What you need to know: The California Air Resources Board awarded nearly $7.3 million in planning and capacity-building grants to 16 projects statewide following unprecedented demand. 

SACRAMENTO - Responding to unprecedented demand, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has awarded nearly $7.3 million to support 16 community driven transportation planning and capacity-building projects in communities across the state.  

The grants—selected from 84 applications requesting nearly $38 million—are designed to help communities develop transportation solutions that improve mobility, reduce pollution, and expand access to clean, safe, and affordable transportation. Funding for the grants comes from California Climate Investments, the money collected from companies that pollute as part of the state’s Cap-and-Invest program. 

“Communities across California know best what they need to improve mobility, reduce pollution, and protect public health,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “These planning and capacity building grants empower local leaders—especially in overburdened and underserved neighborhoods—to design clean transportation solutions that reflect their priorities. This work is how we build a healthier, more resilient California for everyone.” 

Unprecedented demand and strengthened access 

The 2025 selection process saw unprecedented interest, with the number of requests outpacing available funds by nearly five to one, reflecting strong demand for community-led planning resources.  

A high percentage of applicants – 75 of 84 – advanced to the scoring round, which CARB staff attribute to expanded statewide technical assistance, including workshops, office hours, Geographic Information System support, Tribal engagement support, and application development assistance. Sixteen applicants were chosen to receive grants. 

A key program update this cycle was the removal of the Tribal Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity, which lowered barriers for Tribal governments and contributed to three Tribal-led projects and an additional Tribal-serving project being selected for funding.  

Selected projects reflect statewide diversity and community priorities 

Awarded projects range from rural Tribal transportation planning in the Klamath region to safer routes for schoolchildren in urban neighborhoods, to workforce focused clean transportation career pipelines in the Bay Area. 

Examples include: 

• Karuk Tribe – Clean Transportation Pathways, strengthening rural Tribal transit resilience and long-term transportation capacity 

• Cherokee Point Elementary School – City Heights CBUSS Project, planning a zero-emission community bus service for students and seniors 

• City of Grass Valley – Future Paths Grass Valley, planning safer walking and biking networks through community and Tribal partnerships  

• Comité Cívico del Valle – Moving Together Imperial, evaluating affordable electric mobility options in Imperial County, one of the state’s most environmentally burdened regions 

• Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association – Bridging the Transportation Divide, supporting transportation planning across 26 Tribal communities in Southern California  

Why it matters 

These grants invest in community driven planning—the essential first step toward implementing long-term clean transportation solutions. Projects will help communities: 

• Identify locally led mobility strategies tied to jobs, school, healthcare, and essential services 

• Prepare implementation-ready plans that position neighborhoods and Tribes for future infrastructure and clean mobility funding 

• Improve transportation equity, climate resilience, and public health, especially in rural, low-income, and Tribal communities that experience disproportionate pollution and mobility barriers 

• Build local leadership and governance structures that support long-term community capacity, ensuring decisions reflect real community needs  

Looking ahead 

With funds allocated, CARB has begun post-award onboarding and grant agreement development in partnership with the Statewide Planning and Capacity Building Administrator team. The awards announced today are preliminary and subject to completion of post-award requirements and grant agreement execution. 

The full list of awarded projects and community locations can be found in the Planning RFA Public Summary (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/2025%20Planning%20RFA_Public%20Summary.pdf). The grants are expected to continue in future years, depending on funding availability.  

Community Planning & Capacity Building is part of California Climate Investments, which uses billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to fund projects that reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, strengthen local economies, and support natural environments. With a strong focus on communities most impacted by pollution and limited access to resources, California Climate Investments helps build a more equitable and sustainable future.