2022-23 Southern California Projects

 
Host: South Bay Cities Council of Governments
Region: Southern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Mitigation
Skills Needed: Research, Data Analysis, Flexibility/Adaptability

Service Needs & Plans

The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) is a joint powers authority located in the southwest region of Los Angeles County with members of 16 cities and the South Bay portions of Los Angeles County. Members share the goal of maximizing the quality of life and productivity of the South Bay sub-region. The sub-region is diverse in geography, population, ethnicity, industry, and climate zones. Residential areas include both disadvantaged (based on Cal Enviroscreen 3.0) and affluent communities – each with their own challenges. With much ethnic diversity, several languages are spoken. The SBCCOG developed a Sub-Regional Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Adaptation Plan. In addition, the SBCCOG assisted member cities in developing their own CAP and vulnerability assessments and worked with several cities on the next step which was identifying adaptation strategies.

The CAP documents, approved in 2017-2018, set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% from 2005 levels by 2020 and 49% below 2005 levels by 2035. Also included are actions to help meet these targets in four focus areas: Land Use & Transportation, Energy Efficiency, Solid Waste, Urban Greening, and Energy Generation & Storage. The SBCCOG worked with member cities to update the greenhouse gas emission to assess if they have met the 2020 milestone targets and what strategies have been completed. The SBCCOG would like to have a complete assessment of strategies with documented achievement as well as recommendations to help cities continue to take action that reduces carbon and addresses climate change.

Project Description

The Fellow will work with the South Bay member cities of Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Torrance. The Fellow will engage with key stakeholders and help agencies access achievement compared to the 2020 greenhouse gas targets as well as quantify strategies completed, in progress, and ongoing. The Fellow will also assess greenhouse gas reduction potential at the city level as a result of implementing the SBCCOG initiatives and programs.

Under the guidance from SBCCOG staff, the Fellow will:

• facilitate and attend meetings with agencies, document activities and outcomes;
• review current programs, resources, and agency reports;
• establish a process for assessing and reporting city and subregional achievements;
• access data from ICLEI ClearPath;
• recommend enhancements to city and subregional strategies;
• document and present findings, use GIS tools when appropriate;
• promote achievement through social media, newsletter articles, factsheets, and other media; and
• coordinate with volunteers to assist with assessment and promotion.

Desired project outcomes include complete assessment of city and subregional achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; a report on the estimate of greenhouse gas reductions that could be obtained through the full implementation of the SBCCOG climate initiatives and programs; recommendation on potential new and enhanced greenhouse reduction strategies; and collateral to promote city and subregional achievements.

Based on resource restraints facing local public agencies, the work of the Fellow will increase the South Bay’s advancement toward addressing climate change, as laid out in the Sub-Regional CAP and Adaptation Plan. Additionally, the Fellow will help agencies with disadvantaged communities to identify specific greenhouse reduction strategies to address the unique needs of their communities.

Desired Skills

The ideal Fellow will be curious, can work independently but also within a team, and have strong project management skills. The Fellow should have strong written and verbal communication skills; be an efficient multitasker; hold an interest in data; and have basic knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms. They should have an interest in learning about local and regional government, climate action, greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy development, adaptation, and state policy on environment. Familiarity with local government structure, governance, graphic design, GIS and ICLEI ClearPath skills would be a plus but not required.

Organization & Community Highlights

The SBCCOG work culture can be described as inclusive, diverse, talented, collaborative and outcome oriented. Staff members reflect a range of characteristics including race, sex, gender, age, work experience and educational background. The SBCCOG prioritizes diversity in order to gain varying perspectives that enhance the workplace environment and project outcomes.

Serving with the SBCCOG will provide opportunities to work with stakeholders across various public agencies, utilities, and non-profits in Southern California. Networking activities are abundant, along with the opportunity to develop new skills. The Fellow will leave the service year with personal references, completed projects, and work samples to add to their professional portfolio.

The South Bay region is an interesting place to live and work due to its economic and cultural diversity as well as its varying geography – inland, coastal, and hillside communities. Local neighborhoods and towns have unique styles and a variety of food, museums/historical sites, cultural activates, and recreation areas.

Remote or On-Site Placement

The SBCCOG is an office that provides remote work options – telework. It is anticipated that for this project the Fellow could telework for at least 75% of the time. The SBCCOG follows County of Los Angeles COVID guidelines