HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 12122022 - Sustainability Cte Min
CONTRA COST A COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
December 12, 2022, 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.
Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice‐Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, 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/85959534155
Or Telephone, Dial:
USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free
Conference code: 841892
1. Call to Order and Introductions
2. Public Comment for items not on Agenda
3. APPROVE Record of Action for October 24, 2022, meeting
4. RECEIVE Report from County Economic Development Manager on submittal of Just
Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Grant Materials
5. RECEIVE Report on Development of Roadmap to Convert Existing Residential Buildings to
All-Electric, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
6. RECEIVE Update on Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2023-2024
7. REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Sustainability Commission 2022 Annual Report and
2023 Work Plan
8. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION as needed
9. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
10. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next
report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
11. The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 27, 2023
12. Adjourn
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
Page 1 of 55
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:
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Commission Staff
Phone (925) 655-2816 ∙ Fax (925) 655-2750 ∙ demian.hardman@dcd.cccounty.us
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
Page 2 of 55
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:
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
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
3.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for October 24, 2022, Sustainability Commission
Meeting
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816
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 October 24, 2022, Sustainability
Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S)
10-24-22 Record of Action
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
Page 4 of 55
10-24-22 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes
Page 1 of 6
DRAFT
Record of Action
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
Monday, October 24, 2022
5:00 P.M.
Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, 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/85863103248
Or Telephone, Dial:
USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free
Conference code: 841892
Present: Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice-Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Chris Easter, Alternate, District 2
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee, Fernandez-Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Luz Gomez, At-Large, Community Group
Howdy Goudey, At-Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At-Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At-Large, Education
Absent: Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Marisha Farnsworth, At-Large, Business
Sarah Foster, At-Large, Environmental Justice
Staff Present: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Department of Conservation and Development
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner, Department of Conservation and Development
Adam Scarbrough, Planner, Department of Conservation and Development
Nicole Shimizu, Planner, Department of Conservation and Development
Emily Groth, Climate Corps Fellow, Department of Conservation and Development
Russell Watts, Treasurer-Tax Collector
Belinda Zhu, Assistant Treasurer
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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10-24-22 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes
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Attendees: Devin Jackson
Carol Weed
350 Contra Costa Action
Wade Finlinson
1. Call to Order and Introductions
Mike Moore calls meeting to order. No new members to introduce.
2. Public Comment
No public comment on items not on the agenda.
3. APPROVE Record of Action for August 22, 2022, meeting
Moved: Hazard Second: Smith
Minutes approved unanimously.
No public comment.
4. RECEIVE Report from County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Russell Watts, County Treasurer-Tax Collector, and Belinda Zhu, Assistant Treasurer provided an
overview of the County’s investment program with a focus on Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) investments. Watts explained the process of developing the Annual Investment
Policy and how County Treasurer’s Office staff manage a portfolio of over $5.4 billion in total
market value, as of June 30, 2022. The County’s Investment Pool consists primarily of operating
funds and bond proceeds made by the County and its agencies, school districts, the community
college district, and other major public agencies that voluntarily participate. The Treasury
Oversight Committee (TOC) plays an important role in reviewing the County’s investment policy,
monitoring the investment pool’s performance, reporting to the Board of Supervisors, and ensuring
an annual audit is conducted.
Watts provided detail on the County’s investment guidelines and objectives. In order of priority, the
County’s main investment objectives are safeguarding the principal of the funds under its control,
meeting the liquidity needs of the depositor, and achieving a return on the funds under its control.
To meet these objectives, the County Treasurer’s Office engages in conservative investment
practices, which include buying and holding rather than actively trading; only investing in highly
rated securities; and following the Prudent Investor Standard.
The Annual Investment Policy includes a section on restrictions and prohibitions. For example, all
legal securities issued by a tobacco-related company are prohibited. Watts presented the County
Treasurer’s Office’s proposed language to prohibit investment in fossil fuel companies, which will
need final approval by the Board of Supervisors.
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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10-24-22 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes
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When considering ESG in its investments, the County Treasurer’s Office would look at how
committed companies are to the ESG mission and the company’s environmental impact. The
County could apply ESG investing to its portfolio in a couple ways: by purchasing debt instruments
from issuers that are ESG friendly or investing in ESG money market funds. Watts explained that
the County Treasurer’s Office does not have adequate means to evaluate whether issuers are ESG
friendly, whereas money market funds provide easy access to ESG investment, are more liquid, and
are supported by existing scoring and ratings for ESG fund managers. Given this, Watts shared the
County Treasurer’s Office’s proposed policy language regarding ESG. Watts noted that the County
should specify what it is looking for in ESG investments since ESG definitions vary widely and
pointed out that the SEC is proposing regulations that would establish a benchmark for how ESG
investments are reported.
Commission discussion:
The Commission questioned how long it will take to implement the policy prohibiting fossil fuel
investments. Watts and Zhu explained that the Treasury Office will first propose language around
this policy to the TOC. The language the TOC approves will go to the Board of Supervisors for
approval within the Annual Investment Policy, likely around June. There is no action needed from
the Sustainability Commission. Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, from the Department of
Conservation and Development (DCD) expressed appreciation for the County Treasurer’s Office’s
work to adopt this policy in advance of the adoption of the County’s updated Climate Action Plan.
Questions included clarifications on voluntary participants in the County Treasurer’s Office’s
funds, the supranational investment category, and yield. Watts and Zhu clarified that voluntary
participants include fire districts, sanitation districts, water districts, and other agencies only
located within Contra Costa County; supranationals are a relatively new investment category in
international banks with a AAA rating; and yield for the County’s investments is predominantly
short-term with maturity at about 180 days.
The Commission discussed the proposed language to prohibit fossil fuel investments. Concerns
included potential limitations and maintenance difficulties related to naming companies explicitly.
One member questioned how the list of fossil fuel companies was created. Zhu explained that the
list includes the top ten fossil fuel companies. Zhu also noted that the portfolio Treasury staff
manages currently does not include investments in these companies, but portfolios managed by
investment managers outside the Treasury Office with these types of investments would be impacted
by the prohibition language. Questions arose related to whether the County invests in major mutual
funds that may be heavily invested in fossil fuels and how these profiles are evaluated. Zhu clarified
that the County is not invested in major mutual funds since about 87% of the investment pool is
managed by Treasury staff and the remainder is in a state-managed portfolio. The County
Treasurer’s Office only invests in debt instruments less than five years of maturity, mostly in
Treasury and U.S. agencies, not stocks, in alignment with California government code. Other
members commended the proposal as it is consistent with the Climate Emergency Resolution and
suggested that climate-related financial risk also be considered when updating the Annual
Investment Policy.
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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10-24-22 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes
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The Commission understood that it can be difficult to evaluate ESG programs. To address this, one
member asked if there was a role for citizens or volunteers to support looking at sustainability in
investments. One member pointed out that there are many benchmarks available to help evaluate
ESG investments prior to the release of the SEC guidelines, including CDP, the Science-based
Target Initiative, and the Global Reporting Initiative.
There was no public comment.
5. RECEIVE Report on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner from DCD provided an overview of the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IIJA was signed in
November 2021 and provides $550 billion in new infrastructure investments over the next five
years. A significant portion of these investments will go towards transportation infrastructure in
many areas related to County priorities, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging and electric buses.
The County will be able to acquire these funds through formula grants, suballocations from the
State, or competitive grant opportunities. It is also expected that there will be tax credits. The IRA
was signed in August 2022 and will provide a massive amount of funding to address climate change
over the next ten years. There will be a variety of rebates available, and RewiringAmerica.org
provides a resource to learn about eligibility for energy efficiency rebates depending on income
level. County staff is looking into how the IRA funding will impact existing Bay Area Regional
Energy Network (BayREN) programs. Hardman-Saldana asked the Commission for guidance on
IIJA and IRA funding topics staff should further research.
Commission discussion:
The Commission provided ideas for topics County staff should research related to IIJA and IRA
funding. Topics included how the County could access the $21 billion for environmental
remediation available in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill; funding for multi-family EV or
electrification retrofits, especially in existing buildings; and whether there is funding available for
food waste reduction and electric micro-mobility devices. London recommended reaching out to
landlords regarding multi-family retrofits.
Additional questions included whether the IRA funds will substitute or be layered with BayREN
rebates. Hardman-Saldana clarified that staff does not know yet as the State needs to determine
how the funds should be allocated, but it will likely depend on the type of upgrade or whether the
upgrade is occurring in an impacted community. One member noted that local jurisdictions will
likely need to lobby the State during the allocation process. It was also noted that the IRA’s
subsidies and tax credits for wind and solar exceed the amount of subsidies going to fossil fuel
companies for the first time ever and are equivalent to about 2/3 of the money petrochemical
companies have received over the last decade. Another member pointed out that a recent analysis
by Credit Suisse found that the investment in renewables and infrastructure projects is likely to be
closer to $800 billion over the ten-year period due to the government’s commitment to matching
private investment without a limit on the amount. One member suggested that air purifiers would be
an important investment so low-income, affordable housing, and frontline communities would have
easier access during fire season and in highly-polluted areas and that education and incentives
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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10-24-22 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes
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could help encourage building owners to provide replacement air filters.
Davidson shared a document from Rewiring America called “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Investments for Disadvantaged Communities” that provided clear and specific definitions of
different funding pathways that are available for disadvantaged communities. Davidson requested
forming a working group to discuss this document. Gomez and Fernandez-Lipp joined the working
group with Davidson, and the group will report their findings at the next Sustainability Commission
meeting.
Public Comment: Devin Jackson thanked the Commission for its support of recycling, zero waste,
and sustainability and expressed a desire to see more from the Commission on what schools can do
to become more eco-friendly.
6. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION as needed
There were no reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates.
7. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
London noted that the report has been restructured to focus on what different County departments
are doing and now includes a section for Climate Emergency Resolution items, per the
Sustainability Commission’s request. The County is in the process of accepting a $750,000
community projects grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to
support Just Transition work. See attached slide for new and ongoing programs and efforts related
to the Just Transition, including the Green Empowerment Zone. The Interdepartmental Climate
Action Task Force and G3 Champions continue to meet. Recently, water conservation and
dishwashing posters with tips from G3 Champions were posted in County buildings, and G3
Champions are currently working on completing surveys about energy efficiency in their facilities.
These resources are attached. The Health Department acquired and is distributing MERV 13 air
filters to residents, especially those impacted by the Marsh Fire in Pittsburg. Public Works is
working on deploying EV chargers at County facilities and was able to reprogram facilities to
redirect energy usage during flex alerts. The Fire District recently took possession of two all-
electric Rivian trucks that they are piloting for light-duty uses.
Commission comment:
One member suggested adding the County Treasurer’s Office’s efforts to the report, which will be
done when the Annual Investment Policy is officially updated. The Commission expressed a desire
to have an active role in providing input during the Just Transition process and to be proactive in
approaching the County with opportunities.
There was no public comment.
8. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report
to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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10-24-22 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes
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Moore provided a report on the Sustainability Committee special session held earlier on October
24. The meeting was held to discuss a project proposal for HUD regarding the $750,000 grant that
will be used on Just Transition-related community engagement, economic analysis, specialized
studies, and staffing over 18 to 24 months. The Committee discussed creating a steering committee
to get community stakeholders involved. At the Committee meeting, Moore shared the Sustainability
Commission’s past Just Transition work, including helping write the Climate Emergency
Resolution, starting a Just Transition Working Group, and presenting on Carol Zabin’s report from
the UC Berkeley Labor Center on a just transition for fossil fuel workers. Moore expressed a desire
for the Sustainability Commission to be involved in the County’s future Just Transition work,
particularly in the community engagement realm. Moore asked the Commission members how they
should proactively participate in the Just Transition process and suggested bringing this to the
Sustainability Committee if there was a consensus after discussion.
Commission comment:
The Commission noted that there was a discussion around a corrected typo in the HUD proposal
during the Sustainability Committee meeting. Language describing one of the cluster industries in
the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative as “advanced transportation fuels” had
been corrected to “advanced transportation technologies.” Members also pointed out that the
Sustainability Committee emphasized that the HUD grant applies to the entire county and
suggested providing updated definitions on the cluster industries of the Northern Waterfront
Economic Development Initiative to reflect current technology. London noted that the County’s
goal is to have the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative and HUD grant work
collaboratively. Other members expressed a desire for community members to be given an
opportunity to be paid for providing input on the Just Transition work and asked for clarification if
Sustainability Commission members could apply to be on the steering committee for Just Transition
that was discussed in the Sustainability Committee meeting. A process for forming this steering
committee has not yet been established.
Staff will discuss potential ways for the Commission to be proactive in Just Transition work and
will put an agenda item on the December Commission meeting agenda for further discussion on
this topic.
There was no public comment.
9. The next meeting is currently scheduled for December 12, 2022.
10. Adjourn.
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
4.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Report from County Economic Development Manager on submittal of Just
Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Grant Materials
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Alyson Greenlee, Economic Development Manager
Contact: Alyson Greenlee, (925) 655-2783
Referral History:
The development of the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan has been a topic of interest to the
Commission.
Referral Update:
The County’s Economic Development Manager, Alyson Greenlee, will provide a report on the submittal of
the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan grant materials.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Report from the County’s Economic Development Manager.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENT(S)
11-29-22 Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Report to Board of Supervisors for Submittal of Grant
Materials
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
Page 11 of 55
RECOMMENDATION(S):
AUTHORIZE the Director, Department of Conservation and Development, or designee, to submit Just Transition
Economic Revitalization Plan Grant Materials to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as
recommended by the Sustainability Committee
FISCAL IMPACT:
Submission of the proposed grant materials is expected to result in a grant award of $750,000 to the Department of
Conservation and Development to fund the Just Transition activities described in this Board Order and the attached
Project Narrative. No local matching funds are required as a condition of the County accepting these funds.
BACKGROUND:
In September 2020, the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution that, among other
things, resolves “that the Board of Supervisors and the County Sustainability Commission 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, 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. As
the State of California adopts policies and goals for reducing pollution and addressing climate change, the County
will develop strategies to improve the health, safety, infrastructure, job opportunities and revenue opportunities
during the shift to a zero-emission economy. The County will provide special attention to helping develop new
opportunities for frontline and impacted communities that realize economic, health and other benefits. The
Commission will include this topic in its ongoing advice to the Board of Supervisors.”
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 11/29/2022 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Alyson Greenlee,
925-655-2783
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: November 29, 2022
Monica Nino, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: June McHuen, Deputy
cc:
C.103
To:Board of Supervisors
From:John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:November 29, 2022
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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The County’s engagement on Just Transition will build on and complement the ongoing work of the County and
seven city partners on the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative, as further discussed below. In
October 2020, the Sustainability Commission received a report on Just Transition efforts in other communities in the
U.S. and internationally.
In March 2021, the Sustainability Committee discussed options for a process that will facilitate an inclusive Just
Transition. That meeting included a presentation from Assemblymember Tim Grayson on AB 844, the Green
Empowerment Zone legislation, which was subsequently
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
approved and signed into law. The meeting also included a presentation from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier on
federal legislation he was sponsoring to prepare the community for the impacts of refinery closures.
In 2020, two of the four oil refineries in Contra Costa County, Marathon and Phillips 66, submitted applications to
manufacture renewable fuel in lieu of fossil fuels. Those applications were approved by the Board in May 2022
and are awaiting permits from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The approvals for both projects
included detailed requirements to implement a Demolition and Site Clean-Up/Reuse Program. Both refineries also
entered into Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) that will provide substantial funding to the County that the
County will allocate to “projects and programs that benefit the communities near the Refinery by improving the
health, well-being, and quality of life of residents, and that support building and sustaining a strong and resilient
local economy and workforce, including the development and implementation of workforce development and
training programs to prepare residents for new renewable and clean energy career pathways and jobs”. Both
refineries have also committed through their CBAs “to actively participate with other appropriate stakeholders in
planning and designing a Workforce Training Program for local community members related to renewable and
clean energy employment opportunities”.
The County is in the process of accepting a $750,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) grant from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop a Just Transition Economic Revitalization
Plan, a long-term strategic planning process resulting in a roadmap for implementing land use changes to attract
and accommodate businesses in the industry clusters identified through the Northern Waterfront Economic
Development Initiative (Initiative), which include advanced materials and diversified manufacturing,
biomedical/biotech, food processing, clean tech, advanced transportation technology, and other sectors that
support the green energy economy and the shift to a zero-emission economy; workforce (re)training to transition
from fossil fuel-related industries to other forms of production and employment that are clean and sustainable; and
promoting equity in helping Contra Costa County achieve its economic development goals. HUD has requested
that the County’s grant materials be submitted by December 31, 2022.
The pending grant award is the result of the Board’s direction to seek a Congressional earmark for work on this
topic and the work of Representative Mark DeSaulnier and his colleagues to seek and secure a funding
appropriation through the federal budget process. The Sustainability Committee will be making recommendations
to the Board of Supervisors on how this funding will be used in the County’s Just Transition efforts. The initial
work on Just Transition funded by the federal grant is anticipated to be an 18-24 month process, and one that will
lead to further innovation, and, presuming additional funding can be identified, future phases to be pursued over
time. Federal grant funds will be used to lead a robust countywide stakeholder engagement process, ensuring that
residents of impacted Environmental Justice communities, workers and labor unions, business and industry, local
government, environmental justice and environmental interests, community colleges, the workforce development
system, and other relevant stakeholders help guide the work and are invested in its outcomes. The federal grant
funds will also be used to conduct economic analysis identifying future opportunities and constraints as well as
land use and environmental analysis to help guide planning. Workforce transitions and training needed to support
career pathways in the industry clusters identified in the Initiative and the associated necessary investments in the
labor force are another critical component of the work to be initiated with the federal funds. The work will
culminate in a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan, which is a roadmap to move forward with an
equitable Contra Costa Just Transition. This will provide a sustainable, feasible plan to make Contra Costa the
hub for production and employment in advanced materials and diversified manufacturing, biomedical/biotech,
food processing, clean tech, advanced transportation technology, and other sectors that support the green energy
economy-- with a trained workforce ready to go, and the land use needs of businesses met in industrial areas that
were historically part of the petroleum-based economic sector now transitioning to a zero-emission economy.
The Sustainability Committee discussed this at a special meeting on October 24, 2022. Staff received direction
from the Sustainability Committee on the grant materials. The grant materials are being submitted to the Board
with sufficient time to seek approval from the Board of Supervisors prior to the submittal deadline.
ATTACHMENTS
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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Project Narrative
Budget
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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Project Narrative
Short Project Description:
The Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (Economic Revitalization Plan) Project is a long-term
strategic planning process that will result in (1) a roadmap for workforce training and land uses changes
to attract and accommodate businesses in the industry clusters identified in the Northern Waterfront
Economic Development Initiative (the Initiative) and other sectors that support the green energy
economy and the shift to a zero-emission economy, and (2) an implementation strategy. The Economic
Revitalization Plan will help Contra Costa County anticipate and plan for the transition from a historically
petroleum-based economic sector to an economy that is driven by the industry clusters identified in the
Initiative including advanced materials & diversified manufacturing, biomedical/biotech, food
processing, clean tech, advanced transportation technology, and other sectors that support the green
energy economy and the shift to a zero-emission economy.
As the home to four of the five oil refineries in the San Francisco Bay Area, Contra Costa County is at the
forefront of a larger movement in California to revitalize our economy as we move away from fossil fuels
during the shift to a zero-emission economy. Contra Costa County is home to 25 census tracts that the
State of California considers “disadvantaged” using its CalEnviroScreen criteria. Many of these census
tracts are clustered in areas near oil refineries and related industrial uses. The residents of these areas
experience higher rates of asthma and other illnesses and have historically been underserved by our
government at every level. Contra Costa County is committed to addressing this historic injustice and is
looking for every opportunity to do so in this work by providing special attention to helping develop new
opportunities for frontline and impacted communities, including soliciting meaningful input from these
communities into the development of the Economic Revitalization Plan and improving the health and
job opportunities for residents in these communities.
The Economic Revitalization Plan is a time-sensitive priority; in 2020, two of the four oil refineries in
Contra Costa County submitted applications to manufacture renewable fuel in lieu of fossil fuels. Those
applications were approved by the Board of Supervisors in May 2022. The shift to a zero-emission
economy will affect the entire industrial sector as many supply chain companies are in the county. To
navigate this major shift in employment, revenue, and associated impacts, Contra Costa residents and
workers as well as the County itself want to ensure that there are intentional workforce and land use
transitions to support this monumental change. The intended use of Community Project Funding (CPF)
grant is the long-term strategic planning process resulting in the Economic Revitalization Plan roadmap.
Contra Costa County will support the remainder of the implementation strategy using existing County
revenues, and/or seek additional grants or philanthropic contributions, not yet in hand.
Detailed Description of Intended Uses of CPF Grant:
The intended use of Community Project Funding (CPF) grant is the Just Transition Economic
Revitalization Plan (Economic Revitalization Plan), a long-term strategic planning process resulting in a
roadmap for workforce (re)training and land use changes to attract and accommodate businesses in the
industry clusters identified in the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative (the Initiative)
and other sectors that support the green energy economy and the shift to a zero-emission economy, as
Contra Costa County transitions from its historically petroleum-based economic sector.
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The Economic Revitalization Plan will help Contra Costa County anticipate and plan for the transition
from a historically petroleum-based economic sector to an economy that is driven by the industry
clusters identified in the Initiative including advanced materials & diversified manufacturing,
biomedical/biotech, food processing, clean tech, advanced transportation technology, and other sectors
that support the green energy economy and the shift to a zero-emission economy.
Using lessons learned from similar types of regions in transition-- such as Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power
Plant in San Luis Obispo County, California, and coal plants in Appalachia--the Economic Revitalization
Plan will create a framework for a uniquely Contra Costa just transition program that incorporates the
concerns expressed by frontline and impacted communities. The CPF grant will jumpstart this work.
The Economic Revitalization Plan will be aligned with and build on the County’s existing visions in the
Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative and the County’s Envision 2040 General Plan
update. It will provide special attention for developing new opportunities for frontline and impacted
communities that realize economic, health, and other benefits. It will develop strategies to improve the
health, safety, infrastructure, job opportunities, and revenue opportunities during the shift to a zero-
emission economy. It will also respond to the County Board of Supervisors’ declaration of a climate
emergency.
The intended uses of this CPF grant—and the activities of the Economic Revitalization Plan—are to
support a robust stakeholder engagement process, conduct specialized studies and economic analysis,
and support county staff-- culminating in a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan, which is a
roadmap to move forward with a just transition in Contra Costa County. This roadmap will include the
workforce transitions needed to support this pivot, and the land use changes to attract and
accommodate businesses in the industry clusters identified by the Northern Waterfront Economic
Development Initiative and other sectors that support the green energy economy and the shift to a zero-
emission economy, as the impacts trickle along the supply chain and existing workforce pipelines.
This is a plan to make Contra Costa the hub for production and employment in advanced materials &
diversified manufacturing, biomedical/biotech, food processing, clean tech, advanced transportation
technology, and other sectors that support the green energy economy—with a trained workforce ready
to go, and the land use needs of businesses met in industrial areas that were historically part of the
petroleum-based economic sector that are now a long-term success in the transition to a zero-emission
economy.
The detailed descriptions of the activities that are intended for the use of CPF funds are below:
1.Community Engagement:
The Economic Revitalization Plan will support a robust stakeholder engagement process. The
communities closest to the refineries in Contra Costa County align with the State's
disadvantaged communities map and are the intended main beneficiaries of the community
revitalization planning effort in the Economic Revitalization Plan. The federal funds will be spent
for community outreach and engagement (including stakeholder meeting support services for
stipends, translation, childcare, and community ambassadors) and will identify the Economic
Revitalization Plan’s implementation priorities. The engagement process will include a
stakeholder table that includes the two members of the County’s Sustainability Committee,
labor/workers, frontline environmental justice community representatives, local government,
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business/industry sector, workforce development and training entities, education sector
(community colleges / County Office of Education) and academic partners.
2.Economic Analysis:
The transition of two major refineries to manufacture renewable fuel in lieu of fossil fuels will
affect employees and all of Contra Costa County, which is home to significant off-site refinery-
supporting industry and employment, and the shift to a zero-emission economy will have even
greater impacts on jobs and revenues. The Economic Revitalization Plan will analyze impacts on
the current workforce and economy and will identify more specific economic development
opportunities for the affected areas. It will also identify areas for retraining the current
workforce for future high-wage jobs and training the frontline and impacted communities who
will be seeking employment close to home for jobs that have long-term economic benefit and
grow the local economy and tax base.
3.Specialized Studies:
The Economic Revitalization Plan will rely on additional specialized studies necessary to inform
the planning and public engagement process, likely including but not limited to environmental
studies, land use analysis, and analysis of similar efforts in other areas. The Economic
Revitalization Plan’s specialized studies will align with and build on existing priorities in the
Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative and the County’s Envision 2040 General
Plan update to support this transition.
4.Staffing:
Developing the Economic Revitalization Plan will take an estimated 18-24 months. We anticipate
the Economic Revitalization Plan will develop strategies that improve the health, safety,
infrastructure, job opportunities, and revenue opportunities during the shift to a zero-emission
economy. It will be of direct benefit in helping develop new opportunities for frontline and
impacted communities that realize economy, health, and other benefits.
The outcome of this process is the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan, a long-term strategic
planning process resulting in a roadmap for workforce (re)training and land use changes to support the
economic transition that is unique to Contra Costa County.
Maximum Anticipated Scope of the Project:
The work of this project will continue beyond the usage of the CPF grant and will be sustained through
the anticipated development of a detailed implementation strategy and the proposed assignment of
an implementation coordinator to lead implementation of the Economic Revitalization Plan. Funding
for this implementation phase of the project has not yet been identified.
The implementation strategy will identify scalable projects from the findings of the Economic
Revitalization Plan’s economic analysis, specialized studies, and community engagement process. The
actual implementation priorities will be determined by the community engagement process. Examples
of projects that could be part of the implementation strategy include but are not limited to:
•Workforce development: Partnerships to support workforce development training programs for
the current workforce and frontline and impacted communities, including training opportunities
in high schools and community colleges.
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•Economic development: Programs to attract family-sustaining jobs consistent with the Economic
Revitalization Plan and the Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative and other
sectors that support the green energy economy and the shift to a zero-emission economy.
•Clean energy: Installations to benefit impacted neighborhoods and specified income levels in
affected community areas.
•Community improvement: Park, trails, and playground upgrades in affected community areas.
Environmental review will commence after the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan is completed
and the pilot implementation project is identified. The pilot project will be consistent with the adopted
Five Year Consolidated Plan of the Contra Costa County HOME Consortium. The Department of
Conservation and Development at Contra Costa County has multiple in-house National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) experts and is highly qualified to
conduct the environmental review.
The implementation strategy will commence after the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan is
completed. Implementation will take an estimated 12-24 months.
Attachments
Attached are the Standard Form SF-424 and the Budget.
(There are no lobbying activities in association with this award. The Standard Form SF-LLL Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities has been reviewed and does not apply and has been omitted from these materials).
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Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (Economic Revitalization Plan) Project
Expense Amount Funding Cost Type
Stakeholder Outreach/Stakeholder Meeting Support (Stipends,Translators, Childcare,
Community Ambassadors, etc.)$200,000.00 Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant Activity Delivery
Economic Analyses $200,000.00 Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant Activity Delivery
Detailed Studies (Environmental, Other Specialized Subjects)$150,000.00 Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant Activity Delivery
County Staffing $150,000.00 Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant Activity Delivery
Administration $50,000.00 Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant Administrative
Implementation Strategy $200,000.00 Non-CPF Activity Delivery
Implementation Coordinator $125,000.00 Non-CPF Activity Delivery
Predevelopment Costs; Construction, Renovation, and Rehabilitation Costs;
Acquisition, Demolition, and Site Preparation; Architectural and Engineering Fees;
Initial Set Asides for Revolving Loan Funds $625,000.00 Non-CPF Activity Delivery
Administration $50,000.00 Non-CPF Administrative
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Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (Economic Revitalization Plan)
Project Budget
Row Labels Sum of Amount
Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant $750,000.00
Administration $50,000.00
County Staffing $150,000.00
Detailed Studies (Environmental, Other Specialized Subjects)$150,000.00
Economic Analyses $200,000.00
Stakeholder Outreach/Stakeholder Meeting Support (Stipends,Translators,
Childcare, Community Ambassadors, etc.)$200,000.00
Non-CPF $1,000,000.00
Administration $50,000.00
Implementation Coordinator $125,000.00
Implementation Strategy $200,000.00
Predevelopment Costs; Construction, Renovation, and Rehabilitation Costs;
Acquisition, Demolition, and Site Preparation; Architectural and Engineering
Fees; Initial Set Asides for Revolving Loan Funds $625,000.00
Grand Total $1,750,000.00
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Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (Economic Revitalization Plan) Project Budget
Row Labels Sum of Amount
Community Project Funding (CPF) Grant $750,000.00
Activity Delivery $700,000.00
Administrative $50,000.00
Non-CPF $1,000,000.00
Activity Delivery $950,000.00
Administrative $50,000.00
Grand Total $1,750,000.00
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
5.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Report on Development of Roadmap to Convert Existing Residential
Buildings to All-Electric, and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816
Referral History:
At its meeting on August 22, 2022, staff provided a report on building electrification for existing buildings.
This is an update to that report.
Referral Update:
Sustainability Planning staff will provide a report on the development of a roadmap to convert existing
residential building to be all-electric. The report will include concepts developed through the County’s
participation with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) in a nine-
month Equitable Home Electrification Program in 2021-22 with nine other local governments and
community-based organizations picked throughout the State to create equitable solutions for electrifying
existing residential buildings.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Report on Development of Roadmap to Convert Existing Residential Buildings to All-Electric,
and PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S)
Presentation – Roadmap for Converting Existing Residential Buildings to All-electric
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ROADMAP FOR CONVERTING EXISTING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TO ALL-
ELECTRIC
December 12, 2022
Contra Costa County&Richmond Progressive Alliance
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California Equitable Home Electrification Program
(CEHEP)
•Independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization focused on decarbonizing energy systems.
•Rapid, market-based approach in the world’s most critical geographies.
•Works to scale energy system interventions that will cut GHG emissions at least 50% by 2030
•Advancing sustainability through creating just and equitable economies –The High Road.
•Develops energy projects that contribute to the resilience of our metropolitan regions.
•Ensuring equity stake for low-income communities of color in the green economy.
Contra Costa County participated in CEHEP cohort led by RMI and Emerald Cities Collaborative from Fall 2021 though
Spring 2022 on transitioning existing buildings to all-electric. County staff was paired with a local non-profit
Community-Based Organization (CBO), Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA).
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Achieving State Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
Will Require Going All-Electric
•In 2019 residential structures
accounted for 19% of Contra Costa
County’s total GHG emissions
•Meeting California’s statewide
GHG emission reduction targets
will require a fuel source transition
in residential buildings from
natural gas to all-electric
Transportation
46%
Residential Energy
19%Solid Waste 22%
Nonresidential
Energy 11%
Agriculture 4%
Off-Road
Equipment 5%
Water and
Wastewater 1%
BART 1%
Contra Costa County Greenhouse Gas Emissions -2019
Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan 2022 Update
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The Benefits of an All-Electric Transition
COST SAVINGS IMPROVES AIR QUALITY AND
OVERALL HEALTH IN HOMES
HELPS MEET LOCAL
GREENHOUSE GAS
REDUCTION TARGETS
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All-Electric Roadmap
for existing
Residential Buildings
Staff Research and Analysis
o Existing policies and initiatives
o Building infrastructure and demographics assessment
o Impact of transitioning buildings to all-electric
Equity Focused Community Engagement
o Build relationships with key stakeholders and community representatives
o Map stakeholder landscape
o Perform outreach and establish regular feedback channels
Example Policy Options
o Local all-electric ordinance for existing buildings
o Incentive program to transition buildings to all-electric
o Local policy aligning with State and regional agencies
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Staff Research/Analysis
•State, regional, and local policies
•Studies on cost/benefits, and pros/cons
•Financing options to assist homeowners/renters
Existing Policies and
Initiatives
•Census and utility data, building permit records (i.e., CA residential appliance
saturation survey, etc.)
Building characteristics that lend themselves to going all-electric
Demographics with focus on impacted communities
Building Infrastructure and
Demographics Assessment
•All-Electric Building Cost Analysis (demonstration project)
•Utility infrastructure analysis
•Landlord/tenant, constraints/opportunities
Impact of Transitioning Existing
Buildings to All-Electric
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Equity Focused Community Engagement
Target outreach in impacted communities that
have not been historically represented in the
County
Assemble Core Partners
•Work with CBO(s) that represent Environmental and
Social Justice (ESJ) communities in Contra Costa County
•Coordinate with technical advisors, utilities, contractors,
financial institutions, educational and religious
institutions, etc.
Engage Community
•Map stakeholders
•Build relationships and trust
•Perform outreach and establish feedback channels
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Equitable Implementation
•How are we best engaging with underinvested communities?
•Establish community-led education and decision making.
•Create pathways for involvement from historically underinvested
communities.
•How are we ensuring that the benefits of electrification are equitably
distributed?
•Robust, well-managed financial and technical support must be
provided to assist low-income households.
•Adjust and expand renter protections to ensure renters do not bear
the cost.
•Use this as a tool to create local, well-paying blue-collar jobs.
Transitioning to clean energy is essential, but we cannot allow this
transition to further burden our underinvested communities. Well-
managed financial supports will be required to ensure everyone has
access to reliable, affordable clean energy.
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Example Policy Options
Local all-electric ordinance for existing buildings
Local incentive program for replacement of gas infrastructure with all-electric equipment
Local policy aligned with State and Regional Agencies on all-electric requirements for existing buildings (i.e.Bay Area Air Quality Management District rules on replacement of equipment to be zero-emission)
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THANK YOU!
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Contra Costa County
demian.hardman@dcd.cccounty.us
Adam Scarbrough, Contra Costa County
adam.scarbrough@dcd.cccounty.us
Floy Andrews, Richmond Progressive Alliance
floyandrews@gmail.com
Alfredo Angulo, Richmond Progressive Alliance
aangulo8@gmail.com
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
6.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Update on Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2023-2024
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London, 925-655-2815
Referral History:
Contra Costa County adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2015. The 2015 CAP identified climate
action goals and actions through 2020.
In 2018, the County initiated Envision Contra Costa 2040, an update to the County’s General Plan, CAP, and
zoning ordinances. This is the first update to the General Plan in over 30 years. The CAP is being included in
the environmental impact review for the General Plan. Sustainability staff worked with the Sustainability
Commission in 2019 to develop draft goals and strategies for an updated CAP, including hosting several
community meetings.
While initially expected to be completed in 2020, the Envision Contra Costa 2040 process has been delayed
due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. In January 2021, staff informed the Sustainability
Committee of the Board of Supervisors that the CAP update was delayed and proposed that the Board
authorize an interim set of climate actions for 2021 and 2022. The Sustainability Committee concurred, and
in March 2022 approved the Interim Climate Action Work Plan (see attached).
In 2021 and 2022, staff continued work on the ongoing updates to the Climate Action Plan and General Plan.
The Sustainability Commission spent considerable time in 2021 reviewing and commenting on draft
environmental justice policies for the General Plan. The Commission also reviewed and provided comments
on the current version of the CAP update goals and strategies.
In 2022, the Sustainability Commission reviewed the draft sustainability goals, policies, and actions woven
throughout the General Plan and received a status report on the CAP update, as well as implementation of the
2015 CAP and the 2021-2022 Interim Climate Action Work Plan.
Referral Update:
County staff recently reviewed administrative drafts of the General Plan and CAP. Due to changes in State
climate goals enacted in September 2022, as well as additional analysis needed for the General Plan related
to housing goals and vehicle miles traveled, the consultants will be updating assumptions and models over
the next few months. Staff now expects the draft Climate Action Plan to be available for public review in
June 2023.
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Given the extended schedule, staff recommends a new Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2023-2024.
The working draft is attached.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Update on Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2023-2024
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
2023-24 CAP Interim Work Plan
2022-22 CAP Interim Work Plan
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DRAFT Climate Action Work Plan 2023-2024
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
1 Clean and Efficient Built
Environment
· All-electric buildings
· Adopt All-Electric Building Roadmap
· # of permits issued for all-electric new
construction in unincorporated County
· # of all-electric retrofit projects in County
facilities
DCD
Public Works (for
County facilities)
· Energy efficiency and weatherization
programs
· Participation in energy efficiency and
weatherization programs by residential and
commercial buildings, with attention to
participation in impacted communities
· # of contractors that learn about and promote
energy efficiency and electrification retrofits
through the Bay Area Regional Energy Network
(BayREN), Self-Generation Incentive Program
(SGIP), and TECH Clean California Initiative
· Continue implementing Asthma Initiative
· Energy efficient lighting and other appliances
and mechanical systems installed annually in
County facilities
DCD
Health Services
Public Works (for
County facilities)
CAO
· Increase participation in MCE Deep Green
program by County facilities
· # and percent of County accounts enrolled in
MCE Deep Green Public Works
· Install more renewable electricity
· # of permits issued for solar installations in
unincorporated County
· Megawatts of rooftop and parking lot solar
installed in unincorporated County, including
County facilities and impacted communities
· Gas load converted to electricity at County
facilities
DCD
Public Works (for
County facilities)
· Energy storage
· Update Solar Overlay Zone Ordinance to include
battery energy storage systems
· # of permits issued for battery energy storage
projects in unincorporated County
· # of County buildings with energy storage
systems, and capacity/energy storage duration of
each system
· Amount of kilowatts available at County facilities
when grid is down
DCD
Public Works (for
County facilities)
Note: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans,
at their discretion. Impacted communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to
adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa County run on clean energy.
1.1
Increase the number of carbon
neutral buildings in Contra Costa
County
1.2 Replace fossil fuel electricity with
renewable electricity
1.3 Increase electrical grid resiliency
Page 1
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DRAFT Climate Action Work Plan 2023-2024
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Note: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans,
at their discretion. Impacted communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to
adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
· Energy use reduction in County facilities
· # of County facilities actively participating in
demand response load shedding
· Energy use avoided in County facilities annually
Public Works
· Consider recommendations from low-
carbon concrete study · Low-carbon concrete study DCD
Public Works
· Continue use of zero-waste construction
practices in County construction projects
· # of projects with Total Resource Use and
Efficiency (TRUE) certification
· Amount of material diverted from the landfill in
TRUE certified projects
Public Works
· Develop tool to track embodied carbon in
material choice for new construction and
major renovations
· Tool to track embodied carbon in construction
materials Public Works
2 Resilient Communities and Natural
Infrastructure
· Carbon sequestration on public and
private lands
· Implement recommendations from carbon
sequestration feasibility study DCD
· Install green infrastructure
· Progress report on implementation of County's
Green Infrastructure Plan for County projects
· # of projects completed and in progress in
unincorporated County that include green
infrastructure
Public Works
CAO
· Explore opportunities to incorporate
pervious paving in County projects
· Encourage applicants to incorporate
pervious paving in private projects
· Miles or square feet pervious paving installed in
County projects
· Develop information to educate applicants
about pervious paving
Public Works
DCD
· Increase number of cool roofs · # of permits for cool roofs, both private and
County facilities
DCD
Public Works
· Increase tree canopy in unincorporated
County · Secure funding to develop a Tree Master Plan DCD
3 No-Waste Contra Costa
· Outreach and education to residential and
commercial customers in County franchise
areas
· Proof of documentation provided to applicable
residential and commercial customers
· Public Health Nutrition Program food waste
educational efforts
DCD
Health Services
· Implement weekly organics collection
services for all residential and commercial
customers served in County franchise areas
· Updated franchise agreements or other
appropriate action approved by the Board
directing service implementation
DCD
Contra Costa County will increase resilience to climate hazards and foster community health.
2.1 Sequester carbon in natural lands in
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.2 pounds per person per day (PPD).
3.1
Recover organic waste and edible
food
(SB 1383/Short-Lived Climate
Pollutants Program)
2.2 Address impacts of heat islands
1.4 Low-carbon building materials and
strategies
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DRAFT Climate Action Work Plan 2023-2024
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Note: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans,
at their discretion. Impacted communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to
adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
· Implement Edible Food Recovery
Inspection Program
· Educate Tier 1 & 2 businesses per adopted
ordinance
· Number of Tier 1 businesses inspected (2023+)
· Number of Tier 2 businesses inspected (2024)
Health Services -
Environmental Health
Division
3.2
Update the County's existing
Environmentally Preferable
Purchasing (EPP) Policy
· Educate County staff on EPP and monitor
implementation · Compliance with EPP Public Works
4 Reduce Water Use and Increase
Drought Resilience
4.1 Reduce water use in unincorporated
County and in County facilities · Promote water conservation
· Reduction in overall water use as reported by
water companies
· Reduction in water use at County facilities
DCD
Public Works (for
County facilities)
4.2 Manage groundwater resources
sustainably · Groundwater Sustainability Plan · Groundwater Sustainability Plan is approved by
California Dept. of Water Resources DCD
5 Clean Transportation Network
· Bicycle network in the unincorporated
portions of the County that connects to the
county-wide network
· Percentage complete and under construction of
unincorporated bike network
Public Works
DCD
May require partnership
with other agencies and
jurisdictions
· Provide pedestrian network gap closures · Linear feet of pedestrian facilities constructed
· # of gaps closed Public Works
· Projects that add pedestrian and bicycle
facilities shall be tracked over time to
document the County's implementation of
the County Road Improvement and
Preservation Program (CRIPP), Complete
Streets, Vision Zero, Active Transportation,
and equity-focused plans, programs, and
policies
· Develop and begin using tool to measure
progress
· Updated project list
· Grant awards (# and $$ amount)
· Projects completed
Public Works
DCD
Expectation that Federal
and State grants under
Biden Administration
will favor projects that
promote
bike/ped/urban
greening
· Increase equity in and continue promoting
Safe Routes to School, Injury Prevention,
and Building Healthy Communities
programs
· Educational efforts
· Communities reached
Health Services - Public
Health
· Identify strategies and funding to
implement recommendations in 2019
Employee Commute Survey of County
employees
· # and percentage of County employees working
remotely
· # of County employees using pretax commute
benefit
CAO
HR
Contra Costa County uses less water and communities are prepared for drought.
Contra Costa County's transportation network provides safe and accessible options for walking, biking, and transit. If
residents and workers are driving, they are in electric vehicles.
5.1
Reduce vehicle miles traveled in
Contra Costa County by increasing
number of people who bike, walk,
and take public transit
Page 3
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DRAFT Climate Action Work Plan 2023-2024
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Note: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans,
at their discretion. Impacted communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to
adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
· Increase number of EVs in Contra Costa
County
· # of EVs registered to drivers in Contra Costa
County
· # of EVs purchased annually for County fleet
· Percentage of County fleet that is all-electric
Public Works
CAO
DCD
· Install EV chargers at County facilities
· # of EV chargers (active ports) installed at
County facilities for County fleet, workplace,
and/or public use
· # of parking stalls with EV charging available
Public Works
CAO
DCD
· Provide leadership and coordination on
transportation electrification strategies
outlined in the Contra Costa County EV
Readiness Blueprint
· Amount of funding secured for electric vehicle
supply equipment infrastructure
· # of city jurisdictions and public agencies
formally participating in coordination activities
Public Works
6 Climate Equity
6.1
All residents live in clean, healthy
homes and neighborhoods, have
access to parks, open space, and
fresh food, and can easily move
through the County
· Adopt environmental justice policies in
General Plan update
· Ensure Climate Action Plan is equitably
implemented in impacted communities
· General Plan environmental justice policies
· Analyze funds spent by County departments on
energy efficiency and other services and physical
improvements in impacted communities
compared to non-impacted communities
CAO
DCD
Health Services
Public Works
6.2 Plan for transition to a local economy
that is less reliant on fossil fuels
· Implement Community Funding Project
grant from U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development to support development of
the Just Transition Economic Revitalization
Plan Roadmap
· Collaborate with stakeholders to develop
an inclusive process
· Ongoing reports
Board of Supervisors
(via Sustainability
Cmte)
DCD
7 Leadership
· Continue work of Interdepartmental
Climate Action Task Force · Twice yearly reports to Board of Supervisors DCD
Public Works
· Participation by County departments in
County's Green Government Group (G3)
Program
· # of G3 Champions and # of County departments
represented by G3 Champions
· Activities completed by G3 Champions
(meetings held, surveys completed, etc.)
DCD
The CAP will mitigate environmental factors leading to health disparities, promote safe and livable communities, and
promote investments that improve neighborhood accessibility.
7.1
Contra Costa County is a leader
among local governments on how it
addresses climate issues
Contra Costa County is a model for how local government can take action on climate issues.
5.2
Increase percentage of electric
vehicles (EVs) in Contra Costa County
fleet
Page 4
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DRAFT Climate Action Work Plan 2023-2024
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Note: The Climate Action Plan (CAP) pertains to County operations, County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans,
at their discretion. Impacted communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to
adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
7.2 Implement Climate Emergency
Resolution · Implement climate emergency resolution · Assess progress on action items in the Climate
Emergency Resolution
Board of Supervisors
(via Sustainability
Cmte)
DCD
7.3
Build Community and County
Employee Support for Climate Action
Plan
· Newsletters
· Meetings
· Collaboration with cities and community-
based organizations
· Regular column in Contra Costa FOCUS
(employee newsletter)
· Sustainability newsletter
· # of meetings, other collaboration
DCD
· Amend the County investment policy to
divest from fossil fuels, consider the use of
Environmental, Social, and Governance
criteria, and prohibit investment in all
securities issued by fossil fuel companies
· Updated County Investment Policy Treasurer's Office
· Evaluate the issuance of labeled bonds or
other projects to be funded by municipal
securities for "Green," "Sustainable," or
"Social"
· Adopted guidance on best practices CAO
· Evaluate the use of third-party certifiers
for labeled bonds to promote the integrity
of the bond sale and avoid appearances of
"greenwashing"
· Adopted guidance on best practices CAO
· Evaluate the implementation of retail
order periods to encourage local retail
investors to purchase County bonds,
including "labeled bonds" such as Green
Bonds
· Adopted guidance on best practices CAO
7.4 County investments support climate
equity
Page 5
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Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan
Interim Work Plan
March 2021
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Clean and Efficient Built
Environment
· Building electrification · Adopted electrification reach code DCD
· Energy Efficiency and weatherization
programs
· Participation in energy efficiency and
weatherization programs by residential and
commercial buildings (including County facilities),
with attention to participation in impacted
communities
· Implement Asthma Initiative
DCD
Health
· Energy storage · # County buildings with energy storage
systems, and capacity of each system Public Works
· Carbon Neutral County Buildings
· Energy efficient lighting and other appliances
and mechanical systems installed annually in
County facilities
Public Works
CAO
· Rooftop Solar · # Permits issued
· MW installed on County facilities
DCD
Public Works
· Increase participation in MCE Deep Green
program by County facilities
· # and percent of County accounts enrolled in
MCE Deep Green
Public Works (for
County facilities)
· Install more renewable electricity in
County facilities
· MW rooftop and parking lot solar installed in
unincorporated County, including County
facilities and impacted communities
Public Works (for
County facilities)
Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion.
communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Increase the number of carbon
neutral buildings in Contra Costa
County
Replace fossil fuel electricity with
renewable electricity
Homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa County run on clean energy
CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 1
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Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan
Interim Work Plan
March 2021
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion.
communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Resilient Communities and Natural
Infrastructure
· Carbon sequestration on public and
private lands
·Develop carbon sequestration feasibility study
through grant from CA Dept of Conservation DCD
· Install green infrastructure
· Progress report on implementation of County's
green infrastructure plan for County facilities
· Take action on feasibility study of Community
Climate Resilience Districts
Public Works
CAO
· Increase use of pervious paving · Miles or square feet pervious paving installed
in County projects Public Works
Address impacts of heat islands · Increase number of cool roofs · # permits for cool roofs, both private and
County
DCD
Public Works
No-Waste Contra Costa
Establish enforceable mechanism to
mandate organic waste and edible food
recovery
· Adopted ordinance DCD
Outreach and education to residential and
commercial customers in County franchise
areas
· Proof of documentation provided to applicable
residential and commercial customers DCD
Implement weekly organics collection
services for all residential and commercial
customers served in County franchise areas
· Updated franchise agreements or other
appropriate action approved by the Board
directing service implementation
DCD
Establish Edible Food Recovery Program · Engage Tier 1 & 2 businesses per adopted
ordinance
Health Services -
Environmental Health
Division
Add language addressing per capita
procurement requirements for specified
recovered organic waste products
· Updated EPP Policy Public Works
Sequester carbon in natural lands in
Contra Costa County
Recover organic waste and edible
food
(SB 1383/Short Lived Climate
Pollutants Program)
Update the County's existing
Environmentally Preferable
Contra Costa County will increase resilience to climate hazards and foster community health
Contra Costa County generates no more solid waste than 2.25 pounds per person per day (PPD)
CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 2
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Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan
Interim Work Plan
March 2021
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion.
communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Add language addressing recycled paper
content requirements · Updated EPP Policy Public Works
Add language to address other
sustainability priorities · Updated EPP Policy Public Works
Reduce Water Use and Increase
Drought Resilience
Reduce water use in unincorporated
County and in County facilities · Promote water conservation
· Reduction in overall water use as reported by
water companies
· Reduction in water use at County facilities
DCD
Public Works
Manage groundwater resources
sustainably · Groundwater Sustainability Plan · Groundwater Sustainability Plan is approved by
CA Dept of Water Resources DCD
Environmentally Preferable
Purchasing (EPP) Policy
Contra Costa County uses less water and communities are prepared for drought
CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 3
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Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan
Interim Work Plan
March 2021
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion.
communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Clean Transportation Network
· Physically separated bicycle network in
the unincorporated portions of the County
that connects to the countywide network
· Develop map of countywide bike network
· Identify percentage complete Public Works
Requires partnership
with other agencies and
jurisdictions
· Complete and Adopt Active
Transportation Plan
· Develop and begin using tool to measure
progress
Public Works
DCD
· Develop and adopt through the Capital
Road Improvement and Preservation Plan
(CRIPP) process an updated list of
transportation projects that reduce vehicle
miles traveled
· Updated Project List
· Grant awards (# and $$ amount)
Public Works
DCD
Expectation that
Federal and State
grants under Biden
Administration will
favor projects that
promote
bike/ped/urban
greening
· Identify strategies and funding to
implement recommendations in 2019
Employee Commute Survey of County
employees
· Introduce County telecommute policy to labor
groups and implement as appropriate
· # and percentage of County employees using
pretax commute benefit
CAO, HR
HR
· Increase number of electric vehicles
purchased by County departments
· # EVs purchased annually for County fleet
· Percentage of County fleet that is all-electric
Public Works
CAO
DCD
· Install EV chargers at County facilities · # of electric vehicle chargers installed at County
facilities, both for County fleet and public use
Public Works
CAO
DCD
Contra Costa County's transportation network provides safe and accessible options for walking, biking, and transit. If
residents and workers are driving, they are in electric vehicles.
Increase percentage of electric
vehicles in Contra Costa County fleet.
Reduce vehicle miles traveled in
Contra Costa County by increasing
number of people who bike, walk,
and take public transit.
CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 4
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Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan
Interim Work Plan
March 2021
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion.
communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Climate Equity
All residents live in clean, healthy
homes and neighborhoods, have
access to parks, open space, and
fresh food, and can easily move
through the County.
·Complete work on environmental justice
policies for General Plan
· Evaluate CAP strategies for equitable
benefits for frontline communities.
· General Plan environmental justice policies
· Analyze funds spent by County departments on
energy efficiency and other services and physical
improvements in disadvantaged communities
compared to non-disadvantaged communities
CAO
DCD
Health
Public Works
Plan for transition to a local economy
that is less reliant on fossil fuels
· Collaborate with stakeholders to develop
an inclusive process · Ongoing reports
Board of Supervisors
(via Sustainability
Cmte)
DCD
Leadership Contra Costa County is a model for how local government can take action on climate issues.
· Continue work of Interdepartmental
Climate Action Task Force · Twice yearly reports to Board of Supervisors DCD
Public Works
· Participation by County departments in
County's Green Business Program
· # of County departments, and facilities within
each department, recognized by the Green
Business Program
· Share impacts of green business certification
(on County website, webinars, social media, etc.)
to lead by example and promote community
participation
Health Department
Participating
Departments
Departments to
designate liaisons to
lead Green Business
certifications on the
department level
· Participation by eligible County
departments in EBMUD Water Smart
Business program
· Number of County departments recognized by
EBMUD Water Smart Business program DCD Monitor based on data
from EBMUD
Implement Climate Emergency
Resolution · Implement climate emergency resolution.· Assess progress on action items in the Climate
Emergency Resolution
Board of Supervisors
(via Sustainability
Cmte)
DCD
Contra Costa County is a leader
among local governments on how it
addresses climate issues
The CAP will mitigate environmental factors leading to health disparities, promote safe and livable communities, and
promote investments that improve neighborhood accessibility.
CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 5
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Contra Costa County Climate Action Plan
Interim Work Plan
March 2021
Goal Tools Potential Measure(s) of Effectiveness Lead County
Department(s)Notes
Climate Action Plan pertains to County Operations and County facilities, and the unincorporated communities in the County. Cities develop their own Climate Action Plans, at their discretion.
communities are the communities that have been and will continue to be hit first and worst by the impacts of the changing climate, and are the least able to adapt, resist, or recover from those impacts.
Build Community and County
Employee Support for Climate Action
Plan
· Newsletters
· Meetings
· Collaboration with community based
organizations
· Regular column in County Clips (employee
newsletter)
· Sustainability Newsletter
· # meetings, other collaboration
DCD
CAO = County Administrator's Office; DCD = Department of Conservation and Development; HR = Human Resources Page 6
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
7.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of Sustainability Commission 2022 Annual Report
and 2023 Work Plan
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, 925-655-2816
Referral History:
Advisory bodies to the Board of Supervisors are required to submit an annual report and work plan every
year.
Referral Update:
Staff has prepared the draft 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Work Plan to the extent possible, in consultation
with the Chair of the Sustainability Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW and Possible ADOPTION of 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Work Plan.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Draft 2022 Annual Report and 2023 Work Plan
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
2022 ANNUAL REPORT and 2023 WORK PLAN
2022 annual report
The current members of the Sustainability Commission are:
Mike Moore, Member, District 3, Chair
Nick Despota, Member, District 1, Vice‐Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Alternate, District 1
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2
Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Samantha Moy, Alternate, District 3
Wes Sullens, Member, District 4
Brandon Matson, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At‐Large, Business
Marisha Farnsworth, At‐Large, Business
Isabella Zizi, Environmental Justice
Kim Hazard, At‐Large, Education
The Commission meets the fourth Monday in February, April, June, August, October, and December.1
Demian Hardman‐Saldana, Senior Planner, is lead staff. All members have completed the mandatory
training. Kim Hazard is the Sustainability Commission representative to the County’s Integrated Pest
Management Advisory Committee.
The Chair and other members of the Commission participate in meetings of the Board of Supervisors’
Sustainability Committee. The Commission receives briefings from County staff and representatives of
other agencies and groups on a range of issues related to the County’s Climate Action Plan. Below is a
summary of the Commission’s work in 2022.
Topic Accomplishments
Commission
Definition of
“Sustainability”
The Commission meet at its February, June, and August meeting to develop a
definition of “Sustainability” based on information presented by a Commission
working group formed in 2021. At its August meeting, the Commission
developed a definition of “Sustainability” that was approved to be used
internally by the Commission.
Green Buildings At its February meeting, a working group of the Commission provided an update
on additional research on low‐carbon concrete. Based on the report from the
working group, the Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors
direct staff to study adoption of low‐carbon concreate standards.
General Plan
Update
At its April meeting, the Commission reviewed and provided input on the Draft
Sustainability Goals, Policies and Actions for the General Plan.
County Public
Works Distributed
At its June meeting, the Commission received a report from the County’s Energy
Manager on the Distributed Energy Resource Plan for County Public Buildings,
1 The December meeting is earlier in the month.
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Topic Accomplishments
Energy Resource
Plan
including the plan for installing more electric vehicle charging stations at County
facilities.
Environmental
Bond Financing
Standards
At its June meeting, the Commission received a report from the Chief Assistant
County Administrator, on the environmental, social and governmental (ESG)
standards used in finance to safeguard the environment.
Health Impacts
from Climate
Change
At its June meeting, the Commission received a report from the Chief Climate
and Health Policy Officer on the County’s work on the human health impacts
associated with climate change.
Climate Action
Plan Update
At its June meeting, the Commission received a detailed report on the status of
the Climate Action Plan update. At its December meeting, the Commission
received an update on the Interim Climate Action Work Plan for 2023‐2024. The
County’s Sustainability Coordinator also provides regular status reports at each
meeting on the ongoing update of the County’s Climate Action Plan.
Building
Electrification
At its August meeting, Sustainability planning staff provided a report on the
County’s work on building electrification for existing buildings. The Commission
also received a report at its December meeting on the development of a
roadmap for converting existing residential buildings to be all‐electric.
County
Investment Policy
At its October meeting, the Commission received a report from the County
Treasurer‐Tax Collector on the County’s investment policy.
Climate Change
Legislation
At its October meeting, the Commission also received a report on the major
legislation passed by Congress to address climate change, such as the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act.
Just Transition At its December meeting, the Commission received a report from the County’s
Economic Development Manager on submittal of Just Transition Economic
Revitalization Plan Grant Materials.
Climate
Emergency
Resolution
The Commission receives a status report on implementation of the Climate
Emergency Resolution as part of the standing item of the Sustainability
Coordinator’s report at every meeting.
2023 Work Plan
The Commission will continue to report to the Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability, as well as to the full
Board. Projects and initiatives related to the Climate Action Plan on which the Commission anticipates it
may advise the Board of Supervisors and staff include:
• General Plan Update, particularly integrating equity and environmental justice
• Climate Action Plan update
• Issues in the Climate Action Plan, including water conservation and drought; land use and
public transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle access; energy efficiency and
renewable energy; and recycling and composting.
• Implementation of the Climate Emergency Resolution
• Increasing resilience to climate‐related disasters and incidents, including the Adapting to Rising
Tides studies for Eastern Contra Costa County and the Bay Area region, wildfires, and Public Safety
Power Shutoffs
• Review of Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan
• County investment policy to eliminate investment in fossil fuel companies.
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• Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint implementation
• Advocacy on issues related to the Climate Action Plan
• Potential health impacts of climate change (i.e., wildfires)
• Building electrification of existing buildings
• Low‐Carbon Concrete Policy
• Outreach and education on sustainability to Contra Costa County residents and businesses
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
8.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816
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):
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
12-12 Sustainability Commission Agenda Packet
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
9.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Coordinator
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London, (925) 655-2815
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
Key activities since the Sustainability Commission’s meeting on October 24, 2022, are listed below. This
report includes work on implementing the Climate Emergency Resolution.
DCD Planning Staff
Staff continued work on the ongoing updates to the Climate Action Plan and General Plan.
Administrative drafts of both documents were recently reviewed by County staff. Due to changes in
State climate goals enacted in September, as well as additional analysis needed for the General Plan
related to housing goals and vehicle miles traveled, the consultants will be updating assumptions and
models over the next few months. Staff expects the draft Climate Action Plan is expected to be
available for public review in June 2023.
The Healthy Lands, Healthy People carbon sequestration feasibility study is on schedule to be complete
in late 2022 or early 2023.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved Contra Costa County
for a technical assistance grant application for support on existing building electrification work. DCD
Planning staff had its first meeting with the HUD technical assistance team on October 4.
An internal working group with Public Works and DCD staff continues to meet regularly to study the
adoption of low-carbon concrete standards. The working group anticipates reporting back to the
Sustainability Committee in early 2023.
Climate Emergency Resolution:
o Just Transition. The County is in the process of accepting a $750,000 Community Projects
grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Economic Development. This grant will
support development of the Just Transition Economic Revitalization Project Roadmap. Staff
provided an update on Just Transition planning activities to the Sustainability Committee on
September 19, and again on October 24.
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o Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The Task Force provided a semi-annual update
to the Board of Supervisors on September 20. The Green Government Group (G3) Champions,
volunteers from County departments, met on October 10, with a focus on energy efficiency in
County facilities. The G3 Champions have recently posted fact sheets on how to save water in
County offices, following up on their July meeting, and are now engaged in helping identify
opportunities to save energy in County offices. Their December meeting will focus on solid
waste.
o All-Electric Building Ordinance. The County’s ordinance for new buildings to be all-electric
went into effect on June 1, 2022. The City of Martinez adopted an all-electric ordinance for new
residential buildings, hotels, offices, and retail buildings, effective November 4, 2022.
Health Services
Health Services is in the process of developing a contract with the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District to receive approximately 150 - 200 portable air purifiers for use in the homes of Contra Costa Health
Plan MediCal members with asthma and other respiratory conditions, primarily to combat the impacts of
wildfire smoke. The air purifiers will be distributed to clients of the Health Plan through a Community
Health Worker providing in-home asthma education and trigger assessment as part of a grant from the Air
District and by home-visiting Public Health Nurses in the Public Health Department.
County Library
• The Library continues to provide workshops and resources for the community, both in person and
online, on a range of sustainability topics.
• The Library partnered with Sustainable Walnut Creek to host a series of programs from October 23-28.
Topics ranged from climate activism and healthy eating to recycling and sustainable home
improvement. The virtual events were recorded and can be viewed at
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRAdXh2ewUTWyMbVGkyPTOL3tL_K3TQM
Public Works
Public Works is working to launch the Sustainability Fund for investments in County facilities that
support Climate Action Plan goals. Staff is planning for the installation of electric vehicle (EV)
chargers at various County department buildings to facilitate opportunities to replace internal
combustion engine County fleet vehicles with EVs.
Administrative Bulletins 507 and 508 have been updated to require purchase of Zero Emission
Vehicles (battery electric, hydrogen, plug-in hybrid with battery range of at least 30 miles) unless
justification based on operational need is approved by the County Administrator’s Office.
Public Works has identified several programs that can help the County meet the goals of the
Distributed Energy Resources plan and broader climate action goals: PG&E’s Demand Response
Program and Marin Clean Energy’s Demand Response and Strategic Energy Management programs.
The County successfully responded to the California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) call for
electric load reduction before, during, and after Labor Day weekend. Impacts of County actions will be
analyzed and reported in the coming months and will inform a more robust Demand Response strategy
for summer 2023.
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ꞏ
Staff is working to develop a Battery Storage resiliency project at the West County Detention Facility
which involves a 448kW battery providing back-up (grid-independent) power to a bank of EV
chargers.
Staff is updating the countywide Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy. This item on the
agenda for today’s meeting.
Public Works continues implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Active Transportation
Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Public Works has submitted a number of grant applications
for projects that meet goals of the County’s Active Transportation and Vision Zero policies.
Fire
The Fire Department has purchased two Rivian all-electric trucks, to pilot light-duty vehicles as part of
regular operations.
Ongoing
Staff participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental justice, carbon
sequestration, climate resilience, communication and facilitation strategies, race and equity, and
related.
Staff participated in regional activities.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
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Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
10.
Meeting Date: December 12, 2022
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Mike Moore, Chair
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, (925) 655-2816
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.
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