Podcasts about local government commission

Welcome to the Carolina Cabinet! In today's episode, hosts Peter Pappas and Semone Pemberton are joined by Nat Robertson, CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Area Chamber of Commerce. We'll dive into recent developments on Capitol Hill post-Trump Assassination attempt, changes in the town of Spring Lakes' status with the Local Government Commission, and the Greater Fayetteville Chamber's impressive growth since Nat became CEO.  Nat shares his transition from the public and private sector to chamber leadership, discussing education, advocacy, and networking. We'll also discuss the recent opening of the Republican Candidate Resource Center and conservative leadership in Cumberland County.  Prepare for an insightful episode filled with community updates, local politics, and upcoming events like the Chamber Valor Awards and the Carolina Rock and Boil. Tune in for all this and more on the Carolina Cabinet!

Every American should be able to talk respectively and kindly to one another, regardless of their politics. That doesn't seem to be the case these days, sadly; our country is more divided than ever. This week I talk with PA State Sen. Rosemary Brown, who happens to be a Republican, about her political career, some things she's working on, and how she believes we can come together. Senator Rosemary M. Brown was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania in November of 2022 after serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for six terms. Brown represents the 40th Senatorial District, which includes Lackawanna, Monroe, and Wayne Counties. She was appointed to serve as majority Chairwoman of the Senate's Local Government Committee. She was also appointed to the Governor's Commission on Women, the Gino Merli Veterans Advisory Commission, and the Local Government Commission. A longtime Pocono resident, Brown is a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School and earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Scranton. Brown has been happily married to her high school sweetheart, Joe, for 29 years. Together, they have three children. Read more about Sen. Brown here. If you enjoy listening to this podcast and want to help it continue, please consider contributing to my Buy Me A Coffee account. Know that you can also offer valuable support by sharing this podcast on your social media; telling a friend, foe or anyone you know; writing a review or testimonial and reaching out to let Jeannine know you're listening. Be sure to subscribe, share and follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Instagram and Facebook. Click here for all her things. As I always say, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.

December 4, 2023 Rockingham County Board of Commissioners MeetingAGENDAI. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN RICHARDSON2. INVOCATION - Pastor James Tharrington, Evangel Fellowship Reidsville Church of God in Christ3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE4. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSLance L. Metzler, County Manager - Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman - Year 20245. RECOGNITION - LANCE METZLER, COUNTY MANAGERApproval - Recognition of the participants of the inaugural Employee Academy. The Employee Academy was a five-week program created to give County employees the opportunity to gain a better understanding of each department's duties and responsibilities through presentations, tours and activities. This program was created in the image of a Citizens' Academy, specifically designed to address the concerns of Interdepartmental communication, employee relationship building, and knowledge of services identified in the 2021-2022 Employee Satisfaction Survey.6. RECOGNITION - LANCE METZLER, COUNTY MANAGERApproval - Resolution supporting Israel as it defends itself against the attack of the terrorist organization Hamas.7. RECOGNITION - LANCE METZLER COUNTY MANAGERApproval - Proclamation for Livable Rockingham County8. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 4, 2023 AG ENDA9 CONSENT AG ENDA (Consent items as follows will be adopted with a Single motion, second and vote, unless a request for removal from the Consent Agenda is heard from a Commissioner)A) Pat Galloway, Finance Director1. Approval - Increase Library budget $32,323 due to increase in FY 23-24 allocation of State Aid for Public Libraries. Additional funds will be used for Book and AV materials.2. Approval - Appropriate $200 from the donated house sale proceeds to cover the lawn care service provided to get the home ready to be sold.3. Approval - Letter to the NC Department of State Treasurer, Local Government Commission, in response to the Financial Performance Indicators of Concern (FPIC) that were identified based on the information presented in the audited financial statements as of June 30, 2023.4. Approval - Increase Animal Shelter budget $20,925 to install an enclosure in the back of the facility with additional fencing and to provide a driveway access. Funding are proceeds from the sale of a house donated to the animal shelter.B) Todd Hurst, Tax Administrator1. Approval - Tax refunds for November 8, 2023 thru November 14, 2023.2. Approval - Resolution adopting the proposed schedules, standards and rules for the appraisal of all real property in Rockingham County effective January 1, 2024.C) Trey Wright, Health DirectorI. Approval - Replace Prevnar 13 TM Vaccine CPT Code 90670 - $262 with Prevnar 20CPT Code 90677 - $3 15 due to price increases from manufacturer.2. Approval - Fee Schedule price increases due to increase from manufacturer:D) Crystal Norman, PTRC Ombudsman for Rockingham CountyApproval - Appointment of Jan Bellard to the Rockingham Joint Community Advisory CommitteeE) Ronnie Tate, Director of Engineering and Public UtilitiesApproval - 2024 Rockingham County Landfill Holiday Schedule. Schedule was approved by the Solid Waste Committee at its' November 15, 2023 meeting.10. PUBLIC COMMENT11.. Clark Pennington and Cherokee Motes, Independence FundVeteran Diversion Program for the Court System12. Derek Southern, Assistant County ManagerApproval- Budget Amendment for the project. Budget is $263,262.00, funding for project to come from Rockingham County General Fund. Relocation of Libr3lY Administration Services to Stoneville Library will allow the closure of the Library Administration building in Eden.13. NEW BUSINESS14. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS15. ADJOURN

This show aired on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 on 107.9 and 980 The WAAV in Wilmington, NC. Guests include Dale Folwell, Congressman David Rouzer, and Pete Wildeboer. McCarthy ousted as speaker, Project Grace passes Local Government Commission, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the Joint State podcast team interviews David Greene, executive director of the Local Government Commission. Topics covered include the nature of their collaborative efforts with local governments across the Commonwealth,  the duties they undertake on behalf of the General Assembly and recent initiatives such as their academic symposium. More about the Local Government Commission can be found at http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/index.cfm Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

On this week's episode, we check in with the City of Wilmington's $70-million plans to consolidate staff from a host of separate buildings into the Thermo Fisher campus. The next hurdle: convincing the Local Government Commission that the plan is fiscally sound. Also, we look at the major announcement this week that a multi-agency, long-term investigation has arrested six people in conjunction with an alleged human trafficking operation with over 150 victims. Plus, the latest Charlotte-area shenanigans.

On this episode: after years of planning, and numerous iterations, New Hanover County's ambitious and controversial proposal to redevelop the downtown Wilmington library block as part of a public-private partnership has apparently reached the end of the road. When the proposal went in front of the Local Government Commission, it died for lack of a second vote to consider the project. Now, the county says it will go it alone.

On this episode we catch up with Chemours' latest ad campaign. Plus, while Chemours is defending itself from numerous lawsuits, local environmental groups are also suing the EPA — we'll get into why. Then, the Local Government Commission provides oversight when counties, cities, and towns want to spend big. That includes Project Grace, the purchase of Freeman Park, and the potential state takeover of the Bald Head Island ferry.

About the Guests Heather J. Strickland started as the Executive Director of Raleigh Little Theatre in June 2020. Prior to joining RLT, Heather was the Communications and Development Director for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), the organization that leads the Smart Start network across the state. In this role, she has led a network-wide rebranding effort and created and implemented fund development strategies for the organization. Prior to joining NCPC in 2013, Heather was the Director of Communications for the NC Department of State Treasurer where she oversaw all communications, branding, and marketing strategies for the agency, including the North Carolina Retirement Systems, the State Health Plan, and the Local Government Commission. Heather also served as the Marketing Director for Carolina Ballet, one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state. Heather has over 15 years of extensive experience and success in developing organizational strategy and branding, fundraising, and cultivating engagement for nonprofit and public service organizations. She has been involved with RLT since 2005, starting as a volunteer and stepping into the roles of director, teaching artist, and board member over time. Heather has also worked as a director, actor, and dance/fight choreographer. She is a member of ArtEquity's first cohort of National Board Leaders and has a degree in Theatre Arts and Communications from Flagler College. Patrick Torres is RLT's Artistic Director and has more than a decade of experience as a professional director and theatre educator. His work as a freelance director has been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Southwest Shakespeare Festival, Round House Theatre, The Source Festival, and the Hangar Theatre among others. In 2003, he was selected as a Drama League Directing Fellow and in 2005 was named a Young Leader of Color by the Theatre Communications Group. He has an MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Candis Cox is a Gender and Sexuality educator, lecturer, and advocate for the LGBTQ community in Raleigh NC, where she lives with her husband, and throughout the country. Originally from Syracuse NY, she relocated to Raleigh to attend NC State University where she obtained a BA in Sociology. Originally scheduled to attend Campbell law school, she instead chose to focus on becoming her authentic self, completing her gender transition in 2003. Candis serves on the Board of Directors for EqualityNC, works with HRC (Human Rights Campaign), and works by speaking at events, businesses, schools, and other organizations to educate on Gender and Sexuality. Candis has been featured in a number of http://www.candiscox.com/category/press/ (news specials), has been interviewed by news networks across the globe, and is, to date, the only transgender person to have met with the current http://www.candiscox.com/press/in-meeting-with-north-carolina-gov-mccrory-lgbt-equality-advocates-demand-repeal-of-anti-lgbt-law/ (Governor Pat McCrory) to discuss his anti-LGBT “bathroom bill” H.B.2.   Links https://raleighlittletheatre.org/ (Raleigh Little Theatre) Connect with Us Facebook @beltlinetbroadway Twitter @beltlinetobway Instagram @beltlinetobroadway Support this podcast

About the Guests Patrick Torres is RLT's Artistic Director and has more than a decade of experience as a professional director and theatre educator. His work as a freelance director has been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Southwest Shakespeare Festival, Round House Theatre, The Source Festival, and the Hangar Theatre among others. In 2003, he was selected as a Drama League Directing Fellow and in 2005 was named a Young Leader of Color by the Theatre Communications Group. He has an MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Heather J. Strickland started as the Executive Director in June 2020. Prior to joining RLT, Heather was the Communications and Development Director for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), the organization that leads the Smart Start network across the state. In this role, she has led a network-wide rebranding effort, and created and implemented fund development strategies for the organization. Prior to joining NCPC in 2013, Heather was the Director of Communications for the NC Department of State Treasurer where she oversaw all communications, branding and marketing strategies for the agency, including the North Carolina Retirement Systems, the State Health Plan, and the Local Government Commission. Heather also served as the Marketing Director for Carolina Ballet, one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state. Heather has over 15 years of extensive experience and success in developing organizational strategy and branding, fundraising, and cultivating engagement for nonprofit and public service organizations. She has been involved with RLT since 2005, starting as a volunteer and stepping into the roles of director, teaching artist, and board member over time. Heather has also worked as a director, actor, and dance/fight choreographer. She is a member of ArtEquity's first cohort of National Board Leaders and has a degree in Theatre Arts and Communications from Flagler College. Links https://raleighlittletheatre.org/ (Raleigh Little Theatre) Connect with Beltline to Broadway Facebook – @beltlinetobroadway Twitter – @beltlinetobway Instagram – @beltlinetobroadway Web https://my.captivate.fm/www.beltlinetobroadway.org (www.beltlinetobroadway.org) Support this podcast

About the Guests Jeff. A. R. Jones has served as Resident Designer for Carolina Ballet for 17 years where he designed sets and/or costumes for many of the company's original works beginning with the company’s first new work, Dancers in a Gypsy Style, and continuing with such shows as Messiah, The Kreutzer Sonata, Carmen, Cabaret and Des Images. He created the scenery for Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Firebird, Tempest Fantasy, Dracula and The Little Mermaid among many others. He has designed throughout the southeast at theatres including Playhouse on the Square, Florida Studio Theatre, Asolo Conservatory Theatre, and TheatreWorks.  As a Fight Director, he has staged fights for ballet, dance, theatre, opera, film, and television over the past 20 years.  He has taught classes at Florida State, Asolo Conservatory, Duke University, and is currently faculty at Elon University and William Peace University.  He holds the titles of Fight Director, Certified Teacher, and Instructor of Theatrical Firearms with the Society of American Fight Directors.  Mr. Jones has a Bachelor’s degree from William & Mary and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University. Heather J. Strickland started as the Executive Director of Raleigh Little Theatre in June 2020. Prior to joining RLT, Heather was the Communications and Development Director for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), the organization that leads the Smart Start network across the state. In this role, she has led a network-wide rebranding effort and created and implemented fund development strategies for the organization. Prior to joining NCPC in 2013, Heather was the Director of Communications for the NC Department of State Treasurer where she oversaw all communications, branding, and marketing strategies for the agency, including the North Carolina Retirement Systems, the State Health Plan, and the Local Government Commission. Heather also served as the Marketing Director for Carolina Ballet, one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state. Heather has over 15 years of extensive experience and success in developing organizational strategy and branding, fundraising, and cultivating engagement for nonprofit and public service organizations. She has been involved with RLT since 2005, starting as a volunteer and stepping into the roles of director, teaching artist, and board member over time. Strickland has also worked as a director, actor, and dance/fight choreographer. She is a member of ArtEquity’s first cohort of National Board Leaders and has a degree in Theatre Arts and Communications from Flagler College. Tara Nicole Williams is an actor, educator, and combat artist raised, right here, in Raleigh, NC. She has trained with the https://safd.org/ (Society of American Fight Directors) for the last 10 years, specializing in German Longsword and high fantasy choreography. She has also facilitated the introduction of intimacy choreography to the Triangle community; organizing workshops and special events. Currently, she is pursuing her Intimacy Director status with https://www.teamidi.org/theatre (Intimacy Directors International). Along with her own training, she manages the https://www.facebook.com/stagecombatacademync/ (Stage Combat Academy of North Carolina), assisting Fight Director Jeff A.R. Jones. Tara also teaches stage combat, acting, and movement with universities, schools, and organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. Her work focuses on empowering actors to own their unique physicality – using movement to tell intricate stories. Most recently she has appeared on stage in Raleigh Little Theatre’s production of DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, for which she won a Cantey Award as Suzette. Tara is currently in Honest Pint Theatre’s production of THE METROMANIACS as Lucille. Her previous fight/intimacy choreography credits include: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE (Honest... Support this podcast

(Eden, NC) - Audio of the April 21, 2020 meeting of the Eden City Council. The meeting was held remotely due to current COVID-19 restrictions.AGENDA1. Meeting called to order by: Neville Hall, Mayor2. Invocation: Pastor Luke Money, Pleasant View Baptist Church3. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Interim City Manager Terry Shelton4. Proclamations & Recognitions:a. Proclamation: Police Week5. Roll Call6. First Order of Business:a. Consideration of a policy implementing procedures for remote, electronic public meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erin Gilley, City Attorney7. Set Meeting Agenda8. Requests and Petitions of Citizens9. Unfinished Business:10. New Business:a. Consideration of a presentation by Mary Nash Rusher, of McGuireWoods Law Firm, to discuss multi-family revenue bonds to support the Nantucket Mill project and consideration to adopt a resolution giving preliminary approval to issuance of such bonds. Mike Dougherty, Director of Economic Development, and Kelly Stultz, Director of Planning and Inspections11. Public Hearings:a. Consideration to approve an Emergency Services Fire Training Facility Project financing agreement with United Financial and consideration to adopt a findings resolution for the Local Government Commission. Tammie McMichael, Director of Finance and Personnel12. Reports from Staff:a. City Manager's Report. Terry Shelton, Interim City Manager13. Consent Agenda: a. Approval and adoption of (1) February 22, 2020 and (2) March 17, 2020 Minutes. Deanna Hunt, City Clerkb. Approval to award the 2020-21 Street Resurfacing Contract to Waugh Asphalt. Tammy Amos, Director of Transportation Engineeringc. Approval of Budget Amendment #9. Tammie McMichael, Director of Finance & Personneld. Approval of Budget Amendment #10. Tammie McMichael, Director of Finance & Personnele. Approval of Budget Amendment #11. Tammie McMichael, Director of Finance & Personnelf. Approval of financing for the purchase of a C&D service truck included in the FY 2019-20Budget. Tammie McMichael, Director of Finance & Personnel14. Announcements15. Adjourn# # #

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – adaptation and the national climate assessment Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Rob-Lempert.png ()Robert Lempert is a principal researcher at the RAND Corporation and Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for Longer Range Global Policy and the Future Human Condition. His research focuses on risk management and decision-making under conditions of deep uncertainty, with an emphasis on climate change, energy, and the environment. Lempert is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a chapter lead for the US National Climate Assessment and for the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He was the Inaugural EADS Distinguished Visitor in Energy and Environment at the American Academy in Berlin and the inaugural president of the Society for Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty. A professor of policy analysis in the Pardee RAND Graduate School, Lempert is an author of the book Shaping the Next One Hundred Years: New Methods for Quantitative, Longer-Term Policy Analysis. Lempert received his Ph.D. in applied physics and S.M. in applied physics and science policy from Harvard University. Kemble currently lives in Midtown Sacramento. Resources: https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – leveraging a tool in the federal tax law Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Kemble-Pope.jpg ()Kemble K. Pope is an Urban Infill & Real Estate Entrepreneur in the Sacramento Region of Northern CA. He is a Founder and the Managing Member of POI Partners, LLC, a consulting firm that represents Opportunity Zone Fund investors by sourcing and vetting redevelopment projects, negotiating capital placement terms and overseeing the use of those funds until the project is completed and stabilized. His academic background was focused on environmental and technology policy, but he has worked in a broad range of sectors including politics, business & economic development, mobile technology and land use. From 2011 to 2014, he led the Davis Chamber of Commerce (“DCOC”) as the full-time CEO. Kemble’s most recently completed redevelopment work is “Meridian Place” in Central Davis. He assembled two underutilized lots and constructed a new 11-unit, 3-story, infill rental project. The project includes one permanently affordable unit, which allowed Pope to be the first developer in Davis to utilize the provisions of AB744 for increased density above the City of Davis standards. In Spring 2019, he will break ground on Trackside Center, a transit-oriented redevelopment in Downtown Davis. The 4-story building includes 9,000 SF commercial on the ground floor, with a large outdoor plaza, and 27 rental units above. While living in Davis, CA from 2003-2017, Pope served as a political appointee on several community-serving committees. He was Chairperson of the City of Davis Climate Action Team, which created one of the first municipal Climate Action Plans in response to AB 32 and SB 375. He was Chairperson of the City’s Open Space & Habitat Commission and served on the Davis Joint Unified School District’s Property Tax Oversight Committee and Surplus Property Committee. Kemble currently lives in Midtown Sacramento. Resources: https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – acting now and bringing change to scale Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Daniel-Hamilton.jpg ()Daniel Hamilton serves as the Sustainability Manager for the City of Oakland, California. Daniel has 20 years of experience in managing sustainability programs, policies, and plans for local governments and utilities. He has led multiple award winning projects and plans across California and has taught professional and university courses in energy management, sustainable policy development, and green building design and construction. He holds a BA in Architecture and an MA in Sustainable Planning, both from the University of Kansas. Resources: http://www.ipcc.ch/ (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR15)) http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca1/groups/pwa/documents/report/oak068799.pdf (Oakland Preliminary Sea Leve Rise Road Map (Fall 2017)) https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/City-of-Oakland-CURB-Climate-Model-Executive-Summary.pdf (Pathways to Deep GHG Reductions in Oakland: Executive Summary (March 2018)) https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/City-of-Oakland-CURB-Climate-Model-Final-Report.pdf (Pathways to Deep GHG Reductions in Oakland: Final Report (March 2018)) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – the widening disparity in California and the challenges to address across California’s regions Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Jim-Mayer.jpg ()Jim Mayer is President & CEO of California Forward, a bipartisan public interest effort to bolster democracy and improve the performance of government in California. Working with civic and governmental partners statewide, CA Fwd has been the consistent advocate for comprehensive governance reforms that will lead to better results and accountability. As its chief executive, Mayer has helped to usher California’s modernization of redistricting, primary elections, term limits, ethics and transparency laws – to empower voters, encourage bipartisan solutions and restore public trust. He shepherded CA Fwd’s efforts to build capacity within governments to improve outcomes, and to advance a shared agenda among private, civic and public sector leaders to sustainably and equitable increase prosperity. Resources: http://cafwd.org/ (California Forward) http://www.caeconomy.org/content/landing-page/elevate-rural-ca (California Economic Summit’s Elevate Rural CA Initiative) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – how to make infrastructure more resilient to the growing threats of climate change Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Cris.jpg ()Cris Liban is the Executive Officer of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Agency. At LA Metro, Cris oversees their internationally recognized Environmental, Sustainability, and Energy initiatives. Cris has a bachelors of science in Geology, a masters in Civil Engineering and earned his PhD in environmental science and engineering from UCLA. Cris is a widely published author, a national speaker and serves on a number of commissions and working groups including the chairing the sustainability committee for the American Society of Civil Engineers, serving on the National Council for Environmental Policy and Technology at US EPA, and serving on California’s AB2800 Climate-Safe Infrastructure Working Group CA Department of Natural Resources. Resources: http://resources.ca.gov/docs/climate/ab2800/AB2800_Climate-SafeInfrastructure_FinalWithAppendices.pdf (Climate Safe Infrastructure Report  ) https://www.asce.org/uploadedFiles/About_Civil_Engineering/Content_Pieces/vision2025-roadmap.pdf (American Society of Civil Engineers Roadmap) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – building relationships and keeping rural communities rural Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kim.jpg ()Kim Dolbow Vann brings more than 20 years of experience and dedication to economic development and the improvement of rural life. As USDA Rural Development State Director, Vann oversees a $6.7 billion portfolio, more than 40 programs and 18 offices resulting in average annual investments of $1 billion into rural California. Previously, Vann spent eleven years as a Colusa County Supervisor representing the first district. During her tenure she served as the chair of Rural County Representatives of California, and led the charge on all federal and state issues that affect the state’s rural counties. In addition, from 2016-2017 Vann served as the chair of Sites Reservoir Joint Powers Authority, leading the new public private partnership in creating an above-ground water storage facility in rural Colusa County. Resources: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ca (United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development – California) https://twitter.com/californiard?lang=en (Find California Rural Development on Twitter @CaliforniaRD) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – how communities can prosper economically despite transitions Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Kate-Gordon.jpg ()Kate Gordon is an internationally recognized expert on the intersection of clean energy and economic development. She wears a number of hats including Partner on the sustainability team of RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners; Senior Advisor at the Paulson Institute; and non-resident Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. Kate may be best known for her work as the founder and director of the “Risky Business Project,” co-chaired by Michael Bloomberg, Henry Paulson, and Tom Steyer. The Risky Business project focused on the economic risks the U.S. faces from unmitigated climate change. Kate is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal as one of the paper’s “Energy Experts.” Kate also serves on the non-profit board the American Jobs Project; is also a member of the Sustainable Investing Advisory Board at Brown Advisory. Resources: https://riskybusiness.org/ (Risky Business Project) http://www.californiaadaptationforum.org/ (California Adaptation Forum) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission) http://americanjobsproject.us/ (American Jobs Project)  

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – transportation, climate change and sustainability goals Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Sam_Arons_blue.jpg ()Sam Arons is the Director of Sustainability at Lyft. Sam oversees the company’s sustainability and climate impact efforts. He plays an essential role in helping Lyft achieve its Climate Impact Goals to address the threat posed by global climate change, and make the long-term vision a reality. Sam comes to Lyft after 10 years at Google, where he developed the company’s sustainability efforts as Senior Lead for Energy & Infrastructure. Prior to his time with Google, Sam researched wind energy and plug-in vehicles at Williams College and UC Berkeley, respectively. Resources: https://blog.lyft.com/ (Lyft) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Justice and Equitable Development series – Taking a Look at Food Insecurity Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Podcast_Bonus-Episode-001_Sharon-Thornberry.jpg ()Sharon Thornberry is the Community Food Systems Manager at the Oregon Food Bank. Sharon has been a grassroots organizer, trainer and advocate for community food systems, rural communities, and anti-hunger work in Oregon since 1986. She grew up on farms, was very active in 4-H and Girl Scouts, and was one of the first female members of Future Farmers of America. In 1979, she was a homeless mom with two small children. Sharon has served on the Oregon Hunger Task Force for 16 years, the board of the Community Food Security Coalition for six years (three as President), and the board of Bread for the World and Bread for the World Institute for six years. The sum of her experiences have come together to make her a passionate and knowledgeable community food security and anti-hunger advocate. She is the 2009 recipient of the Billi Odegard Public Health Genius Award from the Community Health Partnership of Oregon. She has worked for Oregon Food Bank for the past 16 years focusing on rural food systems and is the creator of “FEAST”, the nationally recognized community food systems organizing program. She has been a resident of Philomath, Oregon for 30 years. She is an avid gardener and loves to share the cooking traditions learned in the farm kitchens of her youth with friends and family. Resources: https://twitter.com/ofb_sharont (Follow Sharon Thornberry on Twitter) http://www.oregonfoodbank.org (Oregon Food Bank) http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table (A Place at the Table book and film) http://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission) http://www.skeo.com/ (Skeo Solutions)  

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – funding and financing resilience Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Jocye-Coffee.jpg ()Joyce Coffee, is founder and President of Climate Resilience Consulting, a Certified B Corp. She is an accomplished organizational strategist and visionary leader with over 25 years of domestic and international experience in the corporate, government and non-profit sectors implementing resilience and sustainability strategies, management systems, performance measurement, partnerships, benchmarking and reporting. More recently, she created corporate social responsibility plans and reports for Fortune 500 companies as a Vice President at Edelman and ran a preeminent global adaptation nonprofit grounded in university-based research and analytics, the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, ND-GAIN. Joyce regularly speaks as an expert in climate adaptation and resilience and has presented at Climate Week, WEF and COP side-events, and Greenbiz, among others. Resources: https://www.climateresilienceconsulting.com/ (Climate Resilience Consulting) http://www.californiaadaptationforum.org/ (California Adaptation Forum) – the 3rd California Adaptation Forum will be held in Sacramento, CA from August 27-29, 2018. Register now! https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission)

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – importance of cities as the center of industry and life Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cohen_Headshot2015.jpg ()The Research Program is led by Dr. Steven Cohen, Professor in the Practice of Public Affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He is also Director of the Master of Public Administration Program in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the Director of the Masters of Science in Sustainability Management at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies. He is a consultant, former policy analyst, and former member of the Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technology for the U.S. EPA. Cohen is the author of several books, including The Sustainable City (2017), Understanding Environmental Policy (2006, 2014), Sustainability Management (2011), The Effective Public Manager (1988, now co-authored in its fifth edition), and the co-author of Sustainability Policy: Hastening the Transition to a Cleaner Economy (2015), and is a regular contributor for the Huffington Post on issues sustainability management and environmental policy. He is a graduate of Franklin College of Indiana (1974) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (MA, 1977; PhD, 1979). Dr. Cohen views the forthcoming research as a necessary next step in moving the needle towards more rigorous sustainability initiatives. Resources: http://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2532 (Learn more about Dr. Steven Cohen) https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-sustainable-city/9780231182058 (The Sustainable City) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )  

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – data-driven tools to assist in decision making Guest & Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/image001.png ()Joe DiStefano is Principal and Co-Founder of UrbanFootprint (formerly Calthorpe Analytics). He leverages more than 20 years of experience in land use and transportation planning in leading the development and deployment of the UrbanFootprint software platform. His career has focused on the implementation of actionable, data-driven tools that bring critical information to land use planning decisions, energy and water resource choices, and the environmental, public health, and social equity challenges of our times. Joe has led some of the most complex planning and design projects in the US and globally, including the award-winning Envision Utah regional plan, post-hurricane recovery in Southern Louisiana, and major scenario modeling and design efforts in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and the Middle East. He now leads UrbanFootprint, a web-based software platform designed to optimize each step of the sustainable urban planning and design process by supporting planners and communities with easy access to data science and advanced scenario planning. Joe holds a Master’s in Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California at Berkeley. He lives in Berkeley, California with his wife and two children and is an avid cyclist. Resources: https://urbanfootprint.com/ (UrbanFootprint) – Urban Planning Software for Sustainable Cities https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Justice and Equitable Development Series – transportation inequity Guest & Organization:Tracee Strum-Gilliam, AICP is the Director of Mid-Atlantic Client Solutions for PRR. For her, working at PRR is thrilling! The core part of her position at PRR is to grow the Baltimore office and PRR’s transportation and infrastructure practice on the East Coast. As a 20-year veteran of the transportation industry, it is most certainly a challenge that she welcomes, because she loves helping clients solve challenges and achieve their goals through strategic planning. She is a proud member of several Transportation Research Board committees, Women’s Transportation Seminar Baltimore Chapter, and the Waterfront Partnership Board of Baltimore. When she’s not working, she’s traveling with family. She always has a passport handy and a suitcase ready. PRR specializes in advancing major public issues and sparking market transformation across a diverse range of segments that include https://www.prrbiz.com/sectors/environment-sustainability/ (environment), https://www.prrbiz.com/sectors/transportation/ (transportation), https://www.prrbiz.com/sectors/health-wellness/ (healthcare), and https://www.prrbiz.com/sectors/planning-development/ (land use). Resources: https://www.prrbiz.com/about-us/ (PRR) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (New Partners for Smart Growth conference)

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – using science to advance community priorities Guest & Organization:Raj Pandya directs American Geophysical Union (AGU)’s Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX). TEX helps volunteer scientists and community leaders work together to use science, especially Earth and space science, to advance community priorities related to sustainability, resilience, disaster risk reduction, and environmental justice. Raj’s work invites everyone to be part of guiding and doing science, especially people from historically marginalized communities, so that science can contribute to a world where all people and all creatures can thrive, now and in the future. Raj chairs the National Academies committee on “Designing Citizen Science to Support Science Learning” and serves on the boards for Public Lab and the Anthropocene Alliance. He was a founding member of the board of the Citizen Science Association and has helped lead education and diversity related activities for the American Meteorological Society. As part of TEX, Raj helped launch the Resilience Dialogues – a public-private partnership that uses facilitated online dialogues to advance community resilience. Formerly, Raj led Spark Science Education and SOARS, both part of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). While at UCAR, he led a team that worked with Navrongo Health Research to Centre using weather data to better manage meningitis in Africa. He also cohosted, with indigenous leaders, UCAR’s first conference on indigenous knowledge and climate science “Planning for Seven Generations”. Prior to joining UCAR, Raj served as a faculty member at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Raj got his PhD from University of Washington exploring how large thunderstorms grow and sustain themselves. Resources: https://thrivingearthexchange.org/ (American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange) http://www.resiliencedialogues.org/ (Resilience Dialogues) http://www.californiaadaptationforum.org/ (California Adaptation Forum) – Register for California’s Premier Adaptation Gathering taking place in Sacramento, CA on August 27-29, 2018! http://globalclimateactionsummit.org/ (Global Climate Action Summit 2018) – San Francisco, CA on September 12-14, 2018 https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:The role of sports in increasing social mobility and improving communities Guest & Organization:Lisa Wrightsman is the Regional Program Manager of Street Soccer USA Sacramento and the Founder and Coach of Sacramento Lady Salamanders. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a concentration in Digital Video from California State University, Sacramento. She was a member of the University’s NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer team and currently holds multiple program records as well as recognition as a member of the All-Decade team. After college she played over five years of semi professional soccer for the Elk Grove Pride. Today her passion for soccer is seen in her social entrepreneurship initiatives with Street Soccer USA; a nationwide non-profit that uses soccer to break the cycle of homelessness and domestic abuse. Lisa is the founder and current Director and Coach of Street Soccer USA’s Sacramento Lady Salamanders. She started this program in 2010 and has since seen tremendous results and growth of the program as it has proven to successfully reverse the effects of addiction and domestic violence in 92% of team participants. Street Soccer USA uses this team platform to create a training curriculum of job preparation, life skills, and other specialized services, ultimately connecting participants directly to jobs, education, and housing. Lisa was recognized in 2015, as one of Sacramento Business Journal’s top 40 Under 40 young professionals. She is a Senior Fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leader’s Program. Since 2010 Lisa has coached the USA Women’s Street Soccer team at the Homeless World Cup and in 2016 was selected as Women’s Coach of the Tournament. Most recently Lisa was selected as a 2016 Change-Maker by TEDx Sacramento where she shared her story of resilience, hope, and how to be a catalyst for change. Resources: Interested in supporting Street Soccer USA? http://www.streetsoccerusa.org/givingtuesday-2017/ (Click here) to donate! http://www.streetsoccerusa.org/ (Street Soccer USA) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission)

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – emerging mobility trends Guest & Organization:Christopher Cabaldon was first elected Mayor of West Sacramento in 1998, and is serving his ninth term. He is the first mayor elected directly by the voters of the city, after serving three terms on the city council. The Sacramento Bee says that “under his leadership, the city has become one of the municipal stars of the region.” At the United States Conference of Mayors, he is Chair of the Jobs, Education, and the Workforce Committee and one of the nation’s leading mayors on innovation, ports and exports, civil rights, and education. An appointee in the administrations of four California governors spanning both political parties, Mr. Cabaldon currently serves as California’s commissioner on the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, where he is chair of the issues analysis & research committee. Mayor Cabaldon’s work on transportation, land use, water, air quality and climate change, housing, and economic development at the local, regional, and statewide scales has won numerous awards, and has become the model for effective regional collaborative action. Mr. Cabaldon earned his B.S. in environmental economics from UC Berkeley, and a Master of Public Policy & Administration degree from CSU Sacramento, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Resources: https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/departments/public-works/traffic-transportation/on-demand-rideshare-via/-fsiteid-1 (City of West Sacramento’s Via On-Demand Rideshare) – link to download the Via app, get information on the Pilot, and find links out to Via’s Support page and additional FAQs https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/departments/public-works/traffic-transportation/bike-share/-fsiteid-1 (City of West Sacramento’s JUMP Bike Share) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – getting adaptation and resilience projects to move forward Guest & Organization: Ellory Monks is co-founder of The Atlas Marketplace, a free online community for public officials upgrading their systems to be stronger, smarter and more sustainable. The Atlas is a hassle-free space where cities come to learn, share, and connect about what’s working in their communities. As co-founder, Ellory works with 70+ partner cities to help them scale and replicate proven urban innovations – and the benefits they generate – in their own communities. Prior to co-founding The Atlas, Ellory was Partner at re:focus partners, a firm dedicated to the design & financing of resilient infrastructure, and before that, held a fellowship in Washington D.C., where she acted as the executive secretary of the Obama Administration’s Climate Data and Tools Initiative, and more broadly, provided analytical and technical support to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). She has a B.A. in Civil & Environmental Engineering and Public Policy from Rice University. Resources: https://www.the-atlas.com/ (Atlas Marketplace) – access is free! https://medium.com/cityspeak/miami-dade-walking-the-walk-on-resilience-7bc05628e11a (Miami-Dade $13B CIP plan that prioritizes resilience) https://medium.com/cityspeak/cities-to-participate-in-procuring-resilience-workshop-final-list-announced-d2451d7ae3bd (Upcoming workshop at Kresge Foundation: “Procuring Resilience” Workshop) https://the-atlas.com/project?id=358 (Retain Your Rain, Norfolk VA) https://the-atlas.com/project?id=337 (Citizen Science for King Tide Flooding, Broward County) http://www.californiaadaptationforum.org/ (California Adaptation Forum) – the 3rd California Adaptation Forum will be held in Sacramento, CA from August 27-29, 2018 https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/radical-innovation-and-resilient-infrastructure-climate-adaptation/ (Infinite Earth Radio Episode 45: Radical Innovation and Resilient Infrastructure—Climate Adaptation) http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/coastal-adaptation-in-louisiana/ (Infinite Earth Radio Episode 117: Coastal Adaptation in Louisiana)

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – integrating new mobility technology into cities Guest & Organization: Working out of BB&K’s Washington, D.C. office, Greg uses his unique experience working on Capitol Hill and as in-house counsel for a transportation planning agency to provide legal and regulatory guidance concerning federal grant and contracting requirements, and monitors, counsels and advocates for clients on federal legislation, rulemakings and funding opportunities related to transportation infrastructure. Greg’s practice includes providing strategic guidance, policy tracking, and legal assistance on the regulation and incorporation of emerging transportation technologies into our transportation network, including on-demand mobility, automated and connected vehicles, and drones. Greg is a co-host on the https://twitter.com/mobilitypodcast?lang=en (@MobilityPodcast) and can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/smartertranspo?lang=en (@smartertranspo). Resources: https://www.bbklaw.com/about (BB&K Attorneys at Law) https://www.mobilitypodcast.com/ (Mobility Podcast) https://www.bbklaw.com/news-events/insights/2018/legal-alerts/04/the-first-self-driving-death (The First Self-Driving Death ) https://www.bbklaw.com/news-events/insights/2018/authored-articles/03/roads-of-the-future-today (Roads of the Future Today ) https://www.bbklaw.com/news-events/insights/2018/authored-articles/02/dockless-disruption-maximizing-opportunities-throu (Dockless Disruption: Maximizing Opportunities Through Smart Regulations) https://www.bbklaw.com/getmedia/38576409-0032-4ff2-bfb2-f2e5fef4e8a8/LCC-AV-Paper-Rodriguez (Automated Vehicle Regulatory Challenges: Avoiding Legal Potholes Through Collaboration ) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Providing Local Food to the Local Community Guest & Organization:Stacey Givens is the farmer/chef/owner of The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen. She grew up in a big fat Greek family and was instilled with DIY values from a very young age. Farming in their backyard, foraging olives with her mom from the nearby hills and learning to brine them with her Yiayia (grandmother). Givens has been in the food industry since the age of 15. Working her way through kitchens up the west coast from LA to SF to Pdx. After landing in Pdx in 2006, she cooked in various kitchens including Lincoln, Southpark, Rocket and Noble Rot. Currently, she is based in the Ne Cully Neighborhood, where her team grows diverse vegetables on a 1 acre plot of land. She sells her harvests to nearby restaurants in what she calls an invaluable “chef-to-chef” produce service. Since then, Givens has established the first ‘urban’ seed to plate catering company and supper club in the Portland area where she uses Side Yard grown goods. She also sources from other urban farms in her hood for goat milk, eggs, honey and fruit. Its urban craft all the way, from the seed to the plate. Making her own cheese, charcuterie, vinegars, pollen, spices and pickles. Her inspiration to get her hands in the dirt sprouted when she was cooking at Rocket (now http://www.noblerotpdx.com/web/ (Noble Rot)), which had the first rooftop garden of its kind in Portland. Crafting ‘urban farm to table’ meals led Givens into what she calls her ‘seed to plate’ food philosophy. https://twitter.com/thesideyardpdx (Find Stacey on Twitter) The Side Yard is an urban farm, supper club and catering company located in the NE Cully Neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. They have been providing local restaurants with creative organic produce and the community with food, education and opportunity since 2009. The farm is largely operated by volunteers and interns who gain hands on experience with the urban seed to plate movement. The Side Yard offers farm suppers & brunches, https://www.thesideyardpdx.com/catering--farm-dinners.html (private catering), pop-ups, DIY workshops, farm tours and more. Their focus is to provide local food for the local community, from the seeds we sow, animals we raise and to the craftsmanship we embrace. They grow our produce sustainably and ethically, with a creative touch. The farm produces a wide range of https://www.thesideyardpdx.com/whats-growing.html (seasonal veggies), fruits, seeds and culinary herbage that are harvested within hours of delivery to ensure quality and freshness. They are known for our unique selection of specialty herbs and micro crops. Resources: https://www.thesideyardpdx.com/ (The Side Yard Farm and Kitchen) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Smart Growth and Livable Communities Series – active transportation and community design Guest:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/katz-resized.jpg ()Peter Katz has been a leader in advancing innovative approaches to community planning and transportation for more than a quarter century. He helped to catalyze the New Urbanism movement, first as author of The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community, and later as founding director of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). At CNU, Katz set up a strategic partnership with the US Department of Housing & Urban Development that led the agency to adopt more neighborhood-oriented development models. He was recently named a fellow of CNU in recognition of his contributions to the New Urbanism movement. As consultant to government, public agencies, and private-sector clients, Katz addresses real-world needs with state-of-the-art strategies. He was lead advisor to local redevelopment officials on the highly successful Contra Costa Centre Transit Village (American Planning Association National Award Winner, 2012). Organization:https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Logo-for-paste-PNG-SM-MED.png ()GoTRANS, a recently formed nonprofit organization, is building a community of car-free and car-light individuals and families across the United States. It provides a range of consumer and municipal supports to advance the use of active transportation (walking and bicycling), public transportation and other shared-mobility formats. Through its programs, products and services, GoTRANS seeks to lower the cost of urban living for families that would otherwise “drive until they qualify” for car-dependent housing at the suburban edge. Resources: https://www.cnu.org/ (Congress for the New Urbanism) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

In episode 65 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons talks with Julia Kim and Kif Scheuer of the Local Government Commission, and Michael McCormick of the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research about the upcoming California Adaptation Forum August 27-29th in Sacramento, California.  They talk about the history of the forum, goals and themes of this year’s forum, and the state of adaptation in California.  Also in this episode, Doug talks with the 2018 winners of the Tyler Prize, Dr. Paul G. Falkowski and Dr. James J. McCarthy. Established in 1973 by the late John and Alice Tyler, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is one of the first international premier awards for environmental science, environmental health and energy. It’s considered the equivalent of winning the Noble Prize in environmental science and policy. Paul and James share some of their research and the important of communicating science effectively. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Android Listen here. Now on Spotify! Donate here! Subscribe/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Facebook and Twitter: @usaadapts https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/timeline www.americaadapts.org Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/america-adapts-climate-change/id1133023095?mt=2 Listen here. On Google Play here. Please share on Facebook! Links in episode: www.resilientca.org www.opr.ca.gov https://globalclimateactionsummit.org/ http://www.californiaadaptationforum.org/ http://tylerprize.org/ http://tylerprize.org/laureates/ Directors on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexa. https://youtu.be/949R8CRpUYU Elizabeth Rush Book Signing Event https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com/events/2018/6/14/elizabeth-rush-rising-dispatches-from-the-new-american-shore Amazon Link for the Young Adult Climate book by Marissa Slaven, Code Blue https://www.amazon.com/Code-Blue-Marissa-Slaven/dp/1927685273/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525300158&sr=8-1&keywords=code+blue+marissa+slaven America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure!  Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.” Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!  For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Itunes! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Producer Dan Ackerstein Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

Topic:The arts and community engagement as highly effective community and economic development strategies Guest & Organization: Juanita Hardy is the Senior Visiting Fellow (SVF) for Creative Placemaking at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Her work supports the Institute’s http://americas.uli.org/research/centers-initiatives/building-healthy-places-initiative/ (Building Healthy Places Initiative) by deepening and broadening ULI’s focus on creative placemaking through content, the ULI District Council network, and the http://americas.uli.org/research/centers-initiatives/building-healthy-places-initiative/healthy-corridors/ (Healthy Corridors) grant program. Hardy has a passion for making business and cultural connections that foster healthy, thriving, and culturally rich places to work, live, and enjoy. She founded Tiger Management Consulting Group, a global training and business consulting services firm, after retiring from IBM in 2005. Hardy has over 43 years of business experience, including 31 years with IBM, and over 35 years in the arts as a nonprofit leader, trustee, collector, and patron of the arts. For IBM, she led many client transformational leadership initiatives and frequently coached leaders on making change at the individual and organizational level. Her work with Tiger Management included helping clients build successful relationships with businesses in other countries and cultures. As SVF for ULI, Hardy has done extensive research and identified best practices, conducted an assessment on the presence of creative placemaking at ULI, worked with ULI District Councils on programming and capacity building activities, and authored a guide on implementing creative placemaking in real estate development. Hardy is the former Executive Director of http://www.culturaldc.org/ (CulturalDC), a nonprofit committed to making space for artists and art organizations and fostering cultural and economic vibrancy in communities through its creative placemaking services. While at CulturalDC, she worked closely with area developers to integrate arts and culture into development projects across the Washington, D.C., area. She served as an awards program juror for the ULI Washington District Council’s http://washington.uli.org/what-we-do/real-estate-trends-conference/ (Real Estate Trends Conference) for three years, 2015-2017. Since 2006, Hardy has served as an executive coach with http://www.right.com/wps/wcm/connect/right-us-en/home/ (Right Management), a global human capital development firm, and has served on many nonprofit art boards dating to the 1980s. She co-founded http://www.millenniumartssalon.org/ (Millennium Arts Salon), an art education initiative, in 2000. Hardy is an accomplished writer and public speaker. Her recent writing includes a trilogy of http://www.millenniumartssalon.org/ (creative placemaking articles in Urban Land magazine). Resources: https://americas.uli.org/research/centers-initiatives/building-healthy-places-initiative/ (Urban Land Institute’s Building Healthy Places Initiative) https://americas.uli.org/research/centers-initiatives/building-healthy-places-initiative/creative-placemaking/ (Urban Land Institute’s Creative Placemaking) https://www.arts.gov/ (National Endowment for the Arts) https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/CreativePlacemaking-Paper.pdf (National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Placemaking Paper) by Ann Markusen, Markusen Economic Research Services and Anne Gadwa, Metris Arts Consulting https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – Issues Facing Coastal Communities Guest & Organization:Liz Williams Russell is the Coastal Community Resilience Director at the Foundation for Louisiana where she designs strategies to support communities influenced by land loss and relative sea-level rise across coastal Louisiana. With a background and training in architectural design, landscape systems, and urban planning, Liz incorporates the complexities of the developed urban ecosystem to promote equitable opportunities in areas altered and affected by land change. Liz manages coastal grant-making areas with an advisory committee and relevant partners that work to help communities face a range of issues and challenges that range in scale from mega-regional networks and hydrologic basins to stormwater management and flood insurance. Risk mitigation and resilience-based programs require an awareness of and participation with these transitioning watersheds. In order to better provide opportunities, establish and cultivate partnerships, and advocate for informed and diverse public engagement, Liz supports fundraising initiatives and guides the common campaign and funding plan across Foundation for Louisiana’s Coastal Resiliency Leverage Fund. Liz previously has worked as a Research Fellow and Affiliate with the Coastal Sustainability Studio at Louisiana State University. In this role she led and collaborated with cohorts of civil engineers, urban planners, coastal scientists, and landscape architects alongside economic, legal, and cultural advisors. Each project engaged a set of unique conditions within the coastal landscape and proposed developments through which residents and communities might advance and thrive in a future with evolving challenges. The mission of the Foundation for Louisiana is to invest in people and practices that work to reduce vulnerability and build stronger, more sustainable communities statewide. Resources: http://foundationforlouisiana.org/ (Foundation for Louisiana) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Adaptation and Livable Communities Series – An Introduction to Adaptation Professionals Guest & Organization:Beth Gibbons is the Executive Director of the American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP). In this role, she is responsible for strengthening the ASAP network and bringing adaptation best practices into the broader conversation across sectors and scales. Beth brings a decade of experience in sustainable development and climate adaptation to her role. Previously, Beth supported urban resilience initiatives at the Institute for Sustainable Communities alongside her role as ASAP Managing Director. Prior to leading ASAP she was Director of the University of Michigan Climate Center and managed NOAA’s Great Lakes Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Center. She served in the Peace Corps in Agodopke, Togo. Beth earned her undergraduate degree in Comparative Politics from the Catholic University of America and holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. ASAP connects and supports climate adaptation professionals, while advancing innovation in the field of climate change adaptation. Through ASAP’s website, affinity groups, webinars and meetings climate adaptation leaders interact, share what’s working, collaborate with their colleagues and build essential climate resilience for communities across the country. Resources: https://adaptationprofessionals.org/ (American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP)) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) http://www.californiaadaptationforum.org/ (California Adaptation Forum)

Topic:Autonomous vehicles, shared vehicle services and electric vehicles Guest & Organization:Dr. Daniel Sperling is the Blue Planet Prize Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and Policy and founding director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis, which oversees the 3 Revolutions Future Mobility Program. He has held the transportation seat on the California Air Resources Board since 2007 (appointed by Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown) and served as Chair of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies in 2015-16. Among his many prizes are the 2013 Blue Planet Prize from the Asahi Glass Foundation for being “a pioneer in opening up new fields of study to create more efficient, low-carbon, and environmentally beneficial transportation systems.” He served twice as lead author for the IPCC (sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize), has testified 7 times to the U.S. Congress, and provided 40 keynote presentations in the past five years. He has authored or coauthored over 250 technical papers and 12 books; is widely cited in leading newspapers; has been interviewed many times on NPR, including Science Friday, Talk of the Nation, and Fresh Air; and in 2009 was featured on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In https://islandpress.org/books/three-revolutions (Three Revolutions), transportation expert Dan Sperling, along with seven other leaders in the field, share research–based insights on potential public benefits and impacts of the three transportation revolutions. They describe innovative ideas and partnerships, and explore the role government policy can play in steering the new transportation paradigm toward the public interest—toward our dream scenario of social equity, environmental sustainability, and urban livability. Resources: https://islandpress.org/books/three-revolutions (Three Revolutions – Steering Automated, Shared, and Electric Vehicles to a Better Future by Daniel Sperling) https://3rev.ucdavis.edu/ (3 Revolutions Future Mobility Program at the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis) https://islandpress.org/urban-resilience-project (Island Press Urban Resilience Project) Download the Island Press APP! Learn more about the APP https://islandpress.org/get-our-app (here), and find it on https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.islandpress.islandpressdiscoveryapp (Google Play) and https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/island-press/id1251388048?mt=8 (Apple App Store)! https://www.lgc.org/yosemite-policymakers-conference/ (Yosemite Policymakers Conference – building livable communities) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:Urban revitalization and land regeneration Guest & Organization:Dekonti Mends-Cole serves as the Director of Policy for the Center for Community Progress. Prior to joining Center for Community Progress in September 2015, Dekonti worked in Detroit as the Deputy Director of Dispositions for the Detroit Land Bank Authority overseeing disposition, property management and compliance programs. In addition, she served as a fellow with the White House Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative embedded in the City of Detroit’s Law Department. Dekonti brings international experience and best practice having previously worked on local economic development projects in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa including infrastructure investment strategies in Iraq and Zambia for the United Nations and community development projects tied to the 2012 London Olympics. She holds an MSc from London School of Economics in Urban Regeneration and Affordable Housing, a Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law Center, and a BA from University of Miami in International Studies and Economics. Founded in 2010, the Center for Community Progress is the only national nonprofit specifically dedicated to building a future in which vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties no longer exist. Resources: http://www.communityprogress.net/ (Center for Community Progress) https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/video-nextcity10-anniversary-dekonti-mends-cole-memory-banking-detroit (Dekonti Mends-Cole on Memory Banking and the City) http://www.newvillagepress.net/book/?GCOI=97660100655590 (Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts America and What We Can Do About It) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )

Topic:The relationship between tax and land use policies Guest & Organization:Joe Minicozzi is an urban planner imagining new ways to think about and visualize land use, urban design and economics. Joe founded Urban3 to break down and visualize the market dynamics created by tax and land use policies. Urban3’s work is establishing new conversations across multiple sectors, policy makers, and the public to creatively address the challenges of urbanization. Urban3’s extensive studies have ranged geographically from over 30 states, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Joe holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and Master of Architecture and Urban Design from Harvard University. In 2017, Joe was recognized as one of the https://www.planetizen.com/features/95189-100-most-influential-urbanists (100 Most Influential Urbanists) of all time.   Resources: http://www.urban-three.com/ (Urban3) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (New Partners for Smart Growth Conference)

Topic:Smart growth and the real estate industry Guest & Organization:Hugh Morris has practiced urban planning for twenty-five years with a focus on transportation issues. After graduating from UCLA with a Masters in Planning, he spent five years with a transportation consulting firm working on transit plans, travel demand forecasting models, and travel surveys. He spent the next two years working for an energy efficiency think tank where he focused on transportation issues, including investigating the real cost of our transportation system. The next ten years were spent working with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy helping communities convert abandoned railroad corridors into hiking/biking trails. His principle area of focus was urban trails that were used for trip making as well as recreation. He has spent the last twelve years with the Smart Growth Program at the National Association of Realtors where he helps local Realtor associations around the country to become advocates for smart growth style development in their communities. He has had two papers presented at and published by the National Academy of Science’s Transportation Research Board. Additionally, he has contributed to the American Planning Association’s publication titled “Planning and Urban Design Standards” as well as “Trails for the 21st Century: a planning, design, and management manual” published by Island Press. Resources: https://www.nar.realtor/on-common-ground (On Common Ground – smart growth magazine from the National Association of Realtors) http://realtormag.realtor.org/commercial/feature/article/2018/01/how-become-small-scale-developer (How to Become a Small-Scale Developer – by Meg White) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )  

Topic:Holistic Approaches to Climate Challenges Guest & Organization:Senator Bob Wieckowski represents the 10th Senate District in the California State Legislature. The district stretches from southern Alameda County into Santa Clara County and shares the member’s focus on job creation, clean technologies, protecting our environment and reducing unnecessary regulations. Mr. Wieckowski chairs the Environmental Quality Committee and Budget Subcommittee 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation. He is also a member of the Senate committees on Judiciary; Budget and Fiscal Review; Transportation and Housing; and Ethics. He was appointed by Senate President Pro Tem to serve on the Energy and Environment Committee of the Council of State Governments West and in 2017 became the first Californian to chair the committee. The Senator is a state leader in advocating for climate adaptation programs and has participated on state and regional panels examining green infrastructure investments. A strong voice in the Legislature for consumers and low-income earners, he received the “Champion of Justice” Award from the East Bay Community Law Center for fighting against abusive debt collectors and oppressive wage garnishments. Statewide organizations have selected him Legislator of the Year and the California Judges Association gave him its “Scales of Justice Award” for his steadfast support for increased court funding. Tech America also named him “Legislator of the Year.” Mr. Wieckowski is a small business owner and a bankruptcy attorney. He has helped hundreds of families and seniors persevere through economic hardship, keep their homes and live with dignity. He received his B.A. from the University of California and his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. Senator Wieckowski lives in Fremont with his wife, Sue. Resources: http://senv.senate.ca.gov/ (California Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Quality) http://www.opr.ca.gov/clearinghouse/adaptation/ (California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research – Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP)) http://resources.ca.gov/docs/climate/safeguarding/update2018/safeguarding-california-plan-2018-update.pdf (California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy – January 2018 – Safeguarding California Plan) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission )  

Topic:Wildfire recovery in wine country Guest & Organization:Chris Coursey grew up in a military family, and by the time he graduated from college had never lived in any city for more than three years. He came to Santa Rosa in 1980 to take a job that he thought would be a brief stop in his rising journalism career. Instead, he found a community that has sustained him for 37 years, and a city that has become his home town. He worked for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat for 27 years, covering a variety of subjects and writing a column sharing his personal thoughts on a wide range of community issues. In 2007, he was hired by the SMART rail district to manage communications and community outreach in advance of the successful 2008 sales tax election. He left SMART in 2011 to establish a consulting business focusing on freelance writing and public relations. He was elected to the Santa Rosa City Council in 2014. In December 2016, he was selected by his fellow Council members to serve as Mayor. His term expires in December 2018. Tennis Wick has served as Sonoma County’s Permit & Resource Management Department Director since November 2013. The agency balances environmental protection and sustainable development of Sonoma County’s natural resources through the agency’s planning, engineering, building, well and septic, code enforcement and customer service authority. Before joining the County of Sonoma, Wick worked as a principal at Berg Holdings responsible for government affairs, site acquisition, design and entitlement. Previously, Tennis practiced as a partner at the engineering and planning consulting firm CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group, Inc. He began his career with the County of Marin where he led current planning as Development Chief. Wick is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (10447) and the American Planning Association. Tennis Wick holds a Juris Doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Public Service Emphasis from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A long-time Petaluma resident, Tennis Wick has been civically active twice serving as a City Planning Commissioner and as Board President of the Friends of the Petaluma River, Petaluma Peoples Service Center and the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce. Wick is also a member of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and the Sonoma County Alliance. Tennis is part owner of Hen House Brewing Co. He and his wife Holly have four grown daughters and are active in endurance sports, cooking and gardening. Resources: http://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org (Santa Rosa and Sonoma County Fire Recovery) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:Supporting the next generation of young leaders Guest & Organization:Danielle Metzinger is a Learning and Development Specialist at CalSTRS, and serves as Membership Lead for NxtGov including administering the new NxtGov Ambassador Program. Danielle’s interest in public service led her from the nonprofit to the public sector in 2013 when she began her career at the State of California. Since then she’s collaborated on several initiatives to develop the state workforce and improve civil service. Danielle is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organization Development from University of San Francisco. … Angelica Quirarte, “Angie,” is the Assistant Secretary for Digital Engagement at the CA Government Operations Agency (GovOps) and the founder of NxtGov. She started her career in public service as an Executive Fellow in 2013 and has been leading efforts in open data and web user-centered design through the management of data.ca.gov and ca.gov. She was part of the team that launched the Lean Academy, partially project managed the Civil Service Improvement Initiative, and most recently helped coordinate the creation of the new Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Angie was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and migrated to the Bay Area with her parents and two younger brothers when she was 10 years old. She has a BA in History of Public Policy from UC Santa Barbara. Resources: https://nxtgov.org/nxtgov-is-a-platform-for-change/ (NxtGov) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:Homelessness and water resource protection Guest & Organization:Mike Antos is a Senior Watershed Manager for the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, facilitating the One Water One Watershed program and leading engagement with members of disadvantaged communities for collaborative watershed management. Mike holds a PhD in Geography from UCLA where he remains a member of the Water Resources Group of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. He is on the advisory board of the Loyola-Marymount University Center for Urban Resilience, a founding board member of the Mediterranean Cities Climate Change Consortium, and is a Fellow of the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation. Mike serves as co-chair of the American Water Resources Association Integrated Water Resources Management technical committee, and sits on the Technical Advisory Council of California’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program. Resources:http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/watersheds-and-homelessness/ (Infinite Earth Radio Episode 106: Water and Homelessness with Mike Antos) http://www.sawpa.org/owow/ (One Water One Watershed) http://www.sawpa.org/ (Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:The intersection of homelessness and water management Guest & Organization:Mike Antos is a Senior Watershed Manager for the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, facilitating the One Water One Watershed program and leading engagement with members of disadvantaged communities for collaborative watershed management. Mike holds a PhD in Geography from UCLA where he remains a member of the Water Resources Group of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. He is on the advisory board of the Loyola-Marymount University Center for Urban Resilience, a founding board member of the Mediterranean Cities Climate Change Consortium, and is a Fellow of the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation. Mike serves as co-chair of the American Water Resources Association Integrated Water Resources Management technical committee, and sits on the Technical Advisory Council of California’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program. Resources:http://www.sawpa.org/owow/ (One Water One Watershed) http://www.sawpa.org/ (Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:Yes in my back yard (YIMBY) Guest & Organization:Sonja Trauss is the founder of the San Francisco Bay Area Renters’ Federation – an unincorporated club of pro-building, pro-density renters. Born and raised by a labor and delivery nurse and legal aid attorney in Philadelphia, PA, Trauss learned at an early age the importance of representing the city’s most vulnerable populations. As an undergraduate at Temple University, she worked for the local Neighborhood Advisory Committee, where she first learned about the mechanics of municipal government. During the financial crisis, she worked as a paralegal for Philadelphia Legal Assistance, helping to defend low income homeowners from foreclosure. She earned her master’s degree in economics in 2011 at Washington University in St. Louis where she then relocated to the Bay Area. As a renter – in El Cerrito and West Oakland, and now in Soma (South of Mission) – she has experienced the Bay Area’s housing and transit issues. Trauss started the San Francisco Bay Area Renters’ Federation (SFBARF) in 2014 as a response to the anti-growth, anti-newcomer mindset driving housing prices higher in the Bay. Higher housing prices displace many of the most vulnerable long-term residents, making it harder for people to move there, and increase the cost of living for everyone. SFBARF has been nationally recognized as a pioneer in the YIMBY movement to densify our cities, and drive housing prices lower by increasing the number of available houses. Trauss is currently running for supervisor and aims to raise her son in a neighborhood that’s greener, denser, more pedestrian-friendly, inclusive and more welcoming for everyone, regardless of their origins or present condition. Resources:https://yimbyaction.org/ (YIMBY Action) http://www.carlaef.org/ (California Renters Legal Advocacy and Education Fund (CaRLA)) http://www.sonja2018.org/ (Sonja Trauss for Supervisor 2018) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:Adapting to a changing climate Guest & Organization:Ellie Cohen, President and CEO of Point Blue Conservation Science since 1999, is a leader in catalyzing collaborative, nature-based solutions to climate change, habitat loss and other environmental challenges. She and Point Blue’s 160 scientists work with natural resource managers, ranchers, farmers, local governments and others to reduce the impacts of environmental change and develop climate-smart conservation approaches to benefit wildlife and people. Ellie is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Observer Organization representative for Point Blue. She is Immediate Past Chair and Steering Committee member of the CA Landscape Conservation Cooperative, an invited member of the SF Bay Area’s Resilient by Design Research Advisory Committee, and co-founder of the Bay Area Ecosystems Climate Change Consortium. Ellie was honored with the Bay Nature 2012 Environmental Hero Award for her climate change leadership. Ellie received her undergraduate degree in Botany with honors at Duke University and an MPP from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government where she was honored with the first Robert F. Kennedy Public Service Award. She speaks regularly on the urgent need to include nature-based approaches in the climate change solutions toolbox. http://www.pointblue.org/about-pointblue/our-team/president-ceo/ (Learn More about Ellie and her work here.) Jonathan Parfrey is the Executive Director and Founder of Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while making Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring people at home, at work, and in government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, as well as prepare for climate change impacts. Climate Resolve is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, founded in 2010, that is dedicated to creating real, practical solutions to meet the climate challenge while building a better city for Angelenos. Their mission is to make Southern California more livable and prosperous today and for generations to come by inspiring people at home, at work, and in government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, as well as prepare for climate change impacts. Resources:http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/bonn-chance/ (Infinite Earth Radio Episode 096: Bonn Chance) with Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists http://cityclimateplanner.org/ (City Climate Planner from the World Bank) http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climatechange/brief/city-climate-planner-certificate-program (City Climate Planner Certificate Program) https://www.rmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/the-Carbon-Free-City-Handbook-1.0.pdf (Carbon-Free City Handbook) (a publication released at COP23 at the UN 2017 climate conference in Bonn, Germany that helps city staff implement climate policies and actions that resolutely place their communities on an aggressive path toward sustainable, low-carbon economies) http://www.pointblue.org/ (Point Blue Conservation Science) http://climateresolve.org/ (Climate Resolve) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Superior Court judge allows the transfer of the assets from H2GO to remain but halts any new construction on the RO plant, North Carolina clouds it’s bid for Amazon in secrecy, and Stater Treasurer, Dale Folwell, joins Tyler to discuss the H2GO debt that he oversees as the chairman of the Local Government Commission and the possible implementation of the Health Insurance Tax

Topic:Strategies and tools for addressing racism personally and professionally Guest & Organization:Dwayne S. Marsh serves as Vice President of Institutional and Sectoral Change at the new Race Forward. The new Race Forward is the union of two leading racial justice non-profit organizations: Race Forward and Center for Social Inclusion (CSI). He also serves Deputy Director of Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE), a core program of the new Race Forward. Prior to GARE/Race Forward, Marsh was, for six years, a senior advisor in the Office of Economic Resilience (OER) at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. There, he helped advance sustainable planning and development through interagency partnerships, departmental transformation, and funding initiatives managed through OER. He was OER’s principal coordinator for a $250 million grant program and led the development of capacity building resources that reinforced the work of pioneering grantees in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Under his leadership, OER prioritized equity as a foundational principal for its planning and investment initiatives. Marsh brings to GARE/Race Forward his expertise and considerable experience in coalition building for regional equity and leadership development for policy change. He provides technical assistance and capacity building knowledge to equitable development initiatives that address continuing disparities in affordable housing, transportation investment, and environmental justice. Before HUD, Marsh spent a decade at PolicyLink, the national organization committed to economic and social equity. Before PolicyLink, he directed the FAITHS Initiative for eight years at The San Francisco Foundation, building a nationally renowned community development and capacity building program that continues to this day. Resources:http://www.raceforward.org/ (Race Forward) http://www.racialequityalliance.org/ (Government Alliance on Race and Equity) http://www.centerforsocialinclusion.org/ (Center for Social Inclusion (CSI)) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:The state of rural regions and economies. Guest & Organization:Steve Frisch is President of Sierra Business Council and one of its founding members. Over the last 20 years, Sierra Business Council has leveraged more than $100 million of investment in the Sierra Nevada and its communities through community and public-private partnerships. Sierra Business Council also manages the Sierra Small Business Development Center focusing on advancing sustainable business practices and linking new and expanding businesses to climate mitigation and adaptation funding. Sierra Business Council pioneers and demonstrates innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada. In the Sierra Nevada, change and challenge create opportunities. Through innovation, integrity, and respect, Sierra Business Council harnesses these opportunities by implementing projects that model proactive change. Their goal is a diverse, inventive, and sustainable region where the economy is vibrant, the land is thriving, and the communities offer opportunity for all. They act as steward leaders of the region, taking responsibility for the care and responsible management of our place, guided by the triple bottom line that considers the economy, environment, and community simultaneously. Resources:Infinite Earth Radio – Climate Adaptation Series with Steve Frisch and Jonathan Parfrey • http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/making-the-global-local-climate-adaptation-series/ (Episode 36 – Part 1) • http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/cap-and-trade-where-do-we-go-from-here-climate-adaptation-series-part-2/ (Episode 37 – Part 2) • http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/cap-and-trade-where-do-we-go-from-here-climate-adaptation-series-part-3/ (Episode 38 – Part 3) • http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/cap-and-trade-where-do-we-go-from-here-climate-adaptation-series-part-4/ (Episode 39 – Part 4) http://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/the-future-of-smart-growth-2/ (Infinite Earth Radio Episode 100 – The Future of Smart Growth with Matthew Dalbey) http://sierrabusiness.org/ (Sierra Business Council) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:Celebrating our 100th episode by kicking off the conversation about the upcoming New Partners for Smart Conference Guest & Organization:Matthew Dalbey is the Director of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities. The Office of Sustainable Communities (OSC) supports locally led, community-driven efforts to revitalize local economies and attain better environmental and human health outcomes. OSC collaborates with other EPA programs; federal agencies; regional, state, and local governments; and a broad array of nongovernmental and private-sector partners to help communities become stronger, healthier, and more livable. OSC helps to meet communities at their needs by collaborating with other agencies and programs to use federal resources effectively and efficiently and better leverage public and private investment. This work directly supports EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment, contributing to clean air, clean water and other important goals in communities all across the country. To help communities learn about and implement development strategies that protect human health and the environment, create economic opportunities, and provide attractive and affordable neighborhoods, the Office of Sustainable Communities: Provides technical assistance in response to community requests: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places (Local Foods, Local Places); https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/healthy-places-healthy-people (Healthy Places for Healthy People); https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/cool-connected (Cool & Connected; ) https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/building-blocks-sustainable-communities (Building Blocks); https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greening-americas-communities (Greening America’s Communities); and https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/governors-institute-community-design (Governors’ Institute on Community Design). Produces tools, research, case studies and other information on a variety of topics. Shares examples of community strategies and projects that can be models for other places. Convenes diverse interests to encourage better growth and development. Resources:https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth (EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities ) https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan (EPA’s Strategic Plan) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)

Topic:The role of sports in increasing social mobility and improving communities Guest & Organization:Lisa Wrightsman is the Regional Program Manager of Street Soccer USA Sacramento and the Founder and Coach of Sacramento Lady Salamanders. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a concentration in Digital Video from California State University, Sacramento. She was a member of the University’s NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer team and currently holds multiple program records as well as recognition as a member of the All-Decade team. After college she played over five years of semi professional soccer for the Elk Grove Pride. Today her passion for soccer is seen in her social entrepreneurship initiatives with Street Soccer USA; a nationwide non-profit that uses soccer to break the cycle of homelessness and domestic abuse. Lisa is the founder and current Director and Coach of Street Soccer USA’s Sacramento Lady Salamanders. She started this program in 2010 and has since seen tremendous results and growth of the program as it has proven to successfully reverse the effects of addiction and domestic violence in 92% of team participants. Street Soccer USA uses this team platform to create a training curriculum of job preparation, life skills, and other specialized services, ultimately connecting participants directly to jobs, education, and housing. Lisa was recognized in 2015, as one of Sacramento Business Journal’s top 40 Under 40 young professionals. She is a Senior Fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leader’s Program. Since 2010 Lisa has coached the USA Women’s Street Soccer team at the Homeless World Cup and in 2016 was selected as Women’s Coach of the Tournament. Most recently Lisa was selected as a 2016 Change-Maker by TEDx Sacramento where she shared her story of resilience, hope, and how to be a catalyst for change Resources:Interested in supporting Street Soccer USA? http://www.streetsoccerusa.org/givingtuesday-2017/ (Click here) to donate! http://www.streetsoccerusa.org/ (Street Soccer USA ) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference– February 1-3, 2018)  

Topic:Reusing and Revitalizing Retail Spaces In This Episode:[02:57] Guest Michele Reeves is introduced. [04:03] Michele talks about the impact she’s seeing from the decline of retail. [06:52] Michele shares her thoughts about what to do with vacant retail spaces and what some of the obstacles are. [10:48] Michele addresses huge parking lots. [13:32] Michele expresses her thoughts regarding retail space based on sales tax revenue rather than need, and market studies. [18:16] Michele describes strategies to make community corridors a destination. [21:56] Michele shares what local businesses can do to have a more dynamic experience that can compete or complement e-commerce offerings. [28:54] Michele states how people can get in touch with her and her firm, Civilis Consultants. Co-host: Kate Meis joins the Infinite Earth Radio as the co-host for this episode. Kate Meis is the Executive Director of the Local Government Commission (LGC). Kate is a champion for local governments; a recognized leader in local climate change adaptation, mitigation and clean energy efforts; and an ardent coalition builder. She obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis, and has a Sociology Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sonoma. Guest and Organization:Michele E. Reeves is an urban strategist with significant private sector experience revitalizing districts. Her qualifications, derived from over 16 years of work in various facets of renewal, include facilitating public/private partnerships, marketing unknown or undesirable districts, pre-development consulting, siting manufacturing facilities, strategizing acquisitions and development with private sector investors, and creating retail leasing plans. Michele founded Civilis Consultants to assist mixed-use districts, small businesses, property owners, and public sector organizations to recognize and leverage their strengths, identify and accomplish economic development goals, and craft their unique stories to create compelling, multi-faceted brands. Michele has a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. https://twitter.com/rethinkplaces (Follow Michele on Twitter) Take Away Quotes: “It’s kind of funny. Even that phrase — ‘decline of retail’ — I would call it sort of a change in retail. And I think one of the things I would just say fundamentally about retail — there’s kind of a saying we have inside retail that retail is about reinvention, and that’s always true. Retail is always changing, and it’s always finding new avenues and expression for itself.”  “I think the biggest impact that these changes in retail are having is that it’s leaving us — it’s a retail problem and a real estate problem because one of the biggest things it’s doing is leaving us with these really challenging land-use issues and a lot of vacant buildings that are, in some cases, difficult to reuse.” “A lot of times the biggest obstacle to reusing these spaces as mixes of different kinds of space, whether it’s church space — which is another common reuse of old Walmarts or Kmarts — or whether it’s manufacturing or light manufacturing, or wholesale, or Internet sales and distributorship, is mostly the zoning often stops these spaces from being something else.” “Everything that you do that’s brick and mortar, everything that is in person is really going to have to have fundamental elements of a really positive experience, expertise and knowledge, and service that you can’t get through the online experience.” Resources:http://civilisconsultants.com/ (CIVILIS Consultants ) https://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission ) http://civicspark.lgc.org/ (CivicSpark Program) https://www.newpartners.org/ (2018 New Partners for Smart Growth Conference) – February 1-3, 2018  

Topic:Planning and Creating Age-Friendly Communities In This Episode:[00:57] Co-host Paul Zykofsky and guests Kathy Sykes and Bill Armbruster are introduced. [01:24] Kathy shares why she’s interested in the field of aging and public health. [01:47] Bill discusses why he’s interested in the field of aging and public health. [02:56] Why is planning for an aging population so important? [04:43] What can we learn from the change in how communities have developed and from the past generation? [06:57] Kathy states what the USEPA’s interest is in this issue of an aging population. [07:49] What are some aspects of the issue of rural versus urban communities? [10:48] Does AARP or the USEPA have a guide for communities on how to think about, and what they should be doing, in terms of planning for an aging population? [14:05] Are there examples of places that have embraced planning for an aging population? [17:07] How does one get started in planning an age-friendly community? [20:36] How much could be saved in seniors’ health costs if age-friendly communities were created?  Co-host:Paul Zykofsky directs the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) programs related to land use and transportation planning, community design, and health and the built environment. In the past 20 years, he has worked with over 300 communities to improve conditions for infill development, walking, bicycling, and transit. Mr. Zykofsky provides technical assistance to communities throughout the nation on issues related to smart growth, infill development, transit-oriented development, street and sidewalk design, health and the built environment, and public participation in the planning process. Mr. Zykofsky is a co-author of Building Livable Communities: A Policymaker’s Guide to Transit Oriented Development and Emergency Response: Traffic Calming and Traditional Neighborhood Streets. In 2006, Mr. Zykofsky co-wrote (with Dan Burden of Walkable Communities) the section on “walkability” in the American Planning Association’s Planning and Urban Design Standards. Guests and Organizations:Bill Armbruster manages the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, which is a program within AARP Livable Communities. He has been with AARP since 2000, joining as an associate state director for AARP New York. In that role he served the upstate and western region of the Empire State and was responsible for the development, implementation and assessment for community outreach programming. That body of work included livable and age-friendly communities initiatives, partner development and grassroots volunteer organizing for a 30 county region both near and far from his Rochester home base. In addition to his work at AARP, Bill has extensive experience in corporate wellness programs, occupational rehabilitation and ergonomics, pain treatment and physical therapy. Kathy Sykes is Senior Advisor for Aging and Public Health at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since 1983, Kathy has held policy positions in the U.S. Senate and Congress and in federal agencies: U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, with Congressman Obey and at the NIOSH within CDC and for almost 20 years at the Environmental Protection Agency, where she developed the Aging Initiative that focused on environmental health issues and the built environment. She also serves on Washington, D.C.’s the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Task Force. She is a fellow of the GSA and currently Chair of the Social Research Policy and Practice Section. Ms. Sykes holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration and a certificate in Health Services Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Take Away Quotes: “We’ve got a huge demographic shift that’s occurring right now. I’m part of the baby boomers, and there’s an awful lot of us, and our population over 65 will double by the year 2050.”—Kathy “I think a lot of communities aren’t...

Topic:Incorporating Public Health Considerations in the Local Government Planning Process In This Episode:[02:40] Co-host Paul Zykofsky is introduced. [02:48] Guests Miguel Vazquez and Erik Calloway are introduced. [03:10] Miguel tells how he came to be working on healthy-communities issues. [04:13] Erik tells how he came to be working on healthy-communities issues. [05:02] Erik describes ChangeLab Solutions. [05:41] Miguel describes the Riverside University Health System. [09:09] Miguel shares about the National Healthy Communities Platform. [09:44] Why is there a need for a National Healthy Communities Platform? [11:13] Erik evaluates the state of the healthy-communities movement. [12:25] Miguel gives his evaluation of the state of the healthy-communities movement. [13:42] Miguel identifies what he hopes will come out of the National Healthy Communities Platform. [15:04] Erik comments on the breakdowns of the social determinants of health. [15:51] Erik supplies his recommendations of how to get started to address the issues of the social determinants of health. [18:30] Miguel shares the challenges he thinks will be encountered as the healthy-communities movement is pushed forward. [20:45] Erik describes what he thinks the challenges will be. CoHost:Paul Zykofsky directs the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) programs related to land use and transportation planning, community design, and health and the built environment. In the past 20 years, he has worked with over 300 communities to improve conditions for infill development, walking, bicycling, and transit. Mr. Zykofsky provides technical assistance to communities throughout the nation on issues related to smart growth, infill development, transit-oriented development, street and sidewalk design, health and the built environment, and public participation in the planning process. Mr. Zykofsky is a co-author of Building Livable Communities: A Policymaker’s Guide to Transit Oriented Development and Emergency Response: Traffic Calming and Traditional Neighborhood Streets. In 2006, Mr. Zykofsky co-wrote (with Dan Burden of Walkable Communities) the section on “walkability” in the American Planning Association’s Planning and Urban Design Standards. Guests & Organizations:As a senior planner at ChangeLab Solutions, Erik Calloway focuses on the links between the built environment and health. He conducts research, prepares strategies, and develops tools to help communities support healthy living and sustainability. Prior to joining ChangeLab Solutions, Erik worked for 13 years as an urban design consultant. He has led multidisciplinary teams on streetscape and public space design, district and corridor restructuring, city planning, neighborhood development, and downtown revitalization projects. http://www.changelabsolutions.org/erik-calloway (Learn More About Erik) Miguel Vazquez, currently serves as the Healthy Communities Planner for the Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH) (formerly known as Riverside County Department of Public Health) in California. Our work directly impacts the quality of life of 2.2 million people living in 28 cities and the unincorporated area of Riverside County. For the past five years, my leadership role has focused on the integration of planning and health through policy, programs and outreach. https://www.planning.org/plannerprofile/miguelvazquez/ (Learn More About Miguel’s Career Journey as a Planner) Take Away Quotes: “My journey has been kind of strange in a sense that I’m an urban planner, but urban planners typically don’t work for public-health departments. Now, a conference like the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference has provided an open door for everyone to understand each other, so my boss saw that connection of public health and planning, and at some point he decided to hire a planner. So, somebody said, hey, there’s an opportunity, would you be interested in applying for it; so I...

Sir Wira Gardiner is chair of the Local Government Commission overseeing our 78 local authorities, 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities. Rodney, Waiheke and the Wairarapa could all have new council structures this year. He's also a man who totally confounded the very low expectations people initially had of him. Sir Wira left his high school drop-out days firmly behind him and proved his teachers wrong by going on to be the founding head of the Waitangi Tribunal and founding Chief Executive of the Ministry of Māori Development.

Think about how we get around town, if stuff we want and need to get to is close enough to where we live, work, learn and play that we don't have to use a car to get there (or at least not all the time). If our neighborhoods feel lively, safe, healthy and productive. This is all part of the national movement called Smart Growth, practiced by community builders like Earthworms guests Dana Gray and Eric Friedman, who are both local champions of equity, sustainability, creativity and prosperity - for everyone in the St. Louis community where they live and work.               Smart Growth is a trend prompting economic, social and environmental benefits in many U.S. cities. In St. Louis, the concept has grown some good roots and sprouted in places like South Grand Boulevard, Washington Avenue downtown, the Delmar Loop and Old North St. Louis. Efforts of community-builders in many places are moving out town in smarter directions, at a pace we will define in positive terms as gathering steam. Evidence of this movement here is that the Local Government Commission is bringing their annual New Partners for Smart Growth national conference to The Lou from February 1-4. A special FREE day of Smart Growth skill-building and networking events has just been announced, DIY Great Cities on Wednesday February 1 - a scoop on this Earthworms podcast! YOU could become a Smart Growth advocate in your neighborhood, with benefits cycling directly, sustainably back to your family, friends, and neighbors. Check it out! Dana Gray is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation. Eric Friedman is real estate and development professional, principal of The Friedman Group commercial real estate company, and founder of Housing and Community Solutions. Both have been instrumental in bringing National Partners for Smart Growth 2017 Conference to St. Louis.  Music: Cookie Mouth, performed live at KDHX by The Provels, January 2015. THANKS to Josh Nothum, Earthworms engineer - and to Jon Valley.  Related Earthworms Conversations:  Trailnet's New Vision for Getting Around Green - November 2016 Mississippi River Town Mayors - Global Leadership - June 2016 St. Louis Food Policy  Coalition - December 2015

TOPICWater Conservation with Inland Empire Utilities Agency and Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority IN THIS EPISODE[01:39] Introduction of Arya Moalemi. [02:25] Arya describes the CivicSpark program. [02:47] Arya tells about working on water issues in Southern California. [03:24] How much acreage is within the Inland Empire? [03:54] Arya elaborates on his work addressing water issues in Southern California. [05:35] Arya explains the challenge of Southern California drying out. [06:17] Arya shares the goal of the agencies he’s working with. [06:39] What does the future of water in Southern California look like? [07:40] Arya describes the impact of his work. [09:52] Arya shares when he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [11:21] Arya tells if he anticipates having an ongoing, networking relationship with the other CivicSpark fellows. [12:39] Arya explains what he’ll be doing after his CivicSpark fellowship ends. [13:11] Arya describes if his CivicSpark skills will make him a stronger job candidate and better professional. [14:01] Arya describes if his CivicSpark experience will make him a stronger job candidate. [14:36] Arya shares the advice he would give to someone who is interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [15:12] Arya comments on the focus group of CivicSpark fellows looking at water issues and water infrastructure. [15:43] Arya shares where people can learn more about the CivicSpark program. [16:12] Arya shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [16:24] Arya states the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [17:11] Arya comments on the fact that there’s a demand and not enough supply of walkable places where people can live. [18:16] Arya says what the water-system resilience in Southern California looks like 30 years from now. GUESTBefore earning his masters’ degree in City Planning and Regeneration at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, Arya Moalemi went to the University of California, Irvine and received his degree in International Studies. He has lived in Le Mans and Lyon, France and has since lived in Montreal, Canada. He is passionate about the field of urban planning. ORGANIZATIONCivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“With IEUA [Inland Empire Utilities Agency], for example, I really appreciate how they have a really strong goal—and it’s the same as SAWPA [Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority] as well—of trying to be as self-sufficient as possible. And so that is putting a huge emphasis on groundwater storage and groundwater management as much as they possibly can because ground water doesn’t evaporate, it comes from us, it comes from the rain, and so that seems to be a big push, at least in the Inland Empire.” “One of the hugest things that I have learned in the few months that I have been with these agencies is how closely tied water and energy are together and how...

TOPICAddressing Climate Change at the Los Angeles County Health Department IN THIS EPISODE[01:26] Introduction of Sergio Avelar and Teresa Perez. [02:06] Teresa gives a description of the CivicSpark program. [02:41] Have the CivicSpark fellows just graduated from college, with a bachelor’s degree? [02:56] Sergio describes the projects he’s been working on. [04:08] Sergio explains what a cool roof is. [04:29] Sergio tells how to make a cool roof. [05:07] Teresa describes the project she’s been working on. [05:51] Teresa gives an example of how the public health impacts of climate change can be reduced. [06:26] Are there health impacts of climate change that are more long term or more chronic? [07:21] Teresa tells about the impact she hopes her work makes. [08:05] Sergio shares the impact he hopes his work makes. [09:31] Sergio describes the collaboration between the City of L.A. and the partner organizations to work on projects. [10:57] Teresa tells about the moment when she decided she wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [11:35] Sergio tells about the moment when he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [12:40] Are there a lot of people applying to be CivicSpark fellows? [13:18] Teresa shares what she expects to do after she completes her fellowship. [14:05] Sergio explains what he expects to do after he completes his fellowship. [15:05] Teresa describes how the CivicSpark-fellow experience impacted her and how it will serve her in the future. [15:52] Sergio describes how the CivicSpark-fellow experience impacted him and how it will serve him in the future. [17:13] Teresa shares the advice she’d give to anyone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [17:46] Sergio shares the advice he’d give to someone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [18:43] Teresa tells where people can go to learn more about the CivicSpark program. [19:04] Teresa and Sergio share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [19:38] Teresa and Sergio tell the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [20:10] Sergio and Teresa share what Los Angeles County Health Department’s efforts to address climate change look like 30 years from now. GUESTS Sergio Avelar is from Los Angeles, CA and has experience working in education, local government, and sustainability. He graduated from the graduating from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. Teresa Perez is from Whittier, California and graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy. She is passionate about educating the community in what it means to be sustainable and why it is important to live with an environmentally conscious mind. She is eager to learn about the dynamics in the public sector and how to work with a large number of people to create positive and effective change. ORGANIZATIONCivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging...

TOPICEnvironmental Justice, Equity, and Livability in California IN THIS EPISODE[01:52] Introduction of Cyrus Keller. [02:31] Cyrus shares how working with CivicSpark compares with other job positions he has held. [03:29] Cyrus explains his role in the CivicSpark program. [04:44] Cyrus tells what excites him the most about the CivicSpark program. [07:22] Cyrus describes the impact the CivicSpark program is having. [08:45] Cyrus shares his thoughts on the values and work ethic of millennials. [09:47] Cyrus explains a project that exemplifies the value CivicSpark creates. [10:56] Cyrus shares how the program impacts the fellows and the communities that they’re working in. [12:14] Cyrus describes the types of projects being worked on in Northern California. [16:38] Cyrus discusses the ethos of sustainability, equity, and livability in the Bay Area. [20:57] Cyrus shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [21:13] Cyrus tells the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [21:36] Cyrus shares what the Bay Area and California will look like 30 years from now. GUEST Cyrus Keller is a career professional and social activist. He has over thirty years of combined experience in aerospace, technology and software, and education. His professional experience includes working with both the public and private sectors, enterprise customers, federal, state, and local government agencies, and managing global and virtual teams in a number of settings from start ups to Fortune 50 corporations. Combined with a lifetime of engagement in a wide range of community, social, and international issues, he brings a unique insight to the process of social change, activism, and organizing, as well as a wealth of managerial and training experience, to the CivicSpark and Encore programs. ORGANIZATIONCivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. CivicSpark also includes retired professionals who share their project management expertise with the next generation. Encore Fellows serve as regional coordinators, providing day-to-day guidance for CivicSpark fellows and also act as project managers for the teams. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“I think more than 50 percent of the program [CivicSpark] this year are women, and of the fellows that I am working with, there are three that are men and four that are women, and that’s unusual for me. In most of my career, men have dominated the space…But it’s unusual for me in more the science and technical fields that I’ve had experience in to find that many women. So that’s really a sort of a refreshing and rewarding change, that many women in this program.” “I think probably the most exciting thing for me was the coming to the realization that a lot of the community organizing I did actually does fall under the umbrella of environmental justice…So, for me, what was exciting about this was recognizing that I could connect a lot of the work I had to the...

TOPICSupporting the Development of Sustainable Practices IN THIS EPISODE[01:45] Introduction of Mackenzie Bolger. [02:16] Introduction of Mike Kloha. [02:45] Introduction of Bree Swenson. [03:20] What is the sustainability indicators project? [03:57] Mike Kloha gives more details of the project. [04:59] How many people are involved in this project? [05:47] What kind of project report will be issued? [07:19] When the project is complete, how will people access the information? [08:48] What impact are Bree, Mackenzie, and Mike hoping to see from the work they’re doing as CivicSpark fellows? [10:02] Could this work produce healthy competition between municipalities? [10:41] Mackenzie, Bree, and Mike share when they decided they wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [12:41] Bree, Mike, and Mackenzie describe how they feel about the ability to have a significant impact on issues of sustainability and climate change. [16:28] Could municipal governments have a significant impact on sustainability if the right set of resources were in place? [17:32] Bree shares what’s next for her in her career and how the CivicSpark experience impacted her. [18:18] Mackenzie describes what’s next for her in her career and how the CivicSpark experience impacted her. [19:13] Mike explains what’s next for him in his career and how the CivicSpark experience impacted him. [21:00] What advice would be given to anyone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow? [22:34] Where can people find out more about the CivicSpark program? [23:04] What is one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities? [23:23] What action can listeners take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future? [23:58] What will Southern California communities look like 30 years from now? GUESTS https://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mike-Kloha.jpg () Mike Kloha is from San Diego and is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a degree in Environmental Policy and a minor in Urban Planning. He is a former NCAA athlete in cross country and track. Mike developed a great interest for sustainable urban planning, and has also worked in local government for over a year. He hopes to learn more about the sustainability needs of Los Angeles and to actively be a part of addressing those needs throughout the region. Mackenzie Bolger is a 2015-2016 CivicSpark Americorps Fellow located in Los Angeles, California. In 2015, she graduated with honors from Arizona State University’s School of Social Transformation with a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies and a minor in Sustainability. She is committed to transforming Southern California into a socially just, environmentally healthy, and economically vital region that will model sustainability for the rest of the world. A Southern California native, Bree Swenson graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in Anthropology and a focus on Global Health and Environment. She has worked on distributed energy policy, energy efficiency, and land use policy in St. Louis, DC, and Los Angeles and hopes to use her passion for environmental sustainability to continue this work in her hometown. ORGANIZATIONhttps://infiniteearthradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/CivicSpark_Logo.jpg ()CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration

TOPIC The Experience and Work of the CivicSpark Fellowship Program IN THIS EPISODE [01:44] Introduction of Mikael Matossian. [02:22] Mikael describes the CivicSpark program. [03:14] Mikael shares what he’s been working on for the City of Santa Monica. [04:44] Mikael elaborates on the reduction of Santa Monica’s carbon emissions. [05:57] Mikael explains if the new plan he’s working on has a particular target and date? [06:59] Mikael shares the impact he hopes his work will bring about. [08:24] Is the report going to be available in other languages? [09:00] Mikael explains when he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [10:54] Does Mikael’s experience as a CivicSpark fellow make graduate school more valuable to him? [12:17] Mikael describes his experience as a CivicSpark fellow. [14:00] Mikael shares if he would become a CivicSpark fellow again. [15:24] Mikael describes the advice he would give to someone who’s interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [17:51] Mikael explains that CivicSpark is still a new program but is expanding. [18:46] Mikael shares one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [19:13] Mikael describes the action listeners can take to build a more equitable and sustainable future. [19:53] Mikael explains what the City of Santa Monica looks like 30 years from now. GUEST Mikael Matossian is a 2015-2016 CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellow in the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment, working on various climate action and energy initiatives. Mikael graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2015 with his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in energy systems at Carnegie Mellon University. His main research interests include the introduction of energy efficiency practices and renewable energy technologies in the Republic of Armenia. ORGANIZATION CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. TAKEAWAY QUOTES “I’m working on climate action and energy projects. So, I have three major projects, the first one being a final report or a view of the city’s last climate-action plan… that has 15 measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions community wide of the city by 2015, compared to a 1990 level as a baseline…fortunately, we actually did achieve 15%—we kind of surpassed that. We’re at a 21.8% reduction from 1990 levels.” “The city [Santa Monica], really, for decades has been kind of a bold leader in sustainability and taking innovative action. It was the first city in 1994 to adopt a sustainable city plan of that size, a really comprehensive plan, to look at how we’re going to enhance, protect our resources, preserve the environment, in all these sectors, in water, waste, energy, social equity, things like that.” “I really hope that this product, the final report—and I do believe it will—communicate the bold action that the city, that the government, is taking to the public so...

TOPICBringing New Economic Opportunities to Disadvantaged Communities IN THIS EPISODE[02:04] Introduction of Trevor Wilson and Mitchelle De Leon. [03:05] Trevor and Mitchelle share what the CivicSpark AmeriCorps program is all about. [04:13] Mitchelle shares the moment he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [05:10] Trevor shares the moment he decided he wanted to become a CivicSpark fellow. [06:08] Trevor describes the application process. [07:27] Mitchelle explains his application experience. [07:41] Trevor describes his experience of what it’s like to be in the program. [09:13] Mitchelle shares his experience of being in the program. [10:37] Mitchelle explains the project he’s working on. [11:51] Trevor shares the project he’s working on. [12:53] Mitchelle and Trevor tell what’s next for each of them. [14:28] Trevor and Mitchelle describe how the CivicSpark experience has impacted them and how it will serve them in the future. [16:40] Trevor and Mitchelle share the advice they would give to someone who is interested in becoming a CivicSpark fellow. [18:57] Mitchelle and Trevor share one change that would lead to smarter, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. [19:59] Trevor and Mitchelle describe the action listeners can take to help build a more equitable and sustainable future. [20:53] Trevor and Mitchelle explain what California-San Joaquin Valley looks like 30 years from now. GUESTS Mitchelle De Leon recently graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a concentration in Finance. During college, he engaged his fellow students on environmental justice issues in Kern County. He aspires to work on policies on state and federal levels, ensuring fair and equitable solutions to climate change. In 2016, he plans to start a nonprofit organization focused on building youth leaders’ capacity to address climate change Trevor Wilson grew up in the middle of Michigan and moved on to Michigan State University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. He focused on renewable energy policy and sustainability. Trevor’s senior thesis paper was on Germany’s energy transition to renewables, leading him to a summer internship with an environmental protection organization in Berlin, Germany. ORGANIZATIONCivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management issues in California, administered by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The mission of CivicSpark is to build capacity for local governments to address climate change and water management needs. Each year, CivicSpark recruits 68 fellows—48 Climate Action Fellows, and 20 Water Action Fellows—who contribute over 65,000 hours to help California communities respond to climate change and water management needs. In collaboration with local government staff, CivicSpark fellows implement a needed climate or water-focused project, while also building long-term capacity to ensure the work is sustained after their service year is completed. Local governments get dedicated project support from a focused team of enthusiastic emerging professionals who receive specialized professional development and sector training. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Fellows complete eleven months of service, working on a variety of climate-change-related projects, from developing climate action plans, increasing electric-vehicle infrastructure, to completing greenhouse gas inventories for cities. You can think of us foot soldiers for local climate action throughout California.” “CivicSpark is really about showing passionate young people what the reality of climate action looks like, so taking all of these very passionate, ideological young people and turning them into goal-oriented doers instead of thinkers; and so I [Trevor] think...

TOPICRenewable Energy IN THIS EPISODE[1:17] Mike introduces Tom Butt, Mayor of Richmond, CA. [2:06] Why was Chevron motivated to defeat Tom? [3:29] How the refinement project, Community Power and City Action: Solar Farming in the Refineries Backyard, came into existence. [6:13] What type of emissions impact will Richmond’s solar farm have on the city and surrounding cities? [7:55] How will the Environmental Benefits Agreement improve the lives of local citizens? [9:29] Tom discusses the holistic approach they took when developing the Environmental Benefits Agreement. [11:25] Tom shares advice to other community leaders who are looking to bring more sustainable energy to their city. [14:57] Tom discusses how Richmond successfully built strong relationships between the police department and low income communities of color. [17:29] What role did the Richmond police chief play in the positive response of the local Black Lives Matter movement? [18:08] How can others learn more about what Richmond is doing with the refinement project. [18:54] What one change would Tom implement to improve the future? [20:00] What action would Tom recommend that listeners take to make a difference? [20:25] What will Richmond look like 30 years from now if Tom’s plans are successful? GUESTTom Butt is a 20-year member of the http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/ (Richmond, California) City Council, and was elected to a four-year term as mayor in 2014. He serves on the board and is vice-chair of Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a Community Choice Aggregation joint powers authority serving parts of four California counties. He also serves on the board of the Local Government Commission. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Statistically, people who come from low income neighborhoods don’t live as long, they don’t have as good health as people who live in wealthier neighborhoods. I think this example of the 50% local hire rule and training people from low income neighborhoods in Richmond be proficient in the solar industry and to find jobs in that is a way of essentially ultimately improving their health.” “Well, the big thing here really is getting control of your future. Once you can control your future, whether it is in energy or whether it is in agriculture or whether it is in heath or whatever, then you have an opportunity to make it better because you are no longer subject to somebody else’s decision making.” “About 80-85% of electricity users have chosen to stay with Marin Clean Energy. The way it’s set up, it’s an opt-out system, so once the city decides to make that change over then everybody gets changed over automatically unless they decide not to.” “This is an example of how people can get control of their destiny.” RESOURCEShttp://infiniteearthacademy.com/podcast/taking-back-the-power-community-choice-aggregation/ (Episode 019: Taking Back the Power – Community Choice Aggregation) – In this episode, we speak with Alex DiGiorgio of MCE Clean Energy about how Community Choice Aggregation gives back the power to local residents, providing them with access to competitively-priced renewable energy. http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1841/Sustainable-Government (City of Richmond, CA) http://NewPartners.org (New Partners for Smart Growth Conference) http://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission) THANKS FOR LISTENING Thanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and every one of them!

TOPICLocal Food Systems IN THIS EPISODE [2:48] Laura explains the mission at The Center for Regional Food Systems [3:16] What is the Food and Community project? [9:43] The importance of creating local food systems [12:30] Laura defines food justice and sovereignty [15:30] What motivates Laura? [17:52] New Partners Pre-Conference Food System Activities [20:55] Learn more about The Center for Regional Food Systems [21:40] The one change Laura would like to see to lead to better food systems [22:34] Actions that listeners can take to build a more sustainable food future [22:53] 30 years from now: how Laura sees the future of food systems GUESTThe Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) engages the people of Michigan, the United States and the world in developing regionally integrated, sustainable food systems. CRFS extends MSU’s pioneering legacy of applied research, education and outreach by catalyzing collaboration among the diverse range of people, processes and places involved in regional food systems. Our vision is a thriving economy, equity and sustainability for Michigan, the country and the planet through food systems rooted in local regions and centered on food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable. Laura Goddeeris, AICP, is a Specialist at CRFS and coordinates outreach engaging national organizations in improving food systems and community environments, linking ground-level efforts and national stakeholders to inform policy and systems change. She is particularly focused on exploring opportunities for local governments to support regional food systems. As a part of this work, she has partnered with the Local Government Commission to develop a series of pre-conference workshops on healthy, equitable food systems in conjunction with the annual New Partners for Smart Growth conference. Laura’s background includes more than a decade of experience in research, outreach, and program administration around issues of economic development, community and social equity, and transportation planning, much of it within the context of food systems. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is a graduate of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy Emerging Leaders Program. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“Access to good food, food that’s healthy, green, fair and affordable, I think it’s also important to note culturally appropriate, really should be a basic human right that is available to all of us regardless of differences in race, in gender, in ethnicity, in class, all of those things. But the idea of food justice exists because there are all these structural inequities in our food system that impede that access and they are often tied to those differences. So, I see food justice as a lens that we can apply to our efforts to work toward more equitable systems. Food Sovereignty refers to the idea that communities hold the power to determine what a just food system looks like. And I think you will most often hear about that in the context of communities that have been disenfranchised by the food system in the past.” “I think it’s important for communities to try and foster conversations about what people need and want in their community. I don’t think there is a one size fits all approach for how to incorporate, even just urban agriculture in all cities, it’s really place specific and as you mentioned before, the shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy, think about how that has played out in Detroit and now you have this urban agriculture movement, but some people don’t want to see a city like that shift back in that direction, but some people think its great. So, we really need to continue to have some dialogue about what are the needs and what are the opportunities.” “I was realizing how food systems really drew, or cut across a lot of areas that were...

TOPICProviding Local Food to the Local Community GUESTStacey Givens is the farmer, chef and owner of The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen in Northeast Portland, Oregon’s Cully Neighborhood. Givens grows diverse organic produce for Portland’s top restaurants and provides food, education and opportunity to her community. Givens was raised the youngest of seven children in a large Greek family in Redondo Beach, California where she was instilled with do-it-yourself values from a young age, farming in their backyard garden and small orchard, foraging with her mom, picking and brining olives and helping prepare large Greek family-style suppers. Givens has been in the food industry since age 15. She worked her way up the West Coast, including at the nationally acclaimed Millennium in San Francisco, before landing in Portland in 2006. Givens established The Side Yard Farm in 2009. The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen currently consists of several urban farm lots maintained by Givens and her team, a farm-to-table private catering company, and the ‘Nomadic Chef’ supper club where she features her urban-grown goods. Givens also organizes invaluable community services at The Side Yard like DIY workshops, grief support groups and kids camps. While The Side Yard has a hyperlocal focus, Givens’ drive to build a strong community and make lasting connections with talented and passionate people is globally-minded, traveling around the world to meet fellow organic farmers and chefs. In 2014, Givens was the recipient of Portland’s Local Hero award in the chef category, and continues to give back to the community she loves through volunteerism and her indispensable work at The Side Yard. In 2015, she competed on the Foodnetwork’s ‘Chopped’ and brought home the win for Portland. Stacey Givens Twitter https://twitter.com/thesideyardpdx (https://twitter.com/thesideyardpdx) ORGANIZATIONThe Side Yard is an urban farm, supper club and catering company located in the NE Cully Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Since 2009 they have provided local restaurants with creative organic produce and the community with food, education and opportunity. The farm is largely operated by volunteers and interns who gain hands on experience with the urban seed to plate movement. The Side Yard offers urban farm suppers & brunches, private catering, nomadic pop-ups, educational DIY workshops, farm tours and grief groups. Their focus is to provide local food for the local community, from the seeds they sow, animals they raise, and to the craftsmanship they embrace. TAKEAWAY QUOTES“It’s all about the experience of seed to plate. All of that was harvested the day before, the day of. You can just taste the freshness and that connection of hyper local.” “After I lost my father I decided I’m done with going to grief groups in hospitals- why not have one at the farm. It’s such a beautiful place and I think it’d be easier for people to share the loss of their loved one…and we just become this big ole family.” “I hope that what we’re doing is we’re teaching people that being local is really important, being organic is extremely important, and I guess that’s what I would hope for is that we’re doing our job educating people and bringing them closer to their food.” RESOURCESThe Side Yard http://www.thesideyardpdx.com/ (http://www.thesideyardpdx.com/) Local Government Commission http://www.lgc.org/ (http://www.lgc.org/) THANKS FOR LISTENING Thanks so much for joining us. Have some feedback or an idea you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave an honest review for Infinite Earth Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful and greatly appreciated as it helps us expose this show to a wider audience – plus, we read each and every one of them!

TOPICTaking a Look at Food Insecurity GUEST BIO  Sharon Thornberry is the Community Food Systems Manager at the Oregon Food Bank. Sharon has been a grassroots organizer, trainer and advocate for community food systems, rural communities, and anti-hunger work in Oregon since 1986. She grew up on farms, was very active in 4-H and Girl Scouts, and was one of the first female members of Future Farmers of America. In 1979, she was a homeless mom with two small children. Sharon has served on the Oregon Hunger Task Force for 16 years, the board of the Community Food Security Coalition for six years (three as President), and the board of Bread for the World and Bread for the World Institute for six years. The sum of her experiences have come together to make her a passionate and knowledgeable community food security and anti-hunger advocate. She is the 2009 recipient of the Billi Odegard Public Health Genius Award from the Community Health Partnership of Oregon. She has worked for Oregon Food Bank for the past 16 years focusing on rural food systems and is the creator of “FEAST”, the nationally recognized community food systems organizing program. She has been a resident of Philomath, Oregon for 30 years. She is an avid gardener and loves to share the cooking traditions learned in the farm kitchens of her youth with friends and family. Sharon Thornberry Twitter https://twitter.com/ofb_sharont (https://twitter.com/ofb_sharont)   TAKEAWAY QUOTES“The statistics say that rural hunger is not as bad as urban hunger, I think people in rural communities are less likely to admit they’re hungry too. There’s a lot of pride that goes with living in rural communities.” “There aren’t equal opportunities for everybody and there’s a lot of deniers that say that all of this stuff is made up. But I’m here to tell you it’s not made up. We don’t think about the challenges of access. People with small children are the most financially insecure. Salaries have not kept up with the cost of living in this country.” “We’re leaving a lot of kids in a really bad place because it’s impossible for their parents to have a living wage, especially in rural communities. There’s a whole systemic thing that we need to look at and figure out how we solve it as a country.” “Just think: the food banks across this country, there are hundreds of Feeding America food banks, there are tens of thousands of food pantries across this country, they all have volunteers. If those folks had taken even a fraction of the hours they’ve taken handing out food and been saying to the powers that be: to congress, to their state senators, to their state legislators, even to their county commissioners, “This is wrong, we have to do this differently,” what do you think the picture would be? I think we’d be in a different space?” “It’s about keeping the discussion going, and people having success, and supporting small farmers. You can’t do enough to do that. Go out there and get to know your small farmer, find out what their issues are, and find out how you can help them stay in business.”   RESOURCEShttp://www.oregonfoodbank.org (Oregon Food Bank) http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table (A Place at the Table book and film) http://www.lgc.org/ (Local Government Commission)