Ignite: Sustainable Futures Fellowship
Organization: Colton Joint Unified School District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-2 days in Office
Project Description:
- Strategic Energy Planning: Support the District’s Energy Officer in administering a comprehensive energy management and sustainability program.
- Decarbonization & Efficiency: Spearhead initiatives to reduce utility consumption and decrease the District’s carbon footprint across all facilities.
- Green Transportation: Facilitate the transition to sustainable fleets, including EV bus procurement and charging infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Integrate energy efficiency, battery storage, and solar power generation into facilities bond projects.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all District operations meet or exceed state mandates for eco-sustainability.
City Sustainability and Environmental Programs
Organization: City of Indio
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri 9/80 schedule
Project Description:
- Enhance public awareness and participation in City sustainability programs through outreach materials, community engagement, and educational initiatives.
- Strengthen the City’s sustainability programs by conducting research, policy analysis, and program evaluations that inform new initiatives, program improvements, and regulatory compliance strategies.
- Provide meaningful staff support to the Sustainability Commission by preparing background materials, conducting policy research, and assisting with implementation of Commission recommendations.
- Provide the fellow with hands-on experience in municipal sustainability policy, environmental regulatory compliance, and local government decision-making processes.
- Improve the City’s ability to track, analyze, and report environmental data related to waste diversion, stormwater management, and other sustainability metrics.
Sustainable Campus Energy and Infrastructure Implementation
Organization: San Bernardino Community College District
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Project Description:
- Support sustainability planning and implementation efforts across San Bernardino Community College District facilities, infrastructure, and energy systems.
- Increase staff capacity to manage and coordinate energy, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives across multiple campuses.
- Advance implementation of the District Sustainability Plan and Net Zero Energy Plan.
- Improve the district’s ability to track, analyze, and report on utility and energy data to inform decision-making.
- Support organization of project information, coordination of implementation activities, and development of operational reports.
- Promote energy efficiency, climate resilience, and responsible resource use across campus operations.
- Enhance facility performance to support safe, efficient learning environments and student success.
- Build internal capacity for long-term energy management and infrastructure planning.
- Support workforce development by aligning sustainability and infrastructure efforts with career education and regional economic needs.
Building Local Capacity for Sustainable Downtown Revitalization
Organization: City of Corona, Economic Development Department
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Thurs 4/10 schedule
Project Description:
Corona’s Downtown core is undergoing transformation but lacks a unified governance and financing model to sustain placemaking, small-business support, and infrastructure reinvestment. Identifying feasible district typologies will enable Corona to leverage local and state tools to promote economic resilience, reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and equitable redevelopment.
Capacity-Building Goals:
- Institutionalize Knowledge: Produce frameworks and datasets that City staff can reuse for district formation and grant applications.
- Community Engagement: Pilot inclusive engagement models to build consensus among property owners, businesses, and residents.
- Sustainable Urban Policy: Advance Downtown revitalization that supports climate-conscious land use, active transportation, and local jobs.
CivicSpark Work Activities
- Develop data-driven baseline maps using public GIS sources.
- Conduct peer research and create policy briefs for each district model.
- Facilitate workshops or focus groups to surface community priorities.
- Build internal tools (dashboards, templates, checklists) for City staff use.
- Prepare a final capacity-building report documenting process, lessons learned, and next steps.
Anticipated Outcomes
- Increased staff capacity to evaluate and implement district mechanisms.
- Clear, actionable roadmap toward a chosen district model (e.g., BID feasibility).
- Enhanced collaboration between Economic Development, Planning, and Public Works.
- Deliverables incorporated into future grant or capital planning efforts.
Grow Riverside & Green Business Network
Organization: City of Riverside
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
Riverside is a full-service city with a population of 317,000 people and 2,300employees. The Office of Sustainability isa 4-member division that develops and implements sustainability policies and projects across 12 City departments. The Office of Sustainability is a subset of the City Manager’s Office. The Office of Sustainability is a high-level policy implementer for a large city and will give the Fellow valuable experience in learning how policy is developed and implemented across large and diverse groups of departments, divisions, and staff members.
- Support the implementation of the Green Business Program, which helps small and medium businesses adopt greener practices including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water efficiency.
- Build and maintain relationships with businesses that are participating in the Green Business Program.
- Support the implementation of the Grow Riverside initiative, which aims to foster a strong local and sustainable food system.
- Engage with various Grow Riverside partners in hosting an annual conference for local food systems collaboration and learning.
Development of the Office of Sustainability and its Citywide Climate Action Plan
Organization: City of Riverside
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
Riverside is a full-service city with a population of 317,000 people and 2,300employees. The Office of Sustainability isa 4-member division that develops and implements sustainability policies and projects across 12 City departments. The Office of Sustainability is a subset of the City Manager’s Office. The Office of Sustainability is a high-level policy implementer for a large city and will give the Fellow valuable experience in learning how policy is developed and implemented across large and diverse groups of departments, divisions, and staff members.
- Assist the City of Riverside’s Office of Sustainability in the development of a comprehensive citywide Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
- Support research, data collection, and analysis related to climate mitigation and resilience strategies.
- Contribute to stakeholder engagement and coordination activities that inform plan development.
- Help identify opportunities, best practices, and actionable steps for reducing emissions and preparing for climate-related impacts.
Municipal Energy Efficiency and Zero Emission Vehicle Initiatives
Organization: City of Riverside
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
Riverside is a full-service city with a population of 317,000 people and 2,300employees. The Office of Sustainability isa 4-member division that develops and implements sustainability policies and projects across 12 City departments. The Office of Sustainability is a subset of the City Manager’s Office. The Office of Sustainability is a high-level policy implementer for a large city and will give the Fellow valuable experience in learning how policy is developed and implemented across large and diverse groups of departments, divisions, and staff members.
- Collaborate with the City of Riverside to identify citywide opportunities for expanding zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption.
- Assess potential locations for new ZEV charging infrastructure and related supportive technologies.
- Evaluate City building stock to identify opportunities for incorporating sustainable and energy‑efficient upgrades.
- Review upcoming City construction projects to determine where ZEV‑supportive or sustainability‑focused infrastructure can be integrated.
- Support efforts to advance healthier, more efficient, and more environmentally sustainable municipal facilities.
Zero Emission Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Organization: City of Corona
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
The City of Corona is a full-service municipal organization located in Riverside County, California, serving a vibrant and growing community of more than 160,000 residents. Known as the “Circle City,” Corona offers a unique blend of suburban livability, economic opportunity, and access to major Southern California employment and recreation centers. The City is committed to providing high-quality public services while supporting long-term sustainability, infrastructure investment, and responsible fiscal management.
- Advance regional and state sustainability goals by improving efficiency and performance of municipal operations within the City of Corona.
- Demonstrate local government leadership in clean energy adoption and sustainable transportation practices.
- Build workforce capacity by providing technical training to City staff in electric vehicle (EV) technologies and charging infrastructure.
- Strengthen the regional clean energy workforce by developing in-house expertise in EV maintenance and operations.
- Reduce municipal diesel fuel use and improve fleet efficiency to lower greenhouse gas emissions and operational impacts.
- Address localized air quality challenges by targeting emissions in high-burden communities (CalEnviroScreen 86th–93rd percentile; diesel PM 94th–99th percentile).
- Advance environmental justice outcomes by prioritizing pollution reduction and infrastructure improvements in overburdened communities.
City of Corona – Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency Implementation
Organization: City of Corona
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Monday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
The City of Corona is a full-service municipal organization located in Riverside County, California, serving a vibrant and growing community of more than 160,000 residents. Known as the “Circle City,” Corona offers a unique blend of suburban livability, economic opportunity, and access to major Southern California employment and recreation centers. The City is committed to providing high-quality public services while supporting long-term sustainability, infrastructure investment, and responsible fiscal management.
- Advance energy efficiency and infrastructure improvement initiatives to reduce municipal energy use and operational costs.
- Expand staff capacity to support facility energy assessments, project coordination, and implementation tracking.
- Improve organization and management of project data to support planning, reporting, and decision-making.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities (e.g., grants, incentives) to advance priority energy and infrastructure projects.
- Support City sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved efficiency of municipal facilities and public infrastructure.
- Enhance long-term infrastructure performance and reinvest cost savings into community priorities.
Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) / Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG)
Organization: Western Riverside Council of Governments / Inland Regional Energy Network
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Monday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
The purpose of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) is to unify Western Riverside County so that it can speak with a collective voice on important issues that affect its members. Representatives from 18 cities, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and the Eastern and Western Municipal Water Districts, have seats on the WRCOG Executive Committee, the group that sets policy for the organization, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools is an ex-officio member.
- Develop Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) Fellow cohort tour schedule and implement tours.
- I-REN serves as a conduit of no cost resources to the 52 cities and their communities within the Riverside and San Bernardino County. This Fellow will act as liaison between other I-REN host site fellows, and their agencies, to I-REN staff and I-REN resources. This will help ensure the Fellows have the Energy resources and expertise they need to effectively implement their projects.
- Take a supportive role on the new energy workforce partnership between I-REN and both Riverside and San Bernardino County Workforce Development Departments.
- I-REN cities and jurisdictions have identified energy capacity as a need, this Fellow will support in providing the outreach to local universities and community college on energy as a pathway to a good, well-paying career.
I-REN & SBCOG Government Programs, Policies, Leadership, and Efficiency Assistance
Organization: San Bernardino Council of Governments/Inland Regional Energy Network
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-2 days in office (Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
This project supports regional collaboration and capacity-building efforts across 25 agencies throughout San Bernardino County through the I-REN fellowship program and SBCOG initiatives.
- Expand staff capacity to support grants, regional coordination, technical assistance, and program implementation across multiple agencies.
- Strengthen leadership and collaboration within the I-REN fellowship program through fellow engagement, peer support, and program coordination.
- Support development and coordination of tours, trainings, and other learning opportunities for fellows and partner agencies.
- Increase regional capacity to advance programs related to housing, environmental planning, regional planning, and sustainability.
- Improve support for hard-to-reach, disadvantaged, and underserved communities across San Bernardino County.
- Build understanding of countywide initiatives and strengthen coordination between I-REN, SBCOG, and partner agencies across a range of program areas.
Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition
Organization: WRCOG/Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
The Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition serves the Inland Empire—one of Southern California’s fastest-growing regions and a critical hub for energy, transportation, and goods movement. Through regional partnerships, the Coalition advances solutions that improve mobility, expand clean transportation, and reduce emissions.
- Serves 13 local agencies across Western Riverside County.
- Supports adoption of clean-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles and infrastructure.
- Helps fleets navigate implementation challenges, regulations, and mandates at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Provides training support for technicians and first responders.
- Facilitates public-private partnerships to advance deployment.
- Advances regional goals to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and improve local air quality.
Advancing Active Transportation and Micromobility through Safe Routes to School Programs and Initiatives
Organization: City of Rancho Cucamonga
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
The Fellow will be provided with hands-on project management opportunities, both assisting and leading the implementation of Safe Routes to School projects that will help the City support active mobility and improve traffic safety. The body of work for the Fellow will include program coordination, public outreach, strategic planning, and the development of implementation strategies for the plans or policies we have in place. Moreover, the Fellow will work directly with Engineering staff, where the Safe Routes to School Program is currently housed. The Fellow will receive mentorship from a leadership team with decades of combined experience. The Engineering Services Department plays a vital role in not just simply building and maintaining roads, but in creating a more sustainable and resilient built environment that prioritizes the people who live, work, and play in our community.
Project Goals:
- Increase the use of active transportation to and from schools. The project will implement Safe Routes to School strategies that encourage students and families to walk, bike, or roll to school, helping shift travel behavior away from automobile dependence.
- Strengthen pedestrian and cyclist safety awareness across all age groups. Multigenerational education and outreach efforts will build knowledge and confidence among students and their families to safely use active transportation options.
- Enhance partnerships with schools and community stakeholders. The project will expand collaboration with schools and local partners to create coordinated, sustainable Safe Routes to School programming and long-term engagement.
- Reduce traffic congestion and improve safety near schools. By combining behavior-focused initiatives with infrastructure-based strategies, the project will promote safer circulation patterns and reduce vehicle conflicts in school zones.
- Promote healthier lifestyles and environmental benefits. Increasing physical activity through active mobility will help reduce obesity and chronic disease rates while also improving air quality by lowering vehicle emissions.
Community Planning Needs:
- Address traffic congestion around school neighborhoods. With 35 schools spread across a 47-square-mile city, many neighborhoods experience heavy school-related traffic that creates safety risks and delays.
- Close gaps in community engagement related to active transportation. Although the City has an established Safe Routes to School Program and Active Transportation Plan (Connect RC), additional outreach and promotion are needed to fully engage families and encourage behavior change.
- Improve equitable planning and implementation of safety improvements. A school-by-school and neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach is needed to identify and prioritize improvements that reflect the unique needs of diverse communities.
- Support implementation of existing transportation and safety plans. The project will advance the goals of the Connect RC Plan and Safe Routes to School Program by translating adopted plans into visible actions, programs, and improvements.
- Improve environmental health outcomes in school areas. Reducing vehicle reliance and congestion near schools will help improve local air quality and create safer, healthier environments for students and surrounding communities.
Conservation as a Way of Life – Phase 2: Implementation – Communications and Community Planning
Organization: Mission Springs Water District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2-3 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
Mission Springs Water District’s (MSWD) mission is to provide, protect, and preserve our most valuable resource – water. We are proud to serve our award-winning water to our customers in Desert Hot Springs, California, and surrounding areas.
Communications & Engagement Goals:
- Increase Community Awareness of Conservation Actions
Implement a coordinated outreach campaign that increases customer awareness of MSWD conservation goals, rebate programs, turf replacement opportunities, and evaporative cooler efficiency practices. - Drive Measurable Behavior Change
Implement behavior‑based messaging that results in increased participation in conservation programs, including rebates, turf conversion, and water‑efficient practices. - Deliver Brand‑Consistent Outreach Materials
Produce and deploy a suite of MSWD‑branded outreach materials (digital and print) that clearly communicate conservation actions and reinforce the Conservation as a Way of Life message. - Strengthen Stakeholder and Community Partnerships
Expand engagement with community groups, neighborhood leaders, and partner organizations to broaden participation and increase trust in MSWD’s conservation efforts.
Community Planning & Implementation Goals:
- Achieve State‑Mandated Water Use Reductions
Implement targeted conservation strategies that support MSWD’s goal of reducing water usage by up to 35 percent, helping the District remain compliant with State of California requirements and avoid penalties.
Deploy Data‑Driven Conservation Targeting. - Utilize GIS analysis during implementation to identify and prioritize high‑impact conservation opportunities, such as properties with non‑functional turf, for focused outreach and program delivery.
- Build Internal and External Implementation Capacity
Strengthen MSWD’s capacity to administer conservation programs by improving coordination, staffing support, and partner readiness to implement rebate programs and water‑efficient practices. - Secure and Implement External Funding
Advance grant development and implementation activities to obtain and deploy funding from the State Water Resources Control Board and the Coachella Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) group to support conservation implementation.
AMI and DMA: Advanced metering monitoring and tracking
Organization: Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: On site, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
EVMWD is a fast paced and forward thinking special district that provides water and wastewater services to the City of Lake Elsinore, City of Canyon Lake, City of Wildomar, some of the City of Murietta, and unincorporated areas around these cities. Our culture is professional, inclusive, productive, and fun. We have a focus on staff development and education to ensure professional and personal growth.
- Assist staff review advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) reports
Investigation flagged data or anomalies in the reports. - Determine if meters are failing, intermittently reading, experiencing communication issues, and if a private leak is occurring.
- If the meter is in a district metered area (DMA), determine if the meter is contributing to water accountability errors in the DMA.
- Dispatch staff to investigate field issues.
- Assist in setup of new DMAs to expand water loss accountability and gain better insights into where leaks or metering inaccuracies are most common.
- Benefits: This program identifies and provides data to correct apparent water loss (metering, theft, or accounting issues) and real water loss (actual leaks). Keeping this program operating is beneficial to the environment, to ratepayers, and to our water district. Water loss in the public and private (behind water meter) systems cost ratepayers either directly or indirectly. This program is temporarily staffed by a retired consultant and our fellow.