A Regional Approach to Resilience: How California Leaders Are Turning Plans into Action

​Across California, climate risks are intensifying—and so is the recognition that no single city, county, or agency can build resilience alone. Increasingly, public- and private-sector leaders are adopting regional approaches to assess climate risk, coordinate investments, and respond more effectively when extreme weather events occur.

​This ICF Climate Center breakfast convenes leading resilience practitioners to explore how regional collaboration is reshaping resilience planning and implementation across California. Panelists will share how their programs were developed, what they’ve gained from working across jurisdictional boundaries, and the real-world challenges that come with aligning priorities, funding, and governance at a regional scale.

​The discussion will move beyond theory to focus on what’s working now—how regional approaches are unlocking new funding opportunities, strengthening coordination during climate emergencies, and delivering more efficient, durable resilience outcomes.

​Agenda

​9:00–9:30 am
Breakfast and networking

​9:30–10:15 am
Panel discussion

• ​Brad Benson, Waterfront Resilience Program Director, Port of San Francisco

• ​Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Contra Costa County

• ​Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer, California State Coastal Conservancy

• ​Caitlin Sweeney, Director, San Francisco Estuary Partnership

• ​Bernadette Austin, CEO, CivicWell

• ​Billy Grayson, Executive Director, ICF Climate Center

​10:15-11:00 am
Facilitated roundtable discussion (all attendees)

• ​What successes and challenges have emerged in your community’s resilience efforts—and how are you addressing them?

• ​In a constrained funding environment, how are you making the economic case for resilience to community stakeholders?

• ​What role will California regulations and grant programs play in shaping future resilience investments, and how can communities position themselves to compete for these resources?

​Format
ICF Climate Center breakfasts are closed to the press and held under Chatham House Rule to encourage open, candid, and solution-oriented discussion.

​Note this event is primarily geared towards attendees who are working in the public sector in California on climate resilience issues.

​“By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.”