Urban Greening Grant Program

Eligible urban greening projects will reduce GHG emissions, mitigate the effects of extreme heat, and provide multiple additional benefits, including, but not limited to, a decrease in air and water pollution or a reduction in the consumption of natural resources and energy. Eligible projects will result in the conversion of an existing built environment into green space that uses natural and green infrastructure approaches to create sustainable and vibrant communities. A competitive project will maximize opportunities to reduce GHG emissions through project design and implementation as well as incorporate green infrastructure solutions that improve the sustainability and function of existing urban hardscapes and landscapes. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the grant program requires all projects to achieve measurable benefits. Per statute, all projects must do at least one of the following: • Acquire, create, enhance, or expand community parks and green spaces, and/or • Use natural systems or systems that mimic natural systems to achieve multiple benefits. See the program guidelines for more information on eligibility and statutory and program priorities. Disadvantaged Communities SB 859 directs Agency to allocate at least 75 percent of the funding available to projects located in, and that provides benefits to disadvantaged communities. Hereinafter, the term “disadvantaged” refers to either the top 25% highest scoring census tracts in CalEnviroScreen 4.0, or census tracts with median household incomes at or below 80 percent of the statewide average (refer to California State Parks’ Community FactFinder, or Department of Water Resources’ Disadvantaged Communities Mapping Tool).

Eligibility

• Programs related to forestry
• Programs related to infrastructure
• Programs related to climate

Award details

Applications close on March 28, 2022.

Categories

Environment Energy · Infrastructure · Sustainability