About the Forum [2021]

Advancing Adaptation Throughout California

The California Adaptation Forum (CAF) is a biennial conference hosted by the Local Government Commission, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, offering a series of engaging plenaries, sessions, networking opportunities, workshops, and tours to support our transition from adaptation awareness and planning to action. CAF aims to gather California’s adaptation community to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual support to accelerate climate adaptation efforts and create equitable and resilient communities throughout the state.

Forum History

The Local Government Commission and the State of California organized the first California Adaptation Forum on August 19-20, 2014 in Sacramento. The 2014 Forum launched the statewide adaptation conversation by bringing together 800 local, regional and state leaders to form a community of action, committed to addressing California’s adaptation needs. The program featured cutting-edge policies, projects, programs and partnerships, as well as tools and strategies that address the challenges community leaders face in developing and implementing adaptation solutions.

2014 Forum Highlights

The 2016 Forum followed up on the success of the 1st California Adaptation Forum and brought together over 500 climate change adaptation leaders from across California, the nation, and other countries. This gathering provided an opportunity for leaders from across the state to share information, discuss local activities and needs, identify new resources, and develop a statewide network of adaptation professionals.

2016 Forum Highlights

The 2018 Forum took place August 27th-29th in Sacramento, and brought together nearly 800 leaders and practitioners over the course of three days to learn, share, and network with one another. The 2018 Forum elevated three core priorities: Embracing Change to Catalyze Innovation, Uplifting Underrepresented Voices, and Taking a Whole Systems Approach. The program, delivered by over 280 speakers, included 3 plenaries, 13 workshops, 40 sessions, 8 tool demonstrations, 5 tours, 10 networking events, and climate art installations. The Forum also served as a launchpad for sharing findings from California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment.

2018 Forum Highlights

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in person 2020 California Adaptation was postponed. During 2020, in partnership with Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (ARCCA) CAF held a 3-part webinar series that engaged 1400 leaders and practitioners from across the state.

2020 Forum Highlights

Engaging a Multi-Disciplinary Audience

A significant factor in the success of the California Adaptation Forum is its appeal to leaders from a diverse range of sectors and disciplines. As with previous forums, we anticipate our 2021 audience will include elected officials, public and private sector leaders, tribal representatives, community-based organizations and nonprofits, and researchers from a range of sectors.

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    Air Quality
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    Agriculture
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    Biodiversity and Habitat Conservation
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    Forestry
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    Equity and Justice
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    Emergency Management
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    Energy
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    Ocean and Coastal Management
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    Planning and Urban Design
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    Public Health
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    Transportation
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    Water