Gathering just a week after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Smart Growth California steering committee members convened in Oakland to reflect on the impact of the disaster, share thoughts on response and recovery efforts, and learn about legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions and creating a more climate-resilient future in California.
It was our first in-person meeting for Smart Growth California’s Statewide Steering Committee in 2025. We met alongside with leadership active in the ClimatePlan Network, which works to create a healthier, more sustainable California, where people of all backgrounds and incomes have the opportunity to thrive.
Our meeting took place at the Greenlining 360 Center, an inspiring center for collaboration and revitalization in Downtown Oakland. The day provided an engaging opportunity for participants to connect, learn and strategize together. Below are key highlights from the meeting offering a snapshot of ongoing efforts and the pressing work ahead to build a more climate resilient California.
Resiliency in a Time of Climate Crisis
Smart Growth California steering committee members and additional funders active in our statewide network based in the Bay Area spent the morning providing a space to discuss response and recovery related opportunities for philanthropy. We also provided a space for funders to share how they are supporting community-based organizations and networks working on issues related to climate, health and equity across the state of California.
Statewide Focus: Cap and Trade + Environmental Justice
One of the central topics discussed was the upcoming renewal of California’s Cap and Trade Program. Legislators, many of whom are newly elected, will play a critical role in determining how this key climate policy evolves. We heard from Katie Valenzuela, Policy Consultant for Central Valley Air Quality Coalition and Caroline Farrell, Golden Gate University Environmental Law and Justice Clinic, who are working closely with organizations across the state to ensure that environmental justice concerns are central to the discussions on how Cap and Trade can better serve vulnerable communities. Their insights highlighted the importance of ensuring that this program continues to be a tool for both reducing emissions and addressing inequities in climate impacts.
Site Visit: Lincoln Park Resilience Hub
A major highlight of the day was our visit to the Lincoln Park Resilience Hub, just a seven-minute walk from the Greenlining Institute. This historic park in Oakland’s Chinatown is being transformed into one of the city’s first Resilience Centers. The vision is to create a hub for climate resilience, offering resources, education, and a space for community members to gather in times of crisis. But the project will also expand recreational and social opportunities in the well-used community center, offering more space for classes and activities. The project is being spearheaded by the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN ), with partners including the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC), Friends of Lincoln Park and the City of Oakland Sustainability and Resilience Division We learned about the community-driven process that is shaping this public space. This project, part of the Rooted adn Resilient Oakland Plan, received funding from The Funder’s Network’s Partners for Places Program in 2024, which received matching funding from The California Endowment.
ClimatePlan’s 2025 Agenda
We then met with the Adivsory Board of ClimatePlan to learn more about and discuss their 2025 priorities. Key areas of focus include a Clean Rides Campaign in California, part of a national effort taking place in seven states working to stop highway expansion and instead increase funding for transit and active transportation, reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through better transportation options. In particular, participants discussed legislation for 2025, including the strengthening of the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Program (SB 375), which links regional planning to greenhouse gas reduction targets. We reflected on the changing federal and state landscape and also heard updates on the Transit Transformation Taskforce aimed at reshaping public transit for the climate crisis. Finally, we continued conversations on state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which plays a critical role in financing climate solutions.
Opportunities for Action
The meeting highlighted several key opportunities to strengthen California’s climate resilience and advocacy efforts moving forward. First, there’s a pressing need to increase long-term funding commitments for advocacy and climate work to ensure sustained progress in combating the climate crisis. Developing and funding a statewide coordinated communications strategy is crucial to align efforts and amplify the message across diverse stakeholders. Supporting local communities with tools for advocacy and education empowers grassroots leaders and residents to take action and influence policy decisions. Additionally, funding grassroots participation in statewide climate campaigns ensures that marginalized communities have a voice in shaping climate policy. Finally, promoting smarter land use and smart growth practices will be essential for reducing emissions, preserving natural resources, and fostering more sustainable, resilient communities. Collectively, these opportunities offer a comprehensive approach to advancing climate action across California.
Looking Ahead
The meeting provided an invaluable space to reflect on how California is responding to the ongoing climate crisis, with a particular focus on resilience, equity, and transformative change. As we head into 2025, the challenges remain significant, but so do the opportunities to shape a more resilient, equitable future for all communities. The discussions at this meeting underscored the critical role that collaboration, community engagement, and bold leadership will play in meeting the climate crisis head-on.
Smart Growth California’s Statewide Steering committee will continue to meet bi-monthly in 2025 and this year will begin planning on our next Statewide Funder Summit. If you’re a funder in California working on statewide and/or regional-related issues and are interested in learning more about joining this group, please contact Ron Milam, Director, Smart Growth California (an initiative of The Funders Network).
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