Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors designate the position of County Sustainability Coordinator in the Department of Conservation and Development to coordinate the development and integration of the County’s activities related to climate change, including policies and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or prepare for climate change. The duties of this position would be structured as follows:
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Interdepartmental Coordination and Climate Action Plan Implementation
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Staff the Board of Supervisor’s Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability
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Convene County staff to coordinate County sustainability activities
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Coordinate multi-departmental implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan and track progress towards achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets
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Energy Efficiency Programs
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Coordinate County programs providing energy efficiency services to the public and represent the County in regional energy efficiency initiatives
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Policy Development and New Initiatives
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Develop policies and initiatives to advance climate and energy goals
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Seek funding to expand organizational capacity and services
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Monitor and participate in development of legislation
Survey of Bay Area Cities and Counties
In anticipation of the Committee’s interest in considering the designation of a County Sustainability Coordinator, staff has reviewed the organizational structure of several other counties and large cities within the Bay Area with regards to sustainability activities. These include the counties of Alameda, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma; the cities of Oakland and San Jose; and the City and County of San Francisco.
Staff finds there is considerable variation among Bay Area cities and counties concerning the organizational structure and staffing level for sustainability activities. While it is now fairly common for cities and counties to have designated sustainability staff, the size, function and subject matter addressed by sustainability staff differ substantially from one jurisdiction to another.
In some jurisdictions, the role of sustainability staff is to coordinate and integrate ongoing sustainability activities in multiple departments. In other cases, sustainability staff operate a variety of programs delivering direct services to the public. A third function typical of sustainability staff is development of new program and policy initiatives, often involving interagency partnerships, legislation, and fund raising activities.
The range of programs and policy topics included under the umbrella of “sustainability” also varies considerably from one jurisdiction to another. A common program activity for many local government sustainability staff is to implement the jurisdiction’s Climate Action Plan. Other topics frequently designated as part of a city or county’s sustainability function include energy efficiency, transportation planning, long-term land use planning, solid waste management, fleet management, water conservation, adaption to sea level rise, and others.
Recommended Duties of County Sustainability Coordinator
DCD’s analysis of the experience in neighboring cities and counties suggests three areas in which a County Sustainability Coordinator could make valuable contributions towards the development of sustainability programs in Contra Costa County. These three areas are:
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Interdepartmental Coordination and Climate Action Plan Implementation
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Energy Efficiency Programs
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Policy Development and New Initiatives
DCD recommends the County Sustainability Coordinator undertakes responsibilities in each of these three areas. The subject matter focus should be climate change and energy efficiency, which are inter-related and central to most local government sustainability programs. To date, the County’s activities in these areas have been limited by financial constraints, and additional resources will yield the most significant benefits for the County in achieving its sustainability goals.
Interdepartmental Coordination and Climate Action Plan Implementation
The County Sustainability Coordinator is proposed to serve as staff to the Board of Supervisor’s Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability and assist in coordinating the sustainability activities of County departments. The County currently has staff in several departments engaged in a variety of sustainability activities. Staff in the Departments of Conservation and Development, Public Works, and Health Services are engaged in programs to promote greenhouse gas reduction and climate change adaptation in the areas of land use, transportation and health-related programs. County facilities have been upgraded to promote energy efficiency. The County is engaged in discussions to plan for sea level rise, and to respond to other new environmental conditions resulting from climate change. The Sustainability Coordinator will not seek to duplicate existing efforts underway, but may convene interdepartmental groups to coordinate such efforts and report to the Ad Hoc Committee.
Central to this coordination effort is implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan. Once adopted, the Climate Action Plan will provide a strategic plan for the County’s sustainability activities. The Sustainability Coordinator will convene a working group of County departments to implement measures stated in the Climate Action Plan. Together with the interdepartmental working group, the Sustainability Coordinator will track progress and provide reports to the Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability.
Energy Efficiency Programs
DCD recommends the Sustainability Coordinator coordinate the County’s participation in energy efficiency programs serving the public. These include programs offering educational resources and financial rebates, loans, and other incentives to promote the efficient use of energy by businesses and residents. These programs include the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, East Bay Energy Watch, and PACE financing programs. Energy efficiency programs are a dynamic and growing program area in California, as the State pursues reduced energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy Development and New Initiatives
DCD recommends the County Sustainability Coordinator take a lead role in County policy development and new initiatives related to climate change and energy efficiency. This will include monitoring State Cap and Trade funding and seeking this and other funding opportunities to expand the County’s organizational capacity and services in these areas. It may also include forming partnerships with other agencies on regional sustainability efforts, and participating in the development of legislation. |