SGC Catalyst Model Collaborative Governance Model: Institutional Support for Collaborative Governance Structures

Collaborative governance has a long history in natural resource management; however, its use in other contexts is relatively new. There are many ways in which current institutional structures prevent collaborative forms of governance. Many grant programs, for example, operate on a single-applicant basis, discouraging applicants from establishing collaborative governance structures. State entities must shift toward more decentralized, flexible, and responsive forms of decision-making.

Outcomes

• Identifies and resolves institutional barriers to collaborative governance
• Creates a culture of trust, flexibility, shared responsibility, and responsiveness to community interests that guide decision-making structures and processes
• Centers diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in institutional structures

How to Do This

Formalize the inclusion of diverse viewpoints in governance structures.

In 2023, CDFA transitioned two ad-hoc committees established in 2021 into formal advisory committees. As described in the Racial Equity Blog Post by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, “the BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee will advise on the tenets set forth in the Farmer Equity Act and the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee will ensure that CDFA programs and policies will reach and serve small-scale producers in California. Both groups serve as a platform for the voices of those most underserved by CDFA programs, policies, and resources.”

Establish an institutional framework and provide resources that promote equity.

• Establish an organizational Racial Equity Action Plan and leadership structure to support implementation.
• Capitol Collaborative on Race & Equity (CCORE), a racial equity capacity-building program for California State employees, offers training to learn about, plan for, and implement activities that embed racial equity approaches into institutional culture, policies, and practices.

Identify and find ways to address existing disparities in program access.

SGC's Technical Assistance Toolkit has been developed to support California State agencies and other public and private funders in developing technical assistance programs that make a meaningful difference in under-resourced communities.