Episode Title:
"Extreme Heat & Community Resilience - California’s Bold Approach"

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Shane Silsby is joined by Dr. Braden Kay and Kelly Meza Prado from California’s Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Together, they discuss the urgent challenge of extreme heat, the state’s innovative grant programs, and how public works professionals can lead the way in building resilient and healthy communities. Learn about the science behind extreme heat, public health impacts, funding opportunities, and the values driving California’s approach to climate resilience. Whether you’re in public works, planning, or community leadership, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and grant details.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: The Challenge of Extreme Heat
01:22 – California’s Statewide Approach & Guest Introductions
03:11 – Kelly’s Global-to-Local Journey in Climate & Public Health
06:19 – Braden’s Path: From DC to Arizona to California
10:54 – Why Extreme Heat is a Top Priority for California
13:41 – Public Health Risks & Economic Impacts
16:41 – The Extreme Heat Community Resilience Program: Goals & Funding
21:04 – Infrastructure, Value Engineering, and the Role of Public Works
25:36 – Partnerships: Public Health Meets Public Works
28:30 – Lessons from Early Grant Projects & Community Engagement
32:24 – Funding Round 2: What Agencies Need to Know
36:50 – Program Values: Harm Reduction, Partnerships, Transformation, Belonging
41:34 – How to Get Involved: Partnership Meetings & Resources
43:34 – National Implications: What Other States Can Learn
48:51 – Funding Sources & The Future of Heat Resilience
53:57 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Resources:
• Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program website: https://lci.ca.gov/climate/icarp/gran...

• EHCRP Newsletter for ongoing updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/s...

• Strategic Growth Council Grants: https://sgc.ca.gov/grant-programs/

If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your colleagues. Stay tuned for more conversations on building resilient communities!

#ExtremeHeat #ClimateResilience #PublicWorks #California #Infrastructure #TPWP

The Public Works Podcast: EHCRP California Representatives