CalMTA’s Equity Sounding Board
CalMTA is establishing a new Equity Sounding Board to support our efforts to apply an equity lens in the development of a market transformation portfolio for California. Professionals who advocate for, or work within, environmental and social justice (ESJ) communities have the opportunity to apply to join this diverse 6-8 member advisory group that will provide professional insight and feedback on selected market transformation initiatives (MTIs). Sounding board members’ participation will result in MTIs that positively impact ESJ communities.
While the Equity Sounding Board is not an official body and has no authority over CalMTA’s work, we believe direct engagement with representatives of ESJ communities is an essential step to achieving our goals. This group will help guide CalMTA’s outreach to ESJ communities, avoid actions that would cause unforeseen harm, and act as a ready resource for feedback on our work.
The Equity Sounding Board is guided by the following principles:
- Increase ESJ communities’ access to energy-efficient technologies and practices
- Maintain or enhance the affordability of energy efficiency products and services in ESJ communities by considering potential rate impacts of any proposed MTI strategic interventions
- Increase access to the benefits associated with MTIs in ESJ communities (e.g. by supporting growth in local employment and small business development, reducing pollutants and health risks)
The Equity Sounding Board provides an opportunity for members to provide first-hand knowledge of the barriers, opportunities, and successful interventions that have increased community adoption and engagement with emerging technologies. Members will also learn from and network with fellow experts in energy efficiency, market transformation and workforce development.
Qualifications
The Equity Sounding Board aims to reach key geographic locations throughout California, a diversity of sectors, and individuals who have experience working with or advocating for ESJ communities. The work involves a high level of understanding of CalMTA. Sounding board members will be asked to commit to participating for two years.
Equity Sounding Board members must:
- demonstrate an understanding of equity, possess knowledge and skills relevant to energy efficiency programs, be collaborative and effective communicators
- have interest, expertise, personal experience, or work history sufficient to effectively discuss environmental, health, and economic issues that arise in connection with interventions in the development of programs and initiatives that could result in equity outcomes, as well as provide input on MTI equity metrics
- demonstrate a leadership role within the community or constituency they represent
- represent ESJ communities, rather than specific interests of their employer or organization
Membership
Members will serve two-year terms. Participating members will be compensated at an hourly rate of $200, not exceeding 25 hours per member during 2025.
The Equity Sounding Board will meet virtually three times a year with meeting dates announced at least two months in advance. Time spent on preparing for and attending meetings will not exceed 12 hours a year.
CalMTA may contact an Equity Sounding Board member to discuss specific technologies, workforce development impacts, or community impacts where the Equity Sounding Board member has particular expertise. The Equity Sounding Board member will be asked to review additional documents, join a small-group discussion with CalMTA staff, or share input outside of regular Equity Sounding Board meetings. Time spent in individual consultation will not exceed 13 hours per year.
Conflicts of interest
Equity Sounding Board membership requires that, except for compensation for participating in the Equity Sounding Board, the member not receive, or be in pursuit of, funding, directly or indirectly, from CalMTA, including any subcontractors.
How to apply
Candidates may apply October 7 – 25 through our application form, with the option of uploading a letter of support.
Those selected will be notified by November 12, with a week to confirm acceptance. We will hold a brief orientation meeting in early December, and the first full meeting of the group will be January 22, 2025.