Civic Engagement

Want to influence real change? Start by getting involved in your local government. Show up to city and county meetings, contact your elected officials, and advocate for climate-friendly policies that protect our communities and environment. Your voice matters—especially here in the desert, where climate solutions are urgently needed and locally driven.

🗳️ Civic Engagement Guide

Speak up. Show up. Shape the future.
Here’s how to plug into local government and make your voice heard on climate and sustainability issues in the Coachella Valley.

📜 Support Climate-Friendly Policy

Local policies can drive big change—from solar permitting and native landscaping to plastic bans and building codes.

Stay informed by learning about your state’s and city’s climate policies.

Track California legislation and policy updates with CalMatters.

Learn more about Climate Policies in the Coachella Valley.

🏛️ Attend Local Meetings

City council and county board meetings are where decisions are made about land use, water policy, public transit, energy, and more.

The Palm Springs Sustainability Committee has a public meeting every third Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm. The Climate Action Subcommittee also meets monthly.

Explore the City of Palm Springs’ key climate insights, resilience strategies, and the role of its Sustainability & Recycling Department.

If your city isn’t listed, find your city’s Planning Commission, City Council, and Sustainability/Environmental Advisory Committees.

Sign up for public comment. You don’t need to be an expert—just share why climate-friendly choices matter to you and your community.

📬 Contact Your Elected Officials

Reach out directly to the people who represent you. Emails, phone calls, and public comments can influence votes and priorities.

Find your California State Senator and Assembly Member

To support or oppose California state legislation and bills, you will need to contact your California Senator or Assembly Member.

Find your State Senate and Assembly representatives here.

Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh – State Senator, 19th District

Greg Wallis – Assembly Member, 47th District

Find your U.S. Senator and Representative

For federal bills, you will need to contact your U.S. Senator and your District Representative. Find your U.S. Representative here.

California Senators are:

Adam Schiff (2024-present)

Alex Padilla (2021-present)

Find your U.S. Representative here.

Two U.S. Representatives, local to the Coachella Valley are:

Raul Ruiz – California’s 25th District (2023-present)

Ken Calvert – California’s 41st District (2023-present

Tips:
Keep your message short, respectful, and focused on one issue.

Mention if you’re a constituent.

Ask for their support of a specific policy or action.