BayREN Featured at USDN 2025 Western Regional Meeting: Demonstrating the Strength of Regional Collaboration
Susan Wright (right) and her co-presenters, Alyssa Jones Wood and Ammon Reagan (left), at the USDN Conference.
Established in 2008, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) empowers local governments to tackle sustainability and climate challenges and build more resilient communities across the U.S. and Canada. At the June 2025 USDN Western Regional Meeting, BayREN was recognized as a model of regional collaboration and innovation. Three BayREN members—Jody London and Nicole Shimizu from the County of Contra Costa, and Susan Wright from the County of San Mateo—participated in sessions that showcased how BayREN’s long-standing partnerships with the nine Bay Area counties are driving lasting impacts across the region.
A Tool for Collaboration
Jody London and Susan Wright emphasized BayREN’s role as a vital connector between local governments and energy efficiency programs in their respective sessions. Initiatives such as the Contra Costa County Energy Efficiency Collaborative and the San Mateo RICAPS Climate Collaborative demonstrate how BayREN helps build stronger relationships and shared knowledge among cities and towns.
Through these collaborations, local jurisdictions have helped advance energy efficiency and electrification goals at the local level. For example, local electrification and energy efficiency initiatives for small residential upgrades include a pilot to simplify permitting of heat pump water heaters in San Mateo County, engagement with real estate professionals, and a public education campaign about transitioning to all-electric appliances.
A Testing Ground for Innovation and Accessibility
Nicole Shimizu highlighted BayREN’s commitment to equity and innovation through programs that make sustainable technologies more accessible. Her session focused on BayREN’s partnership with the Building Decarbonization Coalition’s Chefluencer Program and the BayREN CookSmart Pilot Program. The Chefluencer program helped BayREN host eight induction demos with to learn about energy-efficient induction cooking while celebrating the diverse cuisine of the Bay Area, while the CookSmart Pilot Program hosted seven events for over 165 Contra Costa County residents. These initiatives bring in-language induction cooking demonstrations and pilot programs to underserved communities, often including in-home childcare providers and seniors aging in place, removing barriers and creating hands-on experiences with clean energy technologies.
BayREN’s presence at the USDN meeting underscores the value of long-standing regional collaboratives. By creating local partnerships, pooling resources, sharing expertise, and aligning efforts across jurisdictions, BayREN is a powerful force for scalable, inclusive climate action.