Center for Climate Action and Innovation at Sonoma Developmental Center business plan released

The creation of a Center for Climate Action that could serve as a hub for climate leaders, innovators and the public to collaborate in addressing the climate crisis, is the focus of a business plan released by the County of Sonoma today for the Sonoma Developmental Center site.

As a core occupant of the future SDC development, the climate center could act as a place where key stakeholders, leaders and private enterprise can work together to find new responses to the ongoing climate crisis. The center could provide valuable research and development activity, adding new jobs and diversity to the county’s economy while affirming Sonoma County’s place at the forefront of climate resiliency and adaptation research. The initiative is being funded by a $250,000 grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy.

“This business plan marks our latest progress in SDC’s future,” said Tennis Wick, director of Permit Sonoma. “As we implement the state’s mandate to protect open space, construct housing and provide economic development, the Center for Climate Action and Innovation concept is already attracting interest that could result in employers returning to campus.”

The center could serve as a model for a public, private and institutional partnership at a place renowned for its ecological abundance. The center would be a compatible neighbor and an anchor for Sonoma Valley, a part of the wider county community and an example of what is possible when people work together to face the impacts of climate change.

“The Conservancy is excited to support projects like the Climate Action and Innovation Business Plan that explore piloting of on-the-ground actions and development of innovative approaches to help California face the challenges of a changing climate in a coordinated, collaborative way,” the California State Coastal Conservancy said.

The purpose of the business plan is to explore the feasibility of creating the Center for Climate Action and Innovation and does not propose a development project. The locations identified in the business plan are listed for reference as potential opportunities. All future development of the Sonoma Developmental Center must be consistent with the Specific Plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 16, 2022.

To access the business plan for a Center for Climate Action and Innovation at SDC, you may visit the project website or review the plan in person at Permit Sonoma, 2550 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

# # #
Media Contact:
Matt Brown, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403