This report provides an update to the Sustainability Committee on the work of the County’s Sustainability staff since the Committee last met on September 23, 2019. Key activities during this period are listed below.

• The Climate Action Plan update is a major focus of work right now for sustainability staff. Over the last several months, sustainability staff worked with Sustainability Commission members and community partners to host four community meetings to obtain input on draft goals and strategies for the Climate Action Plan (CAP). The meetings were held on September 19 in Central County (Walnut Creek), September 26 in West County (Crockett), October 1 in North Richmond, and October 15 in East County (Antioch). Sustainability staff are now meeting with County staff across departments to begin discussions about CAP goals and strategies.
• Hosted the quarterly meeting of the Sustainability Exchange, a venue for local government staff to network and exchange best practices. The focus of the November 21 meeting was climate action planning. Over 30 local government staff members from across the County, as well as other Bay Area counties, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and the California Department of Health, came together to discuss opportunities to align climate documents, goals, and projects.
• Developed a draft solar overlay zoning ordinance, as directed by the Board of Supervisors in December 2018, when it received the Renewable Resource Potential Study.
• Prepared for and supported the October 21 meeting of the Sustainability Commission.
• Hosted four (4) single-family homeowner workshops promoting Bay Area Regional Energy Network Programs for the cities of Antioch, San Pablo and Walnut Creek as well as one workshop in the unincorporated area of Martinez.
• The County’s Sustainability Coordinator presented with Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) on the Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint at the Northern California meeting of the American Public Works Association. The Sustainability Coordinator presented on the importance of local government advocacy before state energy policy makers at the Urban Sustainability Directors Network annual meeting.
• Coordinated with CCTA and MCE on opportunities for funding to support implementation of the Electric Vehicle Readiness Blueprint.
• Developed a draft ordinance that streamlines permitting for installing electric vehicle chargers in the unincorporated County, in compliance with AB 1236. The draft ordinance will come to the Board of Supervisors later this month. Having an AB 1236 ordinance is important for eligibility for certain grants for electric vehicles and EV infrastructure.
• Collaborated with County staff working on topics including land use and transportation, hazardous materials, green business program, the County’s state and federal legislative platforms, economic development, health, codes, solid waste, energy, and related.
• Participated in regional activities.