(1) Supporting the development of and updates to regional adaptation and mitigation plans, strategies, and programs, including performing qualitative and quantitative research, compiling and hosting relevant data and resources, developing tools, and providing technical assistance.
(2) Supporting the implementation of regional adaptation and mitigation plans, strategies, and programs, including evaluating funding and financing mechanisms, monitoring and evaluating progress, and providing technical assistance.
(3) Facilitating the exchange of adaptation and mitigation best practices, policies, projects, and strategies among participating local agencies and stakeholders.
(4) Conducting activities to support ongoing coordination and capacity building among
participating local agencies and stakeholders, including convening working groups, organizing training opportunities, and creating mechanisms for collaboration.
(5) Conducting educational activities for local agencies, decisionmakers, key stakeholders, and the general public to increase their understanding of climate change risks and adaptation and mitigation solutions.
(6) Administering grants to local agencies and eligible stakeholders.
(e) Regional climate change authorities have, and may exercise, all powers, expressed or implied, that are necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this part, including, but not limited to, the power to do all of the following:
(1) Apply for and receive grants from federal and state agencies.
(2) Enter into and perform all necessary contracts.
(3) Enter into joint power agreements pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act (Chapter 5 (commending with Section 6500) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code).
(4) Hire staff, define their qualifications and duties, and provide a schedule of compensation for the performance of their duties.
(f) A regional climate change authority may establish distinct governance procedures and policies that acknowledge regional conditions and accommodate regional needs to administer activities pursuant to this section. Governance procedures and policies shall include processes for local elected officials and community-based organizations to participate.
(g) Regional climate change authorities shall submit to the council an annual report that includes, but need not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) The participating local agencies and stakeholders of the regional climate change authority.
(2) An outline of all activities conducted and the outcome of each activity.
(3) Meetings and actions taken by the regional climate change authority.
(4) An accounting of the administration of and expenditures made by the regional climate change authority.
(5) Recommendations to state agencies on opportunities to support regional climate adaptation and mitigation planning, investment, and implementation.