HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 06262023 - Sustainability Cte Min
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
June 26, 2023
5:00 P.M.
1025 Escobar Street, Martinez CA 94553
HOW TO JOIN THE MEETING VIA ZOOM:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/84209078212
Meeting ID: 842 0907 8212
Or Telephone, dial:
USA 214 765 0478 US Toll
USA 888 278 0254 US Toll-free
Conference code: 841892
The public may attend this meeting in person at the above location or attend remotely via Zoom or call-in via
Zoom. Login information and call-in information is provided above.
PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DURING PUBLIC COMMENT OR
WITH RESPECT TO AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA please “raise your hand” in the Zoom app. You may also
send written comments to Sustainability@dcd.cccounty.us.
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group, Chair
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2, Vice‐Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Member, District 1
Erin Levine, Alternate, District 1
Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Norman Cohen, Alternate, District 3
Brandon Matson, Member, District 4
Wes Sullens, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At‐Large, Business
Susan Hurl, At‐Large, Business
Kiara Pereira, 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.
1. Call to Order and Introductions
2. Public Comment for items not on Agenda
3. APPROVE Record of Action for April 24, 2023, meeting
4. RECEIVE Update Regarding Process to Plan for a Just Transition
5. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION, as needed
6. RECEIVE Sustainability Coordinator Report
7. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to
Sustainability Committee
8. The next meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2023
9. Adjourn
The Sustainability Commission will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
planning to attend Commission meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before
the meeting.
Agenda Packet
Page 1 of 35
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
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
Agenda Packet
Page 2 of 35
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
3.
Meeting Date: April 24, 2023
Subject: APPROVE Record of Action for April 24, 2023, 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 April 24, 2023, Sustainability
Commission Meeting with any necessary corrections.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
Attachments
4-24-23 Record of Action
Agenda Packet
Page 3 of 35
4/24/23 Record of Action
Page 1 of 5
Draft
Record of Action
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
An Advisory Body to the Board of Supervisors
April 24, 2023
5:00 P.M.
Luz Gomez, At‐Large, Community Group, Chair
Victoria Smith, Member, District 2, Vice‐Chair
Shoshana Wechsler, Member, District 1
Erin Levine, Alternate, District 1
Christopher Easter, Alternate, District 2
Mike Moore, Member, District 3
Norman Cohen, Alternate, District 3
Brandon Matson, Member, District 4
Wes Sullens, Alternate, District 4
Charles Davidson, Member, District 5
Renee Fernandez‐Lipp, Alternate, District 5
Howdy Goudey, At‐Large, Community Group
Chuck Leonard, At‐Large, Business
Susan Hurl, At‐Large, Business
Kiara Pereira, 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
Present: Luz Gomez
Charles Davidson
Mike Moore
Norman Cohen
Brandon Matson
Shoshana Wechsler
Chris Easter
Victoria Smith
Susan Hurl
Sarah Foster
Renee Fernandez-Lipp
Howdy Goudey
Absent: Chuck Leonard
Kiara Pereira
Kim Hazard
Wes Sullens
Staff Present: Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Adam Scarbrough, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Nicole Shimizu, Planner, Department of Conservation and Development;
Emily Groth, Planner, Department of Conservation and Development;
Lia Bristol, Deputy Chief of Staff, Supervisor Carlson
Attendees: Marti Roach, Lisa Jackson, Gloria Moore
Agenda Packet
Page 4 of 35
4/24/23 Record of Action
Page 2 of 5
1. Call to Order and Introductions
Chair Gomez called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. The Commission noted that it would be helpful for
members to state their name and position before speaking to benefit those attending virtually. Each
member of the Commission introduced themselves and shared what makes them passionate about the
work of the Commission. Staff and members of the public attending in-person also introduced
themselves.
2. Public Comment for items not on Agenda
Marti Roach with 350 Contra Costa, via Zoom, shared information on an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
conference that the organization and its partners are hosting on May 18. The conference will focus on
the parts of the IRA related to the clean energy transition and ways to maximize the benefits to Contra
Costa County. Staff will send the Commission information about the conference.
3. APPROVE Record of Action for February 27, 2023, meeting
There was no public comment.
Moved: Moore Second: Matson
The Record of Action was approved. Hurl abstained. Goudey was not present.
4. RECEIVE Update on Draft All-Electric Existing Buildings Roadmap
Adam Scarborough from the Department of Conservation and Development provided an update on the
progress to date, outline, and timeline for the draft All-Electric Existing Buildings Roadmap (Roadmap).
Staff began working on the Roadmap in fall 2021 through a cohort led by RMI and the Emerald Cities
Collaborative, began drafting the Roadmap in fall 2022, and presented it to the Sustainability
Commission in December 2022. The Roadmap is currently being reviewed by staff. It will be taken to the
Sustainability Committee on May 15, will open for public review in the summer, and will be taken to the
Board for consideration in the fall. The Roadmap itself establishes the context for all-electric buildings
in California; analyzes the County’s building inventory, the cost to transition to all-electric, and existing
funding opportunities; proposes community engagement and workforce development strategies centered
in equity; and provides a variety of action items and recommendations in four buckets: state and
regional collaboration, expanding existing analyses, outreach and engagement, and other actions
needed.
Commission Discussion:
The Commission asked for clarification on what the potential policy options mean, the ultimate goal of
the Roadmap, and the mechanics of the building stock inventory. Staff clarified that the policy options
are provided as options to be further explored, such as selective neighborhood gas pruning where it is
cost effective or electric appliance ordinances. The purpose of the Roadmap is to electrify a certain
percentage of homes by certain dates, in alignment with the County’s updated Climate Action Plan. The
Roadmap’s building stock inventory is based on vintage, size, and building typology, and staff are
looking for funding to do a more comprehensive building and cost analysis.
Questions related to the potential impact of a recent legal ruling on Berkeley’s electrification in new
construction ordinance and whether community solar is being considered to account for those who
Agenda Packet
Page 5 of 35
4/24/23 Record of Action
Page 3 of 5
might not want to put solar on their house due to the house being a rental or the age of the house. Staff
has referred questions about the ruling on Berkeley’s ordinance to County Counsel. The Commission
asked whether certain topics are included in the Roadmap, including how the County is managing risk
related to interfacing with the grid; the intersection between electrification and public health, especially
related to asthma rates in impacted communities; and the large percentage of California’s gas that
comes from out-of-state. Staff explained that the Roadmap contains numerous action items that support
grid reliability, including allowing staff to engage directly with the CPUC and working with PG&E to
get data on gas pipelines. Staff are also considering ways to make solar panels and electrification
upgrades more accessible. The Commission requested an update on how the all-electric ordinance is
going at a future meeting.
The Commission’s suggested reaching out to the California Technical Forum regarding the Roadmap.
Additional suggestions related to the County’s electrification work included starting to think about how
to electrify restaurants and the possibility of collaborating with nearby college engineering departments
on this topic; working closely with utilities throughout the electrification process; and developing a
roadmap to train contractors. The Commission recommended creating a specific program to help low-
income communities navigate the process of electrifying their home based on a Health Services program
that supports patients navigating the healthcare process. The Commission also expressed interest in
looking at all-electric accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and noted that the 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint
Agency report included a review of the policy to provide 100% of electricity retail sales and state loads
from renewable and zero-carbon resources in California by 2045, including assessments of pathways to
achieve this target. Other topics discussed included the differences between induction and electric coil
stoves and PG&E’s induction stove lending program. Additionally, the Commission recommended
having a utility speak at an upcoming BayREN forum on grid resiliency.
Public comment via Zoom included support for a service to help community members navigate the
process of electrifying their homes, noting that Peninsula Clean Energy recently released an RFP for a
similar service. A question was raised on how the Roadmap will address the County’s role in educating
and generating demand for electrification incentives. Staff noted that the Roadmap will leverage existing
incentive programs and includes a robust community engagement strategy. Additionally, staff noted that
the draft Roadmap will be available for public comment for four to six weeks after it is released.
5. RECEIVE Report on potential Commission meeting options based on changes to Brown Act that
became effective on March 1, 2023, and PROVIDE DIRECTION, as needed
Demian Hardman-Saldana from the Department of Conservation and Development provided a brief
overview of the Commission’s options for meeting in-person and attending virtually if needed in
accordance with recent changes to the Brown Act. Supervisors Gioia and Glover informally offered to
provide their office spaces as additional in-person meeting locations for Sustainability Commission
members. Hardman-Saldana requested direction from the Commission if staff should further explore
this option. In a survey given to Commissioners prior to the meeting, eight out of eleven respondents
preferred to meet in Martinez, and preference for the other two locations was split.
Commission Discussion:
The Commission requested clarification on the inability to attend virtually if there were three in-person
meeting locations. Legal requirements state that all Commissioners must be in one location to allow
another Commissioner to participate virtually under Just Cause. The Commission also considered staff
time required to manage multiple locations and the benefits of getting to know each other by meeting in
one location.
Agenda Packet
Page 6 of 35
4/24/23 Record of Action
Page 4 of 5
There was no public comment.
The Commission decided to have a single in-person meeting location for future Sustainability
Commission meetings, which will be held in Martinez.
6. RECEIVE Reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION, as needed
Commissioners provided updates on numerous activities in which they have recently participated and
topics about which they have learned. Activities included a review of bicycle infrastructure grant
applications through the County Public Works’ Bicycle Advisory Committee; a Climate Reality Project
event that focused on Inflation Reduction Act funding related to electrification; a response to the
Federal Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. GHG Monitoring and Information System Request for
Information to let the federal government know about work being done in California; and an
encouraging presentation with the White House’s climate lead through the Commonwealth Club. The
Commission also reported on EBCE’s work bundling microgrids in several cities and asked if MCE is
doing anything similar. The Commission noted that an individual from the Climate Reality Project was
interested in presenting to the Commission and expressed interest in hearing from MCE at a future
Commission meeting.
The Commission also discussed looking into the County’s Tree Ordinance this year in response to the
significant number of trees that were lost during the winter storms and past tree removal decisions in
Kensington. The Commission created a working group to discuss updates to the County’s Tree
Ordinance and requested an update on the ordinance and Public Works’ tree maintenance policies at a
future meeting. The working group is made up of Commissioners Wechsler, Foster, and Fernandez-
Lipp. Staff will look into how the County’s Tree Ordinance is related to the Climate Action Plan and
what potential next steps the Commission could take related to the County’s Tree Ordinance.
Hardman-Saldana encouraged new Commissioners to buddy up with more experienced Commissioners
to become more familiar with what the Commission does.
7. RECEIVE Sustainability Coordinator Report
Hardman-Saldana provided the report for the Sustainability Coordinator, which is now provided as an
attachment. Highlights included staff’s work hosting another session of the County’s Sustainability
Exchange, a quarterly meeting for staff who report to a board or elected body in Contra Costa, and a
special session of the Energy Efficiency Collaborative, a similar program focused on BayREN and
PG&E programs, that featured a presentation from the U.S. Department of Energy on the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. Staff from the County’s sustainability,
economic development, and Public Works teams visited the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to
discuss potential collaboration and pilot project opportunities as the County seeks grant funding.
Commission Discussion:
The Commission requested clarification on the faulty assumptions in a dataset used in the Healthy
Lands, Healthy People carbon sequestration feasibility study that staff and consultants are working to
address. Hardman-Saldana did not know the details about this dataset, though noted that staff raised
questions and requested additional analysis during the internal review process. The Commission also
noted that BayREN is still offering rebates for gas appliances, and staff will provide more information
about the timeline for phasing out these rebates.
Agenda Packet
Page 7 of 35
4/24/23 Record of Action
Page 5 of 5
The Commission requested more information on next steps after the lab visit. Potential areas discussed
for future collaboration included business attraction, building electrification, and battery storage in
County buildings. The Commission suggested looking into a resiliency project for the substation that
powers the lab, which is located in Contra Costa County, and expressed interest learning more about
the projects the lab is working on that relate to sustainable energy. Additionally, the Commission
requested a report from the County’s Economic Development Director regarding the Northern
Waterfront Initiative at a future meeting.
The Commission congratulated Commissioner Gomez on her retirement.
There was no public comment.
8. RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for next report to
Sustainability Committee
At the next Sustainability Committee meeting, the Commission Chair will report to the Committee on the
presentation on the County’s All-Electric Existing Buildings Roadmap and the Commission’s decision to
meet in Martinez. The Commission expressed gratitude to the Supervisors for offering to share their
office space.
There was no public comment.
9. The next meeting is currently schedule for June 26, 2023
10. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned by Chair Gomez at 6:52 p.m.
Agenda Packet
Page 8 of 35
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
4.
Meeting Date: June 26, 2023
Subject: RECEIVE Update Regarding Process to Plan for a Just Transition
Department: Conservation and Development
Presenter: Alyson Greenlee, Economic Development Manager
Contact: Alyson Greenlee, (925) 655-2783
Referral History:
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.”
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 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.
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 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.
Agenda Packet
Page 9 of 35
In September 2022, the Sustainability Committee received an update on the $750,000 Community Funding
Project grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a Just Transition
Economic Revitalization Plan, a long-term strategic planning process resulting in a roadmap for attracting and
accommodating businesses in the industry clusters identified through the Northern Waterfront Economic
Development Initiative (Initiative), which include advanced transportation technology, bio-tech/bio-medical,
diverse manufacturing, ag tech and food processing, and clean tech; developing strategies to attract and
support businesses in these industry clusters; workforce crosswalks 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. The Sustainability Commission
received a similar update at their meeting in December 2022.
Referral Update:
Since the Commission last received an update on this topic in December 2022, the County has authorized the
execution of the grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. County
staff are beginning to embark on the different activities the grant will support and seek Committee input.
Additionally, in April 2023 the UC Berkeley Labor Center released a study on the impact of the Marathon
Refinery closure in 2020 on employees at the refinery. The results of this study may inform how the County
and others approach this economic transition.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Update Regarding Process to Plan for a Just Transition
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Presentation – Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan Update, June 2023
Agenda Packet
Page 10 of 35
JUST TRANSITION
ECONOMIC
REVITALIZATION
PLAN
UPDATE
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION &
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE –
JUNE 2023
2
•Provide update regarding the process to plan for a Just Transition.
OBJECTIVE
3
•A process that seeks input from the community (with a special focus on
highly impacted Environmental Justice communities), workers
(especially impacted workers), and business/industry
•A set of strategies that seeks to address an historic injustice by seeking
the sustained input of those communities most impacted by the
environmental burdens of the climate crisis
•A plan for improving the health, safety, infrastructure, and job
opportunities for residents in these communities
•A plan for a transition away from an economy that is dependent on
fossil fuels, to a zero-emission economy.
WHAT IS A JUST TRANSITION PLAN
4
•An analysis and set of strategies to identify and attract new and sustainable
businesses that grow the County’s economy and tax base, and prepare the
existing and future workforce and those communities most impacted by fossil
fuel industry for new jobs
•An analysis and recommended set of policies related to infrastructure, and other
sectors
•A set of strategies to improve the health and safety of those communities most
impacted by the fossil fuel industry
•A process that continuously engages and heeds the input of all affected
stakeholders during the economic shift.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
LANDSCAPE OF
EXISTING EFFORTS
TAKING PLACE IN
CONTRA COSTA
COUNTY:
•Bay Area Good Jobs Partnership for Equity (Community Economic Resilience Fund, or CERF)
•Contra Costa Refinery Transition Partnership
•Green Empowerment Zone including Northern Waterfront of Contra Costa
•Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative
•Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan
•Contra Costa County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
•Refinery Community Benefits Agreements
•Envision Contra Costa 2040 General Plan Update
•East Bay Regional Planning Unit (Workforce) Plan
SCOPE OF WORK FUNDED BY FEDERAL COMMUNITY
PROJECT FUNDING (CPF) GRANT
Expense Amount
Stakeholder Outreach/Stakeholder Meeting Support (Stipends,
Translators, Childcare, Community Ambassadors, etc.):
$200,000
Economic Analyses:$200,000
Detailed Studies (Environmental, Other Specialized Subjects):$150,000
County Staffing:$200,000
Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan (Total):$750,000
7
Stakeholder Outreach
Award of Grant Funds
(Month 1) through Plan
Completion (Month 24)
Economic Analyses
Months 6-18
Detailed
Studies(Environmental,
Other Specialized Subjects)
Months 12-24
PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR USE OF COMMUNITY PROJECT
FUNDING (CPF) GRANT
8
-August 2019: LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted the OurCounty
Sustainability Plan which called for the creation of a Just Transition Plan.
-September 2020: LA County BOS adopted a motion directing the adoption of
a Just Transition Strategy and to coordinate with the City of Los Angeles and
other local jurisdictions to create a Just Transition Taskforce (initially included
the City of LA, City of Culver City, labor, environmental, industry, and other
members).
-June 2021: The County’s Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) and the City of LA
Mayor’s Office of Sustainability agreed to co-convene and expand the task
force to include frontline and tribal communities, additional industry reps,
labor organization/workers, and workforce development partners.
LA COUNTY’S JUST TRANSITION PLAN PROCESS
•The county’s impacted communities are the intended main beneficiaries of the community revitalization planning effort in the Economic Revitalization Plan.
•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.
•This plan will also be consistent with the 5-Year Consolidated Plan’s objectives/strategies on expanding economic opportunities for extremely low-, very low- and low-income residents.
PROPOSED COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT
PROCESS
10
•Sustainability Committee member(s)
•Labor/workers
•Frontline environmental justice community representatives
•Local government
•Business/industry sector
•Workforce development and training entities
•Education sector (community colleges, County Office of Education)
•Academic partners.
PROPOSED STAKEHOLDER TABLE
12
•Community Outreach/Stakeholder Meeting Support: $200,000
•(Including: Stipends, Translators, Childcare, Community Ambassadors, etc.)
•Economic Analyses: $200,000
•(Including: impact analyses on jobs, the economy, and local tax base)
•Detailed Studies: $150,000
•(Including: environmental reviews, other specialized studies that 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)
PROPOSED CONSULTING ASSISTANCE
13
•Leadership of a robust countywide stakeholder engagement process
•Ensure that the 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
•Culminate in a Just Transition Economic Revitalization Plan, a roadmap
to move forward with an equitable Contra Costa Just Transition.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH/STAKEHOLDER MEETING
SUPPORT: PROPOSED CONTRACTED SERVICES
14
•Analysis of future economic opportunities and constraints
•Analysis of the workforce transitions and training needed to support the
career pathways that 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, and
the associated necessary investments in the labor force
•Workforce crosswalk 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.
ECONOMIC ANALYSES: PROPOSED CONTRACTED SERVICES
15
•Land use and environmental analysis, and other specialized studies that
help guide planning and align with and build on existing priorities in the
Northern Waterfront Economic Development Initiative and the County’s
Envision 2040 General Plan update
•A roadmap to attract and accommodate businesses in 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.
DETAILED STUDIES: PROPOSED CONTRACTED SERVICES
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
5.
Meeting Date: June 26, 2023
Subject: RECEIVE reports from Sustainability Commission members and alternates, and
PROVIDE DIRECTION as needed
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Luz Gomez, Chair
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):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
Agenda Packet
Page 26 of 35
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
6.
Meeting Date: June 26, 2023
Subject: RECEIVE Sustainability Coordinator Report
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator
Contact: Jody London, (925) 655-2815
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Commission.
Referral Update:
At each Commission meeting the Sustainability Coordinator provides a report on key County staff
sustainability activities. Attached is the Sustainability Coordinator Report for June 2023.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Sustainability Coordinator Report.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Sustainbillity Coordinator Report for Sustainability Commission – June 26, 2023
Agenda Packet
Page 27 of 35
Sustainability Staff Report – June 2023
Page 1 of 4
SUSTAINABILTY STAFF REPORT FOR
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
June 26, 2023
Key acƟviƟes since the Sustainability Commission’s meeƟng on April 24, 2023, are listed below.
DCD Sustainability Staff
The Q2 Sustainability Exchange1 meeƟng on May 4, 2023, was a field trip to the Mangini
Ranch EducaƟonal Preserve, a project of Save Mount Diablo. The meeƟng was aƩended by
staff from several ciƟes and County departments, as well as Recycle Smart.
Sustainability staff provided a report to the Sustainability CommiƩee at its May meeƟng on
the new “Sustainability Resources” webpage. The webpage houses a list of local, state, and
federal incenƟve programs available to Contra Costa County residents and businesses.
Nicole Shimizu from the Sustainability team will be presenƟng on this web page on July 11
as part of the County Library’s educaƟon program, How to Finance Your Clean Energy
Upgrade.
Staff submiƩed a FY 2024 Community Project Funding request to the County’s congressional
delegaƟon for submission to the federal AppropriaƟons CommiƩees in the House of
RepresentaƟves and the Senate. This request seeks parƟal funding of the Contra Costa
County Sea Level Rise AdaptaƟon Plan.
Staff will support the newly established Board of Supervisors ad hoc commiƩee, the Contra
Costa Resilient Shoreline Ad Hoc CommiƩee on Sea Level Rise. The CommiƩee on Sea Level
Rise’s work will focus on developing Contra Costa County sea level rise adaptaƟon and
resilience project recommendaƟons for the full Board’s ConsideraƟon.
Staff are updaƟng the All‐Electric Roadmap aŌer receiving feedback from the Sustainability
CommiƩee at its May 15, 2023 meeƟng.
SB 511 was voted out of the Senate unanimously and has moved to the Assembly. SB 511
was heard by the Assembly Natural Resources CommiƩee on June 19. Jody London, the
County’s Sustainability Coordinator, tesƟfied in support. SB 511 would require the California
Air Resources Board to prepare inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for use by
ciƟes and counƟes.
Sustainability staff conƟnue to monitor state and federal grant opportuniƟes, and prepare
to apply for projects that will support key climate goals around all‐electric buildings, acƟve
transportaƟon, sea level rise, climate resilience, and Just TransiƟon.
Sustainability staff are coordinaƟng a working group across county departments that is
developing an applicaƟon for a $300,000 planning grant for Bay Point from the
TransformaƟve Climate CommuniƟes program sponsored by the California Strategic Growth
Council. The TransformaƟve Climate CommuniƟes (TCC) Program empowers the
communiƟes most impacted by polluƟon to choose their own goals, strategies, and projects
1 The Sustainability Exchange is a quarterly gathering for local government staff in Contra Costa County who work
on sustainability issues to network and learn from one another. The Sustainability Exchange is open to anyone who
reports to an elected Board or Council.
Agenda Packet
Page 28 of 35
Sustainability Staff Report – June 2023
Page 2 of 4
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air polluƟon. (See aƩached fact sheet.) The
City of Richmond recently received a $35 million implementaƟon grant through this
program. Staff will seek approval from the Board for a planning grant applicaƟon for Bay
Point prior to the August 1, 2023 deadline.
The Green Government Group (G3) Champions meeƟng on June 14 focused on having the
Champions design monthly acƟviƟes they can implement with their peers.
On May 26, 2023, the California Public UƟliƟes Commission issued a Proposed Decision (PD)
Authorizing Energy Efficiency Porƞolios for 2024‐2027 and Business Plans for 2024‐2031.
The Proposed Decision, among other things, would approve over $160 Million for the next
four years for BayREN to conƟnue to operate and expand its porƞolio to include public
sector programs. BayREN would become the first administrator of a statewide program that
is not an investor‐owned uƟlity. If the Proposed Decision is adopted, BayREN will
administer the Home Energy Score program, with a budget of $9.9 Million, increasing the
overall four‐year BayREN budget to $171,676,637. If the Proposed Decision is adopted,
BayREN’s budget will have more than doubled since the program started 10 years ago, from
$20 million/year to $44 million/year.
Staff published the quarterly Sustainability in Contra Costa County newsleƩer.
Climate Emergency ResoluƟon:
o Just TransiƟon. The County is in the process of accepƟng a $750,000 Community
Project Funding (CPF) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) to develop a Just TransiƟon Economic RevitalizaƟon Plan, a
long‐term strategic planning process. Staff is providing an update on this at this
meeƟng.
o Interdepartmental Climate AcƟon Task Force. No acƟvity during this period.
Public Works
Public Works is currently preparing a grant applicaƟon for the Safe Streets and Roads for All
(SS4A) federal grant program to construct five “Tier One” priority projects idenƟfied in the
County’s Vision Zero AcƟon Plan. “Tier One” corresponds to the top ten projects
recommended in the Vision Zero AcƟon Plan. The projects include a variety of safety
improvements and complete streets features to reduce fataliƟes and serious injuries on the
County’s road network, with a focus on projects located within historically underserved
communiƟes. The applicaƟon is due on July 10. If awarded, the projects would be
constructed by 2028.
Public Works is partnering with the ciƟes of PiƩsburg and AnƟoch to carry out the Delta De
Anza MulƟmodal Trail Safety Improvements project, which was awarded $4.4M in One Bay
Area Grant 3 funds. This project will provide a series of safety and operaƟonal
enhancements to the mulƟ‐use trail. Improvements within unincorporated Bay Point will
include crossing enhancements such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons, which will alert
drivers of pedestrians crossing the road. The City of PiƩsburg is the lead applicaƟon for this
project. ConstrucƟon for this project is set for 2025.
Agenda Packet
Page 29 of 35
Sustainability Staff Report – June 2023
Page 3 of 4
Public Works is seeking state and federal funding for Direct Current Fast Chargers at various
county faciliƟes, in partnership with Electric Vehicle Charging SoluƟons (EVCS). Funding
opportuniƟes include:
o CEC – FAST program ‐ $6M (~10 sites, 8 ports per site) – Level 3
o CEC – Chill 2 program ‐ $4M (~6 sites, up to 40 ports per site) – Level 2
o Federal – CFI program ‐ $30M (~20 sites, we are exclusively targeƟng libraries) – Level 3
Note: No out‐of‐pocket costs required from County for project implementaƟon.
Public Works is using part of a $1 million grant from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife
‐ $140,000 ‐ to fund greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring and reporƟng at the Lower Walnut
Creek RestoraƟon Project. The objecƟve of this grant subset is to esƟmate the net GHG and
carbon effect of the conversion from the current baseline condiƟon, seasonal pickleweed
marsh and grasslands, to Ɵdal marsh. The first set of measurements were taken in April
2023. The site will be monitored for one year, include modeling and data analysis,
concluding with a final report. Grading of the Lower Walnut Creek RestoraƟon project was
completed in 2021 and is now in its second year of monitoring for revegetaƟon and plant
establishment. See also aƩached photos.
Agenda Packet
Page 30 of 35
Sustainability Staff Report – June 2023
Page 4 of 4
Public Works partnered with Urban Tilth and The Watershed Project for the North
Richmond Watershed ConnecƟons Project (NRWC) with a grant from the State Coastal
Conservancy. The NRWC Project has 3 components:
o The Fred Jackson Way 1st Mile/Last Mile Urban, a complete streets project including
the planƟng of street trees completed by TransportaƟon Engineering;
o The construcƟon of a rain garden (linear bioretenƟon basin) by Urban Tilth; and
o The Clean and Green Adopt a Tree Program and Walkable Watersheds component
being completed by The Watershed Project (TWP). TWP is planƟng trees in the
neighborhood, and creaƟng a route through the neighborhood that has wayfinding
signs, art, interpreƟve elements and a storytelling element.
John Steere, Watershed Planner, is being recognized by the Greenbelt Alliance on August 14
as one of three 2023 “Hidden Heroes of the Greenbelt.” John is being recognized for
fostering nature‐based climate adaptaƟon.
Treasurer
The County Treasurer on June 13 submiƩed the County’s Investment Policy for Fiscal Year
2023‐2024 to the Board of Supervisors. The policy includes a new provision on fossil fuel
companies, something for which the Sustainability Commission has been advocaƟng. The
new policy reads:
Debt instruments issued by fossil fuel companies are prohibited. The list includes
Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Total Energies SE, BP PLC, Marathon Petroleum, Valero
Energy CorporaƟon, Phillips 66. The Treasury staff will update the list of fossil
fuel companies when necessary.
ESG investments may be considered so long as such investments achieve
equivalent safety, liquidity, and yield compared to other investment
opportuniƟes.
Ongoing
Staff parƟcipated in professional learning opportuniƟes regarding environmental jusƟce,
carbon sequestraƟon, climate resilience, communicaƟon and facilitaƟon strategies, race
and equity, and related. The enƟre Sustainability team aƩended the California Climate and
Energy CoaliƟon Forum, a two‐day conference sponsored by BayREN and other regional
energy networks.
Staff parƟcipated in regional acƟviƟes.
AƩachments
TCC Fact Sheet
Lower Walnut Creek RestoraƟon Photos
Agenda Packet
Page 31 of 35
Application due August 1:
$300,000 Planning Grant to be
spent over 2 years.
Future: Up to $29,500,000
Implementation Grant to be
spent over 6 years.
Transformative Climate
Communities
Get involved!
What is the TCC Program?
Send project ideas, questions, and letters of support to
Sustainability@dcd.cccounty.us.
If your organization is interested in being a co-applicant, let us
know by June 30.
The County wants to hear your vision for TCC projects in Bay Point!
The Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program is
administered by the California Strategic Growth Council in
partnership with the California Department of Conservation.
It funds community-driven projects that achieve local health,
economic, and environmental benefits and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
Contra Costa County will be applying for a TCC Planning Grant for
Bay Point to prepare for future funding opportunities.
Projects that could be included
in this initiative might relate to:
Learn about past TCC grant awardee projects at
https://sgc.ca.gov/programs/tcc/vision/stories-of-transformation.html
Clean energy
Community resources
Energy & water efficiency
Fresh food
Health
Housing
Parks & green spaces
Resilience
Transportation
Workforce & economic
development
Agenda Packet
Page 32 of 35
Lower Walnut Creek Restoration
Greenhouse Gas Monitoring and Reporting
Progress Photos
Agenda Packet
Page 33 of 35
Agenda Packet
Page 34 of 35
Contra Costa County
Sustainability Commission
7.
Meeting Date: June 26, 2023
Subject: RECEIVE Report from Sustainability Commission Chair and IDENTIFY TOPICS for
next report to Sustainability Committee
Department: Conservation & Development
Presenter: Luz Gomez, Chair
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana, S (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.
Agenda Packet
Page 35 of 35