Led by Alianza Coachella Valley, this strategy ensures ongoing resident participation in every phase of the Coachella Prospera project. Alianza Coachella Valley will coordinate, lead, and implement a multi- layered community engagement plan to ensure that the community's feedback throughout Coachella Prospera’s scope of work is received and implemented. This includes learning exchanges, surveys, focus groups, advisory council, and canvassing to inform residents about the housing project, health well-being, workforce development, rooftop solar, urban greening opportunities, and other grant- related projects. A robust bilingual communications plan that includes social media outreach and messaging, digital storytelling, radio station advertisements, collateral and educational materials will be used to keep the community informed and engaged.
The proposed project aims to provide high-quality career pathways for those with barriers to employment in high-paying industries to ensure that students retain employment in jobs that lead to self sufficiency and economic independence. Students will work directly with the Center for Employment Training (CET) staff to ensure they receive supportive services, such as financial assistance, individualized education plans, and alternative resources through CET’s active referral network. This program provides job training and placement in green careers. Training pathways include Green Building Construction Skills, HVAC Technician and Green Technology, and Electrician Classes. The program offers career coaching, job fairs, and job placement assistance including wraparound support services.
GRID Alternatives will offer three distinct workforce training opportunities. The first is Installation Basics Training, where participants will gain direct hands-onsolar residential installation experience with GRID. The second program, titled SolarCorps Fellows, will provide an 11-month, paid, entry-level experience supporting programmatic work with GRID Alternatives. The third program, Solar Futures, will provide solar education and solar skills training for youth ages 16-24.
The WDEOP Project will also include The Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF) Urban Conservation Corps (UCC). The UCC will Recruit and train participants, ages 18-26, to participate in on- the-job training in industries supporting a net-zero economy, including urban forestry/greening, sustainability, and conservation. They will provide career exploration, and support services. If needed, they will provide participants without a high school diploma the opportunity to earn their diploma onsite through John Muir Charter School.
The Displacement Avoidance Plan (DAP) outlines a range of strategic policies and programs that respond to the priorities of vulnerable tenants and small businesses and help them stay in place to reap the benefits of a more sustainable, climate-resilient city. At the heart of the DAP is a commitment to inclusive outreach and engagement, cultivation of leadership and decision-making capacity among residents and small business owners, and policy development tailored to project area needs. The plan includes policies and programs to protect residents from displacement due to rising rents or speculation. Strategies include tenant rights workshops, support for small landlords, foreclosure prevention services, and referral to affordable housing resources. The plan is implemented in coordination with community organizations and informed by resident input.
The UC Berkeley Disaster Lab will support the City of Coachella to develop and implement an indicator tracking plan.
This plan includes:
1) Developing a site-specific evaluation plan and indicator tracking plan in collaboration with the City, project partners, and the communities being served.
2) Building project partner and community co-design teams and associated technical assistance for tracking and evaluation.
3) Collecting, synthesizing, analyzing and visualizing/reporting data and stories.
4) Reporting final project and program outcomes at the end of the grant period.
This project ensures accountability and transparency in tracking the outcomes of each TCC-funded Coachella Prospera project. Metrics include reductions in GHG emissions, increased tree canopy, number of residents served, energy savings, and improved mobility access. Data will be shared via an online public dashboard and annual reports.
