Advancing Infrastructure and Sustainability: CCFC Hosts 31st Annual Conference
In November, the Community College Facilities Coalition (CCFC) hosted its 31st Annual Conference in Rancho Mirage, drawing over 500 college administrators, facilities professionals, and industry partners. The event served as a hub for sharing best practices, networking, and exploring innovative strategies to advance infrastructure and sustainability across California’s community college system.
Exploring Economic and Educational Horizons
The conference opened with the highly anticipated Economic Outlook, presented by Michael Bracken, Managing Partner and Chief Economist at Development Management Group, Inc. Bracken provided a thorough analysis of the global and domestic economic landscape and its implications for community colleges in the year ahead, setting the stage for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Over three days, participants engaged in educational sessions that addressed critical topics, including:
- Capital outlay and space utilization
- State and local bond initiatives
- Contracting and compliance strategies
- Labor market navigation
- Inclusive and sustainable campus environments
- Modernization and maintenance of facilities
A central theme of this year’s conference was the intersection of facilities modernization, climate action, and leveraging new funding opportunities to support educational excellence and sustainability.
CollegeBuys: Driving Innovation in Campus Facilities and Sustainability
CollegeBuys played a pivotal role in enhancing the collective knowledge of facilities professionals at the conference.
A standout session, “Enhancing College Facilities and Operations Through CollegeBuys Contracts,” featured Jennifer Keiper, Senior Director of Procurement Services, who provided an in-depth overview of the CollegeBuys program, including its statutory authority and wide array of resources.
Co-panelists John White, Executive Director of Bond Program & Facilities Planning at College of the Desert, and Lisa Williams, Utility and Sustainability Manager at Los Angeles Community College District (CCD), discussed their experiences as part of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Request for Proposal (RFP) committee. They highlighted the resulting contract benefits in aligning with their respective campuses’ current EV landscape and sustainability goals.
The session concluded with insights from Priya Jerome, Executive Director of Procurement and Risk Management at South Orange County CCD, who emphasized the advantages of Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) agreements in optimizing resources and achieving cost savings through examples of recent projects for LED lighting and FF&E.
Beyond the session, Jennifer Keiper and Jorge Burwick, Senior Manager of Procurement Services, collaborated with Eric Mittlestead at the pre-conference Facilities Officers Summit to provide updates on CollegeBuys, the Center for Climate Futures, and the FUSION program. Additionally, CollegeBuys hosted a resource table, offering guidance on procurement solutions tailored to facilities-focused needs.
The Impact of Prop 2: A New Era of Campus Modernization
Excitement permeated the conference as attendees celebrated the passage of Proposition 2, a landmark state school bond measure. Prop 2 allocates $10 billion for K-14 facility construction, repairs, and upgrades, including $1.5 billion specifically for California’s community colleges.
These funds will enable districts to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance campus safety, and foster innovative, functional learning environments. The passage of this bond underscores California’s dedication to educational equity and environmental sustainability. Community college leaders are now poised to leverage this significant funding to reduce carbon footprints and create resilient, future-ready campuses.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Modern, Sustainable Campuses
The CCFC’s 31st Annual Conference underscored the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and investment in meeting the evolving needs of California’s community colleges.
With the support of CollegeBuys, funding from Prop 2, and a unified commitment to sustainability, districts are equipped to create modern, climate-resilient campuses that inspire student success and drive meaningful community impact.
As the community college system continues to adapt and thrive, conferences like CCFC’s remain critical in fostering the partnerships and solutions needed for a sustainable, equitable future.
