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Happy August from Across the
Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI)
Welcome to the August edition of ECHO!
At the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), we mark Extreme Heat Awareness Month, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat, the importance of staying prepared, and our grant programs that help build resilience. Key resources and information include:
We also commemorate International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9. On this day – and every day – we honor the diverse and essential traditions, knowledges, and leadership of Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded our planet since time immemorial. We also recognize Indigenous resilience in the face of the ongoing impacts of colonization, and reaffirm our commitment to cultivating and ensuring the meaningful participation and inclusion of Tribal governments and communities in our work.
P.S.: Don't miss our new LCI and SGC video webpages to learn more about our work and programs.
In today's newsletter, you'll find key updates, upcoming events, and funding opportunities for advancing climate, housing, and land-use solutions across California.
Thank you for joining us!
| | As Temperatures Rise, New Community Center Bringing Resilience — and Hope — to Tulare County Farmworker Community | |
With climate-driven extreme heat intensifying, outdoor workers are at rising risk of exposure, leading to illness and heat stroke. Now, a project in the heart of California’s Central Valley farmland promises to give cooling relief to farmworkers and their families while offering a lasting community space.
Funded by a grant from LCI's Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, the San Joaquin Valley Extreme Heat Project – or SJV Heat – is about to open a resilience center in Tulare County, where community members can come for air conditioning, training, and resources to reduce health risks from heat exposure, and a place to gather.
Read our recent blog about the increase in extreme heat events in the valley, the impacts on people living and working in hot weather, and what LCI is doing to protect those most vulnerable.
| | LCI Is Accepting Applications for the Climate Ready Cohort | |
LCI is accepting applications for the Climate Ready Cohort, a 10-month training program that helps city, town, Tribal government, and community-based organization staff build climate resilience in their communities.
Participants will develop a climate vulnerability assessment that can support local adaptation planning and strengthen future grant applications. The program includes biweekly virtual training, a $1,600 organizational stipend, funding to host a community workshop, and hands-on guidance from climate adaptation experts.
The program begins in September 2026, and applications are open through Aug. 19, 2026.
| Fifth Climate Change Assessment Regional Webinars
Starting in September | |
With most of the nine Regional Reports of California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment expected to be published in a month, each regional author team will host a virtual webinar to engage with the public on their report’s findings on regionally relevant climate impacts, delve into innovative climate solutions, and discuss ways in which the research can inform strategic decision-making about climate adaptation.
Register for webinars within this series through California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment Regional Webinar Series Hub.
| Resilient California Summit: Registration & Scholarships Open | |
Key findings, new data and tools, and adaptation opportunities from across the Fifth Assessment portfolios will be featured at the inaugural Resilient California Summit later this year. The Summit, happening at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento from Oct. 20–22, 2026, will convene people from across the state to share data and discuss best practices and actionable steps needed to build resilience as climate change accelerates.
Early Bird registration for the Summit, which offers reduced rates, is officially open now through Aug. 21. Visit the Resilient California Summit registration webpage to secure your spot today.
Scholarships are also available to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, local government representatives, Tribal community members, academic institutions, youth, students, and other community leaders directly working to advance equity and climate justice in California. Visit the Resilient California Summit registration webpage to submit applications via the Google Form by Aug. 21 to be considered.
| Planning Tribal Advisory Group
Accepting Ongoing Nominations | |
LCI continues to accept nominations for Planning Tribal Advisory Group (PTAG) and is seeking Tribal participation from the Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, Inland Desert, and North State / Modoc Plateau regions. PTAG members play a key advisory role in the update of California’s General Plan Guidelines, Specific Plan Guidelines, and SB 18 Tribal Consultation Guidelines & Toolkit. Members serve as advisors at large, each bringing distinct lived experience, cultural knowledge, and professional expertise.
LCI is accepting nominations on a rolling basis to fill remaining geographic gaps. To ensure balanced statewide representation, LCI welcomes additional nominees, particularly from:
- Sierra Nevada Region
- Central Valley Region
- Inland Desert Region
- North State / Modoc Plateau Region
Nominees should have experience relevant to Tribal consultation, land use planning, Tribal Cultural Resource protection, environmental management, or comparable fields. LCI accepts nominees from federally recognized and non‑federally recognized Tribes.
Visit LCI's project website to learn more or contact tribal.affairs@lci.ca.gov with questions.
| | Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program
Round 2 Application Reminder | | |
The Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program is accepting Round 2 applications. Applicants are encouraged to submit their Pre-Application early to receive feedback before advancing to the Full Application.
Key deadlines include:
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Aug. 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. PT: Window 2 Pre-Application deadline
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Oct. 13, 2026: Full Application deadline
Eligible applicants will receive feedback on their Pre-Application and, if invited, advance to the Full Application, which includes a scored narrative, budget workbook, and interview.
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Tribal Roundtable Series on Updating
California's General Plan Guidance
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LCI is updating California's General Plan Guidance, including the General Plan Guidelines, Specific Plan Guidelines, and Tribal Consultation Guidelines. As part of this effort, LCI is hosting a series of virtual Tribal Roundtables to gather feedback and direction from Tribes and delegated representatives throughout the update process.
Upcoming Tribal Roundtables
Times and dates may shift based on community feedback or project needs.
These roundtables do not replace opportunities for direct government-to-government Tribal consultation. Tribes interested in initiating consultation or scheduling an individual meeting may contact tribal.affairs@lci.ca.gov.
| | Share Your Feedback on California's Adaptation Planning Guide | |
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, in partnership with LCI, is updating California's Adaptation Planning Guide and invites communities to help shape the next edition during the public comment period.
The APG provides a step-by-step framework to help communities prepare for climate change using the latest planning tools, guidance, and best practices. California Native American Tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and climate, planning, and emergency response professionals are encouraged to participate in one of the upcoming regional engagement workshops:
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Aug. 6, 2026, 12–1:30 p.m. (Virtual): North Coast, Register via Zoom
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Aug. 26, 2026, 2–4 p.m.: Bay Area (MTC-ABAG, San Francisco), Meeting Info
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Sept. 1, 2026, 1–3 p.m.: Southern California (San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative), Meeting Info
The draft guide, event details, and registration information are available on the California Adaptation Planning Guide webpage.
| Explore California's New Climate Data Viewer (Beta Version) | |
LCI has launched the Climate Data Viewer (Beta Version), an interactive mapping and data tool that helps users explore how climate hazards are projected to change across California.
Designed for planners, community-based organizations, Tribal governments, state agencies, local jurisdictions, and other users, the Viewer provides easy access to climate hazard data without requiring advanced technical expertise. Users can explore interactive climate hazard layers or download preprocessed data derived from the Cal-Adapt Analytics Engine's climate projections.
The Viewer is currently in beta testing, and LCI welcomes feedback and questions at ClimateServices@lci.ca.gov. For more information, please refer to the Climate Data Viewer (Beta Version) Methods Report and FAQ.
| | Registration Now Open for Regional Catalyst Convenings: Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada, & North Coast | | |
LCI and SGC are hosting a series of Catalyst Convenings across the state to help each region advance equitable climate, energy, and land use priorities. We kicked off this series in 2025 in the San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Bay Area regions, headed to the Central Coast and the San Joaquin Valley earlier this year, and we’re now excited to bring Catalyst Convenings to the Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada, and North Coast regions.
Up next: The Sacramento Valley Catalyst Convening in Citrus Heights on Aug. 11!
Register and learn more on the Catalyst Convenings webpage.
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California Strategic Growth Council News & Updates | | |
When We Work Together, We Win Together:
How Community-Led Climate Solutions Are Transforming California
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Communities understand their needs best—and through the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program, they're leading the way toward a more sustainable future.
Since 2018, California has invested more than $424 million through the TCC Program in 37 communities, empowering residents, local governments, and community-based organizations to develop projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, expand affordable housing, and strengthen climate resilience.
From affordable senior housing in Coachella to an accessible community garden in Richmond, these community-led investments are creating healthier, more equitable, and more resilient neighborhoods across the state.
| | Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Round 1 Celebration Showcases Lasting Impact Across California | | |
On July 15, SGC staff gathered in Watts, Los Angeles, to celebrate the TCC Program's Round 1 grantees as they wrapped up their SGC-funded projects.
Round 1 grantees, state and community partners visited TCC-funded project sites that demonstrate how local investments are strengthening climate resilience while improving quality of life.
The tour highlighted cooling pavement, community gardens, shaded infrastructure, and other neighborhood improvements designed to create healthier, more resilient communities.
| | Join us on Aug. 26 for the next SGC Meeting | | |
The SGC is hosting a hybrid meeting from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 26 at the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento. The meetings bring together state leaders from multiple agencies to support healthy, thriving, and resilient communities.
Highlights from the upcoming August meeting:
And there will be plenty more!
You'll be able to find all info in the coming weeks posted to the webpage.
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Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Round 2
Applications Close in September
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Approximately $55 million is available through the CRC Program to support the planning, construction, and retrofit of community resilience centers that strengthen communities' ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate emergencies.
Round 2 application deadlines are approaching:
Sept. 4, 11:59 p.m. PT: Planning Grant applications due
Sept. 25, 11:59 p.m. PT: Implementation Grant applications due
To help applicants prepare competitive proposals, the CRC team will be hosting its third virtual office hour session on Zoom:
Aug. 24, 9:30 a.m. PT: Office Hours Session 3, Register via Zoom
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Apply for Tribal Capacity Building and Tribal Housing
Pre-Development Funding
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SGC Tribal Capacity Building Program Round 2 and Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund are accepting applications through Aug. 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT.
To support applicants, SGC is hosting biweekly virtual office hours, with the final session taking place on Aug. 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. PT. Application templates, workshop materials, and additional resources from the May 28 Application Workshop are available online.
Subscribe to the Tribal newsletter for program updates. For questions, contact tribalinfo@sgc.ca.gov.
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Health in All Policies Grant and Contract Evaluation Tool
Is Now Available
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Grants and contracts shape how public resources, services, and opportunities are distributed across California. The SGC’s Health and Equity Program, in partnership with the Equity and Wellness Institute, has launched the Health in All Policies (HiAP) Grant and Contract Evaluation Tool to help state agencies identify and reduce barriers, improve accessibility, and support more transparent and equitable grant and contracting processes.
Developed with input from state staff through the HiAP Grant Programs, Contracts & Funding Workgroup, the tool is designed to promote more consistent and inclusive funding practices that improve health outcomes for all Californians.
For questions, contact HiAP@sgc.ca.gov.
| Tribal Capacity Building Program Featured
in California Climate Investments 2026 Reports | | |
The Tribal Capacity Building Program is featured in the California Climate Investments 2026 Project Profiles and 2026 Annual Report.
The profiles demonstrate how SGC’s newest program invests in Tribal-led climate solutions and highlights the six Tribes that make up the pilot program’s inaugural Tribal cohort.
The grant funding has allowed many Tribes that previously only had volunteers, part-time staff or only one or two full-time workers to hire salaried staff. Now at nearly the halfway point for the grant term, Tribes have been able to write and submit climate-related grant applications, build important partnerships, and develop strategic plans for achieving the Tribe’s climate goals. Quarterly peer learning sessions have also allowed the Tribes to learn from each other and build strong relationships.
Read the full profile to learn more about how the program has supported the Tribes and how Tribes were able to learn from each other.
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SGC Joins Run4Salmon to Strengthen Tribal Partnerships
and Climate Resilience
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On July 1, SGC Tribal Liaison Sareena Rai and Deputy Director of Community Investments and Planning Amar Cid joined a Run4Salmon boat tour led by Chief Caleen Sisk of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe.
Run4Salmon is an annual 300-mile prayer journey along the Sacramento River that honors ancestral waters, supports the restoration of Chinook salmon, and promotes Tribal stewardship and climate resilience. During the tour, SGC leaders learned about the environmental challenges facing Chinook salmon and the Tribe's ongoing efforts to protect culturally significant ecosystems.
The visit strengthened SGC's partnership with California Tribes and supports the agency's commitment to incorporating Indigenous ecological knowledge into its programs and initiatives. The Winnemem Wintu Tribe is also a Round 1 grantee of SGC's Tribal Capacity Building Program.
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Building Innovation Capacity at LCI:
Congratulations, Aatisha Singh!
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The California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) has welcomed the third cohort of the Governor's Innovation Fellows Program, bringing together state employees from across California to build skills in human-centered design, product management, and cross-agency collaboration while working on high-impact government initiatives.
LCI is proud to be represented by Aatisha Singh, Federal Grant Administrator. Building on LCI's ongoing partnership with ODI and the fellowship program, Aatisha's participation will strengthen collaboration across state government and help expand LCI's capacity for innovation.
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Meet a few of our student assistants at the California Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
From research and writing to communications, planning, and community engagement, interns help support meaningful work across California while building valuable professional experience.
Thank you for your contributions and commitment to learning and growing. We appreciate all that you do!
| Work Wednesday Spotlight Series | | |
Work Wednesday is LCI and SGC’s newest social media campaign to spotlight our employees behind California’s climate, equity, and community development efforts.
Tune in to the video below and find all Work Wednesday videos on our YouTube playlist.
Matt Read, Chief Counsel
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That's all for now! See you next month!
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