Join Rincon at the

2023 California Adaptation Forum

Rincon’s Sustainability team is looking forward to joining hundreds of leaders at the 2023 California Adaptation Forum from July 31st – August 2nd in Pomona, California. Our team is thrilled to be attending and speaking on the latest trends and challenges for sustainability leaders.

Join our sessions

Moving from Vulnerability Assessments to Implementable Adaptation Plans

July 31, 2023 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Rincon Panelist: Reema Shakra, AICP, Principal

NOAA research has shown that many agencies who embark on Adaptation Planning spend most of their time on vulnerability assessments and strategy development and almost none on implementation. Numerous hazards, rapidly changing conditions, and multiple stakeholders and actors make addressing vulnerabilities an overwhelming prospect. This workshop will share an approach based on a current County Adaptation Plan effort to develop priorities and create a focused adaptation plan that is manageable and feasible for a jurisdiction to enact. The workshop will include a presentation, an illustrative case study, and, included small group conversations and interactive exercises designed to help participants think about how to design future plans or make current efforts more effective.

Strengthened Connections between Community Priorities & Resilient Infrastructure

August 1, 2023 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Rincon Moderator: Eric Vaughan, MS, Senior Environmental Planner

In recent years, both local government and critical service providers in California have increasingly invested in understanding and planning for the worsening effects of climate change. However, despite the clear connections between land-use planning and infrastructure development, these efforts have largely been tackled independently. This panel session will explore the problems and opportunities for better coordination and collaboration between local government and critical service providers in order to support increased community resilience. It will also look at ways to address existing inequity caused by historical lack of investment and the vulnerability of frontline communities through more resilient infrastructure. The session is intended to provide an interactive forum for participants and panelists to identify tangible options for greater collaboration and resulting investments that better reflect community needs and priorities.

Critical Infrastructure and Partnerships on the Road Towards Water Resiliency

August 2, 2023 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Rincon Panelist: Eric Vaughan, MS, Senior Environmental Planner

Presenters will highlight critical infrastructure projects, partnerships, and the multi-benefit nature of projects as they relate to climate resiliency and safe and reliable water for all communities within the Santa Ana River Watershed. SAWPA will highlight the engagement process and equitable outcome of the OWOW Plan and results of the Santa Ana River Watershed Community Water Experiences: An Ethnographic Strengths and Needs Assessment. Water utilities have been challenged by prolonged drought, increased wildfires, and climate uncertainty. In response, the region is investing in collaborative solutions to diversify its water supply portfolio, enhance connectivity, advance local water resources’ reliability, recharge its groundwater basins, restore critical habitat, and secure a sustainable water future. The panel moderator will ask engaging questions to the panelists to elaborate on key concepts like challenges facing the water industry, maximization of resources, and development of key partnerships and stakeholder engagement.