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Communities of Concern Communities of color and low-income populations have been under- represented in policy-making and often are not consulted about programs and services intended to benefit them, frequently resulting in ineffective programs. A variety of factors, such as lack of trusted relationships with government, language barriers, and lack of inclusion in planning and policy -development processes have all served as barriers to involvement. Leadership and membership of mainstream environmental organizations have also tended to be white and well off, despite evidence that environmental concerns, including climate change, are broadly held by people of color and low-income populations.59 It's important for Redwood City to invest in long-term, reciprocal relationships with socially vulnerable communities. Redwood City understands the need to consider how individuals who have not had access to educational opportunities or who do not speak English can participate in the conversation. Redwood City is committed to listening and responding to diverse concerns and assisting community partners in participatory planning processes. In implementing this CAP, the City plans to foster relationships and deepen involvement with communities of color and low-income populations regarding the challenges of and solutions to climate change. Engagement strategies will take into account existing barriers and attempt to mitigate them. Ensuring that education and outreach are culturally and linguistically appropriate, as well as taking into account diverse educational attainment will be critical for success. Implementation Starting by Partnering with Community Organizations The City of Half Moon Bay initiated their Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CARP) process by establishing partnerships with three organizations working with socially vulnerable communities — youth, seniors, the Latino community, and unhoused residents who had previously been underserved in planning processes. This effort generated innovative and tailored outreach strategies, strengthened relationships between the organizations and the City, generated a set of key priorities, and provided valuable insights that are being incorporated into the City's CAAP process. https://climatereadysmc.org/pilotpro'ec Redwood City and the County will seek to support community needs and priorities by working with community- based organizations to engage these traditionally under -represented and under -served populations and businesses. In addition, Redwood City will look for opportunities to support diverse community organizations to implement actions outlined in this CAP, including grants such as the one that enabled community-based organizations in Half Moon Bay to engage socially vulnerable communities in participating in planning processes (see box). Private Sector For Redwood City to succeed in achieving its CAP goals, we need support from the private sector. Markets need to shift. The goods and services available to our community should support our efforts to build a sustainable, resilient economy that doesn't threaten the stability of the climate. In particular, Redwood City's ongoing engagement in programs to decrease energy use and shift from natural gas to electricity use is crucial to our efforts to decarbonize our energy system and transportation system. Some businesses already put resource conservation at the core of their business models. Several businesses are Certified B Corporations, which are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. More than 30 businesses in San Mateo County are certified as Green Businesses through the California Green Business Program. A complete list of these businesses is available at https://greenbusinessca.org/find-preen-business/. City of Redwood City Climate Action Plan 66