The California Adaptation Forum aims to create a network of adaptation leaders committed to addressing climate risks in California. Organized by the Local Government Commission and the State of California, first California Adaptation Forum is scheduled for August 19-20, 2014. This two-day forum will build off last year’s successful National Adaptation Forum in Colorado. The attendance of many California leaders there underscored the need for a California-focused event, which will be held every other year to complement the biennial national conference. Climate change is having, and will have, more widespread impacts on California’s economy and environment. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, steps must be taken to protect against climate impacts that are already occurring. The California Adaptation Forum will create a comprehensive network of adaptation leaders who have a strong commitment to addressing these climate risks. The Forum program will reflect the diverse needs and challenges facing California and bring together leading voices from around the state to share insights about how we can most effectively respond. The forum will engage a diverse mix of more than 600 California policymakers, practitioners, and leaders. The audience will include elected officials, public- and private-sector leaders, nonprofits and researchers addressing public health, energy, water, emergency management, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and coastal management issues associated with climate change and adaptation.