In light of the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires across Southern California—most recently demonstrated by the devastating impacts of the January 2025 Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire — CPA has committed $50,000 in funding to support wildfire resilience and recovery efforts.
This investment is being directed to the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC CA) to enhance efforts focused on equipping California contractors and industry professionals with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to rebuild more safely and sustainably after wildfire events.
By supporting USGBC CA’s work, CPA aims to strengthen community preparedness and accelerate recovery by ensuring that rebuilding efforts in fire-impacted areas prioritize resilience, safety and sustainability. This funding reflects CPA’s broader commitment to protecting local communities and advancing climate adaptation strategies in the face of a changing and more fire-prone environment.
This one-year partnership with the USGBC CA will be dedicated to advancing two key initiatives: the Wildfire Defense Certification Program and the Wildfire Defense Rebuilding Support and Recovery Resources website.
Elizabeth Christy, USGBC California’s Education Programs Manager, views this as a critical moment to partner with local communities to help them rebuild effectively and sustainably.
“The Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities are facing huge challenges and opportunities with the redesign of their homes, schools, and infrastructure. This training provides essential resources, the latest sustainable practices and recommendations from industry experts,” Christy said. “We aim to provide the tools and contacts needed to rebuild beautiful climate resilient communities while supporting statewide efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045.”
The Wildfire Defense Certification Program has already trained over 1,300 construction and landscape professionals, providing them with essential knowledge and practical skills to help strengthen homes, buildings and surrounding landscapes against the growing threat of wildfires. CPA will provide funding to support the delivery of eight specialized training sessions through March 2026, designed to educate contractors on the most effective home hardening techniques and rebuilding practices that enhance resilience against future wildfire threats.
Funding also goes towards supporting the development and expansion of USGBC CA’s Wildfire Defense Rebuilding Support and Recovery Resources website. This resource serves as a comprehensive digital hub for property owners, builders and local governments seeking guidance on rebuilding safely and sustainably after wildfire events. The site provides guidance on best practices, resilience standards, financial assistance and regulatory compliance to support long-term recovery and preparedness.
In the Wildfire Defense Certification Program, contractors will gain in-depth knowledge of fire-resistant construction materials, defensible space design, landscape strategies, and other best practices aligned with current wildfire mitigation standards.
By equipping local building professionals with these essential skills, CPA is helping communities recovering from wildfires to rebuild safely and protect their properties in the long term.
This effort also aligns with broader regional goals of increasing climate resilience, reducing future fire risk, and supporting sustainable, informed rebuilding efforts in high-risk areas.
To learn more about these wildlife defense efforts, visit https://usgbc-ca.org/programs/wildfire-defense-education-and-tours/.
