Governance:
RCEA is a special form of local government known as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). RCEA was formed in 2003, representing seven municipalities (the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Trinidad and Rio Dell) and the County of Humboldt, with the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District joining later. As a JPA, RCEA is governed by a Board composed of representatives from each of these jurisdictions. The RCEA Board meets monthly, usually on the 3rd Monday of the month. [download RCEA Joint Powers Authority Agreement] [PDF, 203 KB]
Staffing:
RCEA currently has seven full and part-tme staff (Executive Director, Operations Manager, Office Manager, three Energy Specialists, and one Energy Technician). RCEA also employs numerous student interns (sometimes up to 20), and serves as a placement site for VISTA volunteers and youth job trainees.
Funding:
All of RCEA’s funding comes from contracts and grants, bringing resources to Humboldt County that would not otherwise be available. The operating budget for FY2010/11 is approximately $1,170,000. Current funding sources include:
- a major three-year contract with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to promote energy efficiency through a local government partnership known as the Redwood Coast Energy Watch (RCEW).
- a contract with the California Energy Commission to develop a renewable energy strategic plan for Humboldt County, through a program known as Renewable Energy Secure Communities (RESCO).
- grants from the Mclean and PG&E Foundations to fund energy-efficiency projects for local non-profit organizations.
Current Programs:
Most RCEA activities occur under the umbrella of the Redwood Coast Energy Watch partnership with PG&E. Current RCEW activities include:
