0650 Office of Planning and Research
Program Descriptions

0360 - STATE PLANNING AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

The major activities of OPR include: (1) recommending and implementing state policies on land-use and growth planning, including General Plan Guidelines; (2) coordinating the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, including: (a) operating the State Clearinghouse; (b) maintaining an online database for the electronic submission and archiving of CEQA documents; (c) developing CEQA guidelines; (d) providing technical assistance; (e) streamlining permitting; and (f) providing training; (3) supporting the Governor's Advisor for Military Affairs and Governor's Military Council; (4) providing policy research for the Governor and Cabinet; (5) providing technical advice to, and develop guidelines for, local governments on land use planning and compliance with environmental statutes and regulations; (6) developing a program to coordinate regional and local efforts with state climate adaptation strategies on the impacts of climate change ; (7) supporting drought response efforts; (8) supporting development of state plans including, but not limited to, the Water Action Plan work, State Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, Safeguarding California Plan, the Integrated Energy Policy Report, and the 5-Year Infrastructure Plan; (9) supporting multiple efforts to address climate change and response to carbon pollution; and (10) conducting other activities as the Governor may direct.

0365 - CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS

California Volunteers is charged with increasing the number and impact of Californians involved with service and volunteering throughout the state. California Volunteers administers programs such as AmeriCorps and Disaster Volunteering and Preparedness, guides policy development to support the nonprofit and service fields, and leads the Service Enterprise Initiative, which empowers a nonprofit to more efficiently engage volunteers and effectively address community needs. Through the efforts of California Volunteers, Californians of all ages and abilities are provided ongoing opportunities to volunteer, to become better prepared to respond in emergencies and disasters, and ultimately, to embrace a lifetime ethic of service.

0370 - STRATEGIC GROWTH COUNCIL

The Council coordinates interagency efforts and partners with local and regional government stakeholders to promote sustainable development, improving air and water quality, protecting natural resources and agricultural lands, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Council administers the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, developing guidelines, reviewing applications, and providing funding as part of greenhouse gas reduction efforts associated with cap and trade funds. The Council also administers a pilot technical assistance program for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program to support the development of projects in disadvantaged communities that maximize greenhouse gas reductions. The Council is charged with review of the California 5-Year Infrastructure plan and with making grants and loans to institutions for planning and implementing land uses that achieve the goals of the State's Planning Priorities. The Council oversees the Administration's Health in All Policies program, sponsors research on infill development, conservation, and other planning issues, and is the administrator for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Investment program for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities.