Advancing Renewable Energy Affordability Strategy

Los Angeles County is working to strengthen how it advances renewable energy affordability by improving how internal systems and policy engagement support clean energy deployment. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop a countywide strategy for renewable energy affordability and regulatory engagement to support more coordinated, effective implementation across the Chief Sustainability Office. Ultimately, this work will expand access to reliable, cost-effective clean energy and strengthen long-term outcomes for communities across Los Angeles County.

Fellowship Dates: October 26, 2026 - October 20, 2028

Salary: Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual salary of $95,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. This amount is not representative of market-rate salaries for the experienced professionals in our program but is intended as compensation for a year of public service.

ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP

FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to work more effectively for communities. We embed private sector executives in city and county agencies to lead projects that improve public services and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 400 projects in 58 governments across 26 states, impacting a total population equivalent to 1 in 10 Americans.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and community stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward high-priority local needs. Projects address today's most pressing challenges and opportunities, including affordable housing, economic mobility, climate resilience, public safety, infrastructure, technology, and more.

FUSE conducts a full executive search for each individual project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the community being served.

Executive Fellows are embedded in government agencies working with senior leaders for at least one year of full-time work. Prospective responsibilities may include thorough data analytics and research, developing enhanced operations and financial models, building change management and strategic planning processes, and/or building broad coalitions to support project implementation efforts. Executive Fellows are data-driven and results-oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects. They build strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, foster alignment within and across various layers of government, and build partnerships between governments and communities.

Throughout the fellowships, Executive Fellows receive training, coaching, and professional support to help achieve their project goals.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Reliable, affordable energy systems are essential to supporting resilient, healthy, and economically stable communities. As regions transition toward cleaner energy sources, ensuring that energy remains accessible and cost-effective for all residents has become increasingly important. In Los Angeles County, rising energy costs have placed growing pressure on households, particularly low-income residents, renters, and communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing renewable energy technologies. Many residents are unable to benefit from solutions such as rooftop solar due to upfront costs or housing constraints, while existing rate structures can shift costs onto those without access to these technologies. As energy systems evolve, aligning affordability with long-term sustainability presents a critical opportunity to expand access to reliable, clean energy across diverse communities.

Los Angeles County's Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) has begun advancing efforts to support a transition to clean energy while addressing the associated impacts on residents. The County has established ambitious goals to achieve net zero emissions and has made progress in developing policy positions on emerging technologies such as hydrogen power and battery energy storage. At the same time, the County is exploring opportunities to expand renewable energy installations across its own facilities and to improve internal processes, including permitting, to support this work. Recognizing that many key decisions related to energy pricing and infrastructure are made at the state level, the County is also beginning to explore how it can more effectively engage in regulatory processes led by entities such as the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission. As these efforts evolve, there is an opportunity to strengthen coordination, clarify priorities, and expand the County's role in shaping energy outcomes.

Los Angeles County will partner with FUSE to advance a comprehensive approach to renewable energy strategy and energy affordability. The FUSE Executive Fellow will: conduct a landscape analysis of state-level energy proceedings and engagement opportunities and develop recommendations for County involvement; develop a system to track and support ongoing policy participation; advise on and draft intervenor comments connected to state-level proceedings; research emerging energy technologies and develop policy recommendations; and assess internal permitting processes to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and alignment. Ultimately, this partnership will support Los Angeles County in strengthening its ability to influence energy policy, improve internal operations, and expand access to affordable, reliable clean energy for communities across the region.

PROJECT APPROACH

Beginning in Fall 2026, the FUSE Executive Fellow will work with CSO to advance a coordinated strategy for renewable energy affordability and policy engagement. The fellow will focus on strengthening the County's ability to navigate and influence state-level energy decisions while improving internal processes that support renewable energy deployment. Through this work, the fellow will help the County define a more proactive and strategic approach to advancing clean energy goals in a way that aligns affordability, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability priorities.

During the first 90 days, the fellow will conduct a comprehensive discovery phase to build a deep understanding of the County's current energy landscape, policy environment, and internal operations. The fellow will lead a structured listening tour with stakeholders across the Chief Sustainability Office, including leadership and staff involved in policy, planning, and implementation, as well as key internal partners such as the Internal Services Department and other relevant County agencies.

In parallel, the fellow will conduct a landscape analysis and review key materials, including County plans, existing policy positions, and prior analyses, while researching best practices from comparable jurisdictions and emerging models for regulatory engagement and clean energy strategy. Based on these insights, the fellow will synthesize findings and present concepts for evolving and refining the project approach for review and approval by County leadership before advancing to the next phase of work.

Using the insights gathered during discovery, the fellow will lead the development of a strategic framework to strengthen the County's role in renewable energy policy engagement and internal coordination. This work will include identifying and mapping relevant state-level regulatory proceedings, developing a system to track and prioritize engagement opportunities, and supporting the County in developing clear and actionable policy positions on emerging energy technologies. The fellow will engage closely with CSO staff and internal partners to ensure alignment with County priorities, while also collaborating with external stakeholders such as regulatory agencies, industry experts, and regional partners to inform and validate approaches. The fellow will also assess current permitting processes for renewable energy installations across County facilities, using interviews and process mapping to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. The fellow will develop recommendations to enhance coordination, streamline workflows, and support expanded renewable deployment, while remaining responsive to evolving priorities and insights that emerge throughout the project.

By the end of the fellowship, Los Angeles County will have a clearer and more actionable strategic direction for advancing renewable energy affordability and policy engagement. The Chief Sustainability Office will be better positioned to identify and participate in key regulatory opportunities, develop consistent and informed policy positions, improve internal processes that support renewable energy deployment, and align with interrelated efforts such as building performance standards and reach codes. Staff will have stronger coordination across departments and improved access to tools and frameworks that support ongoing engagement and decision-making. To ensure sustainability, the fellow will work with County leadership to integrate systems, strategies, and recommendations into ongoing operations, establish clear ownership of next steps, and create a foundation for continued progress beyond the fellowship period.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

By Fall 2027, the Executive Fellow will have produced the following:

• Developed a Renewable Energy Policy Engagement Framework - Designed a comprehensive framework that enables the County to identify, track, and engage in key state-level regulatory proceedings, with clear priorities, timelines, and defined roles to support more effective participation in energy decision-making.
• Advocated for County Residents - Supported the engagement on key state-level regulatory proceedings through participation in rulemaking-related meetings, outreach to stakeholders, and drafting of letters and comments that outline the County's position.
• Produced Standardized Policy Positions and Briefing Materials - Created a set of clear, actionable policy positions and supporting briefs on priority renewable energy and emerging technology topics to ensure consistent, informed engagement.
• Completed a Permitting Process Improvement Plan - Delivered a set of recommendations and implementation-ready tools to streamline permitting for renewable energy installations across County facilities, improving coordination and accelerating project timelines.
• Established an Internal Coordination and Tracking System - Designed and piloted a system to improve cross-department coordination and track energy initiatives and regulatory engagement, strengthening alignment and accountability.
• Developed an Implementation Roadmap and Sustainability Plan - Created a detailed roadmap outlining next steps, ownership, and resource needs to sustain and scale this work, ensuring long-term integration into County operations.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

• Executive Sponsor - Rita Kampalath, Chief Sustainability Officer, Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office
• Project Supervisor - Victoria Simon, Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

QUALIFICATIONS

• Synthesizes complex information into clear and concise recommendations and action-oriented implementation plans.
• Develops and effectively implements both strategic and operational project management plans.
• Generates innovative, data-driven, and result-oriented solutions to complex challenges.
• Respond quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies, and other processes.
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing and excels in active listening and conversing.
• Fosters collaboration across multiple constituencies to support more effective decision-making.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, both inside and outside of government, particularly community-based relationships.
• Embraces differing viewpoints and implements strategies to find common ground. Demonstrates confidence and professional diplomacy while effectively interacting with individuals at all levels of various organizations.

FUSE is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position.