Planning Issues In Depth

California Offers $66 Million in Sustainable Community Planning Grants

By Shauna Callery, Rincon Consultants

Proposals due August 31, 2010

One of the greatest challenges to climate action planning and implementation is funding availability. On July 5, 2010, however, the California Strategic Growth Council began soliciting proposals for the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentive Program, funded by Proposition 84. This program supports the development and implementation of planning instruments, including Climate Action Plans, that reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with Assembly Bill 32, improve air and water quality, encourage infill and compact development, reduce automobile use, protect natural resources, promote public health, increase housing affordability, revitalize urban and community centers, promote energy efficiency and conservation, and strengthen the economy.

Approximately $66 million in competitive state funds will be awarded and distributed over three cycles beginning Fiscal Year 2010/11. The planning awards will range from $100,000 to $1 million. No matching funds are required.

Examples of eligible plans and projects under the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program include the development, update, adoption, or implementation of:

• Climate Action Plans
• Targeted General Plan Updates or Elements
• Zoning Ordinances (and other ordinances)
• Transit Oriented Development Plans/Specific Plans
• Regional Blueprint Plans
• Sustainable Communities Strategies
• Other implementation instruments and plans needed for successfully meeting AB 32 GHG emissions reduction requirements and implementing SB 375, while improving community-wide sustainability

Cities, Counties, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Joint Powers Authorities, Regional Transportation Planning Agencies, Councils of Governments, or combinations thereof, are eligible to apply. Proposals are due August 31, 2010.

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is a full-service environmental consulting firm with central coast offices located in Ventura and San Luis Obispo. Rincon has been working with central coast municipalities to identify opportunities to fund climate action plans and implementation programs, develop grant applications, and prepare funded plans. We recognize that addressing the challenges of climate change demands new and innovative funding solutions to bring local and regional agencies in compliance with rapidly evolving environmental regulations, including AB 32, SB 97, and SB 375. The Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentive Program offers cities, counties, and regional agencies an excellent opportunity to obtain funding for this endeavor.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 11:25 pm and is filed under: Economics.