Lesley Bell

The meeting included reports on ICARP programmatic updates, the status of federal funding, and an overview of the climate bond. Discussions covered the use cases for the Vulnerable Communities Platform, the 2025 ICARP Impact Report, and a showcase of the Adaptation Planning Grant Program. Additionally, presentations were given on specific regional resilience efforts in Napa County, the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency, and the City of Alameda, focusing on climate adaptation and infrastructure project funding challenges.

The 2026 Priorities and Visioning document for the Technical Advisory Council (TAC) outlines strategic goals for the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program (ICARP). It is designed to guide ICARP's efforts and track progress by focusing on four key priorities: cultivating trust and empowering communities, showcasing impact through storytelling, expanding localized data, research and tools, and implementing innovative adaptation and resilience actions. The document also serves as an opportunity for the TAC to reflect on its goals and long-term vision.

The 2026 Extreme Heat Action Plan, updating the 2022 plan, outlines California's comprehensive strategy to build resilience against extreme heat. It addresses health, economic, cultural, ecological, and social impacts through four main tracks: building public awareness and notification, strengthening community services and response, increasing resilience of the built environment, and utilizing nature-based solutions. Mandated by SB 306, this collaborative interagency effort aims to ensure California's adaptation approach remains strategic, data-driven, and responsive to increasing temperatures and heat waves.

The committee meeting addressed several key topics including the adaptation to the loss of federal funding for climate resilience and mitigation projects, with case studies from multiple California agencies. Updates were provided on the implementation of the Climate Bond (Proposition 4), the utility of the Vulnerable Communities Platform, and the approval of the 2025 ICARP Impact Report. Additionally, the committee showcased Adaptation Planning Grant Program projects, discussed the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study, reviewed the State Extreme Heat Action Plan, and established priorities for 2026, including the formation of a subcommittee for adaptation funding and finance.

The public workshop focused on an update to California's Extreme Heat Action Plan, an initiative co-facilitated by the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the California Natural Resources Agency. Key discussion topics included an overview of the strategic plan, which is organized around four action tracks: public awareness and notification, community services and response, the built environment, and nature-based solutions. Breakout sessions allowed for direct feedback on these tracks, and information was provided regarding the public comment period, future workshops, and upcoming infrastructure funding through the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program.