Local Resources

East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW)

East Bay Energy Watch, a collaboration between Pacific Gas and Electric Company and local governments, non-profit and for-profit energy service providers in the East Bay dedicated to providing innovative energy efficiency solutions for residents and businesses in communities throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Bay Area Climate Collaborative

Bay Area Climate Collaborative works to create a regional response to a global challenge. By bringing together leaders across key sectors, the Collaborative is making the local clean energy economy real, growing the market for key products and services, making Bay Area companies even more globally competitive. The Bay Area can in turn provide expertise and best practices for other regions to follow, safeguarding local and global water, air and other resources for current and future generations.

C40 Cities

Cities have a central role to play in tackling climate change. By fostering a sense of shared purpose, the C40 network offers cities an effective forum in which to work together, share information and demonstrate leadership. Get news and updates on current initiatives, information about each of the cities involved, and other information.

California Climate Change Portal

California Climate Change Portal is the website produced by the California State Government. It contains information for residents and businesses on climate change prevention and adaptation. It also has excellent links to incentives and programs available.

CitiesGoGreen

CitiesGoGreen: Sustainability Solutions for people in local government. The website exists to help local governments become more sustainable as quickly and as effectively as possible. View their online magazine.

Climate Change: Just the Facts

Climate Change: Just the Facts is produced by the California Office of Planning and Research. It presents the evidence for Climate Change and the overwhelming consensus that has been reached. It also has the arguments presented by Climate Change Deniers and the evidence that disputes all of these arguments.

CoolCalifornia.org

CoolCalifornia.org was created by the CA Air Resources Board and other partners to create a toolkit and website for local governments. Information and financial resources are easily accessible on their site.

Cool Cities Program

Sierra Club’s Cool Cities Program is a collaboration between community members, organizations, businesses, and local leaders to implement clean energy solutions that save money, create jobs, and help curb global warming. Sign up for the Cool Cities newsletter and visit the resources pages to learn more about best practices in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other solutions.

EPA Funding Sources for Communities

The Environmental Protection Agency provides Funding Sources for Communities. This resource lists ongoing grant programs that are available to a variety of recipients (primarily state and local governments, and nonprofits) within Region 9 (California, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada). Contacts, phone numbers, and e-mails are listed for each grant program, along with other available information, such as Web sites.

Greenbelt Alliance

Greenbelt Alliance defends the Bay Area’s natural and agricultural landscape from development. They help create cities and neighborhoods where people can walk and bike, communities with parks and shops, transportation options, and homes that are affordable. Greenbelt Alliance brings together residents and decision-makers, business leaders, labor unions and others to find innovative solutions to our region’s growth challenges.

Also check out their Greenbelt Mapper, a new feature that shows where development is planned for the Bay Area.

Green Cities California

Explore Green Cities California to learn about best practices from cities around CA. The website is dedicated to sharing best practices for sustainable public policy across the state. You will find easily accessible, ground breaking environmental policies that you can immediately download and modify for your jurisdiction.

ICLEI

ICLEI is a membership organization of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainability. With more than 800 members worldwide, cities have access to inventory software, training, networking, case studies, model climate action plans, and template samples of policies & ordinances. Please note: If you are a member, go to Member Login and enter your password for full access to all ICLEI resources.

The Institute for Local Government

The Institute for Local Government is the non-profit research affiliate to the League of California Cities. Their website hosts the California Climate Action Network (CCAN). This resources has a compilation of best practices, climate action examples, and climate resources. No membership required to access all information.

Northeast Sustainable Communities Workshop

NSCW focuses on Brownfields redevelopment and the intersection with sustainability. View presentations from their workshops and learn valuable information.

View presentations from their workshops and learn valuable information.

One Bay Area

One Bay Area is an initiative meant to coordinate efforts among the region’s nine counties and 101 towns and cities to create a more sustainable future. This group joins together to address issues like climate change, sustainable growth and development, transportation, and protection of our air and water. Through this initiative, One Bay Area hopes to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy and harness the creativity, resources and force of will to build a better Bay Area. Join the dialogue to make our region, a better, more sustainable place!

Partnership for Sustainable Communities

One of our country’s most pressing goals is to build an economy that provides good jobs now—and that creates a strong foundation for enduring prosperity. Sustainable communities are places that balance their economic and natural assets so that the diverse needs of local residents can be met now and in the future. See this report for case studies around the country and excellent resources for sustainable actions.