With support from CCMF’s Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund, the City of Petaluma has benefited from intern Janelle Barraza’s work on the city’s climate projects.
The Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund offers two $5,000 grants to local governments to fund summer 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. CCMF is matching her gift to provide a second $5,000 grant. The City of Gustine and the City of Petaluma were selected as the 2020 recipients of the inaugural Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund grants.
“Having Janelle’s assistance researching policies and actions for the Climate Action Commission and taking on the survey of climate action was an enormous load off my plate,” said Senior Management Analyst Patrick Carter. “I don’t know how I would have been able to manage those tasks in a timely manner without her!”
Janelle worked in the City Manager’s Office and with the City’s Economic Development and Open Government department. Her tasks included conducting research for the City’s Climate Action Commission; setting up, monitoring, and summarizing results for a climate action survey; and developing educational resources and a webpage about the City’s polystyrene waste reduction ordinance. She also created a section of the city newsletter dedicated to positive climate programs to engage the community with the Climate Action Commission.
“My time spent interning with Petaluma’s Climate Action Commission has reinforced my desire to spend my career working towards climate solutions,” said Janelle. “Working with such competent, passionate public sector professionals has opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating lasting positive impacts within local government work.”
Applications for the 2021 Judy Kelsey Memorial Fund will open next spring. Please visit the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund webpage for more information or contact jon@tripepismith.com with any questions.