California Dept. of Child Support Services, Contracts and Procurement Section

The meeting agenda included standard housekeeping and roll call, project spotlights, and discussions on partnerships designed to drive action related to the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP). Key presentations and discussions covered the Allensworth Progressive Association's challenges and priorities, including food and water insecurity, and updates on the Allensworth Community Plan, which focuses heavily on climate resiliency and achieving rural self-sufficiency. Furthermore, discussions highlighted the partnership with the American Red Cross regarding the Community Adaptation Program (CAP) following the 2023 flood events, and efforts related to the 30 by 30 initiative concerning land and water conservation in the Tulare Lake Basin. Specific topics included watershed restoration benefits to Allensworth, flood risk management, and planning for the Civic and Resiliency Center.

This document outlines California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment, a critical initiative providing up-to-date information to drive sound policy and investment decisions regarding climate change impacts. The assessment encompasses new data and scenarios for future impacts, original climate research, a Tribal Research Grant Program, and regional, topical, and statewide synthesis reports. It also emphasizes an equity-centered engagement process to ensure the information facilitates climate action. The ultimate goal is to build a robust scientific foundation for understanding climate vulnerability, supporting on-the-ground implementation, and informing decision-making at local, regional, Tribal, and state levels, with a focus on communities most vulnerable to climate change.

The meeting focused heavily on updates regarding the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP) and nature-based solutions. Key discussions included programmatic updates from various state agencies concerning heat preparedness, wildfire smoke response, adaptation planning, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Specific attention was given to the Fifth Climate Assessment updates, including the establishment of an editorial board and ongoing tribal engagement. A significant portion of the meeting addressed state targets for nature-based solutions, including acreage goals for wildfire risk reduction, forest management, and grassland restoration, as mandated by AB 1757. Discussions also covered labor intersections with climate change, specifically worker safety regarding extreme heat and wildfire smoke, and strategies for funding nature-based solutions at scale, emphasizing the need for funding continuity and streamlined permitting. Case studies were presented on Urban Forestry, the Sequoia Riverlands Trust's 30x30 efforts, and the Healthy Soils Program in Siskiyou County. Finally, the committee elected a new Vice-Chair.

This document provides an overview of California's Statewide VMT Mitigation Bank, established by AB 130, as a new mechanism to streamline Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) mitigation for CEQA projects. The bank allows projects to contribute to the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Implementation Fund, managed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), for investment in location-efficient affordable housing and related infrastructure. The initiative aims to enhance certainty in environmental review, foster long-term investment aligned with California's climate goals, and advance the state's housing, mobility, and sustainability efforts. Key next steps include the development and issuance of VMT Mitigation Bank and TOD Implementation Fund Guidelines by 2026, and subsequent rulemaking by 2028, guided by state agencies and a stakeholder working group.

This document, a staff report from the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program Technical Advisory Council, outlines the programmatic priorities for 2025. These priorities are centered on four key themes: Cultivating Trust and Empowering Communities, Showcasing Impact Through Storytelling, Expanding Localized Data, Research, and Tools, and Implementing Innovative Adaptation and Resilience Action. The plan aims to build lasting partnerships with California Native American Tribes and vulnerable communities, amplify local climate resilience narratives, enhance data and tools for equitable planning, and prioritize investments for equitable adaptation outcomes across California.