Garden and Food Justice Education Coordinator

Organization: Community Action Marin
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri
Project Description:

• The 2026-2027 CivicSpark Fellow will support Community Action Marin’s Food & Climate Justice and Early Childhood Education programs across eight school garden sites, working alongside site staff, teachers, students, and volunteers.
• A key goal is to expand CAM’s local “workforce” capacity (staff + volunteers) by building repeatable tools for garden growth (e.g. site assessments, expansion plans/designs, planting/harvest data, volunteer engagement plans, garden lesson plans) and by helping capture impact metrics and stories that strengthen fundraising and grant applications (e.g. program narratives, photo documentation, and outcomes tracking).
• The Fellow will help translate community-identified needs for healthy organic food access, culturally relevant nutrition education, and climate resilience into practical improvements at school garden sites. The project addresses ongoing planning challenges, such as sustaining multi-site gardens over time
  (infrastructure, irrigation, planting, harvesting, weeding, maintenance, volunteer
  engagement, and continuity of programming) while expanding garden-based education and family outreach that builds long-term food/health equity,
  environmental literacy, and a stronger connection to fresh food and the outdoors.

Existing Buildings Resilience Upgrades and Decarbonization

Organization: City of Berkeley, Office of Energy & Sustainable Development
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellow
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:

The City of Berkeley’s Office of Energy & Sustainable Development (OESD) is a small, mighty, and close-knit team within the City’s Planning & Development Department. OESD works on a variety of climate mitigation and resiliency policies and programs, including building decarbonization for low to moderate-income residents, energy and resilience upgrades in municipal buildings, and green home and transportation community events.

• Support implementation of the City of Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO), a first-in-the-nation policy focused on improving health and safety, increasing energy efficiency and resilience, promoting electrification, and reducing emissions in existing buildings.
• Conduct targeted outreach and engagement with building owners and new homeowners to increase understanding of updated BESO requirements and building energy systems.
• Provide customer service and technical support to community members, helping ensure compliance, satisfaction, and successful adoption of energy efficiency and electrification upgrades.
• Expand staff capacity to deliver effective community outreach and education related to BESO program updates.
• Conduct research on renter protections in small buildings to assess current policies and identify opportunities to strengthen protections.
• Support preparation for the next phase of BESO Resilience Upgrades for 3–4 unit buildings, anticipated to begin in 2028.
• Assist with outreach and education efforts related to the Bay Area Air District Zero NOx Rules, including informing the public about upcoming requirements to transition away from gas water heaters and HVAC systems.
• Contribute to broader efforts to improve indoor air quality, building resilience, and community-wide emissions reductions through policy implementation and public engagement.

Climate Action & Resiliency Plan (CARP) Implementation

Organization: City of Alameda
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3-4 days in office
Project Description:

The City of Alameda Sustainability and Resilience Division leads Alameda’s efforts to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build community resilience to sea level rise and flooding. The team works closely with regional partners, community organizations, and residents. Staff foster a collaborative, solutions-focused workplace culture that values innovation, equity, and professional growth. Fellows joining the team can expect a supportive environment that encourages independent initiative while providing mentorship, project management experience, and exposure to multi-department and regional coordination.

MTC Regional Planning Fellow

Organization: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 day in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

This project serves MTC, ABAG, and local governments as they undertake long-range planning for housing, land use, and community wellbeing. As communities work to address these issues many local governments face real capacity constraints — from limited staff time to scarce resources — that slow down progress on regional goals.

Across the region, residents and local governments identify housing affordability, neighborhood stability, wildfire safety, and changing environmental conditions as top concerns. Regional and local governments are particularly challenged by:

• Limited technical expertise or staffing to evaluate emerging planning issues, prepare data for decision-making, or develop local policies to implement long-term plans (e.g. implement a local wildfire and seismic retrofit programs.)
• Difficulty incorporating complex land use, housing, or environmental information into accessible materials that can inform long‑range planning decisions.

This project responds to these challenges by delivering new research and resources that support informed planning at both the regional and local scales.

Nuestro Canal, Nuestro Futuro: Resident-Led Neighborhood Planning in Marin County, California

Organization: Canal Alliance
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Thurs (4/10 schedule)
Project Description:

Canal Alliance is a leading nonprofit serving low-income immigrants and their families in Marin County. Since 1982, the organization has supported community members in accessing education, building financial stability, and pursuing pathways out of poverty. Canal Alliance’s staff reflects the community it serves: more than 80% of employees are immigrants or children of immigrants and speak two or more languages, bringing lived experience and cultural competency that strengthens trust and connection with clients.

• Support community-driven planning in the Canal neighborhood through Canal Alliance’s Planning, Advocacy, and Civic Engagement (PACE) program and the Nuestro Canal Nuestro Futuro (NCNF) Initiative.
• Expand capacity of the PACE team by providing dedicated Planning Fellow support to advance project implementation.
• Document and elevate community priorities to inform a Neighborhood Vision Plan focused on a climate-resilient, safe, healthy, and vibrant Canal community.
• Advance planning and outreach efforts across key priority areas: Housing, Climate & Sustainability, Transportation, Health & Safety, Education, Economic Development, and Cultural Preservation.
• Strengthen community engagement through outreach, leadership development, and participatory planning processes that center resident voice and power-sharing.
• Support coordination and engagement of the 20-member Consejo (Resident Advisory Council) to ensure community-led decision-making and sustained neighborhood impact.

City of Concord Housing and Sustainability Policy/Program Implementation

Organization: City of Concord
Openings: 1 of 2 Filled (1 remaining)
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday) (Hybrid after 90 days)
Project Description:

This project would serve the Planning and Housing Divisions within the City of Concord’s Community Development Department. The needs and goals of this project include:

• Community planning assistance to implement community-supported and City Council-adopted plans and policies.
• Implementation of the City’s Rent Registry and affordable housing programs.
• Electronic conversion of physical files to support streamlined record keeping for affordable housing programs.
• Implementation of the adopted Climate Action Plan.
• Assistance with updates to the Climate Action Plan.

Berkeley Clean Water Program: Trash Reduction, Monitoring, and Community Stewardship Initiative

Organization: City of Berkeley
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellow
Work Schedule: Hybrid, (1 day remote after 2 months, 2 days remote after 3 months)
Project Description:

The City of Berkeley Public Works Department serves a diverse and environmentally engaged community along the eastern shoreline of the San Francisco Bay. The department works to maintain public infrastructure, protect natural resources, and support programs that improve environmental quality and community well-being. The Clean Water Program focuses on reducing pollution entering local creeks and the San Francisco Bay by implementing trash reduction strategies, supporting watershed stewardship, and promoting public awareness about pollution prevention.

• Expand staff capacity to support the Clean Water Program’s efforts in trash monitoring, data analysis, and program implementation.
• Improve collection, management, and evaluation of trash monitoring data to inform reduction strategies and regulatory compliance.
• Advance implementation of trash reduction initiatives to reduce pollution entering storm drains, local creeks, and the San Francisco Bay.
• Enhance public education and outreach through development of accessible materials (e.g., infographics, resources) to promote pollution prevention.
• Support community engagement efforts, including coordination of cleanup activities and partnerships that encourage participation.
• Protect water quality, wildlife, and recreational spaces by reducing trash impacts in neighborhoods, waterways, and shoreline areas.
• Strengthen public awareness and long-term behavior change to support clean water and environmental stewardship goals.

Strategic Plan for Local Housing and Land Use Solutions

Organization: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

This project supports MTC, ABAG, and local governments across the San Francisco Bay Area in advancing inclusive, connected, and climate-smart housing and land use systems.

• Expand local government capacity to advance housing and land use planning efforts despite staff and resource constraints.
• Evaluate existing and past regional initiatives to identify gaps, best practices, and opportunities for improved support.
• Develop forward-looking goals and strategies to strengthen regional support for local housing and land use planning.
• Support implementation of equitable housing strategies that reduce displacement and increase access to affordable housing.
• Advance climate-smart land use patterns that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable mobility.
• Promote development of healthier, more connected communities through integrated land use and transportation planning.

Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0

Organization: City of Union City
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon- Fri (9/80 schedule)
Project Description:

The City of Union City is the primary agency served by this project, which will update its Climate Action Plan to address evolving state requirements and local climate challenges. This effort, known as Climate Action Plan 2.0, will strengthen the City’s capacity to track progress, meet regulatory obligations, and establish a clear, long-term strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through 2040. The project also supports internal staff capacity by providing technical analysis, policy development, and potential grant and funding strategy guidance needed to implement climate initiatives effectively.
Project Goals:

• Establish a comprehensive and actionable Climate Action Plan 2.0 that sets achievable greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with state laws.
• Strengthen the City’s organizational capacity to implement, monitor, and fund climate initiatives, including identifying grant opportunities and improving long-term program delivery.
• Advance equitable and resilient climate strategies that reduce emissions, expand clean energy access, and prepare the community for climate impacts such as extreme heat, wildfire risk, drought, and sea-level rise.
• This project addresses several key community-identified priorities and planning challenges. These include ensuring climate strategies prioritize vulnerable populations, expanding energy efficiency across buildings, improving transit and active transportation options, encouraging mixed-use development, promoting community engagement, and preparing for long-term environmental risks through proactive resilience planning.

Bay Area Long-Range Planning Fellowship

Organization: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellow
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

The fellow will work with regional planners to develop the first phase of the four-year Plan Bay Area 2060 planning process. A major work element is expected to support the development of a regional existing conditions report. Separately, the fellow will support the Equity Priority Communities Refresh Phase 1 Evaluation, which has an emphasis on research and public engagement. Goals for these efforts are:

• Assist in the technical analysis, stakeholder coordination process, and report development of the regional existing conditions. This task will require working across teams at MTC and with regional stakeholders.
• Support public and stakeholder engagement by developing materials, participating in meetings and presentations, and helping to synthesize feedback. This task may require developing memos and meetings summaries to document takeaways and guide revisions to final reports.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and implement an analysis framework for project analysis and recommendations for Plan Bay Area 2060.
• Lead research on equity frameworks, data sources, and best practices.

Data Analytics, Visualization, and Dashboarding Fellowship

Organization: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellow
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) are the metropolitan planning organization and council of governments for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. The agencies plan for and implement an expansive work portfolio. Fellows can expect to spend a good portion of their average week problem-solving with passionate civil servants in a range of subject areas. As a physical and virtual coordinating hub for the region, MTC/ABAG is often in the host role for regional conversations where staff and elected officials gather to discuss planning challenges. Fellows can expect to participate in workshops, committee meetings, and networking events relevant to the projects they work on as well as others that interest them.

• Support MTC–ABAG and Bay Area local governments in using data to advance shared regional priorities.
• Address capacity gaps that limit local agencies’ ability to apply data effectively across transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability.
• Expand expertise in data analytics, visualization, and dashboard development as these skills often underrepresented in the public sector.
• Improve community engagement by translating complex regional trends into clear, accessible, and intuitive visual formats.
• Reduce barriers to public participation created by technical or unclear data presentations.
• Deliver timely, accurate data visualizations and interactive dashboards that increase transparency and support informed decision‑making across the Bay Area.

Equitable Public Engagement on Access & Youth

Organization: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellow
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2-3 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

This project serves MTC, ABAG, school districts, and local governments by strengthening regional youth engagement and leadership development. The CivicSpark Fellow role is structured around the following core goals and needs:

• Design, update, and deliver an annual youth academy curriculum that centers public policy, equity, and inclusion, and reflects regional priorities and youth learning needs.
• Ensure smooth and effective program operations by managing logistics such as scheduling, venue coordination, supplies, technology needs, and participant transportation.
• Recruit, coordinate, and support instructors, speakers, and volunteers to ensure high quality program delivery and a meaningful learning experience for youth participants.
• Expand access and participation by developing and implementing outreach strategies that promote broad, inclusive, and diverse youth engagement across the region.
• Strengthen partnerships with community based organizations, schools, and local agencies to increase program relevance, deepen impact, and extend reach.
• Evaluate program effectiveness by collecting feedback, analyzing outcomes, and recommending improvements to strengthen future cohorts.
• Support responsible stewardship of program resources by assisting with budget planning, tracking, and ensuring funds are used efficiently and strategically.

Public Engagement Fellow

Organization: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

The goal of this fellowship is to enhance MTC’s public information and engagement efforts by leveraging a fellow’s fresh perspective and new ideas while simultaneously providing the fellow with an enriching, hands-on experience in the realms of public participation, regional planning, project management and more.

The key priorities for enhancing MTC’s engagement practices include, but are not limited to:

• Expanding MTC’s outreach and engagement to Bay Area youth/young adults, Tribal Governments and people with disabilities.
• Enhance the team’s data collection, management and documentation practices to ensure greater efficiency and more seamless reporting of multi-year engagement findings.
• Contribute to the team’s public information processes to ensure efficient, timely responses to residents’ questions, concerns and needs.
• Contribute to the team’s communications strategy, developing informative content to help better engage a range of audiences.

Carbon-Free Albany

Organization: City of Albany, CA
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:

The Fellow will provide essential support to meet the City’s goals for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, community resilience, community engagement, and equity by working on a range of projects.

• Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Implementation, including supporting building electrification programs and climate resilience.
• Outreach and education.
• Implementation of policies and program to advance electrification.
• Waste reduction projects, including implementation of the City’s sustainable foodware ordinance for restaurants.

Help Shape How the City of Lafayette Plans, Budgets, and Communicates

Organization: City of Lafayette
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Onsite, Mon-Fri
Project Description:

Lafayette is advancing several connected initiatives to improve transparency, strengthen public trust, and better align City resources with community priorities. As a limited-services city with lean staffing, additional capacity is needed to support the development of a Citywide strategic plan, modernize budget communication tools, and launch a redesigned website with expanded digital services.

• Support the development of a Citywide strategic plan to guide City priorities, resource allocation, and community engagement.
• Assist with modernizing the City’s budget presentation to make financial information more clear, accessible, and meaningful to the public.
• Help maximize the City’s use of new budget presentation software by organizing information, developing content, and supporting implementation efforts.
• Support the redesign and launch of a modern, mobile-friendly, ADA-compliant City website.
• Assist with the development and implementation of enhanced online services, including digital forms and other user-friendly tools.
• Strengthen public communication and transparency by improving how the City shares information, priorities, and services with the community.
• Build internal staff capacity to support ongoing strategic planning, budgeting, and digital service improvements.

Fleet for the Future: Electrifying County Vehicles for Clean Air 

Organization: Alameda County General Services Agency
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Remote
Project Description:

Transportation emissions along Alameda County highway corridors contribute to poor air quality, respiratory illness, and heart disease, disproportionately affecting nearby communities. Reducing emissions from employee commutes, work travel, and the County fleet is a key operational priority.

The General Services Agency’s Logistics Services led development of transportation strategies in the County’s operational climate plan, informed by robust community engagement. A majority of public survey respondents identified transitioning to electric fleet vehicles as a top emissions-reduction strategy. Workshop participants emphasized prioritizing communities facing the highest pollution burdens. Most door-to-door survey respondents ranked improved air and water quality as an important co-benefit of climate action. County employees also ranked EV adoption among the top strategies to reduce job-related driving impacts.

The Fellow will advance these community-supported strategies by promoting EV adoption across the County fleet.

• Responsibilities include supporting fleet right-sizing, expanding pooled vehicle use, and improving charging access.
• The Fellow will assist departments in evaluating electrification opportunities for vehicles and powered equipment.
• The role includes coordinating with agencies using pool vehicles and equipment, and with GSA divisions responsible for charging infrastructure.
• The Fellow will support charger maintenance and performance tracking for existing chargers, and infrastructure planning for 200+ charging ports, to accelerate cleaner transportation solutions while ensuring reliable public service delivery.
• The Fellow will support clean commute and business travel strategies by researching peer programs and identifying opportunities to reduce work-related travel emissions.
• The Fellow will support internal engagement and adoption of EVs and clean commutes by developing communications tools and resources for County staff.

Strengthening Climate Readiness in County Communities, Agencies, and Supply Chains 

Organization: Alameda County General Services Agency
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Remote
Project Description:

This project supports Alameda County’s efforts to strengthen climate preparedness, improve public communication, and build more resilient communities in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.

The fellow will:

• Advance County climate resilience: Support integration of preparedness into County operations and response systems across agencies.
• Expand capacity and coordination: Research best practices and funding opportunities to strengthen planning for extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding, and other climate hazards.
• Translate research into action: Develop reports, tools, and guidance tailored to County departments and community partners’ needs.
• Create accessible resources: Develop multilingual, public-facing materials to help residents prepare for climate and health impacts.
• Improve internal readiness: Support staff training, emergency preparedness resources, and cross-agency coordination.
• Facilitate collaboration: Help convene County agencies, community-based organizations, and partners to co-develop and implement resilience actions.
• Leverage procurement for sustainability: Support green purchasing workshops and help County buyers incorporate sustainable purchasing practices.

Climate Action Update, Emissions Analysis, and Renewable Energy Advancement

Organization: City of Richmond
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In office, Mon-Fri
Project Description:

This project will support the City of Richmond, specifically the Environmental and Health Initiatives Division, by providing capacity to update the Climate Action Plan and complete a comprehensive, multi-year greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and advance renewable energy generation.

• Advance high-priority climate planning efforts that have remained incomplete due to limited staff capacity.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality through updated climate strategies and planning efforts.
• Expand access to renewable energy and support equitable climate investments across the community.
• Advance environmental justice goals in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by pollution.
• Improve access to local climate and emissions data to support informed planning and decision-making.
• Support inclusive and equitable community engagement throughout the climate planning process.
• Strengthen the City’s ability to meet evolving state climate regulations and reporting requirements.
• Position the City to pursue competitive state and federal funding opportunities for future climate projects.
• Advance long-term climate resilience, public health, and economic opportunity for Richmond residents.
• Conduct research and data collection to development a multi-year greenhouse gas emissions inventory, including compiling and analyzing local and regional data sources.
• Assist in updating the Climate Action Plan by evaluating existing measures, identifying gaps, and developing new, data-driven strategies aligned with state requirements and local priorities.
• Coordinate educational workshops and outreach efforts to increase participation in energy efficiency programs and local generation of clean energy.
• Coordinate and support inclusive community engagement efforts, including outreach to communities and organizations, preparation of materials, and synthesis of community input into planning recommendations.
• Translate technical findings into accessible summaries, presentations, and visual materials for decision-makers and the public to support informed policy and investment decisions.
• Establish tools, templates, and data management practices that improve the City’s ongoing capacity to track emissions, monitor progress, and update climate strategies over time.

Circular Economy Roadmap Development for City of San Francisco

Organization: San Francisco Environment Department
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:

San Francisco Environment Department will put together an advisory committee of 8-12 key people including those from community-based organizations, government and private sector. Over 4-5 meetings they will deliver a vision, identify challenges and solutions, and put forth a community engagement strategy as part of the first phase of San Francisco’s Circular Economy Roadmap planning process. Project goals and essential duties include:

• Engage key stakeholders to support the development of San Francisco’s first Circular Economy Roadmap; a strategic plan.
• Build and maintain relations with project partners including community-based organizations, government staff, local businesses, and private sector interests.
• Coordinate public facing outreach activities including presentations, community events, and ad-hoc conversations that educates and solicits feedback loops with the broader community.
• Lead and assist on data collection, analysis, and reporting that informs project partner and community decision-making.
• Coordinate partner meetings, provide in-meeting support, and research as needed.
• The Fellow will support San Francisco Environment Department’s commitment to deliver a Circular Economy Roadmap by end of 2027 as stated in its 2026 updated Climate Action Plan (https://www.sfenvironment.org/climateplan).
• Conduct a Green and Circular Economy and Jobs impact analysis as part of a research team.
• Collect data by distributing a digital survey and conducting phone, in-person, and/or email interviews of registered San Francisco businesses.
• Process and analyze collected data and present findings through data visualizations.
• Support in writing a final report as part of a team. The final report will be used by an Advisory Committee tasked with shaping a Circular Economy Roadmap.
• Support in coordinating, developing agendas, and consolidating critical notes for Advisory Committee meetings.
• Conduct community outreach and engagement activities including recruit volunteers, coordinating and developing agendas, preparing meeting logistics and collateral, giving presentations, networking and having ad-hoc conversations in service to promoting and soliciting feedback from stakeholders.

County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management – Countywide Wildfire Mitigation, Preparedness, and Resilience Initiative

Organization:County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: On-Site, 5 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Project Description:

This project focuses on enhancing wildfire resilience through local planning, community engagement, and coordination with a diverse network of partners. The work aims to strengthen alignment across agencies and communities while building capacity to support preparedness, mitigation, and long-term resilience.

Project Goals and Needs:

-Strengthen coordination among fire protection districts, County departments, state and federal agencies, community-based organizations, and the public
-Engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including historically underrepresented groups, in countywide meetings, forums, and planning efforts
-Support inclusive community outreach to assess resilience goals, challenges, and priorities
-Collect and synthesize stakeholder input on wildfire risk, prevention strategies, and barriers to mitigation
-Identify countywide resource needs, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration
-Support development of local initiatives focused on wildfire resilience, preparedness, and recovery
-Expand public education efforts to equip residents with tools and knowledge for emergency readiness
-Assist with scoping and development of projects such as hazard identification, vegetation management, home hardening, and mitigation programs
-Integrate climate change considerations and community lifelines into resilience planning efforts
-Build capacity for ongoing partnership development and coordinated implementation of resilience strategies

Acterra : Action for a Healthy Planet – Program Associate

Organization: Acterra (Palo Alto)
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Mostly Remote, 5 days/Week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Project Description:

This project supports Acterra’s regional efforts to expand access to beneficial electrification and electric vehicle education programs across the San Francisco Bay Area. The work focuses on strengthening community engagement, improving outreach coordination, and increasing equitable access to clean transportation and energy solutions.

Project Goals:

-Support coordination of public workshops, EV ride-and-drive events, and community outreach activities
-Assist with event planning, logistics, and implementation across the region
-Strengthen partnerships with local governments, community-based organizations, utilities, and regional agencies
-Expand access to education on electric vehicles and home electrification technologies
-Improve outreach strategies to better reach underserved and hard-to-reach communities
-Address barriers to adoption by providing accessible, community-centered information and resources
-Support regional coordination of educational programs to increase consistency and impact
-Advance community priorities related to climate action, public health, and clean transportation access
-Increase awareness of solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality

City of Santa Rosa – Enhancing Regional Water Wise Efficiency via Customer Programs and Outreach

Organization: City of Santa Rosa
Openings: Filled
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days a week in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

This project supports Santa Rosa Water’s Water Use Efficiency team in advancing targeted initiatives to reduce water use and improve customer affordability. The work focuses on research, outreach, and data analysis to develop and implement effective water conservation programs across residential and commercial sectors.

Project Goals:

-Support research and coordination for a potential residential leak repair program to improve water savings and affordability
-Assist with implementation of a commercial outreach and education campaign related to the statewide nonfunctional turf irrigation ban
-Conduct research on outdoor water use efficiency and related technical considerations
-Utilize smart meter data to benchmark water usage across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors
-Support development of targeted water efficiency programs based on data analysis and customer trends
-Coordinate with internal staff, community partners, nonprofits, and trade organizations to assess customer needs
-Enhance customer engagement and education to increase participation in water conservation efforts
-Strengthen the City’s capacity to implement data-driven and equitable water efficiency initiatives

County of Solano – Solano County Energy and Waste Capacity Building

Organization: County of Solano, CA
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellows
Work Schedule: On-Site, 5 days a week in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Project Description:

Solano County seeks a Fellow who is motivated, personable, and a self-starter to support countywide initiatives that move us toward a cleaner, more resilient, and more equitable future. This role offers hands on experience in climate policy, community engagement, circular economy solutions, and cross agency collaboration.
Circular Economy Planning
• Using a collaborative approach across a variety of agencies and community partners, identify and develop at least two (2) solutions for a waste disposal issue faced by residents, businesses, and local agencies. Solutions must be economically feasible, timely, and implementable with Solano County residents.
• Work effectively with Solano County’s agricultural community to identify at least two (2) new circular economy opportunities while documenting existing models for recycling and reuse. Opportunities identified for implementation or expansion must be economically feasible and support regenerative agriculture.
• Develop public education and outreach strategies for “Farm to Table to Green Bin” concepts and provide a menu of outreach materials.
• After developing expertise in extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, conduct a survey of Solano County’s material waste stream to determine capacity for covered material category (CMC) recovery. Identify opportunities for growth and collaborate with the county’s two landfills, a variety of recycling agencies and partners, and each of the county’s seven cities.
• Contribute to Solano County’s compliance with state law and policy development through research and/or proposals supporting circular economy initiatives.

Energy Resources and Management Planning
• Research state energy mandates and track related legislative bills
• Support development or update of energy-related county policies, including battery energy storage siting standards, agrivoltaics guidelines, and electric vehicle infrastructure planning
• Collaborate with PG&E, MCE Clean Energy, Solano Transportation Authority, Bay Area Regional Energy Network, and other regional partners to map clean energy assets, gaps, and economic development opportunities across the county’s seven cities and unincorporated areas
• Conduct community engagement with disadvantaged communities to identify clean energy access barriers and develop recommendations aligned with environmental justice requirements
• Contribute to grant applications and funding strategies supporting clean energy workforce development and infrastructure investment in Solano County

City of Pacifica – Economic and Community Development Fellow

Organization: City of Pacifica, CA
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4/10 Schedule, 3 days a week in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:

The efforts of the Economic Development and Housing team are crucially important to the City as a whole in that they create a stable foundation for necessary City services like fire, police and public works.

Project Goals
-Role will support the City of Pacifica’s Economic and Housing Development team in its implementation of the Economic Development Workplan specifically on placemaking and business retention and attraction workplan items.

– Community identified priorities include: beautification efforts, street furniture installation, facade improvements to small businesses, community recreation amenities, recruiting, retaining and supporting food businesses and restaurants to Pacifica

City of Pacifica, Community Development Department – Climate Action and Resiliency Plan

Organization: City of Pacifica, CA
Openings: Filled- Returning Fellow
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 5 Days/40Hrs Week, 4 days a week in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:

The fellow will work in coordination with City staff and the Pacifica community in addressing a top City Council priority for this coming year – pursue climate change adaptation and mitigation by beginning implementation of the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP). By augmenting City staff in the coordination, development and community engagement, the fellow will assist the City of Pacifica in taking this crucial next step towards identifying the ways it will reduce its carbon footprint and improve its response to the ongoing effects of a changing climate.

Project Goals
• Support City Council strategic goal to pursue climate change adaptation and mitigation by beginning implementation of the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan by augmenting City staff in the coordination, development and community engagement;
• Support Climate Action and Resiliency Plan coordination and projects
• Explore funding opportunities
• Provide public information on the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan

City of Pacifica, Community Development Department – Local Coastal Program

Organization: City of Pacifica, CA
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 5 Days/40Hrs Week, 4 days a week in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:

The fellow will work in coordination with City staff and the Pacifica community in addressing a top City Council priority for this coming year – pursue climate change adaptation and mitigation through implementation of Pacifica’s Local Coastal Plan and continue collaborations with the California Coastal Commission. The City is also applying for an SB 1 grant to support the upcoming Sea Level Rise Shoreline Adaptation and Coastal Resiliency Planning Project, and by augmenting City staff in the coordination, development, community engagement, and studies, the fellow will assist the City of Pacifica in crucial shoreline adaptation planning.

Project Goals:
• Support City Council strategic goal to pursue climate change adaptation and mitigation by beginning implementation of Pacifica’s Local Coastal Program and continue collaborations with the California Coastal Commission by augmenting City staff in coordination, development and community engagement;
• Support Local Coastal Program coordination for programs and projects, including implementation of the programs and policies in the Local Coastal Land Use Plan
• Explore funding opportunities
• Provide public information on the Local Coastal Program policies and implementation