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AD HOC COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABILITY

Meeting Date:	03/26/2018
Subject: PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff regarding development of a Countywide message on sustainability.
Submitted For:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Department:	Conservation & Development
Referral No.:	N/A
Referral Name:	N/A
Presenter:	Jody London, DCD	Contact:	Jody London (925)674-7871

Information

Referral History:

Referral Update:

A theme in the County’s Climate Action Plan is outreach and education to County residents and businesses on different measures in the Climate Action Plan: energy use, renewable energy, financing for energy and conservation improvements, active transportation, water conservation, reducing solid waste. The County Sustainability Commission has identified as an action item a more strategic approach to communication and education on sustainability, with a goal of changing behavior, for County residents and businesses. The Commission has ideas on how this could be accomplished. Some members of the Sustainability Commission have expertise in communications and outreach and would like to advise the County on this regarding the Climate Action Plan.

The County Sustainability Coordinator has identified this same opportunity in her work with members of the Board of Supervisors, members of the community, County staff, and others. The Sustainability Coordinator is in the process of revamping the Sustainability web page on the County web site. While important, this alone is not sufficient to motivate the behavioral change that will be necessary for the County to achieve the goals of the Climate Action Plan.

There is not a specific budget for communication and education on Climate Action Plan issues, nor does the Department of Conservation and Development, where the Sustainability Coordinator is based, have budget for a specific staff position focused on these activities. However, the County’s Office of Communications and Media has technology and staff who could be directed to support work in this area. Several County departments have staff positions that focus on outreach and media relations – Public Works, several groups within the Health Department, Clerk-Recorder to name a few. There may be opportunities to leverage these existing County resources to identify key elements of a Countywide message on sustainability.

Staff recommends that the Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability direct staff to identify the elements of an action plan for a Countywide education and outreach campaign on the Climate Action Plan, and resources needed to successfully implement such a plan.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

DIRECT staff, facilitated by the Sustainability Coordinator, to identify the elements of an action plan for a Countywide education and outreach campaign on the Climate Action Plan, and resources needed to successfully implement such a plan.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

N/A

Attachments
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