Infrastructure Task Force

Please join EBLC's Infrastructure Task Force for a discussion on land use planning and wildfire preparedness efforts at the East Bay Regional Park District. We’ll be joined by representatives from the Park District to discuss current wildfire risk reduction strategies, land management practices, and recent planning initiatives. Insights from this discussion will guide EBLC’s efforts to advance resilient planning policies for the East Bay.

OUR SPEAKERS

Allison Brooks, Assistant General Manager (AGM), External Affairs
Allison joined the Park District in May 2025 after serving nearly 12 years as Executive Director of the Bay Area Regional Collaborative (BARC), a consortium of regional and state agencies created through state legislation to facilitate coordination on issues of regional significance across the 9-county Bay Area. Prior to that, Allison spent 6 years leading the national organization Reconnecting America supporting regions across the United States to implement equitable transit-oriented development. Earlier, she led the Livable Communities Initiative at the East Bay Community Foundation for over 6 years working to advance sustainable and equitable land use practices across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Allison holds a BA in Political Science from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Sustainable International Development from the Heller Graduate School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.

Brian Holt, Acting AGM of Acquisition, Stewardship, and Planning
Brian has been with the Park District for over two decades. Brian began his career working for the Napa County Conservation, Development, and Planning Department permitting vineyard and winery projects before moving into private consulting managing CEQA analysis on housing and infrastructure projects throughout California. Since joining the Park District, he has led the organization's interagency planning efforts in partnering with cities and private developers to advance the District's Master Plan. Brian has a degree in Natural Resource Planning and Management from Humboldt State University and Masters of Environmental Management from the Department of Environmental Leadership at Duke University.

Khari Helae, Assistant Fire Chief, Public Safety 
Khari brings over 24 years of dedicated fire service experience to his role. He spearheads the district's Fuels Management program, central to wildfire prevention and fuels mitigation. Khari’s extensive career includes diverse roles, including Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain, across Operations, Training, and Administration. This comprehensive background informs his technical expertise and informed approach to safeguarding communities and preserving ecological resources. He is passionate about fostering a culture of safety and innovation, dedicating his expertise in fire operations and fuels management to protect the communities he serves.

MEETING AGENDA

11:00 AM — Welcome and Introductions, Jared Asch
11:02 AM — Chair Update, Jared Asch
11:06 AM — Policy Director Update, Meg Stern
11:10 AM — Speaker Introductions, Allison Brooks
11:12 AM — East Bay Regional Park District Presentation, Brian Holt, Khari Helae, & Allison Brooks
11:35 AM — Q&A, All
11:55 AM — Member Updates, All
12:00 PM — Adjourn, Jared Asch

The East Bay Leadership Council is an employer-led membership organization on a mission to improve the economy and quality of life in the East Bay through policy advocacy. Thank you for contributing to our work through your involvement in EBLC’s Infrastructure Task Force.