Join the Bay Planning Coalition for our 2025 Spring Summit on Friday, May 9th, from 8:30am to 3:00pm, at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, as we convene industry leaders, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of infrastructure, resilience, and regulations in the San Francisco Bay Area. This year’s event will focus on the critical role of state and regional leadership in responding to evolving federal funding priorities and policies.
Event Overview
8:30 AM - REGISTRATION & COFFEE
9:15 AM - EVENT OPENING
Speaker:
• Anju Wicke, Senior Principal Scientist | Geosyntec
9:25 AM – SEGMENT 1: Federal Outlook – Adapting to a Shifting National Landscape
This panel will discuss anticipated changes in federal funding, permitting processes, and regulatory frameworks under the new administration, examining implications for regional stakeholders and agencies.
Panelists:
• Eric Beightel, Federal Strategy Director | Environmental Science Associates (ESA)
• Sahrye Cohen, Wetlands and Oceans Section Manager | US EPA Region 9
• Tom Pyke, District Director | US Rep. Ro Khanna (D-17; Fremont)
• Tommy Williams, Deputy District Engineer of Programs – Planning & Project Management | USACE San Francisco District
Moderator:
• John Bourgeois, Deputy Operating Officer – Watershed Stewardship & Planning | Valley Water
10:35 AM – SEGMENT 2: State Investments in Resilience – Proposition 4 and Other Funding Streams
This panel will provide an in-depth review of Proposition 4 implementation and other state-level funding mechanisms to support climate adaptation and infrastructure.
Panelists:
• Georgia Gann Dohrmann, Assistant Director of Legislation & Public Affairs | MTC/ABAG
• Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer | State Coastal Conservancy
Moderator:
• Lauren Gularte, Government & Regulatory Affairs Manager | San Francisco Bay Ferry
11:40 AM - LUNCH BREAK
1:00 PM - KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Speaker:
• Senator Jesse Arreguín, State Senator - District 07 | California State Senate
1:20 PM – SEGMENT 3: Regional Shoreline Adaptation Planning – Tools, Funding, and Local Leadership
This panel will outline available resources, strategies, and funding mechanisms to support local and regional adaptation planning, permitting, and implementation efforts.
Panelists:
• Jessica Fain, Director of Planning | BCDC
• Ryan Hernandez, Principal Planner – Department of Conservation & Development | Contra Costa County
• Danielle Mieler, Sustainability & Resilience Manager | City of Alameda
Moderator:
• Jan Novak, Associate Planner & Scientist | Port of Oakland
2:30 PM - EVENT CLOSING
Speaker:
• Laura Tam, Chief Executive Officer | Bay Planning Coalition
Event Sponsors
Thank you to our event sponsors for your generous support! Your partnership plays a vital role in making this event – and our ongoing work – possible.