Technology of Participation (ToP)

The County of San Mateo (the “County” or “SMC”) covers most of the San Francisco Peninsula. The region covers 744 square miles and is home to nearly 800,000 residents and 20 incorporated cities. The County provides for the health and welfare of all people within its borders and serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Innovation thrives here in industries including bioscience, computer software, green technology, hospitality, financial management, health care, education and transportation. The County prides itself on how that prosperity fosters its commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, welfare and natural resources of the community.

Formed in July 2014, the San Mateo County Sustainability Department strives to improve the sustainability of the County’s operations and the greater community through work that is designed to bring solutions today while solving for tomorrow. The Sustainability Department has programs to help the county both fight and prepare for climate change, ensure clean energy, water, and air, and conserve resources for future generations through waste reduction.

The Sustainability Department has approximately 40 staff members and provides services in the following areas: Communications, Climate Resilience, Climate Protection, Waste Reduction, and Special Districts with similar but varying community needs.

The department is seeking a vendor that will provide meeting facilitation using Technology of Participation as a core aspect of the facilitation. We are also looking to have staff trained with these skills and philosophy.