Happy April from Across the

Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI)

April marks Earth Month, a time to reflect on the landscapes, communities, and natural resources that shape California—and the collective work it takes to protect them. 

At the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), Earth Month is grounded in action. Across the state, our programs are supporting communities as they advance climate resilience, build housing, protect working lands, and invest in solutions that improve quality of life. 

This work is made possible by the people behind it—our partners, local leaders, and community members—who bring these efforts to life every day. Together, we are helping shape a more sustainable, connected, and equitable California. 

Thank you for being part of this work. 



Welcome to the April edition of ECHO! 

Solicitation Period Open for Nominations to

the Planning Tribal Advisory Group (PTAG)

LCI is moving into the next phase of updating California’s SB 18 Tribal Consultation Guidelines and developing an accompanying Tribal Consultation Toolkit. This update builds on Tribal consultations and outreach that began in September 2025. 

As part of this work, LCI is opening a 60‑Day Solicitation Period from March 19–May 22, 2026, for nominations to the Planning Tribal Advisory Group (PTAG). The PTAG will support updates to the SB 18 Guidelines & Toolkit as well as the General Plan Guidelines and Specific Plan Guidelines. Tribal leaders, staff, planners, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO), and Indigenous Knowledge holders are encouraged to nominate themselves or others. 

LCI will host two virtual Information Sessions on April 8 from 1-2 p.m. and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to review the PTAG process, the SB 18 guidelines update, and available opportunities for consultation and engagement. Register through the webpage; recordings of the sessions will be added.

Nominations are due Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. 

Questions? Contact tribal.affairs@lci.ca.gov.

LCI Seeks Technical Assistance Providers 
for the Extreme Heat Program

LCI has a new contracting opportunity!

This request for proposal (RFP) is for technical assistance providers to help Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program applicants, current grantees, and overall program implementation.

Proposal submissions are due Monday, April 13, at 3 p.m.

Adaptation in Action: A Foundation 
for Community-Led Climate Resilience

The Adaptation Planning Grant Program (APGP) helped California communities lead the way on climate resilience—building strategies that reflect local needs, priorities, and knowledge.

The lessons and partnerships from APGP laid the foundation for today’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Programs (ICARP), shaping how the state supports community-driven planning.  



Learn more about how APGP continues to influence climate resilience across California: 

Help Shape California’s Updated Adaptation Planning Guide 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), in partnership with LCI and the California Natural Resources Agency, is updating the state’s Adaptation Planning Guide for the first time since 2020.

The Guide offers communities a step-by-step framework, practical tools, and real-world examples to plan for climate change. To ensure the update reflects on-the-ground needs, Cal OES is inviting local and regional partners to share their experiences, challenges, and priorities through a brief survey. Your input will help strengthen climate resilience planning across California. 

Public Comment for Draft Tribal Grant Guidelines 
Open Through April 6 

Following extensive interviews and engagement with Tribes, SGC has released Draft Grant Guidelines for the Tribal Capacity Building Program and the Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund. The guidelines are now available online for a 90-day public comment period, open through April 6, 2026.

These drafts outline program goals, participation requirements, and application processes, and invite Tribes and the public to help shape the Final Grant Guidelines. 



Review the draft guidelines and more:

SGC Launches Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) 
for Round 3 of the Factory-Built Housing (FBH) Pilot Program 

The FBH Regional Pilot Program has released its Round 3 funding opportunity, including the NOFA and application materials for Catalyst and Planning Grants.

Applications must be submitted via Submittable by 11:59 p.m. on May 5, 2026.

Late or alternative submissions will not be accepted.

Stay tuned for updates and additional materials by subscribing to our newsletter.

Meeting People Where They Are:

Celebrating the Central Coast Catalyst Convening

The Central Coast Catalyst Convening in Salinas brought together nearly 150 regional leaders and state partners to share local solutions, explore findings from California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment, and identify actions to advance climate, energy, and land use priorities.

Through collaborative discussions and real-world case studies, participants helped shape ideas that reflect the region’s unique strengths and challenges. 

This convening is part of a statewide series led by SGC and LCI to support equitable, community-driven climate solutions. 



Next up: The San Joaquin Valley Catalyst Convening! Join us April 28 at UC Merced to continue building regional solutions that move California forward. 

Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Round 6 Update

The Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Round 6 Guidelines are scheduled to go before the council for approval on April 29. Community members and interested parties are encouraged to tune in to the Council Meeting to learn how TCC staff have incorporated feedback from the recent public comment period to strengthen and improve the Guidelines.

Looking ahead, SGC staff anticipate launching the Round 6 application in spring/summer 2026. This round is expected to offer nearly $100 million in funding to support community-led climate initiatives across California.

For the latest updates on Round 6, visit the TCC webpage and subscribe to the TCC Newsletter.

New from the California Racial Equity Commission

Congratulations to Amy Tong! New Commissioner on

the California Racial Equity Commission

Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Feb. 27, Amy brings decades of leadership in public service, most recently serving as Senior Counselor to the Governor. Throughout her career, she has led major technology, operations, and innovation efforts focused on improving how government delivers for Californians. 

As a Commissioner, Amy will help guide state and local efforts to advance racial equity and address disparities impacting historically underserved communities. Her experience and commitment to effective, people-centered governance will support the Commission’s work to embed equity into decision-making across California. 



We look forward to the leadership and perspective she brings to this important work. 

Upcoming Events & Celebrations

California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) Meeting — April 29

Join SGC virtually or in-person for their upcoming meeting. The meeting will be held April 29, at 1 p.m. in Merced. You can participate virtually by accessing the livestream via Zoom or on the SGC YouTube channel.

Help Shape California's Extreme Heat Action Plan

California is updating its Extreme Heat Action Plan, and public input is now open through April 8, 2026. The plan outlines an all-of-government approach to building resilience to extreme heat—one of the deadliest climate risks facing the state. 

LCI and the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) are hosting virtual and in-person public comment workshops, along with Tribal engagement opportunities, throughout the comment period. Each session includes 90 minutes of programming, featuring an overview of the Extreme Heat Action Plan, opportunities to provide general and topic-specific feedback, and information on heat-related resources offered by the state.

One upcoming workshop will be held in Fresno on April 1, 2026, from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Ted C. Will Community Center.

View the draft plan, register for workshops, and learn how to share your input: 

Grantee Events & Celebrations

SGC Transformative Climate Communities Grantee Hosts Fifth Annual Transportation Justice Expo & Earth Day Extravaganza 

The Urban Collaborative Project (UCP), an SGC partner, is hosting two upcoming community events in San Diego focused on transportation equity, environmental stewardship, and youth engagement.

Transportation Justice Expo

April 11 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Market Creek Plaza

Celebrating five years of community-powered mobility, this annual event advances equitable, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions.

Earth Day Extravaganza

April 18 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Chollas Creekside Park

In partnership with Groundwork San Diego - Chollas Creek, UCP will host a day of environmental stewardship, including habitat restoration, tree planting, and community activities.

SGC Transformative Climate Communities

Grantee Hosts Fifth annual Seeds of Unity Fest

Saturday, April 18 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Harvard Park, 1535 W 62nd St., Los Angeles, CA 90047



This family-friendly event will feature local art, live performances, and the South LA Eco-Lab Resource Fair, connecting residents with valuable community resources. Attendees can also enjoy food from local vendors while celebrating sustainability and collective action for a greener future.

Grantee Highlights

Bringing Community and Climate Action Together

in the Coachella Valley

Community, culture, and climate action came together at GANAS De Fiesta, hosted by the Coachella Valley Water District, a recipient of LCI’s Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program’s (ICARP) Regional Resilience Grant Program (RRGP).

The event brought residents together to learn about water quality, conservation, and climate resilience, while providing free water testing and conservation kits for use at home. 

Supported by a $649,000 grant, this work is part of a broader effort in partnership with Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and Pueblo Unido CDC to improve access to safe water, prepare communities for drought, strengthen infrastructure, and align regional planning with California’s water goals. 



Events like GANAS show how trusted, community-centered outreach can connect residents with resources and build long-term resilience. 

Celebrating Leadership and Innovation

Welcoming LCI's New Deputy Director of Communications:

Pablo Espinoza

LCI welcomes our new Deputy Director of Communications, Pablo Espinoza!

Pablo has extensive experience in storytelling, helping the public understand government policy and programs, and explaining the impacts on the lives of Californians.

Pablo was most recently the Deputy Director of Communications at the state Department of Housing and Community Development, appointed in 2023. Prior to that appointment, he spent nearly two decades at the California Legislature working for five Speakers of the Assembly as Deputy Director and Special Projects Media Consultant.

He also worked for 15 years as a broadcast journalist for NBC and CBS television stations in San Antonio and Waco, Texas, and Fresno, California, along with the Univision network station in Sacramento where he was an anchor, political reporter, and host of the statewide public policy program “Voz y Voto.”

Pablo has earned two Emmy awards for his reporting. He also was a contributing correspondent for PBS’ statewide political newsmagazine California Connected.

Pablo serves on the Board of Directors of the California Museum and Street Soccer USA. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Local Government, the Latino Democratic Club, the Sacramento Press Club , the California Chicano News Media Association, and the Media Advisory Board for the Make a Wish Foundation.

We are incredibly excited to have Pablo join our LCI team, to support and guide the elevation of our important work in communities across the state, to raise public awareness, and create synergy for improving the lives of all Californians.

Staff Highlight: Honoring Peace Corps Service

In recognition of Peace Corps Week in early March, we wanted to highlight members of our team who have carried a commitment to service throughout their careers. 

LCI Senior Deputy Director Abby Edwards, Strategic Engagement Specialist Natalie Obaldia, and Policy Unit Manager Patricia (Moran) Kennedy are among the more than 250,000 Americans who have served in the Peace Corps, contributing to global efforts in community development, education, and environmental work. 

Their experiences reflect a shared dedication to partnership, cultural understanding, and public service—values that continue to shape their work today. 



We are grateful for the perspectives they bring to our team and the communities they serve. 

That's all for now! See you next month!

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