CivicWell’s 33rd annual Policymakers Conference took place earlier this month. Set during a snowstorm with the looming threat of a federal government shutdown, the event served as an inspiration during challenging times.

Attendees had to make preparations and in some cases to adjust their plans in response to the winds of change. Some of us faced roadblocks that required deciding whether to circumnavigate a new path or to pause, rest, and continue on later. During the conference nature walk, we encountered a National Park Ranger named “Trust” who was deeply touched to hear that elected officials from across the state were gathering to explore novel ideas and solutions for environmental sustainability and climate change. Ultimately, coming together in community yielded the education, idea-sharing, and inspiration we needed to overcome obstacles and pursue opportunities at home.

The conference elevated voices with both expertise and lived experiences. Former Insurance Commissioner and current UC Berkeley researcher Dave Jones shared insights on the challenges of insurance coverage in the face of climate disasters. “We are not alone in the insurance challenges, and that is not a good thing.” He referenced Florida insurance deregulation, which has resulted in rates that are four times higher while ten insurance companies went insolvent. Due to current structures, California insurers won’t go insolvent due to the recent fires in the LA area.

Based in downtown Los Angeles, Climate Resolve Executive Director Jonathan Parfrey called on us to recognize “solastalgia,” a form of emotional distress caused by negatively perceived environmental change, particularly when it affects a place one considers home. Julie Renter, President of River Partners, reminded us that “California water policy is the most complicated in the world,” set up to drive the fastest growth in human history in the world’s 5th largest economy. Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs offered a model his community calls “The Yolo Way,” a collaboration of four cities, a Tribal Nation, and a university—a partnership that is small enough to work together to take on challenging problems for decades.

It was both inspiring and sobering to hear the wisdom of former federal appointees. Martha Guzman served as the Administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency region covering four states including California, several Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations. She described the EPA’s unique work dedicated to addressing historical inequities through environmental justice. Justin Ángel Knighten, a high-level administrator with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Biden Administration, similarly encouraged discussions on climate disasters to focus on the most vulnerable populations. He reminded us that, “information is a lifeline—during a crisis and every day.” He also urged us to think beyond the old ways of doing things because, “the playbook we have always used is gone.” To effectively engage communities, we must engage with trusted messengers outside of government and include them at decision-making levels.

We also heard keynotes from several dignitaries. Former State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins discussed the interconnectedness of topics like housing, transportation, climate, and energy. She reminded us that the personal is political, and few issues are as personal as housing—as home. Former State Controller Betty Yee called on us to embrace pragmatism. She encouraged us to pursue collaborations with new partners in the private sector and also find more ways to center affordability in our sustainability and climate change goals. Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot shared that his “why” is helping people and nature thrive together: “People and Nature are the same thing. Nature is home.”

Board Highlight

Announcing the 2025 CivicWell Board Officers

At this month’s meeting of the CivicWell Board of Directors, the Board elected new officers:

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs and Truckee Town Councilmember Anna Klovstad are Co-Chairs.

Tuolumne County Supervisor Jaron Brandon is Secretary.

Buena Park City Councilmember Susan Sonne is Treasurer.

We would like to thank outgoing Board Chair, Humboldt County Supervisor Mike Wilson, and outgoing Board Vice-Chair, Nevada County Supervisor Heidi Hall, for their dedicated service. Both will continue to serve on the Board.

Meet the CivicWell Board of Directors

Header image: A stunning image of snow-dusted Yosemite National Park courtesy of Justin Ángel Knighten