California Counties Receive Green Grants
State Allocations Awarded for Sustainable Communities Planning and Urban Greening
Ten California Counties have been awarded grants for sustainable communities planning and urban greening by the California Strategic Growth Council. Receiving grants are Butte, Fresno, Monterey, Los Angeles, Placer, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Yolo counties.
The Council awarded $40.2 million in local assistance grants to counties, cities, regional agencies, as well as nonprofit partners. All of the 73 awards are funded through the voter-approved Proposition 84 bond allocations.
The Sustainable Communities Planning Grants fund climate action plans, infill development plans, Sustainable Communities Strategies implementation, and other planning efforts, all specifically aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with state climate goals. The Urban Greening Grants establish or enhance community green areas such as urban forests, open spaces, wetlands, and community gardens.
“Not only do these grants result in plans and projects that make our communities more vibrant, but collectively these investments get us closer to meeting air quality and water conservation goals that are especially significant during this drought,” said Secretary for Natural Resources and SGC Member John Laird.
Of the $40 million in grants, $16 million is through the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program. In a pool of 88 applications, 33 proposals received awards through this program. For example, Tulare County will use a Sustainable Communities Planning Grant of $390,750 to work in partnership with residents and stakeholders to assess infrastructure needs in rural disadvantaged communities. Findings will inform decisions related to infrastructure improvements, investment strategies and land use changes to meet the goals of SB 244.
Another $24 million of the grants are being awarded through the Urban Greening Grant Program. Out of 184 concept proposals, 40 entities received awards through this program.
For a complete list and descriptions of sustainable communities planning and urban greening grantees, click here.