TO: Napa County Climate Action Committee
FROM: Brian D. Bordona, Director of Napa County Planning, Building & Environmental Services
REPORT BY: Jesse Gutiérrez, Principal Planner, Sustainability
SUBJECT: Continued discussion regarding outreach and engagement strategies for the implementation of the Napa County Regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (RCAAP).
RECOMMENDATION
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Receive a presentation regarding outreach and engagement strategies for implementation of the Napa County RCAAP.
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BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At the August 28, 2026, Climate Action Committee (CAC) meeting staff asked committee members to share ideas and provide guidance for upcoming outreach and engagement efforts relating to the RCAAP. The discussion was productive and the committee emphasized that outreach and engagement is a crucial component of RCAAP implementation and deserves continued attention and conversation. The discussion ended with a request to have the guiding questions sent via email to the CAC members to give them more time to respond.
In the absence of email responses, the item is returning for additional in-person discussion.
Several topics stood out during the initial discussion:
Regional Coordination & Shared Resources
• Identify each jurisdiction's capacity: staff, roles, responsibilities, and prioritized measures
• Assess funding needs and availability for each jurisdiction
• Hold regular (e.g., monthly) inter-jurisdictional meetings to discuss funding and share grant application opportunities
• Build a shared regional resources hub - consistent messaging, marketing materials, funding opportunities, and data - to avoid duplicating efforts
• Explore pooled staffing across jurisdictions for efficiency and continuity
Trust, Transparency & Volunteers
• Prioritize communication and transparency
• Recruit partners and volunteers who are motivated to help
• Cultivate and support local advocates
Messaging & Behavior Change
• Focus on climate friendly behavior change through awareness and empowerment
• Use social media and community channels for messaging
• Emphasize personal benefits ("what's in it for me?") and relatable cases to drive support, especially with contractors and early adopters
Staff request that CAC members continue the RCAAP outreach and engagement conversation and share additional guidance if needed.
Guiding questions for CAC discussion on RCAAP outreach and engagement
1. How do we build on the outreach and engagement that has taken place?
2. How can outreach and engagement be improved?
3. Should outreach and engagement be tailored for sustainability overall or for specific prioritized measures?
4. What type of engagement will be needed during the first 3 years of RCAAP implementation?
5. How do we consider vulnerable populations, equity, and environmental justice in decision making?
6. Should capacity building be a priority?
7. How do we best build trust with stakeholders?
8. Who are our strongest partners?
9. Who do we need to build partnerships with?
10. Are demonstration projects desirable?
11. Which existing programs need more visibility and community engagement?
The adopted CAC budget for FY26/27 includes a placeholder amount of $35,000 for outreach and engagement support to be provided by Napa Resource Conservation District (Napa RCD) and $1,500 for the continued access to the Napa County Climate Challenge online platform by BrightAction Communities.
The RCAAP is expected to be brought forward to the six jurisdictions for adoption hearings in fall 2026.
Successful implementation of the RCAAP will rely on continued participation from local government leadership and staff, communities, individuals, businesses, community organizations, professional and trade groups, advocacy organizations, and partners to help advance climate action and adaptation solutions across Napa County. Regional coordination with partners will facilitate regular sharing of updates on progress, funding opportunities, resources, and ways to participate. Many RCAAP strategies are also directly connected to communities, programs, and current and future incentives, making clear and accessible communication essential for equitable participation.
Engagement on the RCAAP will build on relationships established during the planning process while continuing to intentionally expand and reach communities that have been historically underrepresented. As implementation unfolds, ongoing community input will continue to shape climate strategies that respond to local needs and reflect the priorities of Napa County's diverse communities.
Key Insights from 2024 Community Survey Results
• Widespread Support: Most respondents feel that climate change will negatively impact them, and that the government should take actions to help communities respond to and prepare for climate change. Many noted that a broad suite of actions will be necessary to respond to the scale of the challenge.
• Urgency is Needed: There is significant pressure from respondents to accelerate climate action, with many concerned about the pace of progress.
• Economic and Development Concerns: Respondents are concerned about the economic impacts of potential regulations on both individuals and small or local businesses. Several mentioned that they favor incentives over bans. Some noted that new development should be approached carefully so as not to strain the region’s sustainability goals related to biodiversity protection, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and meeting electrification targets.
• Energy Grid: Many respondents see the need for electrification to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and want support (incentives, better infrastructure) to transition away from natural gas, as well as assurance that the grid will be stable and reliable.
• Concern about Plastic: Many respondents noted that they are concerned about how much plastic is part of daily life and desire for more efforts to reduce plastic use and improve plastic recycling.
• Desire for Education and Community Participation: Many respondents noted that they see a need for more education in our communities regarding climate change’s impacts and what individuals can do to help the community be resilient. Several noted that they want to take action and are looking for guidance.
• Focus on Ecosystem Health, Water, Fire: Several respondents highlighted water management, forest health, biodiversity protection, and fire resiliency as critical areas that should receive more attention in Napa County.
• More Work Needed to Understand Opinions of Demographic Diversity of our Community: Relative to the make-up of our community, respondents were relatively older, more frequently female and white, and less frequently of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin. Additional engagement is needed to better understand the opinions of community members in underrepresented demographic categories.
Next Steps
1. Continue the discussion on RCAAP outreach and engagement.
2. Provide additional guidance to staff which will inform the scope of work to be developed with Napa RCD for RCAAP implementation outreach and engagement.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California
Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.