Greenbelt Alliance

06/16/2026

In our latest report, An Interwoven Greenbelt Buffer for Wildfire Risk Reduction, we discuss the challenges of implementing strategically-placed greenbelt buffers in existing communities, using Sonoma Springs as a case study.

One key takeaway from that research highlighted the need for regulatory and governance frameworks that enable effective collaboration among private property owners, government partners, and fire professionals. One organization has emerged as a leader in doing just that – creating a collaborative system that delivers real results. Napa Communities Firewise Foundation (Napa Firewise) is a Napa County-based nonprofit supporting 25 Fire Safe Councils across the county.

Our Senior Director of Planning and Research, Sadie Wilson, spoke to Napa Firewise CEO Joe Nordlinger and Communications Director Stephanie Smithers to uncover why their resilience model is so effective and how they’re bringing insurers back to fire-affected communities. Check out our newest blog to read their in-depth conversation:

Check out the in-depth conversation about wildfire resilience with Napa Firewise, an organization that has emerged as a leader in regional collaboration.

06/15/2026

This year’s Sonoma Leadership Council Luncheon was a massive success!

Supporters gathered at the beautiful Oak Hill Farm in Glen Ellen and raised over $150,000 to fund climate resilience work underway across the Bay Area.

The funds raised at the event will go to concrete, on-the-ground work:
• Expanding wildfire buffer strategies countywide and helping homeowners take proactive mitigation steps.
• Strengthening local Fire Safe Councils with coordination and resources.
• Running community workshops that help Southwest Santa Rosa residents recognize heat risks early and protect their health.

After years of devastating fires in Sonoma County, the question is no longer whether the threat is real; it’s what to do about it.

To learn more about the scalable concept we’re developing for wildfire risk reduction and how you can help us build a safer Sonoma County, read the newest blog: https://www.greenbelt.org/blog/focusing-on-solutions-for-fire-and-heat-at-sonoma-luncheon/

06/12/2026

Happy work anniversary to our Senior South Bay Resilience Manager, Victorina! 💫

Another year together and we continued to be amazed by her advocacy and exceptional communication skills. Since joining Greenbelt Alliance in 2024, she has cultivated an incredible community of stakeholders and residents in the South Bay region. Her background in Marine Biology and Environmental Science allows her to tackle complex challenges with an interdisciplinary, systems-thinking approach. From leading resilience hub workshops to establishing relationships with elected officials and local organizations, Victorina prioritizes inclusivity and equity in everything she does.

When she’s not championing nature-based and community-driven solutions, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her gentle giant, Achilles.

Thank you, Victorina, for all the heart you put into your work–we’re so grateful for you!

06/10/2026

We’re hiring a Director of Finance and Operations to continue our healthy financial position to maximize mission impact! Perfect for a numbers-savvy individual who loves budgeting, presenting financial reports, forecasting, collaborating with a team, applying a strategic lens to financial oversight and management, and making a positive environmental impact.

You’ll bring strategic financial leadership overseeing all financial operations, compliance & audit, as well as organizational operations management and strategy. We offer hybrid work (2 days in the Oakland office), comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to help build a more climate-resilient Bay Area.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by June 29: https://www.greenbelt.org/careers/director-of-finance-operations/

06/09/2026

The voters have spoken: open spaces, climate-smart transit, and clean water must be protected! 🌿☑️

We proudly endorsed Measure A, in Contra Costa, Measure B, in Marin and Sonoma, A, and Measure D, in parts of Santa Clara County, and they all passed with flying colors.

Thank you to everyone who showed support for these measures on the ballot and thank you to many incredible partners, including Save Mount Diablo, Green Foothills, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), and more for advocating for them with us!

As federal policies for land, climate, and the environment continue to erode, locally-driven policies have never mattered more. These results show that Bay Area residents are fighting for a climate-resilient future.

To read more in-depth updates about the wins, check out our updated 2026 Voter Guide with election results: https://www.greenbelt.org/voter-guide-26/

06/09/2026

Help us shape the future of the Hayward Eden Area Shoreline!

Local agencies and community partners are coming together to protect the shoreline from rising seas by working with nature to safeguard our communities and the environment.

Join us on Saturday, June 27 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Community Center to learn about the latest sea level rise adaptation plans and share your input!

Food is provided! Let us know if you need childcare or translation when registering: https://form.fillout.com/t/nVw6CXVtNqus

06/08/2026

This , we are elevating the important sea level rise adaptation efforts happening in San Rafael, Marin.

Our Marin Resilience Manager Jessie Rountree recently joined Canal Alliance, Sustainable San Rafael, Marin Climate Action Network (Marin CAN), and other local orgs to advocate for swift action on sea level rise in Marin. She called the City to move faster to keep pace with the rate of climate change.

Addressing council members and residents directly, Rountree pinpointed three items for attention and urgency:
Funding: Identify every available source, from federal to regional and PPP and start lining up funds for adaptation.

Transparency: Residents deserve to know what may impact their properties and neighborhoods. We need transparency and community input to remain central, not as an afterthought.

Housing: Sea level rise will create disruption and displacement. Temporary displacement without a plan becomes permanent homelessness and displacement for the most vulnerable among us.

“Climate change is outpacing our solutions. Every year we spend studying without acting is a year we fall further behind.”

Watch her full comment and learn more about the Climate Resilient Marin Initiative on: greenbelt.org/climate-resilient-marin

06/08/2026

It’s World Environment Day and we’re highlighting one of the most important pillars of our work that protects our environment–building homes in the right places 🏘️

When homes are built in existing communities–across all income levels–near jobs, transit, and amenities, residents thrive.

Walking becomes a safe and enjoyable option. People can spend less time in their car and more time connecting with their loved ones.

Plus: building up, not out, preserves open spaces, agricultural lands, and forests. These landscapes are crucial for keeping wildlife connected and absorbing harmful carbon dioxide from the air.

We’re bringing housing and environmental advocates together to consider both these sides when planning for the future to ensure everyone has a safe place to live in balance with nature.

06/04/2026

What happens when you put 250+ housing and environmental advocates in the same room?

More common ground than you'd expect—and some genuinely hard conversations about CEQA, wildfire insurance, transit funding, and what it'll take to build a more resilient California.

Read our recap from the Common Ground Learning Series 👇

California is facing significant challenges in addressing both housing affordability and climate related vulnerabilities.

06/03/2026

This past weekend, Vallejo residents gathered together at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum to envision a more resilient Vallejo shoreline!

As part of the Solano Bayshore Resiliency Project, Greenbelt Alliance and Sustainable Solano led a workshop that engaged residents in an interactive mapping activity. Participants shared their knowledge on where sea level rise impacts are already occurring and where there are opportunities for hybrid and nature-based adaptation.

Through their participation, local residents are shaping a Vallejo shoreline that is thriving, resilient, and accessible for all! If you're interested in learning more, head to bayshoreresiliency.org.