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Contra Costa County and the Inflation Reduction Act

Contra Costa County and the Inflation Reduction Act Conference Recap

On May 18, 2023, we brought together key stakeholders to explore how we maximize this opportunity for our county. Want a recap? Or couldn’t attend? See highlights, workshop notes, slides, and videos below, followed by information about our speakers, co-presenters, and sponsors. Interested in running a conference like this? We wrote a handbook capturing what we learned. See The Inflation Reduction Act Conference Playbook.

Table of Contents

Conference Focus

The three main areas of the Inflation Reduction Act on which the conference focused are:

  • All-electric energy transformations that bring health and safety to our communities as we address the climate crisis
  • Programs that ensure equity and opportunities for low-income and environmentally impacted communities
  • Green economic development and workforce advancement

Attendees learned about resource opportunities for our county in this landmark legislation and brainstormed ways to collaborate with local governments and community organizations to maximize the benefit for Contra Costa County.

Plenary Session

Welcome and Introduction

Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, along with  Supervisor John Gioia and Congressman Mark Desaulnier, welcomed attendees to Diablo Valley College and this landmark gathering. In the following videos, hear Chancellor Mehdizadeh’s and Supervisor Gioia’s remarks. Then watch Representative Desaulnier in the second video.

Conference Introduction with Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh and Supervisor John Gioia

Conference Introduction with Congressman Mark Desaulnier

Plenary Panel 1: The IRA: Capitalizing on Promise and Avoiding Pitfalls at the Local Level

Left side: Plenary session speakers Panama Bartholomy of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, Sneha Ayyagari of the Greenlining Institute, and Tyson Eckerle of GO-Biz. On the right side, the plenary topic: The IRA: Capitalizing on promise and avoiding pitfalls at the local level.

Full plenary session video. Note: The majority of this video is audio only.

Panel 1 Speaker Slide Decks

The IRA and Contra Costa County Panama Bartholomy Building Decarbonization Coalition
View Panama Bartholomy's Slides
Sneha Ayyagari The Greenlining Institute Opportunities to Advance Equity through the IRA
View Sneha Ayyagari's slides
Inflation Reduction Act California Agency Efforts
View Tyson Eckerle's Slides

Plenary: Introduction and Panel 1 Photos

Conference opening with Chancelor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia at conference opening
Marti Roach addresses the conference during opening ceremonies
Congressman Mark Desaulnier addressed the conference via video linkup
Plenary speaker Sneha Ayyagari discusses the opportunities to advance equity through the IRA
Panama Bartholomy addresses the conference during Plenary Panel 1
Tyson Eckerle addresses plenary session via video linkup

Plenary Panel 2: Some Current Costa County Initiatives

A sample of County initiatives and how they can go further to meet the state and IRA opportunities, with Alexandra McGee, Director, Strategic Initiatives Department at Marin Clean Energy; Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner, Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development; Tracy Marcial, Energy & Sustainability Manager, Contra Costa Community College District;

The Inflation Reduction Act presents organizations and agencies with a significant opportunity to secure funding for crucial projects in Contra Costa County. These projects aim to bring us closer to achieving a cleaner, safer, and more equitable environment. During the second panel, the focus was on highlighting ongoing initiatives within the county, serving as a source of inspiration and providing concrete examples of what can be accomplished.

Panel 2 Videos

Demian Hardman-Saldana on an All Electric Existing Building Roadmap

Alexandra McGee on the Richmond Virtual Power Plant Project

Tracy Marcial on the Sustainability Strategy and Projects at CCC Community College District

Open Mic: Attendees share information about projects and services

Panel 2 Slide Decks

Demian Hardman-Saldana's opening slide for his presentation titled All-Electric Existing Buildings Roadmap
View Demian Hardman-Saldana's slides
MCE" Virtual Power Plant: Building a Resilient and Equitable Grid for the Future over massive solar power grid covering acres of land
View Alexandra McGee's slides
Opening slide for presentation by Tracy Marcial, Energy & Sustainability Manager, Facilities Planning @ 4CD; includes logos for Contra Costa Community College District, Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College.
View Tracy Marcial's slides

Plenary: Panel 2 Photos

Demian Hardman-Saldana presents on the county All Electric Building Roadmap
Alexandra McGee presents on MCE’s virtual power plant project in Richmond
Tracy Marcial presents on 4CD’s electrification of Diablo Valley College
Open Mic---Arthur Bart-Williams speaks from Grid Alternatives
Devyn Rainwater and Shirley McElroy speak about the Center for Creative Land Recycling
Mayor of Richmond, Eduardo Martinez, talks about the Green-Blue New Deal

Read the transcribed notes from open mic segment (pdf)

Workshops

Conference attendees chose among five interactive workshops, or tables. We will upload photos and workshop recaps over the next week.

Workshop 1

Table 1: How can we prioritize building electrification in impacted communities including in single and multi-family rental housing? * Split incentive for renters & landlords * Challenges with multi-family buildings With Jody London of Contra Costa County Department of Conservation & Development and Tom White of Eden Housing

See Workshop 1 notes here.

Workshop 2

Workshop 2: How can we make sure there are enough trained contractors/workers to meet the demand for home electrification in the Contra Costa? * Marketing to homeowners about electrification benefits * Training for heat pump installation and maintenance With Adam Klaus of QuitCarbon, Devin Murphy, Mayor of Pinole, and Chiara Arellano of Rising Sun Center for Opportunity

See Workshop 2 notes here.

Workshop 3

Workshop 3: How can cities lead in electrifying their operations and enabling electrification in their city? * Policies, codes, programs to accelerate adoption * How cities lead by example in their operations With Karen Kristiansson of BayREN and Damien Hardman-Saldana of Contra Costa County Department of Conservation & Development

See Workshop 3 notes here.

Workshop 4

Workshop 4: How can we form new municipal and public/nonprofit/private partnerships to bring funds to Contra Costa County? * Building upon existing programs * Identifying new needs and partners With Alexandra McGee of MC, Jessie HF Hammerling of UC Berkeley Labor Center, and Jennifer Green of MCE

See Workshop 4 notes here.

Workshop 5

Workshop 5: How can we collaborate to increase consumer knowledge and demand for electrifying their homes and cars? * Role of cities and other groups to reach residents * Ideas for reaching key stakeholders and easy access to rebates With Friday Apaliski of Building Decarbonization Coalition, and Brenna Shafizadeh of Lafayette Environmental Task Force

See Workshop 5 notes here.

Workshop Photos

Workshop 1 with CC County Dept. of Conservation and Eden Housing
Workshop 2 with Quit Carbon and Rising Sun Center
Workshop 3 with Bayren
Workshop 4 with MCE and UC Labor Center
Workshop 5 with California Decarbonization Coalition and Lafayette Environmental Task Force
Notes from MCE workshop

Meet the Speakers

Demian Hardman is a Senior Planner with the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. He earned his B.S. degree in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis in 2006, and shortly thereafter began his career in land use planning with the County. In 2009, he transitioned into the County’s conservation section to design and implement energy efficiency programs and was instrumental in obtaining funding to develop the County’s first Climate Action Plan.
Demian Hardman is a Senior Planner with the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development. He earned his B.S. degree in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis in 2006, and shortly thereafter began his career in land use planning with the County. In 2009, he transitioned into the County’s conservation section to design and implement energy efficiency programs and was instrumental in obtaining funding to develop the County’s first Climate Action Plan.
Sneha Ayyagari (she/her/hers) utilizes her background in engineering, policy analysis, and capacity building to help advocate for more climate resilient and equitable policies, organizations, and technologies. Most recently, Sneha was a Senior Associate at Rocky Mountain Institute where she supported government agencies and advocates in creating equitable energy efficiency and housing policies.
Sneha Ayyagari (she/her/hers) utilizes her background in engineering, policy analysis, and capacity building to help advocate for more climate resilient and equitable policies, organizations, and technologies. Most recently, Sneha was a Senior Associate at Rocky Mountain Institute where she supported government agencies and advocates in creating equitable energy efficiency and housing policies.
Panama Bartholomy is the Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition which brings policymakers, building industry stakeholders, environmental groups, and consumers together to move buildings off fossil fuels. Previously was the European Director of the Investor Confidence Project on behalf of the Environmental Defense Fund and has worked for the California Legislature, the California Energy Commission, the California State Architect and California Conservation Corps. He has worked on climate solutions in over 30 countries, and presented at and collaborated on products from the United Nations, the International Energy Agency and the European Commission.
Panama Bartholomy is the Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition which brings policymakers, building industry stakeholders, environmental groups, and consumers together to move buildings off fossil fuels. Previously was the European Director of the Investor Confidence Project on behalf of the Environmental Defense Fund and has worked for the California Legislature, the California Energy Commission, the California State Architect and California Conservation Corps. He has worked on climate solutions in over 30 countries, and presented at and collaborated on products from the United Nations, the International Energy Agency and the European Commission.
Tracy Marcial is the Energy & Sustainability Manager for Contra Costa Community College District, where she is responsible for managing and reducing the consumption of electricity, natural gas, water and waste. She has worked in the HVAC and energy efficiency industry for 20 years. During that time, she designed HVAC systems, commissioned existing and new buildings, and has been an energy engineer performing energy audits, creating energy models and performing life cycle analysis of various energy savings measures to reduce energy, carbon emissions and ultimately reduce operating costs for various owners.
Tracy Marcial is the Energy & Sustainability Manager for Contra Costa Community College District, where she is responsible for managing and reducing the consumption of electricity, natural gas, water and waste. She has worked in the HVAC and energy efficiency industry for 20 years. During that time, she designed HVAC systems, commissioned existing and new buildings, and has been an energy engineer performing energy audits, creating energy models and performing life cycle analysis of various energy savings measures to reduce energy, carbon emissions and ultimately reduce operating costs for various owners.
Tyson Eckerle is Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructrue and Mobility at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, where he has served since 2014. Eckerle was executive director at Energy Independence Now from 2011 to 2014, where he was associate director from 2009 to 2011. He served in several positions at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District, from 2002 to 2007, including regulatory project manager, biologist, recruitment coordinator, and environmental planner. Eckerle earned a Master of Science degree in environmental science and management from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Tyson Eckerle is Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructrue and Mobility at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, where he has served since 2014. Eckerle was executive director at Energy Independence Now from 2011 to 2014, where he was associate director from 2009 to 2011. He served in several positions at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District, from 2002 to 2007, including regulatory project manager, biologist, recruitment coordinator, and environmental planner. Eckerle earned a Master of Science degree in environmental science and management from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Alexandra McGee is Director of MCE’s Strategic Initiatives Department. Alexandra fosters innovative strategies for a clean and just energy economy while catalyzing equitable economic and community benefits. Previous initiatives include a decentralized Virtual Power Plant for low-income homeowners; electrolytic green hydrogen exploration for power-to-power (P2P) applications; off-grid portable resilience for households with electric medical needs; responsible small-scale baseload biomass energy to complement wildfire mitigation efforts; and targeted workforce investments for green-collar job seekers with barriers to entry.
Alexandra McGee is Director of MCE’s Strategic Initiatives Department. Alexandra fosters innovative strategies for a clean and just energy economy while catalyzing equitable economic and community benefits. Previous initiatives include a decentralized Virtual Power Plant for low-income homeowners; electrolytic green hydrogen exploration for power-to-power (P2P) applications; off-grid portable resilience for households with electric medical needs; responsible small-scale baseload biomass energy to complement wildfire mitigation efforts; and targeted workforce investments for green-collar job seekers with barriers to entry.
Jenn Green joined MCE in 2019 as a Manager of Customer Programs. Jennifer oversees a team focused on the development and implementation of MCE’s residential energy efficiency, Workforce Education and Training, and electrification programs. In addition to managing the team that manages MCE’s residential and WE&T portfolio, she collaborates with governments, customers, implementers, and evaluators to not only develop but also to meet the region’s electrification goals.
Jenn Green joined MCE in 2019 as a Manager of Customer Programs. Jennifer oversees a team focused on the development and implementation of MCE’s residential energy efficiency, Workforce Education and Training, and electrification programs. In addition to managing the team that manages MCE’s residential and WE&T portfolio, she collaborates with governments, customers, implementers, and evaluators to not only develop but also to meet the region’s electrification goals.
Friday Apaliski is the Director of Communications for the Building Decarbonization Coalition. Prior to BDC, Mrs. Apaliski ran her own consulting business Sustainability Concierge helping people update every aspect of their home life toward sustainability. Previous to that she was the head of marketing at the San Francisco Department of the Environment where she worked with multiple sectors to develop measurable campaigns big and small. Before focusing on the environment, she spent eight years in the advertising industry working to help brands reach and engage their desired audiences.
Friday Apaliski is the Director of Communications for the Building Decarbonization Coalition. Prior to BDC, Mrs. Apaliski ran her own consulting business Sustainability Concierge helping people update every aspect of their home life toward sustainability. Previous to that she was the head of marketing at the San Francisco Department of the Environment where she worked with multiple sectors to develop measurable campaigns big and small. Before focusing on the environment, she spent eight years in the advertising industry working to help brands reach and engage their desired audiences.
Jessie HF Hammerling, PhD, is the co-director of the Green Economy program at the Labor Center. Her work examines the impacts of clean energy policy on workers and communities. She works in collaboration with government, industry, unions, and community stakeholders to develop strategies for fighting climate change that lead to quality jobs and equitable outcomes
Jessie HF Hammerling, PhD, is the co-director of the Green Economy program at the Labor Center. Her work examines the impacts of clean energy policy on workers and communities. She works in collaboration with government, industry, unions, and community stakeholders to develop strategies for fighting climate change that lead to quality jobs and equitable outcomes

Conference Agenda

Contra Costa County and the Inflation Reduction Act Conference Agenda

May 18, 2023

8:15 a.m. – Coffee and Carbs

Time for networking and review of resource materials and visuals in the conference room

8:45 a.m. – Welcome and Opening

  • Supervisor John Gioia

Plenary Panel – The IRA: Capitalizing on Promise and Avoiding Pitfalls at the Local Level

  • Panama Bartholomy, Director, Building Decarbonization Coalition
  • Sneha Ayyagari, Clean Energy Initiative Program Manager, The Greenlining Institute
  • Tyson Eckerle, Senior Advisor for Clean Infrastructure & Mobility, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

Break

Grab refreshments, answer emails, and network

Panel – Some Current Contra Costa County Initiatives

  • Alexandra McGee, Director, Strategic Initiatives Department at Marin Clean Energy
  • Demian Hardman-Saldana, Senior Planner, Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development
  • Tracy Marcial, Energy & Sustainability Manager, Contra Costa Community College District

12:15 p.m. – Lunch

Box lunch provided by DVC Culinary Arts or a local caterer

Group Discussions

Opportunity to attend two workshops.

  • How can we prioritize building electrification in impacted communities including in single and multi-family rental housing?
  • How can we make sure there are enough trained contractors to meet the demand for home electrification in Contra Costa County?
  • How can cities lead in electrifying their operations and enabling electrification in their city?
  • How can we form new municipal and public/nonprofit/private partnerships to bring funds to Contra Costa County?
  • How can we collaborate to increase consumer knowledge and demand for electrifying their homes and cars?

3:20 p.m. – Closing

Next steps and an invitation to stay for refreshments and networking.

Conference Hosts

Logos for the following organizations: DVC; Contra Costa College; Los Medanos College; 350 Contra Costa; Greenbelt Alliance;

Our Partners and Sponsors

Logos for the following organizations: Contra Costa County; City of Pinole, CA; Contra Costa County Climate Leaders; ECCCA; Healthy+Active Before 5;
Logos for the following organizations: Quit Carbon; MCE; Shovels; Sierra Club;

How We Did It

We wrote a blog post, The Inflation Reduction Act Conference Playbook, to share how this event came to fruition so others can duplicate it in their communities.

Stay Plugged In!

Group of conference attendees networking

We’ve loads of resources lined up for you on our Keep Plugged In page. And we’re just getting started over there. More to come!

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