Convening the Sierra – Fall 2026
September 25, 2026
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Join SBC at these Upcoming Events Across the Region
The CivicSpark Program is a 
unique opportunity for both individuals and public agencies interested in building community capacity for climate, water, and housing issues. Through the program, fellows are paired with local government agencies, tribes, and nonprofits to work on projects that build resiliency and mitigate the effects of climate change. Fellows work at sites across California, Colorado, and Washington for an 11-month service term.
Participating in the CivicSpark program is extremely beneficial for fellows and the places they serve. Whether you are interested in being a fellow for the 2023-2024 service term, or you would like to have a fellow at your organization, we encourage you to apply!
The CivicSpark Program provides an opportunity for fellows to gain valuable experience working with local governments. Fellows gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields, including project management, data analysis, and community organizing. They work with diverse groups of stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and local residents.
The program also offers extensive training, professional development, and networking opportunities that enable fellows to develop their skills and prepare for a career in sustainability. Click this link to apply to be a fellow!
Sierra Business Council is looking for its 2023-2024 CivicSpark Fellow! Work on projects that mitigate the effects of climate change and gain valuable experience in project planning and implementation. Apply now to build a more resilient Sierra Nevada!
The CivicSpark Program is equally beneficial for service sites. By hosting a CivicSpark Fellow, agencies and nonprofits gain a talented and motivated staff member committed to making a positive impact in their community. Fellows bring fresh perspectives that assist agencies in implementing effective sustainability initiatives. If you are interested in hosting a fellow at your public agency or nonprofit, click here.
Join SBC at these Upcoming Events Across the Region
Two SNEW services that are often requested by Sierra Nevada public agencies are energy benchmarking (sometimes including AB 802 reporting for buildings
California’s 2026-27 legislative session wrapped up September 1 after a turbulent final week of negotiations over wildfire policy, funding, and the state budget. While a last-minute proposal on wildfire liability ultimately stalled, the Legislature did restore and increase funding for climate resilience through Proposition 4 and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)—a meaningful outcome for Sierra communities amid a challenging state budget year.
The final plan includes $329.5 million for wildfire and forest resilience through Prop 4 and $118 million for wildfire prevention through GGRF. While these investments are an improvement over the June budget, wildfire resilience funding remains near historic lows, with no clear plan for sustained investment in future years.
Read more about the final budget, Prop 4 and GGRF allocations, and what’s next for wildfire and climate resilience in the Sierra.