The Redwood Regional Climate and Community Resilience Hub (CORE Hub) continues to advocate for local involvement in industry development and climate resilience efforts. As Humboldt Bay’s offshore wind industry develops, CORE Hub continues to launch programs to convene community leaders, organizations, interest groups, local government, and neighbors. Supported by philanthropic partners, including The James Irvine Foundation, The California Endowment, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the S.H. Cowell Foundation, CORE Hub centers equity and justice in climate mitigation efforts on the North Coast and beyond.
The proposal for an offshore wind industry cluster includes offshore wind farms, port development in Humboldt Bay, electrical transmission and onshore upgrades, and supporting industries, like broadband access, a skilled workforce, a supply chain, and rigorous monitoring of environmental impacts.
The CORE Hub’s role in boosting community influence in government and development projects is crucial. To manage the many dynamic elements involved, the Hub has launched multiple working groups comprising nearly 40 entities. These groups work to ensure that as government and developers determine the scope of the projects that will support offshore wind facilities, community influence is at the forefront.
Since its 2021 inception, the CORE Hub has helped launch the North Coast Offshore Wind Community Benefits Network, the Wind Terminal Working Group, the Tribal Offshore Wind Working Group, and the Tribal Nations Climate Resilience Network. Collectively, these bodies monitor industry progress and assess opportunities for influence, advocate for robust environmental review, engage with leaders and elected officials at the federal, state, and local level, and share information with impacted communities. CORE Hub’s community grants and stipends, technical assistance, collaboration, and other initiatives support the constellation of frontline organizations, Tribal Nations, and local governments.
In the last year, CORE Hub provided $100,000 in staff capacity funding for each of nine Tribes and launched a $1.1 million non-competitive grant program that was co-designed with Tribal nations to help prepare energy and climate projects for public and private funding.
By forging these new connections and strengthening existing ones, CORE Hub continues to prioritize equity and justice in the climate transition.
Learn more at redwoodcorehub.org.
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Read through more highlights from the 2023-2024 HAF+WRCF Annual Report and Yearbook.