FRANCE :  A delegation from France will come to examine programs and initiatives aimed at improving economic performance while minimizing harm to the environment in order to review policies on environmental issues that affect urban communities. In Sacramento the delegation will examine how individuals, community organizations, businesses and local government work together to provide services that address environmental concerns in urban areas.  Additionally the group will work to increase the understanding of the U.S. approach to resource management and sustainable development initiatives, including at the political and social levels.

European Union and Germany :  Mr. Felix Bloch, General Director for Agriculture and Rural Development for the EU commission is coming to explore U.S. Agricultural issues. The main purpose of Mr. Bloch’s visit is to explore the wine trade and look at some organizations that  address how state government advocates regulate this industry. Mr. Felix Bloch will also visit vineyards and meet with people in the field. In Sacramento , he will examine the state government angle of the wine Industry and explore the wine research field at UC Davis.

France: In April, a group of French delegates, including the Vice-President of Environmental Issues in the French Association of Private Enterprise, the Deputy Mayor of Eco-neighborhoods in Toulouse, the Head of the Office of Eco-Technology and Competitiveness in the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development, and the Director of Economic Studies at the COE-REXECODE institution, will be visiting Sacrament to enhance their understanding of the U.S. approach to resource management and sustainable development initiatives at the political and social levels. In order to achieve this goal, they will examine different programs, initiatives, environmental policies, as well as the participation of individuals, communities, businesses and local governments and the ways in which they can collectively work toward improving economic performance, while minimizing harm to the environment.

Multi-regional project:  A multiregional group interested in the issue of Climate Change is visiting Northern California to explore emerging U.S. policies on climate change by learning about various advances in renewable energy sources, markets, research and innovation. In California, they are going to examine state government policies and programs to develop and promote sustainable development, alternative energy use and carbon consumption reduction, state-of-the-art research on climate change and renewable energy and grassroots and non-governmental organizations efforts to raise awareness, to support the related research and develop new programs.

Poland :  A delegation from Poland will be in Sacramento to gain a better understanding of transatlantic security and U.S. foreign policy. The meetings will provide insights into the U.S. political decision-making process, especially on foreign policy and security issues discussing in particular U.S.-Polish bilateral relations, including issues of mutual concern such as foreign policy, regional security, and the role of NATO. The delegation will also explore how civic engagement through individual citizens, community groups, think tanks and lobbying associations influences policy, and provide government accountability in the U.S.  The delegation will be in Sacramento to share best practices in political party management in the U.S. , including leadership, coalition building, and campaign management and to learn how congressional offices in local districts are organized.