About the Collaborative
The Collaborative is a cross-sector network and community of practice for public agencies, academia, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and business and community leaders to advance regional solutions to climate change through resource and expertise sharing, joint-funding opportunities, and partnership development.
Vision for a Resilient Santa Clara County
We envision a Santa Clara County where diverse stakeholders come together to partner on and coordinate regional strategies to combat climate change and protect people and the natural environment, while advancing strategies to eliminate inequities and improve quality of life for all.
Core Collaborative Functions
Alignment
Building and sustaining an impact network.
Activation
Building regional funding and political will.
Amplification
Building capacity and accelerating best practices
Impact Area Outcomes
Achieve Net Zero Emissions
Set ambitious targets to decrease greenhouse gas emissions countrywide and across local jurisdictions
Empower Communities to Build Resilience to Climate Change
Apply a community-centered approach to mitigate impacts of climate threats and build the capacity to withstand and recover from events
Prepare Communities for Extreme Heat and Impaired Air Quality
Help communities reduce the impacts of extreme heat and impaired air quality through a multifaceted approach
Decrease Flood Risk
Undertake collaborative efforts between public agencies and communities for flood risk elimination
Guiding Principles
Principle 1
Sustain a diverse impact network of staff from Santa Clara County public agencies and organizations to advance regional climate projects, programs and policies.
Principle 2
Develop and formalize partnerships to coordinate and fund programs and projects that enhance the county’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Principle 3
Empower communities through inclusive decision-making processes that provide culturally responsive engagement and capacity building to support the integration of equity and climate justice in the Collaborative.
Principle 4
Prioritize natural and nature-based climate solutions to promote regional resilience.
Collaborative Service & Focus Areas
Cross-Sector Coordination & Partnership Building
Host convenings and work group meetings to move forward climate actions and share resources.
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Facilitate cross-collaboration between diverse sector groups to promote climate resilience in the region.
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Strengthen relationships to drive collective climate action across sectors.
Provide knowledge and technical assistance to enhance climate expertise among participants.
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Develop and distribute resources for climate resilience.
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Support community organizations in accessing funding and technical resources.
Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building
Advocacy and Policy Alignment
Stay up to date with climate advocacy and policy efforts in the region.
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Support participant organizations in navigating policy changes and regulatory processes.
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Ensure climate initiatives prioritize equity, sustainability, and resilience.
Ensure diverse voices are heard in collaborative processes.
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Leverage SC4 communication platforms to promote climate action and involvement.