cars and enjoy opportunities to walk,
bike, roll, or take transit to their destinations.
Policies
Policy EJ-F.1 Support improvements to transit, bikeways, and sidewalks in disadvantaged
communities to make active transportation more accessible and user-friendly
while decreasing vehicle speeds, congestion, and air pollution. Prioritize
infrastructure projects identified in disadvantaged community profiles.
Policy EJ-F.2 Prioritize energy-efficient street lighting programs in disadvantaged communities,
particularly at parks and transit stops, along commercial corridors, near high
density housing, and in high crime neighborhoods.
Policy EJ-F.3 Prioritize transit shelters and benches or other seating at transit stops in
disadvantaged communities, especially along commercial corridors and near high
density housing.
Policy EJ-F.4 Support local transit providers in establishing and maintaining routes and services
that provide disadvantaged communities with convenient access to employment
centers, shopping, healthy food outlets, and services. Support extended hours to
serve shift workers.
Policy EJ-F.5 Support development of small-scale neighborhood nodes that provide a range of
neighborhood-serving retail, public amenities, and services to residents of
disadvantaged communities within walking distance of their homes.
Policy EJ-F.6 Work with school districts and neighborhood groups to ensure that safe walking,
bicycling, and transit routes to school exist, prioritizing the development and
maintenance of sidewalks, crosswalks, street lighting, bicycling infrastructure,
transit stop amenities, automotive speed controls, and other safety
improvements in disadvantaged communities, including in residential areas and
near schools, libraries, and recreational facilities.
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Actions
Action EJ-F.1 Engage in community-based transportation plans or other initiatives by transit
providers that seek to expand the hours of operation, operational boundaries,
convenience, and quality of accessible transit services to improve mobility for
seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities.
Action EJ-F.2 Develop a program to subsidize transit passes for residents of disadvantaged
communities.
Action EJ-F.3 Create and promote a program to facilitate partial and/or temporary street
closures for amenities such as parklets and community events such as farmers’
markets, block parties, or bicycle and pedestrian events, if requested by
residents. Support community members by providing timely feedback and
processing permits.
Action EJ-F.4 Develop a program to establish, maintain, and enforce truck routes in the
unincorporated county. This program should establish criteria for designating
truck routes, signage, and enforcement mechanisms.
Action EJ-F.5 Partner with adjacent jurisdictions and regional transportation planning
committees to manage regional movement of goods in unincorporated areas to
encourage truckers to remain on freeways and regional routes while minimizing
impacts on residents and other sensitive receptors in disadvantaged
communities. Seek creative options to deter trucks from residential streets is
disadvantaged communities, acknowledging that California Highway Patrol may
not have the resources to provide enforcement of truck routes.
Housing Element
As noted in the introduction above, the Housing Element will be updated through a separate and parallel
process. Any relevant policies developed to address safe and sanitary homes or other topics will be folded
into the Housing Element through that process.
Relevant policies in the current adopted Housing Element include:
GOAL 1 Maintain and improve the quality of the existing housing stock and residential neighborhoods in
Contra Costa County.
Policy 1.1 Assist low-income homeowners in maintaining and improving residential properties
through housing rehabilitation and energy efficiency assistance programs.
Policy 1.2 Focus rehabilitation assistance and code enforcement efforts in communities with a
high concentration of older and/or substandard residential structures.
Policy 1.3 Assist affordable housing providers in the acquisition and rehabilitation of older
residential structures, and maintain them as long-term affordable housing.
Policy 1.4 Promote increased awareness among property owners and residents of the importance
of property maintenance to neighborhood quality.
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GOAL 8 Promote equal opportunity for all residents to reside in the housing of their choice.
Policy 8.1 Prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of housing to anyone on the basis of race,
color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, marital
status or other such arbitrary factors.
Policy 8.2 Provide financial support to non-profit organizations providing fair housing services.
Policy 8.3 Enhance the opportunity for seniors, persons with disabilities, large households, single
parents, persons with HIV/AIDS, persons with mental illness, and farmworkers to have access to
housing of their choice.
Housing Programs:
Rehabilitation Loans: Disseminate information on housing rehabilitation assistance through the
County website, public access cable channels, notices in the press, presentations and distribution
of brochures to public service agencies and community groups, and mailings to County residents.
Code Enforcement: Continue to carry out code enforcement activities (rental inspection program)
as a means to maintain the quality of the housing stock and residential neighborhoods.
Acquisition/Rehabilitation: Disseminate information on housing rehabilitation assistance on the
Department webpage, presentations and distribution of brochures to apartment owners and
property management associations.
First-Time Homebuyer Opportunities: Continue to expand homeownership opportunities through
a combination of homebuyer assistance programs, financial support of new construction, and
development agreements.
Residential Sites Inventory: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of vacant/underutilized residential
sites as funding permits and make inventory available to potential developers (both for profit and
non-profit developers)
Public Facilities and Services Element
Goal EJ-G Equitable distribution and quality of public facilities, infrastructure, and services among all
communities in the county so that the fundamental needs of all residents are met and all
residents can access the services they need.
Policies
Policy EJ-G.1 Systematically prioritize investments in public facilities, infrastructure, and
services that benefit disadvantaged communities and respond to the needs
identified in the community profiles.
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Policy EJ-G.2 Assist disadvantaged communities in establishing funding and financing
mechanisms – both community-generated mechanisms like building
improvement districts and County-initiated mechanisms like landscape and
lighting improvement districts – to provide community-desired public facilities
and services.
Policy EJ-G.3 Coordinate with the planning efforts of various service providers (e.g., water,
sewer, and recreation districts) to ensure efficient and effective service delivery in
disadvantaged communities.
Actions
Action EJ-G.1 Review needs and services in each disadvantaged community as part of the
annual budgeting process.
Action EJ-G.2 Identify, secure funding for, and implement green infrastructure projects in
disadvantaged communities that support the community goals identified in the
community profiles.
Action EJ-G.3 Explore options for the County to provide seed grants, micro loans, or similar
funding to community-based organizations or public-private partners to support
green infrastructure or other related improvements in disadvantaged
communities.
Action EJ-G.4 Compile, maintain, and make easily available a list of numbers to call for basic
needs such as code enforcement, housing assistance, food assistance, and
healthcare. Provide this information in multiple languages.
Action EJ-G.5 Establish a task force of County department heads or their immediate deputies
and other stakeholders (e.g., cities, local environmental justice organizations, and
other service providers) to coordinate efforts, provide oversight, and otherwise
ensure that public services and facilities in disadvantaged communities are
prioritized and efficiently and effectively delivered.
Action EJ-G.6 Encourage internet providers to improve access to reliable, fast internet access in
disadvantaged communities at affordable prices.
Goal EJ-H Equitable and convenient access to health services among all communities in the county
so that all residents can find the physical and behavioral health care services they need
within their community.
Policies
Policy EJ-H.1 Work with Contra Costa Health Services and community-based organizations to
expand community health-related outreach, analysis, and implementation efforts
in disadvantaged communities.
Policy EJ-H.2 Collaborate with non-profit partners and Contra Costa Health Services to attract
medical clinics, behavioral health facilities, and pharmacies in areas that lack
access to health care, prioritizing disadvantaged communities.
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Actions
Action EJ-H.1 Minimize zoning requirements for medical facilities to reduce barriers to
development.
Goal EJ-I Equitable access to safe recreational activities and parks among all communities in the
county so that all residents are empowered to choose an active lifestyle that supports
their health.
Policies
Policy EJ-I.1 Assist with coordination to support joint use recreation facilities serving
disadvantaged communities.
Policy EJ-I.2 Increase access to diverse, high-quality parks, green space, recreational facilities,
and natural environments for disadvantaged communities. Design and maintain
these facilities to offer a safe and comfortable environment for residents of all
ages and abilities.
Policy EJ-I.3 Rather than allowing in-lieu fees, require major new development projects in
disadvantaged communities to improve existing park and recreation amenities
within the community and/or to add new amenities within the project, ideally
open to the public. In-lieu fees may only be used when amenity improvements or
new amenities are not feasible, as determined by the County.
Policy EJ-I.4 Require new or substantially renovated County recreational facilities located in
disadvantaged communities to incorporate facilities, amenities, and public spaces
that create opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.
Policy EJ-I.5 Increase recreation opportunities in disadvantaged communities by working with
other agencies to convert public easements, such as utility corridors or unused
rights-of-way, into parks and trails.
Policy EJ-I.6 Support local community groups and volunteer organizations in efforts to
improve or maintain local parks, trails, and other public spaces, especially in
disadvantaged communities.
Actions
Action EJ-I.1 Coordinate with park districts to prepare a parks and open space needs
assessment for each disadvantaged community. Based on the results of the
assessment for each community, implement improvements that address barriers
to outdoor physical activity, such as inadequate infrastructure and safety
concerns.
Action EJ-I.2 Work with recreation and school districts to identify indoor recreational and
athletic facilities to serve as emergency housing and cooling centers in
disadvantaged communities for natural hazards or extreme heat events. In
addition, work with these districts to prepare a list of priority improvements at
these facilities to implement in preparation for emergency events.
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Conservation Element
Goal EJ-J Equitable and healthy air quality among all communities in the county so that all
residents, including those with high sensitivity to unhealthy air, can live in their
community without facing disproportionately high risks of respiratory disease and other
health problems.
Policies
Policy EJ-J.1 Require a cumulative health risk assessment, including consideration of truck
traffic impacts, when a project potentially affects sensitive receptors in
disadvantaged communities, and require appropriate mitigation based on the
findings of the assessment.
Policy EJ-J.2 When evaluating health risk impacts of projects in disadvantaged communities,
use a cancer risk of 1.0 per million as the threshold for a significant impact.
Policy EJ-J.3 Require new development to site sensitive receptors such as homes, schools,
playgrounds, sports fields, childcare centers, senior centers, and long-term health
care facilities as far away as possible from significant pollution sources.
Policy EJ-J.4 When evaluating air quality impacts of projects in disadvantaged communities,
use thresholds of significance that match or are more stringent than the air
quality thresholds of significance identified in the current Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD) Air Quality Guidelines.
Policy EJ-J.5 Consider future General Plan and/or Zoning Code amendments as needed to
support BAAQMD in meeting AB 617 objectives to reduce the health impacts of
air pollution in Communities of Concern.
Policy EJ-J.6 Prioritize new street tree plantings and increase the tree canopy in disadvantaged
communities, in particular areas with a high heat index.
Policy EJ-J.7 Preserve, restore, and enhance natural landscapes in and near disadvantaged
communities for their role in improving air quality and community health.
Policy EJ-J.8 Require warehouse and distribution facilities to provide adequate on-site truck
parking to prevent idling, and require refrigerated warehouses to provide
generators for refrigerated trucks.
Policy EJ-J.9 Prohibit fossil fuel powered truck, construction vehicle, and transit vehicle idling
within 100 feet of sensitive receptors such as homes, schools, playgrounds, sports
fields, childcare centers, senior centers, and long-term health care facilities.
Actions
Action EJ-J.1 Coordinate with State and regional regulatory entities and community members
to fund citizen-led data collection, monitor pollution exposure, and identify and
implement solutions in disadvantaged communities.
Action EJ-J.2 Assist BAAQMD in establishing and implementing Community Air Monitoring
Plans for disadvantaged communities.
Action EJ-J.3 Coordinate with BAAQMD to create a targeted permit inspection program in
disadvantaged communities to help ensure enforcement of air quality permits.
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Action EJ-J.4 Enforce the State’s five-minute maximum idling law.
Action EJ-J.5 Prepare an urban forest master plan for the county that includes quantified goals
and tracking methods, prioritizing disadvantaged communities.
Action EJ-J.6 Develop and implement a plan to provide clean air refuges during times when
outdoor air quality is unhealthy.
Safety Element
Goal EJ-K Communities that are safe and resilient from hazards associated with the use, transport,
treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and hazardous substances, including from
fossil fuels, chemical refining, and power plants.
Policies
Policy EJ-K.1 Discourage construction of new large-scale hazardous waste facilities.
Policy EJ-K.2 Advocate for and coordinate with local and regional agencies in efforts to
remediate or treat contaminated surface water, groundwater, or soils in or
affecting disadvantaged communities.
Actions
Action EJ-K.1 Obtain grant funding and establish partnerships with local environmental justice
organizations to implement the County’s Brownfields and Contaminated Sites
Cleanup Policy in disadvantaged communities.
Action EJ-K.2 Establish a comprehensive, long term strategy that coordinates efforts from all
regulatory agencies to mitigate impacts from industrial facilities on adjacent
communities, both acute and long-term, with priority given to developing
strategies for disadvantaged communities. The strategies must include specific
mitigations to address air pollution, pipeline risks, and accidents, including
identification of and community education about evacuation routes.
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Online Environmental Justice Policy Survey Summary
INTRODUCTION
As part of Envision Contra Costa 2040 community engagement efforts, the County launched an online
survey to obtain community feedback on draft policy strategies developed to address environmental justice
issues in the county. The objective of the survey was to ensure the draft environmental justice policies
reflect what the community envisions for its future.
The online survey asked open-ended questions on eight key policy issue areas pertaining to environmental
justice: jobs and economy, housing, community engagement, transportation, infrastructure, healthy food,
open space, and air quality and hazardous materials. Participants were asked to review each policy strategy
and provide a response as to whether they agree with the strategy. The survey also provides space for
participants to share other ideas or feedback. Because the survey asked open-ended questions rather than
multiple choice questions with fixed responses, this summary describes responses qualitatively rather than
quantitatively. The full text of all online responses can be viewed online here and hard-copy responses are
here.
The online survey began on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, and is still open. This summary covers responses
through January 25, 2021, which includes a total of 375 comments. In addition to the online survey, a hard-
copy version of the survey was distributed at local community events to reach community members who
lack access to the internet. Those results are incorporated in this summary.
This summary presents the survey questions followed by responses from disadvantaged community (DAC)
residents and responses from other County residents.
SURVEY RESPONSES
As part of Senate Bill (SB) 1000 the Contra Costa General Plan is required to prioritize improvements and
programs for addressing the needs of DACs. There are six communities in the county that meet the legal
definition for DACs per SB 1000. The communities that meet this definition include Bay Point; Bayview, Tara
Hills, and Montalvin Manor (also known as “MonTara Bay”); Crockett; North Richmond; Rodeo; and Vine
Hill/Mountain View.
The online survey asked participants to provide the name of the community they reside in. It is important
to note that jurisdictional boundaries are often not clearly drawn or understood by the public and County
staff, which may affect how participants identified their community of residence.
Out of 375 survey responses, 60 participants said they live in a DAC within the county. Most DAC
respondents live in Rodeo, followed by Crockett and Bay Point. Some respondents also live in Hilltop, Tara
Hills, and Mountain View. Most respondents who live outside a DAC are in Martinez, followed by Concord
and El Cerrito. This group also includes participants who live in Richmond, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg, in
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addition to other cities or communities within the county. Survey responses to each question are
summarized below.
Jobs and Economy
Residents want clean industry jobs that earn a livable wage and support for small, locally owned businesses.
We are proposing to:
» Plan for phasing out fossil fuel industries and transition to just, equitable, and clean industries that offer
good-wage jobs
» Support retraining of fossil fuel-based workers for jobs in clean industries
» Attract manufacturing businesses in the clean technology sector
» Create incentives to spur new development and redevelopment in disadvantaged neighborhoods
» Promote entrepreneurship and locally owned businesses in disadvantaged neighborhoods
» Pursue loan programs that support small businesses in disadvantaged neighborhoods
DAC Resident Responses
Many DAC respondents express a desire for clean industry jobs that pay well. Job and economy policy
strategy ideas shared by participants include job training programs, investing in public transit, incentivizing
zero emission vehicles, and a business model that replaces welfare with County labor jobs. Some
participants do not agree with phasing out the fossil fuel industry because they feel the refineries are
already operating clean and provide good-paying jobs for members of the community. A few participants
question whether the clean industries will offer comparable jobs with similar benefits as the refineries
currently provide. Some participants support the Phillips 66 refinery’s efforts to transition to renewable
fuels. One participant is concerned phasing out fossil fuels will drive up cost of fuel for everyone. Most DAC
respondents also support efforts to promote small, locally owned businesses. Some participants would like
to discourage non-local developers from buying property in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Other ideas
shared by participants to promote small local businesses include vetting loan programs to ensure small
businesses are not provided private loans with high interest rates and offering better tax incentives to help
small local businesses be successful. A few participants request incentives to improve storefronts and
attract visitors. The incentives can include funding to support maintenance of buildings and providing good
lighting and sidewalks. One participant disagrees with promoting small businesses only in disadvantaged
communities and thinks small businesses in all communities should be supported. A few participants do
not agree with efforts to support small businesses because they do not endorse government support in
disadvantaged communities. Two participants note that the County closed existing small businesses due to
Covid-19 related shutdowns. One participant questions how funding will be provided for programs to
support small businesses.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Many of these respondents agree with attracting clean industry jobs; however, there is a divide on whether
the existing fossil fuel industries should be phased out. Some participants believe the goals and strategies
for phasing out fossil fuels and attracting clean industry jobs are unrealistic and unachievable. Various
participants feel the market should decide which businesses are in the county and some participants
believe there is an existing demand for fossil fuels. Some participants would not like to see fossil fuels
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outsourced to other countries where there may not be as many environmental regulations to ensure safe
refining of fossil fuels. There is a unified concern about job loss from phasing out fossil fuel businesses
among the participants and some are concerned about the unions’ support. Some participants recommend
a two-part strategy to attract clean industry jobs while working with the existing fossil fuel industry to
ensure they operate safely. Many respondents agree with policy strategies to support small local
businesses. Participants would like to see grants offered to stimulate small business growth, and some
participants express a desire for police surveillance to enhance safety while shopping at small businesses.
Various participants wish programs to support small businesses are offered in all neighborhoods, not only
in disadvantaged communities. A few participants support the policy strategies to support small businesses
but request the businesses offer higher-paying jobs for the community. Some participants question funding
sources and request taxes to remain the same. A few participants note that the County closed existing small
businesses due to Covid-19 related shutdowns. Some participants believe the government should not be
involved in efforts to support or discourage businesses.
Housing
Residents want safe, healthy housing. We are proposing to:
» Ensure rental housing is safe and well-maintained through outreach and code enforcement
» Enhance programs that improve housing livability, such as the County's weatherization program
» Build an inventory of land available for tiny homes and similar forms of affordable housing
DAC Resident Responses
Many DAC respondents agree with efforts to support safe and well-maintained housing. Some participants
recommend housing programs designed to support low-income families, homeless residents, and the
elderly population. Other ideas shared by the respondents include supporting mixed-use communities
affordable to households at varying socioeconomic levels with walkable access to efficient transportation
and building apartments on the empty lots in Rodeo. One participant agrees with the strategies but believes
renters are also responsible for maintaining their place of residence. Some participants do not agree with
the strategies to promote safe housing because they believe developing more land is not a good idea or
feel the county is already too densely populated with low-income housing. A few participants question how
the strategies will be enforced. A few participants recommend removing hurdles to allow developers to
build housing by streamlining the permitting process and lowering the cost to develop housing. One of the
participants specifically requests lowering the permit cost for building accessory dwelling units. Finally, one
participant requests each micro-housing project to be staffed with a team of social workers to provide
services for transitional living.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
These participants recommend drafting rent control policies, providing housing opportunities for veterans
and homeless people, and building denser housing near transit hubs. Some participants believe safe
housing should be provided in all communities within the county, not only in disadvantaged communities.
A number of participants are concerned about overcrowding and they hope new housing will provide ample
space for families. A few participants express concerns about the existing substandard rental housing in the
community and request that existing rental housing be safe and well-maintained. Other policy strategy
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ideas shared by participants include streamlining the permit process to build more housing, allowing
motorhomes as accessory dwelling units, and building housing using shipping containers. A number of
participants would not like their taxes to provide funding for housing, and many do not believe the
government should be involved in building housing. There is a divide among respondents on whether tiny
homes should be allowed. Various participants do not agree with the strategy to promote tiny homes
because they feel multifamily housing, such as apartments or condos, are a better housing option.
However, some participants would like to see tiny homes as a housing option. Some participants also
request that the County provide shelters for the homeless. A few participants believe the current building
and safety codes are sufficient to provide safe and healthy housing. Lastly, participants agree with energy
efficiency programs, and they recommend including programs to lower utility bills and upgrade older
residences in the community.
Community Engagement
Residents want a stronger voice in decisions that affect their community. We are proposing to:
» Prepare public notices in the neighborhoods' predominant languages and provide interpretation at meetings
» Schedule community meetings at convenient times and locations
» Partner with local community organizations and leaders on outreach
DAC Resident Responses
Most DAC respondents agree with the policy strategies and some recommend holding more meetings,
partnering with local businesses, and allowing remote participation. Some participants believe the online
survey was a great platform for community engagement and believe surveys should continue to be offered.
A few participants request the outreach material be provided only in English. One participant requests
diversifying the outreach process to reach the population without access to the internet.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Most respondents support community engagement efforts and agree with the policy strategies.
Participants recommend collaborating with community partners to help spread the word, including local
grocery stores, business owners, and schools. Some participants believe online surveys are a great method
for reaching the population unable to attend meetings, and many request virtual meeting options through
Zoom. A few participants request that outreach methods include online platforms, such as emails, social
media, Nextdoor, Claycord.com, and other neighborhood forums. Additional policy strategy ideas shared
by participants include providing free transportation to and from meetings, offering childcare services,
providing sign language services, and educating the public about the decision-making process so they are
aware about input opportunities. A few participants would like the County to encourage local community
leaders to be more involved in meetings by allowing them to choose the topics for a meeting or providing
them an opportunity to share their vision for a sustainable community. Some participants do not agree
with the outreach strategies because they believe the materials should only be available in English or feel
their input does not alter the ultimate decision made by decision-makers. A few participants believe public
input should be limited in certain land use processes because they believe the voices that are typically
heard come from people who disagree.
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Transportation
Residents want to be able to walk, bike, exercise, and travel to school safely. We are proposing to:
» Prioritize bikeway, sidewalk, road, park, landscaping, environmental, and other public improvements in
disadvantaged neighborhoods
» Increase lighting, crosswalks, and safety measures near schools, libraries, and parks
» Prioritize street lighting improvements in disadvantaged communities
» Generate new funding sources for public facilities and services in disadvantaged neighborhoods
DAC Resident Responses
Most DAC respondents support the transportation policy strategies. One participant asks if the strategies
include regular trash clean up and maintenance. A few participants recommend cleaning up Rodeo Beach
and one participant recommends cleaning up Downtown Rodeo. Other policy ideas shared by participants
include adding shuttles to BART, connecting and enhancing the San Francisco Bay Trail, and providing more
bike lanes. One participant recommends a partnership effort with local construction contractors and the
Building Trades Union to provide people from underserved areas an opportunity to join union apprentice
programs and work on County improvement projects. A few participants do not agree with funding new
public facilities, such as bus shelters, because they believe they would attract homeless people and feel the
disadvantaged community should be educated on how to maintain the area to be safe and clean. Some
participants do not support prioritizing transportation improvements in disadvantaged communities and
ask the County to fix all roads and sidewalks instead. A few participants are concerned about funding
sources.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Most participants support the transportation policy strategies outlined above. Many participants believe
the transportation strategies should not be exclusive to disadvantaged communities and instead be
extended to include the entire county. Participants wish trails and bike travel paths could be interconnected
as part of one network. A few participants are concerned about light pollution and some request
maintenance along the existing trails in the county. A number of participants express concerns for their
safety, specifically on the Ohlone Greenway Trail in Richmond and El Cerrito. A few participants request an
increase in police presence or community volunteers to enhance safety along the trails. Other policy
strategy ideas shared by participants include adding charging stations for electric vehicles, building
sidewalks, conducting a public infrastructure survey to identify needs, and addressing homeless and safety
issues along the trails. One participant also requests prioritizing audible signals at intersections for the
visually impaired. Some people do not agree with the transportation strategies because they feel people
commute by car and they would not like taxes to be increased to fund the transportation improvements.
Finally, a few participants request that the County consider road maintenance improvements as well.
Infrastructure
Residents want improved community clean-up and maintenance. We are proposing to:
» Clean up illegal dump sites in disadvantaged neighborhoods
» Improve code enforcement and public works practices, emphasizing community-identified issues
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» Hold community clean-up days in disadvantaged neighborhoods
DAC Resident Responses
Most DAC respondents agree with the strategies outlined to help clean up neighborhoods. Ideas shared by
the participants to support cleanup efforts include engaging and educating students about dumping and
littering, regularly emptying trash cans in public spaces, and placing cameras at known dumping sites. One
participant recommends incentivizing participation by allowing extra credit for high school student
participation. Some participants question why illegal dumping sites have not been cleaned up yet, and one
participant asks how the strategies would be funded. Some respondents wish the County would address
illegal urban camping and homeless camping. A few participants would like the entire county to be cleaned
up, not just disadvantaged communities.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Most of these participants agree with the strategies to clean up neighborhoods and some request clean up
in specific areas of the county including the top of Clark Road, Franklin Canyon, Pinole Valley, and Carriage
Hills. Some participants recommend video surveillance in known dumping sites, issuing fines or penalties,
and educating the public about the life cycle of waste and the benefits of properly disposing waste.
Participants also recommend installing more public trash receptacles or dumpsters and keeping public
bathrooms clean. Many participants would like the entire county to be cleaned up, not just disadvantaged
communities. A few participants believe the cleanup days should not replace the County’s responsibility to
clean up the communities and some question how funding will be provided for cleanup efforts. Some
participants also believe cleanup efforts should address illegal camping, homeless encampment sites, and
graffiti. A few participants recommend offering an employment program that provides a job for homeless
people who pick up trash and clean up the community. Some participants request fee waivers or lower
dumping costs for low-income families to make dumping sites affordable. Finally, various participants
recommend community involvement in clean-up efforts, including partnering with community groups and
local schools. One participant recommends a certificate program for high school students to earn credit as
a part of a service program.
Healthy Food
Residents want access to healthy food. We are proposing to:
» Support community gardens, farmers markets, and similar ways to grow and distribute food locally
» Make it easier to open new grocery stores
» Encourage fresh food stores at major transit stops
DAC Resident Responses
Many DAC respondents support efforts to increase healthy food access. Policy strategy ideas shared by
participants include supporting programs to teach disadvantaged families how to prepare fresh foods,
encouraging people to grow their own food, and allowing a worker-owned co-op. Participants also request
organic food stores and a supermarket in Rodeo. A few participants disagree with the healthy food policy
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strategies because they believe disadvantaged communities may not take advantage of healthy food
sources. One participant asks why these strategies are not occurring yet.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Many of these respondents agree with the strategies to increase access to healthy food. Some participants
recommend focusing on educational programs to increase awareness about healthy and sustainable eating
options. Participants recommend integrating nutrition into the school curriculum, providing grants for
school gardens to grow food for the community, and partnering with nurseries in the areas to help educate
young farmers. Other policy strategy ideas shared by participants include eliminating land use permit
requirements for food trucks, providing mobile fresh food trucks, holding a year-round farmers market in
Pittsburg, and dropping off excess food for food distribution events. A few participants are aware food
deserts exist in the county, and one participant recommends identifying the food deserts and prioritizing
community gardens and grocery stores in those areas. A number of participants would like to see grants to
help existing grocery stores provide fresh food and subsidize food markets. A few participants request
programs that deliver fresh food to those who are homebound. Some people do not believe the County
should be involved in encouraging access to healthy foods, indicating that the market should decide
instead. A few participants feel access to plenty of healthy food options already exists and do not believe
additional food sources are needed.
Open Space
Residents want safe parks and open spaces and more trees. We are proposing to:
» Identify which neighborhoods are short on parks and open space and what kinds of recreation options people
want
» Prioritize spending on recreation, open space, and street trees in disadvantaged neighborhoods
» Prepare a strategy to plant and take care of more street trees
DAC Resident Responses
Many DAC respondents agree, and some participants believe their neighborhood needs more open space,
trees, or greenery. Policy strategy ideas shared by participants include planting fruit or nut trees, providing
better access to public restrooms and park facilities, and utilizing the amphitheater area at Refugio Valley
Park to host events in collaboration with local businesses, school performing arts programs, and nonprofits.
One participant recommends converting the shoreline in Crockett into a park, and another requests that
the County protect open space areas from rezoning. Some participants are concerned about maintenance,
and a few respondents do not agree with the strategies because they believe there is already sufficient
open space or believe the county should have food forests instead. Two participants request the roads be
maintained, and another participant believes the strategies should apply to all communities.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Many of these participants agree with the open space strategies and would like to see more trees planted.
Policy strategy ideas shared by participants related to trees include planting fruit trees and trees with large
canopies, holding a tree planting event, and incorporating a tree soil strategy that utilizes compost for soil
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 64 of 117
application. A few participants request that the County plant native trees. Some participants urge the
County to clean up existing parks and provide more sports recreation facilities such as bocce ball, baseball,
soccer, and tennis. Some participants are concerned about maintenance of existing parks and request
allocation of appropriate funding be provided for maintenance of existing and new parks. Some people
would like the open space efforts to apply to the entire county, not only in disadvantaged communities.
Many participants express concerns about safety at parks and believe funding for safety efforts should be
a priority. Respondents request police foot patrol, bright lights, or other safety measures be installed at
parks. Some participants would like to see plans to prevent parks from turning into homeless
encampments. A few participants believe there are enough parks in the county and oppose an increase to
taxes to fund new open space park facilities. Finally, a few respondents do not like development occurring
on undeveloped lands in different areas of the county.
Air Quality and Hazardous Materials
Residents want to breathe clean air and know that the water and soil in your neighborhood is safe. We are
proposing to:
» Require new industrial projects to meet stringent air quality standards for any operations in or near
disadvantaged communities
» Work with regulators to keep residents safe from industrial pollution and accidents, prioritizing
disadvantaged neighborhoods
» Work with polluters to clean up contaminated sites in disadvantaged neighborhoods
DAC Resident Responses
Many DAC respondents agree with the strategies, and some participants believe the refineries should be
closed or heavier fines should be enforced for violations. Some participants do not agree with the strategies
because they feel the current air quality regulations are already stringent and believe taxing or regulating the
industrial businesses are not the solution. A few participants request the County apply the policy strategies to
all communities, not only in disadvantaged neighborhoods. One participant supports the strategies as long as
they do not result in a loss of jobs. Another participant is an employee of Phillips 66 refinery and notes that
neither they nor their coworkers have health problems connected with their work in the refinery to date.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Many of these respondents agree with these strategies; however, there are many participants who believe
the State already has stringent air quality standards. Participants who agree that new industrial projects
should meet stringent air quality standards request the strategies be applied universally to all industrial
projects in the county, not limited to disadvantaged communities. Some participants urge the County to
provide buffers between homes and industrial projects. A few participants request hefty fines or carbon
taxes for companies who emit pollutants. Other policy strategy ideas shared by participants include
providing job training programs and educating the community about their role in maintaining clean air. A
few participants believe refineries should be required to clean up the site or provide funds for remediating
the site once they leave. Some participants do not support the strategies because they feel there is too
much regulation and government oversight. Lastly, a few participants request the County include members
from the existing industries when discussing regulations since they could be impacted.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 65 of 117
Additional Feedback
The final survey question asked respondents to share additional feedback or ideas.
DAC Resident Responses
A few respondents wish to know more about how the programs will be funded. There are a few
respondents who are concerned about crime and request increased police visibility, while another
participant requests to defund the police and fund schools. A few participants would like to see Phillips 66
refinery continue to operate.
Contra Costa County Outside of DAC Responses
Some participants believe the environmental justice policy strategies are a step in the right direction. Many
people urge the County to not phase out fossil fuels because they provide jobs for the community. Various
participants are concerned about a tax increase to provide funding for executing the strategies. Some
participants believe companies and residents are leaving California due to an increase in oversight. A few
participants feel there is a homeless problem in the county and request the County to better support
homeless residents. Some participants believe the policy strategies should be applied across the entire
county, not only in disadvantaged communities. Finally, a few respondents request better schools for their
children.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 66 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
7.
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
Subject: RECEIVE PRESENTATION on Green Benefits Districts Research
Department: Public Works
Presenter: Sadie Wilson, UC Berkeley Graduate Student Contact: John Steere, Public Works
Referral History:
In April 2018, the Sustainability Commission received an update from Public Works on the North
Richmond Watersheds Connection project. One of the ideas for financing the green infrastructure projects
introduced in that presentation is a Green Benefits District.
Referral Update:
Public Works has been working with Sadie Wilson, a graduate student in Planning at UC Berkeley, on
options for forming green benefits districts in Contra Costa County. Ms. Wilson will present her research to
date (see attached).
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE PRESENTATION on Green Benefits Districts Research
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Green Benefits District Presentation
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 113 of 118
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 113 of 118
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 67 of 117
The Community Climate
Resilience District
(An iteration of the Green Benefits District)
Contra Costa County Sustainability CommissionFebruary 22, 2021
Sadie WilsonMaster of City Planning ‘21UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 68 of 117
Presentation Overview
➔Background
➔Why a C2RD?
➔What will it do?
➔Who will be included?
➔Who will lead? And how?
➔Questions and Comments
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 69 of 117
Sadie Wilson
UC Berkeley
Department of City and Regional
Planning
A new approach to
Climate Adaptation
Community Empowerment
Restorative Justice
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 70 of 117
BACKGROUND
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 71 of 117
Origins of the C2RD
Contra Costa County is exploring funding mechanism for
green infrastructure & increasing community involvement
San Francisco creates a Green Benefits District for the
Potrero Hill/ SOMA neighborhood
○Uses assessment to fund creation and maintenance of parks
Resilient by Design competition in North Richmond first
proposed the idea of using a Green Benefits District to
fund climate resilience projects
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 72 of 117
A bit about me & why I want your input...
●My involvement started in December 2019
○I am completing a study to inform the public and policymakers on the trade-offs of
various features of a new special district (C2RD)
○Combining my academic focus on equitable urban climate adaptation with my
professional career in public finance and urban economics
●I have been working with various County departments and building this work product based
off of legal parameters, case studies of other communities, and community input
○How can this tool reflect your needs relating to climate adaptation and sustainability?
What types of projects should be included?
Who needs a seat at the table in local decision making?
What’s the best way to incorporate C2RDs into county operations?02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 73 of 117
OVERVIEW of C2RD
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 74 of 117
WHY a C2RD?
1. The effects of climate change will only
continue to worsen in Contra Costa County
2. Vulnerability to climate change is highly
unequal and requires local action
3. We do not have the proper tools to equitably
adapt our communities (lack of local
governance & non-extractive funding)
4. Need to redistribute power to local leaders
and provide a vehicle for funding local
adaptation projects on an ongoing basis
5. A special district is a unique tool that can
tackle these interrelated issues
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 75 of 117
What’s so special about a Special District?
●Appropriate scale for addressing
local adaptation
●Consolidated funding for capital
improvements and O&M
●Local governance and
community self-determination
●Legal authority & powers
○Ability to raise funds
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 76 of 117
Why not use one of CA’s 60 existing special district types?
➔Governance structures embedded in existing agencies don’t
provide adequate opportunity for community input
➔Funding is generated through special taxes and assessments
alone — putting the onus on communities to fund
improvements
➔Existing law makes it difficult for many types of special
district to fund resilience projects that require
ongoing maintenance 02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 77 of 117
What will a C2RD do?
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 78 of 117
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 79 of 117
Example Projects
Bel Air
Elementary
Campus
Delta-D
e
-
A
n
z
a
T
r
a
i
l
Canal Road
Park
Improvement &
Development
Trail
Connections
Greenways
Green
Infrastructure
Alta Park
New Park in Shore
Acres
Ambrose Park
Example G.I. Projects from past
County Work
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 80 of 117
Who would be included?
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 81 of 117
Possible Boundaries
●Focus on improvements for
residential areas and areas
benefiting residents (business
districts)
●Likely to only include
unincorporated community
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 82 of 117
Example of C2RD Boundaries in Bay Point
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 83 of 117
Who will lead? And how?
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 84 of 117
Who should be on
the Board of
Directors?
Must include some proportion of residents
(landowners and renters)
C2RD
Non-profit created to run District (independent from existing agencies)
Board of Directors leads operations
Local
Leaders
Non-
profits
Public
Officials
Youth
Advocate
Business
Rep.
Governance is somewhat dependent
upon what funding strategy is
pursued, but it is important to
establish key stakeholders early on
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 85 of 117
Questions?
I want to hear your feedback (good & bad)!
email me:
smwilson@berkeley.edu
Thoughts?
Comments?
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 86 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
8.
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
Subject: RECEIVE UPDATE on Senate Bill 1383 Implementation
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Justin Sullivan, Planner Contact: Justin Sullivan, (925) 674-7812
Referral History:
The Sustainability Commission has at different times received updates from County staff who work on solid
waste issues.
Referral Update:
Department of Conservation and Development staff have prepared the attached presentation that provides an
overview of SB 1383 regulations and outlines the requirements of local governments.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE UPDATE on SB 1383 Implementation
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S)
SB 1383 Presentation
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 87 of 117
SB 1383
Reducing Short-Lived
Climate Pollutants in
California
An Overview of SB 1383’s
Organic Waste Reduction
Requirements
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 88 of 117
CLIMATE CHANGE NEGATIVELY IMPACTS CALIFORNIA
Landfilled Organic Waste Emits Methane Gas—
A Super Pollutant
More Powerful than C02
Methane Gas Contributes to
Climate Change in California
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 89 of 117
Organic Waste Is the Largest Waste Stream in California
CALIFORNIA DISPOSED OF
APPROXIMATELY
27 MILLION TONS OF
ORGANIC WASTE IN 2017
California’s Waste Stream
Non-Organic
Waste 33%
Other
Organics
19%
Paper 18%
Food 18%
Lumber
12%
IN CALIFORNIA, MILLIONS ARE
FOOD INSECURE
1 IN 8 CALIFORNIANS
1 IN 5 CHILDREN
CALIFORNIA THROWS AWAY
MORE THAN 6 MILLION TONS
OF FOOD WASTE EVERY YEAR !
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 90 of 117
20 PERCENT INCREASE IN RECOVERY OF CURRENTLYDISPOSEDEDIBLEFOOD2025
75 PERCENT REDUCTION IN LANDFILLED ORGANIC WASTE
(5.7 Million Tons Allowed Organic Waste Disposal)2025
REGULATIONS TAKE EFFECT2022
SB 1383 Requirements
MANDATORY ENFORCEMENT BEGINS2024
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 91 of 117
Public
Transportation
Fleets
Environmental
Health
Public
Parks
Public
Works
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
CTY ADMIN /
CONS &DEV
Board of
Supervisors
SB 1383 doesn’t just apply
to waste management and
recycling departments.
Every local department
plays a role in SB 1383
implementation.
SB 1383 IN ACTION
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 92 of 117
Monitor Compliance
and Conduct
Enforcement
Secure Access to
Recycling and Edible
Food Recovery Capacity
Procure Recycled and Recovered Organic Products
Conduct Education and
Outreach to Community
Establish Edible Food
Recovery Program
Provide Organics
Collection Services to All
Residents and Businesses
Jurisdiction Responsibilities
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 93 of 117
•Minimum contamination monitoring and reduction requirements
•Collection waivers authorized for certain documented circumstances
Three-Container “source
separated” Collection Service
•All organic waste segregated
for collection and recycling
•Organics prohibited from black
container
•Container coloring
requirements by 2036
Organic Waste Collection Services
Provide organics collection service to all residents and businesses
SB 1383 IN ACTION
JURISDICTION
REQUIREMENTS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 94 of 117
Ensure
Commercial
Edible Food
Generators Have
Access to Food
Recovery Services
Monitor
Commercial Edible
Food Generators
for Compliance
Expand Existing
Food Recovery
Capacity
(if needed)
Identify Existing
Food Recovery
Capacity
JURISDICTION REQUIREMENTS
Establish Edible Food
Recovery Program
SB 1383 IN ACTION
EDIBLE FOOD
RECOVERY
PROGRAM
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 95 of 117
Appropriate educational material must be provided to linguistically isolated households
Jurisdictions May Supplement
with Direct Communication.
Jurisdictions must provide print
or electronic communication.
Annually educate all organic waste generators, commercial edible
food generators, and self-haulers about relevant requirements
JURISDICTION REQUIREMENTS
Conduct Education and
Outreach to Community
SB 1383 IN ACTION
EDUCATION
REQUIREMENTS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 96 of 117
Close
the
LoopPAPER PROCUREMENT
REQUIREMENTS
•Recycled Content
•Recyclability
COMPOST, RNG & ELECTRICITY
•Minimum Procurement
•Target tied to Population
JURISDICTION REQUIREMENTS
Procure Recycled and Recovered Organic Products
SB 1383 IN ACTION
PROCUREMENT
REQUIREMENTS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 97 of 117
Evaluating Current Infrastructure and Planning New Compost and AD Facilities and Edible Food Recovery
SB 1383 IN ACTION
INFRASTRUCTURE
REQUIREMENTS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 98 of 117
Annual Compliance
Reviews
Route Reviews,
Inspections,
Notice of Violations,
Penalties for
Violators
Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement
2024
Annual
Compliance
Reviews, Route
Reviews,
Inspections
Educate Violators
Compliance
Monitoring &
Education
2022-2024
Adopt an Ordinance
(Enforceable
Mechanism)
Ordinance
2022
JURISDICTION REQUIREMENTS
Monitor Compliance and
Conduct Enforcement
SB 1383 IN ACTION
INSPECTION AND
ENFORCEMENT
REQUIREMENTS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 99 of 117
Requirements Harmonize with AB 1826 and Don’t Establish a Minimum Quantity of Physical Inspections
Must Have Enforcement and Inspection
Program that Includes:
•Annual Compliance Review
•Commercial Businesses that Generate >2 Cubic Yards/week
•Verify Businesses are:
•Subscribed to Service or Self-hauling
•Route Reviews of Commercial/Residential Areas to VerifyService and Inspect for Contamination
J URISDICTIONENFORCEMENTREQUIREMENTS
FOR
COLLECTION
PROGRAM
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 100 of 117
Commercial Edible Food Generator Inspections Can Be
Combined with Existing Mandatory Inspections
Must Have Enforcement and
Inspection Program that Includes:
•Inspections to verify edible food recovery
arrangements:
•Supermarkets, Grocery stores
•Restaurants
•Hospital cafeterias
•Hotels
•Large venues & events
•Food service providers
•Food distributors
J URISDICTIONENFORCEMENTREQUIREMENTSONCOMMERCIALFOODGENERATORS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 101 of 117
Jurisdiction
Inspection &
Enforcement
Commercial
Edible Food
Generators
Recycled
Paper
Procurement
Recycled
Organic Waste
Procurement
Edible Food
Recovery
Program
Education &
OutreachWaiversContamination
Minimization
Hauler
Program
Organic
Collection
Services
Recordkeeping Requirements:
Maintain Records and
Report to CalRecycle
SB 1383 INACTION
JURISDICTION
REQUIREMENTS
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 102 of 117
If Violations
•Issue Notices of
Violation
•May Authorize
Corrective
Action Plan
•Allows up to 24
months to
address barriers
outside of a
jurisdiction’s
control
Monitor for
Compliance
Jurisdiction Review
•Conduct joint
inspections with
jurisdictions
•Review
Implementation
Record
CALRECYCLE OVERSIGHT
STATE
ENFORCEMENT
Begins in 2022
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 103 of 117
STAY
ENGAGED
https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Listservs/
Subscribe/152
https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp
Justin Sullivan
Justin.Sullivan@dcd.cccounty.us
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 104 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
9.
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
Subject: RECEIVE REPORT from Ad Hoc Just Transition Working Group and PROVIDE
DIRECTION, as needed
Presenter: Nick Despota and Mike Moore, Sustainability Commission
Contact: Nick Despota
Referral History:
On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution that, among other
things, directs the Board of Supervisors and the Sustainability Commission to “seek input from the community
(with a special focus on high impacted Environmental Justice communities), workers (especially impacted
workers), and business/industry to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent
on fossil fuels, helps plan for a “Just Transition” away from a fossil-fuel dependent economy, and considers
how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s goals.”
At its October 26, 2020 meeting the Sustainability Commission created an ad hoc working group to focus on
Just Transition work.
At the December 14, 2020 meeting, the ad hoc working group recommended that the Sustainability
Commission inform the Board of Supervisors that it has endorsed a letter from a large number of community
groups regarding Just Transition and forwarded the letter to the Board of Supervisors for further consideration.
The ad hoc working group stated its intention to continue meeting and report its findings at the next
Commission meeting.
Referral Update:
The Board of Supervisors forwarded the letter from the community groups to the Sustainability Committee for
further action under Consent Item 69 from the January 19, 2021 Board Meeting.
The ad hoc working group has been networking with academic, community and environmental groups to learn
more about Just Transition. The present report summarizes recommendations from the UC Labor Center to the
California Workforce Development Board on “high road” transition policies.
The ad hoc working group has also sent a letter to the chair of the Sustainability Commission and the
Sustainability Coordinator, which states its members’ understanding of its purpose and proposes a continuation
on an ad hoc basis.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
We ask that Sustainability Coordinator and the chair of the Sustainability Commission consider whether our
recommendation to remain as an ad hoc committee tasked with making periodic reports to the Commission, as
stated in our status report, requires a vote of the full Commission to continue. If so, we are prepared to make a
motion.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 105 of 117
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None at this time.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Just Transition Working Group Report
Just Transition Working Group Status Letter
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 106 of 117
Just
Transition
Workgroup
REPORT
TO
SUSTAINABILITY
COMMISSION
February
22,
2021
Hello,
my
name
is
Mike
Moore.
The
Board
of
Supervisors
passed
the
Climate
Emergency
Resolution
last
September
which
authorized
the
Commission
to
provide
advice
on
the
Just
Transition
away
from
fossil
fuels.
The
Commission
established
the
Just
Transition
Workgroup
at
our
October
22
meeting
to
review
options
for
a
Just
Transition
and
to
report
back
to
the
full
Commission
on
an
ongoing
basis.
The
Workgroup
includes
Charlie
Davidson,
Nick
Despota,
Renee
Fernandez-‐Lipp,
Shoshanna
Wechsler
and
myself.
Our
first
action
as
a
Workgroup
was
to
bring
to
the
attention
of
this
commission
a
November
2020
“Just
Transition”
Letter
written
by
a
coalition
of
community
and
environmental
groups.
The
letter
requested
the
Board
of
Supervisors
to
(1)
secure
commitments
from
Marathon
and
Phillips
66
to
cover
direct
and
indirect
costs
associated
with
downsizing
and
the
ultimate
decommissioning
of
their
refineries.
(2)
pass
an
ordinance
or
resolution
that
aims
to
establish
financial
accountability
requirements
for
refineries
and
other
fossil
fuel
infrastructure;
and
(3)
strongly
advocate
for
state
action
supporting
just
transitions
for
fossil
fuel
workers
and
communities,
as
well
as
full
site
cleanups
to
unrestricted
use.
Because
of
the
full
Commission’s
unanimous
endorsement
of
this
Letter
at
our
December
2020
meeting,
the
Sustainability
Committee
will
take
up
this
Letter
in
March
for
further
action.
Hello,
my
name
is
Nick
Despota.
One
of
the
key
elements
of
a
Just
Transition
is
the
ability
for
refinery
workers
to
secure
good,
family-‐supporting
jobs
once
their
fossil
fuel
jobs
have
ended.
Assembly
Bill
398
passed
in
2017
required
that
the
California
Workforce
Development
Board
present
a
report
to
the
Legislature
on
strategies
“to
help
industry,
workers,
and
communities’
transition
to
economic
and
labor-‐market
changes
related
to
statewide
greenhouse
gas
emissions
reduction
goals.”
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 107 of 117
Carol
Zabin
and
her
team
at
the
UC
Berkeley
Labor
Center
prepared
that
report.
Its
conclusions
are
organized
around
a
“high
road
approach”
and
a
“low
road
approach.”
This
slide
is
a
visual
summary
of
the
report.
It
gives
examples
of
policies
that
could
lead
to
either
the
high
road
or
low
road
outcomes.
The
High
Road
Approach
leverages
demand
by
•establishing
skilled
workforce
standards,
•wage
standards,
and
•community-‐hire
workforce
agreements.
Alongside
of
these
supply-‐
and
demand-‐side
policies
and
goals,
regional
and
state
policies
can
ensure
support
for
transitioning
workers
and
communities
through
•planned
industrial
phase-‐outs,
•displaced
worker
assistance
and
•community
economic
development.
The
outcomes
of
these
policies
will
be
that
•skill
needs
are
met
•quality
workmanship
becomes
the
norm
•displaced
workers
maintain
their
livelihoods,
and
•communities
diversify
their
economies.
The
Low
Road
Approach
•ignores
labor
standards
•offers
training
unconnected
to
actual
jobs,
and
•no
advanced
planning
for
displaced
workers
or
their
communities.
The
outcome
will
be
that
•low
wage
jobs
permeate
the
low-‐carbon
economy,
•workmanship
and
quality
standards
are
marginal,
•retention
of
skilled
workers
is
low,
and
•workers
lose
jobs
and
community
wealth
declines.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 108 of 117
The
report
focused
on
those
industries
that
are
the
major
contributors
to
GHG
emissions:
construction,
transportation,
manufacturing
and
fossil
fuel
production.
These
jobs
have
very
high
percentage
of
blue-‐collar
workers,
usually
between
70
and
85%.
That
means
that,
if
“high
road”
strategies
are
not
adopted,
the
costs
of
transitioning
to
a
green
economy
will
be
borne
mostly
by
low-‐wage,
blue-‐collar
workers.
These
unfair
results
make
justice
and
equity
issues
an
integral
part
of
climate
policy.
Per
the
Report,
”We
can’t
just
do
climate
policy
and
leave
job
outcomes
to
the
market,
because
we
will
just
perpetuate
the
growth
of
low
wage
jobs.”
The
result
of
the
Report
specifies
four
key
areas
that
guides
us
how
to
avoid
job
losses
and
create
good
paying
jobs
1.Retraining
is
not
enough
2.Negotiated
wage/benefits
packages
are
necessary
to
keep
workers
whole
3.Community
economic
development
should
aim
for
diversification
4.The
region
and
state
have
major
roles
to
play
This
Report
gives
us
in
Contra
Costa
County
guidelines
of
how
to
handle
a
Just
Transition
for
our
refinery
workers.
This
Report
has
an
immediate
impact
because
Marathon
and
Phillips
66
have
idled
crude
oil
operations,
laid
off
most
of
their
workers
and
will
be
repositioning
to
biofuels
with
no
pre-‐planning.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 109 of 117
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 110 of 117
February 15, 2021
Jody London
Sustainability
Coordinator
Contra
Costa
County
Dear Jody,
In your February 8th email, you asked if our next presentation at the Sustainability
Commission would be the final report of the working group. You also reminded us that
“working groups should have specific deliverables.”
As you remember, we initially proposed to form this working group in response to the
Climate Emergency Resolution directive that tasks the Commission with “seek[ing] input"
from the community, workers and industry to “help the County anticipate and plan for an
economy that is less depend on fossil fuels.” This BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause concludes
with a reference to the “ongoing advice” we will be providing the Board of Supervisors to
assist that body in developing just transition strategies.
An important aspect of this role as we see it is helping to inform our fellow commissioners
about ongoing developments in the larger dialogue about just transition. We believe we’re
well-suited to that task. Three of our members are part of a Refinery Transition Group
comprised of thought leaders in academe and environmental and labor activism. All of us are
well-networked with environmental and environmental justice organizations. Because we are
only five people, we can focus, distill what we learn, and report back quickly to the full
Commission. We think we can be of best use to the Commission, and to our communities, if
we remain a standing working group that can be activated on an “as needed” basis and
periodically report to the Commission on new developments relevant to our charge.
So finally, to answer your questions, our recommendation is that
(a) Monday’s presentation (What is the “High Road approach” to just transition?) not be our
final report, and
(b) that our “specific deliverables” would be brief, periodic reports to the full Commission.
If our understanding is best put before the Commission as a motion, then we’re ready to do
that. Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Charlie Davidson, Nick Despota, Mike Moore,
Renee Fernandez-Lipp, and Shoshana Wechsler
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 111 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
10.
Meeting Date:
Subject:
Department:
Presenter:
2/22/2021
RECEIVE UPDATE on Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
Conservation and Development
Jody London, DCD
Referral History:
On September 22, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution. The
Sustainability Commission recommended this to the Board last year, and after much work by the Sustainability
Commission and the Sustainability Committee, in consultation with community members, the Resolution was
adopted unanimously. The Sustainability Commission has requested that an update on implementation of the
Climate Emergency Resolution be a standing item on its agenda.
Referral Update:
The Board of Supervisors took several actions with the resolution. Below we list the actions and progress by
staff to implement each. These include:
Action Implementation Status
Declare a climate emergency Completed.
Support the State’s recent climate goals and taking
action to achieve them
Ongoing.
Establish an interdepartmental task force of all
Department heads, or their senior deputies, that will
focus on urgently implementing the County’s Climate
Action and identifying additional actions, policies, and
programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt
to the impacts of a changing climate. The task force will
report to the Board through the Sustainability
Commission and the Sustainability Committee on a
semi-annual basis starting in March 2021
The Task Force will bring its first report to the
Board of Supervisors in March.
Seek input from the community (with a special focus on
highly impacted Environmental Justice communities),
workers (especially impacted workers), and
business/industry to help the County anticipate and plan
for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels,
Staff continue to research how other jurisdictions
have addressed this same or similar issues.
Jody London (925)674-7871Contact:
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 112 of 117
helps plan for a “Just Transition” away from a fossil-
fuel dependent economy, and considers how the
County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can
incorporate the County’s climate goals
Develop policies to require all new construction to be
fully electric through the adoption of new building codes
that exceed current State codes
Staff is researching and developing a draft
ordinance, which will be introduced in coming
months.
Prioritize implementation of the Climate Action Plan as
soon as possible and considering equity and social justice
issues in the implementation of the Plan
Ongoing.
Include health, socio-economic, and racial equity
considerations in policymaking and climate solutions at
all levels and across all sectors
This work is beginning with the development of
the environmental justice policies for the General
Plan.
Include land use policies and actions that will facilitate
greater availability of fresh food to County residents by
creating more opportunities for community gardens,
urban gardens, farmers markets, and related policies and
programs.
The County is working on a contract agreement
with the California Department of Conservation to
accept the grant for a carbon sequestration
feasibility study. The County is partnering with the
Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and
the University of California Cooperative Extension
on this project.
Call for all Contra Costa cities and agencies, as well as
regional agencies, to also approve a Climate Emergency
Declaration
The Climate Emergency Resolution was sent to
City Councils and City Managers in Contra Costa
County in October, as well as leadership of the
East Bay Municipal Utility District, Contra Costa
Water District, and Central Sanitary District.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE UPDATE on and DISCUSS Implementation of Climate Emergency Resolution
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 113 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
11.
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
Subject: RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, DCD Contact: Jody London (925)674-7871
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Commission members and alternates will provide updates to the full Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as
needed.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 114 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
12.
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
Department:
Presenter:
Conservation & Development
Jody London, DCD Contact: Jody London (925) 674-7871
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Key activities since the Commission’s last meeting on January 25, 2021 are listed below.
•Staff is working on implementation of the many actions directed in the Climate Emergency Resolution,
with particular attention to the Interdepartmental Task Force, which will report to the full Board in
March.
•Sustainability staff continue to support the General Plan team in developing the draft environmental
justice policies for the General Plan. In particular, sustainability staff have helped facilitate a series of
community meetings in February.
•Our proposal to the California Department of Conservation for a planning grant to develop a carbon
sequestration feasibility study for Contra Costa County was approved by the California Strategic
Growth Council on December 17. We are working to complete contract documents with the California
Department of Conservation and will then need to enter into agreements with our partners, the Contra
Costa Resource Conservation District and the University of California Cooperative Extension. We also
will need to issue a RFP for a consultant to perform the land use analysis. The grant award is
$250,000. That does not include a required 10% match, 5% of which is a cash match, the remainder of
which is in-kind and will be provided by County and partner organization staff.
•The Contra Costa Asthma Initiative project is expected to launch next month, through a $527,558 grant
from the California Department of Health Care Services and $100,000 grant from the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District. Contra Costa Health Services and DCD staff have completed the
agreements needed to begin implementation of the project.
•DCD staff is finalizing its Bay Area Regional Energy Network marketing and outreach plan for
calendar year 2021, which will include, among other things, four (4) homeowner ZOOM workshops for
county residents and two (2) contractor informational webinars, as well as social media campaigns to
promote BayREN programs.
•Advertised opportunities for four at-large seats on the Sustainability Commission that expire March 31,
2021. Incumbents had the opportunity to re-apply. The Sustainability Committee will interview
applicants at a special meeting on February 22, and make recommendations to the full Board.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 115 of 117
•Planning Q1 online meeting of the Sustainability Exchange for local government staff in Contra Costa
and Alameda Counties. Our topic this quarter is urban agriculture.
•Continued to administer the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge. The grant from the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District that supports this project will expire at the end of March. The partners to this
project are in discussions to position Sustainable Contra Costa to continue to sponsor the Challenge.
•Participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental justice, carbon
sequestration, communication and facilitation strategies, race and equity, and related.
•Collaborated with County staff working on topics including land use and transportation, hazardous
materials, green business program, the County’s state and federal legislative platforms, economic
development, health, codes, solid waste, energy, and related.
Participated in regional activities.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 116 of 117
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
13.
Meeting Date: February 22, 2021
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Howdy Goudey, Chair Contact: Jody London, DCD (925) 674-7871
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
The Sustainability Commission Chair provides an update at each meeting to Commission members on the administration of the Commission, meetings of the Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability, and other issues of interest to the Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to Ad Hoc
Committee on Sustainability
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
02-22-21 Sustainability Commission Mtg - Agenda Packet - Page 117 of 117