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Regional team urges investment in community engagement and resilient funding structures
Summary
Presenters urged allocating funds and staff time to community-based outreach, noting the region dedicated a large portion of an EPA grant to CBO engagement and offered toolkits, grants and flexible supports for participation.
Regional engagement leads described a multi-county effort that budgeted $281,000 of a four-year grant specifically to fund community-based organizations (CBOs), language access, small grants and logistical supports such as childcare and travel so that residents could participate meaningfully in climate planning. "Trust, listen, and respond," the presenter said, listing sincerity and flexibility as keys to effective engagement.
Speakers recommended dedicating funds for CBO toolkits, simplified application processes and small subgrants to fund local outreach; they also advised the county to study peer-led programs (green banks, electrification initiatives, and community microgrids) and to include equity guardrails in scoping a county plan. The presenters emphasized that meaningful participation requires time and localized relationship-building rather than one-off events.
