On September 1, 2021, Lindsey Smith joined the City of Oceanside’s Planning Division as a Professional Assistant to help advance the City’s Climate Action plan. Her position was made possible with support from CCMF’s Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund.
The Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund offers $5,000 grants to local governments each year to fund internships. Half the funding for this program comes from the estate of Judy Lyn Kelsey, a longtime California city manager with a passion for uplifting others. The other half of the funding is contributed by CCMF. The City of Oceanside was selected as a recipient of the 2021 award.
“The City of Oceanside is honored to receive the Judy Kelsey grant, and we are thrilled with the work Lindsey has accomplished so far,” said Principal Planner Russ Cunningham. “Her expertise in Environmental Studies has been an enormous asset as we work to advance this important community program.”
Lindsey is assigned to facilitate the implementation of Oceanside’s Climate Action Plan, collaborating with staff in various departments including Engineering, Utilities, Public Works, Neighborhood Services and Economic Development.
Lindsey is currently working with the Planning Division to prepare guidance for new development projects subject to recently adopted urban forestry standards. To that end, she has created a digital maintenance plan template that will be available to applicants on the City’s webpage. Additionally, Lindsey has assisted with conducting research on Urban Agriculture Incentive zones, green streets policies, tree canopy inventories and carbon farming to support the City’s urban forestry and local agriculture goals. In the coming weeks, Lindsey will assist staff in preparing for a Climate Action Plan summit that will bring together all City disciplines with a formal role in reducing local Greenhouse gas emissions.
Applications for the 2022 Judy Kelsey Memorial Fund will open to California cities next spring. Visit the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund webpage for more information.