UC Davis Workshop | Taking a Look at Our Energy Future

Taking a Look at Our Energy Future: Community Power & Rural Resilience

UC Davis Cooperative Extension presents a workshop led by Dr. Keith Taylor, exploring how rural communities across the U.S. have strengthened local resilience by organizing community-owned and cooperative economic systems. Participants will learn about the “hidden economy” of public entities, cooperatives, and locally governed institutions that support essential services such as housing, food systems, transportation, and electric power.

The workshop highlights real-world case studies, opportunities and constraints in community-scale infrastructure, and lessons for regions facing rising energy costs and wildfire risk. Designed for residents, agencies, decision-makers, businesses, and community organizations, this session builds shared understanding and supports thoughtful local conversations about energy, affordability, and long-term resilience — without advocating a single outcome or model.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This workshop is intended for individuals and organizations interested in learning from established research and real-world examples of community-scale economic and energy solutions, including:
• Local residents seeking to better understand how energy systems and costs affect community stability
• State, regional, and local governments, and others responsible for planning, emergency response, and public services
• Special districts and public agencies involved in utilities, water, transportation, or housing
• Housing, workforce, and economic development practitioners
• Small business owners and employers affected by energy costs and reliability
• Community-based organizations interested in long-term resilience and affordability

Register HERE