Samuel Assefa

Racist tropes coming from the President should disgust every American.

Grammys zeitgeist moments: “No one is illegal on a stolen land” Billie Eilish. phrase rooted in Indigenous activismand “ICE Out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we’re human and we’re Americans. The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”, Bad Bunny.

⭐ Today, Governor Newsom delivered his final State of the State address — a moment to reflect on how far California has come, and the work ahead. Across LCI, the California Strategic Growth Council and the California Racial Equity Commission we’ve seen firsthand how leadership paired with community partnerships can turn crisis into resilience — from wildfire recovery to housing affordability to long-term climate planning. ➡️ Read Director @samassefa reflections on the Governor’s legacy and what it means for the communities we serve: lci.ca.gov/news/2026/01-0… #CaliforniaForAll #WhoDoYouStandFor

⭐️The opening of Cypress View shows what’s possible when housing, transit, climate, and community priorities move forward together. Through @CalSGC programs — and with leadership from Chair @samassefa — state investments are helping communities like Watts rebuild public housing into vibrant, mixed-income neighborhoods with access to transit, schools, health care, and green space. This is California at its best: collaboration, partnership, and results!

🌟👟 From playgrounds and parks to transit access and a paid summer trades program for teens, 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. This week, state and local partners joined residents, Mayor @KarenBassLA, @HACLA1938 and @BRIDGEhousing to celebrate the grand opening of Cypress View, 119 new affordable homes located in the $1B redevelopment of Jordan Downs California’s investments through SGC’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program and Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) helped turn this community vision into reality: ✔️ Safe, modern homes ✔️ New green spaces + community facilities ✔️ Safer walking + biking ✔️ Transit, EV chargers & discounted passes ✔️ Local jobs + Section 3 hiring “This is more than housing — it’s community, resilience, opportunity and pride,” said SGC Chair & @Cal_LCI Director @samassefa. 💛 Congratulations to Watts residents — especially longtime families moving into Cypress View — and to every partner who made this milestone possible. 📢 Dive into the full story online today: sgc.ca.gov/newsroom/press… The AHSC and TCC programs utilized for Jordan Downs are part of @CAClimateInvest California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest, formerly known as Cap-and-Trade, dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. #WattsRising #CypressView #JordanDowns #BuildMoreFaster #AffordableHousing #CaliforniaForAll

Ethiopia proves that development isn’t about oil or gold, but about clear vision. Addis Ababa is moving forward, modernizing, and inspiring.

As California approaches the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, @CAgovernor Newsom announced free entry to more than 200 @CAStateParks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This Jan. 19, Californians are welcomed to get outside and honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality. Free vehicle day-use entry is available for one passenger vehicle or motorcycle at participating parks. Some locations and special tours may still require a fee. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31769

“Talent development is as vital as physical infrastructure.” PM Abiy Ahmed (PhD) A powerful reminder that people are the true foundation of #DigitalEthiopia2030 🇪🇹💡

✨ 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 & 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 | 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥 ✨  From climate-resilient infrastructure to community-driven planning, 2025 was a powerful year of progress across LCI, SGC, and the California Racial Equity Commission. Together, we connected land use, innovation, and equity to help every community thrive.     🗺️ We launched tools like the Vulnerable Communities Platform and CalHeatScore, helping Californians understand and prepare for climate risks. 🔥 Through the Extreme Heat Program, $32M went to community-led cooling and resilience projects statewide. 🪶 We continued strengthening Tribal capacity-building efforts, expanding grant assistance, funding access, and partnerships that support Tribal self-determination and climate leadership. ⚖️ The California Racial Equity Commission advanced California’s first-ever Racial Equity Framework, centering justice, belonging, and accountability. 🏘️ SGC surpassed $𝟓 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 invested in affordable housing, clean transportation, climate resilience, and people-powered solutions. 🌍 From local neighborhoods to the global stage, partnerships strengthened climate resilience at every scale.   Thank you to our state, local, Tribal, and international partners — this progress is only possible because of you. 💚 
➡️ Learn more in our Part 1 Newsletter: conta.cc/4asoUDv   #CaliforniaForAll #BuiltToLast #LCI55 #SGC #TheCommission

🛍️ Small Business Saturday is more than shopping locally — it’s a reminder that small businesses are essential partners in building a resilient and equitable California. From family-owned translation services and community-based media outlets to local planners, engineers, and small contractors — small and diverse businesses help shape the climate, housing, and equity solutions that power our state. By working with small businesses, the state: 🤝 Builds trust with communities 💼 Supports local jobs and economic mobility 🌱 Strengthens climate resilience with culturally grounded expertise 📣 Expands language access and inclusive communication At the Governor’s Office of Land Use & Climate Innovation (LCI), the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), and the California Racial Equity Commission (the Commission), we’re committed to uplifting small businesses through partnerships, contracts, and community-led work. Because a California for All must invest in the people and businesses rooted in our neighborhoods. 💚 Today and every day, we are grateful for the local innovators building solutions — big and small — across our state. #SmallBusinessSaturday #ShopSmall #CaliforniaForAll 💼🌎

💻🔒 Today is Computer Security Day — a reminder to protect your data, devices, and the communities we serve. Behind every policy, grant program, and community partnership, there’s a network of safeguards that protect sensitive information and maintain public trust. At the Governor’s Office of Land Use & Climate Innovation (LCI), alongside the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and the California Racial Equity Commission (the Commission), our work depends on the secure systems that keep data safe — from grant applications to project dashboards, community engagement records, geospatial climate tools, and language access services. 🔐 A special thank you to our IT team, who: 🔎 Monitor risks and protect our systems 🛡️ Ensure secure access to government data 🤝 Support staff and partners across programs 🌱 Helps advance climate and equity work without compromising security Because building a California for All requires protecting the people and information that make it possible. Trust is resilience, too. 💚 #ComputerSecurityDay #ThankYouIT 💻✨

🎃 Happy Halloween from the Governor’s Office of Land Use & Climate Innovation! Our Director, @samassefa, is channeling his inner Captain Resilience Builder—and when it comes to building a resilient, sustainable California, teamwork is his superpower! 💪🏾🌎 From climate adaptation to affordable housing, every partnership helps us create a California for All. 👻 #SpiritOfHalloween #ClimateResilience #CaliforniaForAll #TeamLCI

🇰🇪🫱🏾‍🫲🏿 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 Representing California’s leadership, LCI Director @samassefa joins @ucdavis faculty and global affairs leaders in Kenya — advancing the 2025 California–Kenya Climate MOU signed by @CAgovernor Gavin Newsom and President William Ruto. 🌍✨ This visit builds on California’s partnerships across climate, agriculture, transportation, and innovation — continuing Governor Newsom’s call for global collaboration on climate solutions. 💡 A major milestone: planning the launch of Africa’s first Center of Excellence for Sustainable Transport in Nairobi, co-led by UC Davis Global South Center for Clean Transportation and Kenyan partners — driving low-carbon, resilient mobility solutions across the continent. California and Kenya stand united in turning research into real-world climate action — empowering communities, innovators, and the next generation of leaders. 🌿🤝 Read the full article here: ucdavis.edu/news/chancello… #GlobalPartnerships #AfricaMOU #CleanMobility #LCI #UCDAvis #Kenya

I just signed bipartisan laws to lower Californians' electricity costs, stabilize our gas supply, and provide a stable funding source for @CaHSRA's high-speed rail. Millions of Californians will soon start saving billions on their energy costs, and the savings don’t stop there.

🌍 California’s international innovation exchange continues in the Netherlands! 🏟️ As California looks ahead to hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2026 & 2027 Super Bowls, and the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, LCI director @samassefa and fellow California delegates are on the ground in the Netherlands, learning additional ways the state can build on our work to hold major international events with environmental sustainability at their core. 🏎️ Today delegates visited Seinwezen in Haarlem, before heading to the Zandvoort Formula 1 Racing Circuit—an iconic venue known for integrating sustainability into one of the world’s most high-energy sports. Guests had the opportunity to witness the first practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix, gaining firsthand insight into the logistics and environmental considerations involved in hosting tens of thousands of attendees. 📊 The delegation was also given an exclusive look behind the scenes of event planning. Hearing presentations from NLA - LA28 and the Operation Mobility Center, which offered valuable lessons for future global events in California. ♻️ Throughout the day, delegates also discussed and reflected on what it takes to make global gatherings not only spectacular, but environmentally responsible. 🔑The key takeaway: From arrival to closing ceremony, sustainability must be at the core of our planning! #GlobalClimateAction #Sustainability #CaliforniaInnovation #ClimateLeadership #GreenFuture

💼 Today, @CAgovernor Newsom and the @CAJobsFirst Collaborative awarded $80 million across 18 counties to fund ready-to-go projects designed to drive sustainable and equitable economic growth. Included in today’s funding is nearly $17 million to a coalition led by REACH Central Coast for aerospace and defense projects, including about $7.5 million for the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (@MBEPartnership ) to develop a regional Advanced Air Mobility corridor between four public airports. ✈️ This announcement comes as LCI director @samassefa and fellow Californian delegates—including Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART), part of the MBEP team awarded grant funds today—are on the ground in the Netherlands, engaging with international leaders on clean air mobility and sustainable transportation. 🌍 While visiting the Netherlands—one of the world’s leaders in innovative transit—guests are exchanging ideas that will help shape the future of mobility in California and beyond. 🌱 As we look toward a future of environmental sustainability, we’re building the infrastructure and partnerships necessary for a cleaner, more connected California. 🔗 Read the full release: gov.ca.gov/2025/08/29/cal… #CaliforniaJobsFirst #SustainableFuture #FutureOfMobility #CleanAirMobility #ConnectedCalifornia

LCI Announcement: California delegates visit the Netherlands to strengthen global climate partnerships, advance climate action From Aug. 21-31, the King’s Commissioner of Noord-Holland hosted a California delegation in the Netherlands to strengthen global partnerships and exchange innovations in climate resilience and sustainable mobility. 🚁 Delegates visited Amsterdam and Rotterdam to observe how autonomous aircraft and drones are being tested for disaster response from real-time wildfire tracking to delivering supplies in hard-to-reach areas. 🏅The team also explored how the Netherlands leads in sustainable large-scale event planning—insights California will apply as it prepares to host Super Bowls, FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics & Paralympics Games. 🔗 Read the full press release on our website: lci.ca.gov/news/2025/09-0… With this delegation, the Newsom administration has now partnered with jurisdictions in 27 countries, touching more than a quarter of the world’s population and a combined GDP in the tens of trillions of dollars! #ClimateAction #GlobalPartnerships #Innovation #Sustainability #California

📸 Huge thanks to our hosts at @CIFOR_ICRAF for capturing these powerful moments from the Resilience Africa Summit in July, where Director Samuel Assefa paneled a discussion entitled "Challenges and Best Practices for Resilience.” 🌍✨ From Nairobi to Sacramento, Mombasa to Los Angeles, communities around the world are facing similar urgent challenges—rising heat, drought, flooding, and economic uncertainty. 🌱 That's why in February, more than 600 global leaders came together for the Climate Resilient California and Californians Summit co-hosted by the Vatican, UC system, and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to accelerate community-centered climate solutions. This international gathering builds on the MAST framework—Mitigation, Adaptation, and Societal Transformation—a vision championed by the late Pope Francis and powered by subnational leadership across the globe. 💚 At LCI, we’re proud to be part of this work—connecting local action with global transformation and reimagining resilience from the ground up. 🌿 What’s next? In August LCI will join the California State Transportation Agency and UC Davis, for the California Africa Climate and Economic Delegation! There the focus will be to continue building cross-continental collaboration in clean energy, transportation, sustainable infrastructure, and economic innovation. 🔗 Learn more about the Resilient Africa Summit here: bit.ly/ResilientAfric… 🔗 Explore California’s global climate leadership: today.ucsd.edu/story/local-le… #Trees4Resilience #ResilienceInAction #ClimateJustice #Sustainability #GreenAfrica #FutureFocused #CommunityPower #CaliforniaForAll #AfricanLeadership #MASTFramework #InnovateForChange #GlobalToLocal 💚🌎

California and Africa share a bold climate vision, and LCI is honored to help bring that vision to life. As part of this delegation, Director @samassefa engaged with leaders across sectors to explore shared solutions in sustainable land use, transportation and climate-smart planning.