Last week, we reflected on what we accomplished together through our FY2024-FY2026 Strategic Plan and celebrated the achievements highlighted in our FY2026 Impact Report. Today, we're excited to share what's next.

We're pleased to introduce our FY2027-FY2030 Strategic Plan - a roadmap that will guide Acterra's work over the next four years and help expand our impact across the Bay Area.

We developed this plan knowing it would launch during one of the most challenging operating environments environmental nonprofits have faced in decades. Federal climate commitments have been rolled back. Government funding streams that organizations like ours have long relied upon are becoming increasingly uncertain. Immigration enforcement is creating fear in many of the frontline communities we serve. At the same time, philanthropic funding has become more competitive as nonprofits across sectors respond to growing needs.

As Executive Director Lauren Weston explains, "Uncertainty isn't a reason to stop planning - it's exactly why thoughtful planning matters. We wanted to build an organization that can continue delivering meaningful climate solutions, no matter how the landscape changes."

Building on the momentum of the past three years, the new strategic plan strengthens the programs and partnerships that are already making a difference - from Green@Home Tours and Farm Fresh Futures to youth leadership, community air quality monitoring, and policy advocacy. It also establishes four strategic priorities that will guide our work through FY2030: strengthening Acterra's organizational infrastructure, diversifying funding, clarifying our communications, and deepening our impact in frontline and multilingual communities.

By FY2030, we are aiming to reach 15,000+ residents through electrification programming, connect 5,000+ community members through food and youth programming, scale air quality monitoring into multiple AB617 communities across the East Bay and South Bay, and reduce our reliance on government contracts from roughly 60% of revenue to under 50%. We want to be a bigger and stronger organization - not bigger for its own sake, but big enough to protect the work and serve our communities that need it most.

"This plan builds on the strong foundation we've created together," Lauren says. "It's about ensuring Acterra has the capacity to serve our communities and accelerate climate action for years to come."

As we begin this next chapter, we're grateful to everyone who has helped make our work possible. Together, we're building a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable Bay Area.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to learn more about our FY2027-FY2030 Strategic Plan, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to our Executive Director, Lauren Weston, at lauren.weston@acterra.org. Lauren would also be happy to share the full narrative version of the plan with anyone interested in exploring our vision and priorities for the years ahead.

Earlier this month, Acterra partnered with San Jose Clean Energy and ICAN Silicon Valley to bring a Heat Pump 101 Workshop to the Vietnamese community in San José.

The workshop helped residents learn about the benefits of heat pump water heaters and heating and cooling systems, explore available rebates and incentives, and discover resources to support a transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient homes.

Participants also had the opportunity to explore the Go Electric trailer, connect with trusted local organizations, and learn how to access a free home energy assessment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success. We look forward to continuing our partnerships and expanding access to the information and resources residents need to electrify their homes.

Acterra was proud to support another food tasting event at the Ravenswood School District as part of our Farm Fresh Futures program, which helps build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems in local schools.

The event brought together students, educators, and community leaders to celebrate local food and explore the importance of fresh, nutritious, and sustainably sourced meals. We were honored to welcome State Senator Josh Becker, East Palo Alto Mayor Webster Lincoln, and Kathy Webster from TomKat Ranch, who joined us in supporting this important work.

We’re excited to welcome our next group of summer interns who are joining the Acterra team to support our programs, outreach efforts, and community initiatives. We’re thrilled to have them with us this summer and look forward to the contributions they’ll make across our work.

Ruby Saldivar, Electrification Intern

Ruby is an incoming senior at Stanford University studying Product Design. This summer, she's joining Acterra's Beneficial Electrification team, where she'll help advance the shift toward cleaner, more efficient energy. Ruby is drawn to the intersection of design and sustainability, and is excited to bring a human-centered approach to the team's work on electrification programs.

Outside of work, you can find her dancing or exploring new cafes around the Bay Area.

Karen Contreras Cubas, Data Implementation Fellow

Karen is an undergraduate student at Stanford University studying Electrical Engineering and Political Science. This summer he will support Acterra by helping develop the organization’s new data systems to improve data accessibility, consistency, and usability. He is incredibly passionate about improving sustainability and ensuring climate justice.

In his free time, Karen enjoys making landscape paintings, developing video games, and playing soccer.

Chloe Adams, Youth Education Intern

Chloe is a recent graduate from University of Washington with a Communication major and Environmental Studies minor. She pursued this course of study in preparation for a career working in outreach and education for environmental organizations. She is a firm believer in the power of the inspired collective in pursuit of environmental justice, making her role at Acterra especially meaningful. She will be supporting Acterra’s Student Ambassador Program, helping keep program alumni connected with Acterra and each other.

Outside of work, you can find Chloe cooking, swimming, hiking, singing, rock climbing and exploring her new home in the Bay Area.

This summer, something quiet but meaningful is happening at Acterra.
We try to work with organizations that fund interns (university, work programs, etc.). For the first time in our organization's history, our summer interns are receiving a stipend FROM ACTERRA! That may sound simple, but it represents something we have wanted to do for a long time - and something we believe deeply: that the next generation of climate leaders should not have to choose between doing this work and paying their bills.

This shift was made possible by a donor whose generosity has allowed us to begin building something lasting here at Acterra. We aren't ready to share all the details yet  -  that announcement is coming this January - but we wanted to pause and say: we are grateful. Grateful to the person who made this possible. Grateful to the students who chose to spend their summer with us. And grateful to all of you who have supported Acterra in ways that make moments like this one possible.

There is more to come. Stay tuned.

The City of Menlo Park, in partnership with Acterra, is offering an electric vehicle (EV) rebate to help eligible residents access more affordable, sustainable transportation.

Eligible residents can receive a $2,000 rebate toward the purchase or lease of a new or used electric vehicle. This rebate can also be combined with other available incentive programs.

Rebates are available to qualifying Menlo Park residents, including income-qualified households, residents of disproportionately pollution-burdened neighborhoods, and adults age 65 and older.

Funding is limited. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more and apply today.

You can also join the Climate Action Circle - Acterra’s monthly giving community - and support ongoing climate action with a recurring gift starting at just $5/month.