CivicWell (formerly the Local Government Commission) supports leaders responding to the climate crisis and its impact on their communities. As a nonprofit organization, we inspire, equip, connect, and cultivate leaders working toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
We know that innovation happens when communities name their own challenges and define their own visions. Through policy guidance, collaborative partnerships, and direct assistance, we support and equip communities to bring those visions to life.
$39 M
CivicWell assisted local governments, nonprofits, transit agencies, and tribal governments in securing funding for clean mobility, urban greening, and water sustainability projects (2022).
27K+
Leaders connected through coalition work and projects.
620
CivicSpark alumni are at the forefront of ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations.
Our Vision
A sustainable, healthy, equitable, prosperous, and resilient future for every community.
What We Do
For over four decades, CivicWell has served as a visionary policy advocate, implementation resource, and experienced partner for communities. We inspire, equip, connect, and cultivate leadership for local innovation and community change.
Our work supports communities around climate resilience, sustainable community design and resource management, equity, public health, and wellbeing.
Inspire
Equip
Connect
Cultivate
As a leading voice in shaping policy, we help make cutting edge solutions possible. We inspire and educate local elected officials with resources, forums like the California Adaptation Forum and the California Climate & Energy Collaborative, and impactful events including the CivicWell Policymakers Conference and New Partners for Smart Growth.
We offer conferences, training, and resources that grow local knowledge and build local capacity. Through collaborative partnership and direct assistance, we equip communities to implement climate-resilient solutions.
For over 40 years CivicWell has connected cutting-edge leaders from across the nation. We work with a diverse set of partners on a local, state, and national level to bring innovative thinking and expertise to solving our most pressing community challenges.
We believe that real change happens at the local level: on street corners and in city council meetings, in relationships built and places created by people working together. Through our local involvement and the CivicSpark AmeriCorps Program, we cultivate emerging climate resilience and environmental justice leaders.
Ahwahnee Principles for Climate Change
Read the PrinciplesAhwahnee Water Principles
Read the PrinciplesAhwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient Communities
Read the PrinciplesAhwahnee Principles for Economic Development
Read the PrinciplesAhwahnee Principles
The Ahwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient Communities, written in 1991 by the Local Government Commission, paved the way for the Smart Growth movement.
Careers
Discover our open positions and apply today.