Happy May from Across the

Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI)

Welcome to the May edition of ECHO!

At the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honor the many contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander Californians who help shape and strengthen our communities. 

As we observe National Military Appreciation Month, we also take time to remember and honor the brave individuals who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. military and devote themselves to our country. 

The LCI Military Affairs Team works with local governments, military installations, and state agencies to strengthen coordination across California, reduce land-use conflicts near military installations, support compatible development, and much more. 

In today's newsletter, you'll find key programs, updates, upcoming events, and funding opportunities that are advancing climate, housing, and land-use solutions across California. 

Thank you for joining us!

California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment Set to Roll Out

California is about to publish its Fifth Climate Change Assessment, a collection of the latest research on climate change impacts across the state and ideas for safeguarding people from heat, wildfires, drought, rising sea levels, and floods.

The Fifth Assessment is made up of around 70 separate reports analyzing regional and statewide climate change risks and will be the cornerstone for guiding smart policy and sound investment to improve community resilience for years to come. The reports will start rolling out later this summer.

For up-to-date information on newly available reports and public events highlighting the data, read and sign up for the Fifth Assessment Newsletter.

Learn about updated climate projections from the Fifth Assessment by attending “Preparing for Impact: Unveiling California’s New Climate Change Projections,” Tuesday, May 26, from 1-5 p.m. at the headquarters of the California Natural Resources Agency, 715 P St., Sacramento.

Register to attend the Preparing for Impact Convening in-person or virtually.

Advancing Global Partnerships for Climate Action

Director Samuel Assefa and Senior Deputy Director Abby Edwards this month represented LCI at multiple climate events with global partners.

At the third annual Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) Convening in L.A., leaders across Mediterranean climate regions shared progress, addressed urgent challenges, and strengthened collaboration in the face of escalating climate impacts. 

In partnership with the California State Transportation Agency, LCI joined CACEF to discuss advancing sustainable transit and deepening collaboration with leaders across Africa — especially in Kenya and Nigeria.

Director Assefa discussed the importance of global collaboration and innovation with the UK Climate Envoy.

Senior Deputy Director Edwards spoke at an event hosted by the India Energy & Climate Center at Consulate General of India and outlined California’s multi-dimensional approach to heat action planning, emphasizing data-driven targeting and scalable solutions.

Fostering global partnerships is essential to accelerating solutions and supporting resilient communities across regions, borders, and oceans.

LCI Seeks Public Comments on Draft AB 130 Statewide Vehicle Miles Traveled Mitigation Program Guidance Through May 8

 LCI is accepting public comments on the draft Assembly Bill 130 Statewide VMT Mitigation Program Guidance through Friday, May 8. The program will provide an additional option for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) projects to mitigate transportation impacts by helping to fund location-efficient affordable housing and related infrastructure projects.

To support efficient review, commenters are asked to reference the draft guidance’s page number and section associated with each comment. 

Learn how to submit comments.

For more information about the program, visit the webpage.

LCI’s Federal Grants Program Provides Support 
for California Climate and Land Use Projects

LCI’s Federal Grants Program provides resources and support to California-based organizations as they identify, apply for, and manage federal grants for land use and climate projects. 

Authorized by federal and state mandates, including Executive Order 12372, Executive Order D-24-83, and Assembly Bill 1348, LCI’s State Clearinghouse receives and publicly posts notices of federal grant applications from California-based  organizations for state and local governments to review and comment. 

LCI designates a Federal Grant Administrator who serves as the primary point of contact for information on federal grant-related inquiries. 

For questions, contact federal.grants@lci.ca.gov. 

 LCI Team Discusses Extreme Heat Solutions 
on The Public Works Podcast 

Dr. Braden Kay, Program Manager, and Kelly Meza Prado, Senior Resilience and Adaptation Planner for LCI’s Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP), joined The Public Works Podcast hosted by Shane Silsby.  

They discussed why extreme heat is a top climate priority in California, its impacts on public health and local economies, how EHCRP is funding solutions, and the vital role of public works and partnerships in saving lives. They shared key information on upcoming funding opportunities and lessons learned from early projects, including how to get involved. 

Tune in to the episode.

Council Approves Final Guidelines for Four Programs; Application Periods Opening Soon

At its April 29 meeting, SGC approved final guidelines for four grant programs: the Tribal Capacity Building Program; the Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund; the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program; and the Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program.

• The Tribal Capacity Building Program provides funding and technical assistance to California Native American Tribes, enhancing staff capacity to advance Tribes’ climate- and housing-related work.
• The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund offers grants for activities related to Tribal affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. 
• The TCC Program funds community-led development and infrastructure projects that achieve major environmental, health, and economic benefits in California’s most disadvantaged communities. 
• The CRC Program funds new construction and upgrades of neighborhood-level resilience centers to provide shelter and resources during climate and other emergencies, along with year-round services.

Learn more about each program, upcoming application periods, and engagement opportunities on their respective webpages.

California Awards Over $45.5M to Conserve Thousands of Acres of Agricultural Lands Across 16 Counties

At its April 29 meeting, SGC approved more than $45.5 million in Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program grants to permanently protect 17,381 acres of croplands and rangelands across 16 counties.

Investments from Round 11, Cycle A, of the SALC Program will fund 23 projects: 19 agricultural conservation easements and four fee title acquisitions.

Two of the four fee title acquisition projects are led by a California Native American Tribe, which will result in the return of 408 acres of land to California Native American Tribes or ownership of land by a Tribal nonprofit. A third fee title acquisition of 586 acres would provide a California Native American Tribe a cultural easement for access and stewardship. The Tribes and nonprofit include the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the ytt Northern Chumash Nonprofit and the Amah Mutsun Tribe.

Application Period for Round 10 of the Affordable Housing 
& Sustainable Communities Program Closes May 4

The deadline to submit an application for Round 10 of the Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program is Monday, May 4, at 4 p.m. PT.

AHSC applications must be submitted to the application portal, which can be accessed from HCD's AHSC webpage. The application workbook, and other resources to assist with submission, are available on this page.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the AHSC Team at AHSC@sgc.ca.gov.

In case you missed it: Three AHSC-funded projects held events last month in Panorama City, East Hollywood, and San Francisco — all made possible by incredible partnerships.

Application Period for SGC’s Factory-Built Housing (FBH) Regional Pilot Program Closes May 5

The application period for Round 3 of the SGC FBH Regional Pilot Plot Program will close May 5.  

Round 3 offers Catalyst and Planning Grants to expand regional capacity for factory-built housing. The FBH Program makes strategic investments in innovative models for regional collaboration, planning, and implementation that can be adapted and scaled across the state. A total of $10 million in awards are available. 

For questions, contact factorybuilthousing@sgc.ca.gov.

SGC Launches the Imperial Valley Civic Ecosystem Initiative

The SGC just launched the Imperial Valley Civic Ecosystem Initiative (IVCEI) to explore the partnerships and programs shaping the region! 

SGC leads the IVCEI in partnership with the Institute for Local Government (ILG), the Latino Community Foundation (LCF), the Governor’s Office, the California Energy Commission, and local partners. 

The initiative aims to address the long-standing gaps in investment and resources and promote civil engagement and advance the community’s vision of a thriving Imperial Valley.  

Upcoming Events & Celebrations

Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program Technical Advisory Council to Convene on May 29 

In May, the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP) Technical Advisory Council (TAC) will convene its second quarterly meeting. The TAC meets at least three times a year in publicly accessible meetings to address more topical or specific priorities in more depth.



ICARP will host the TAC quarterly meeting in person and virtually on May 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meeting materials and full agenda will be posted on the ICARP TAC webpage at least 10 days before the meeting. Registration is required to attend virtually.   

For more information, contact icarp@lci.ca.gov. 

California Financing Coordinating Committee 
to Host Free Spring Funding Fairs

California Financing Coordinating Committee (CFCC) is hosting free online funding fairs where you can meet state and federal agency representatives and learn about active funding programs. Spring sessions will be offered both in-person and virtually in May and June. 

Grantee Highlights

Community Partnerships Expand Food Access 
and Climate Resilience in North Richmond

In partnership with Urban Tilth’s Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Program, the Cooking Matters Program, based in North Richmond, initiates community-based solutions to support households facing food insecurity.  

At Urban Tilth’s North Richmond Farm, volunteers guide participants through a six-week course focused on cultivating produce and preparing healthy, affordable meal plans based on seasonal harvests.  

This program, along with the March opening of partner organization Richmond Rising’s office and community hub, has expanded with the support from a SGC Transformative Climate Communities grant. 

Programs like Cooking Matters and Urban Tilth’s HEAL initiative highlight the impact of community-led solutions supported by SGC. These efforts expand food access, support workforce development, and strengthen climate resilience across California. 

Banning Advances Community Resilience Center Project 
with Unanimous City Council Vote

The City of Banning is moving ahead with plans to transform the former Armory Building into a community resilience center that will serve as both a community gathering space and a hub during emergencies.  

The City Council approved a key amendment in a unanimous vote, allowing consultants to proceed and avoid project delays. 

SGC’s Community Resilience Centers Program awarded a $1.07 million grant to strengthen infrastructure and prepare Banning for climate challenges. 

Celebrating Leadership and Innovation

Johnny Hernandez Kicks Off 
Work Wednesdays Spotlight for LCI & SGC  

Work Wednesday is LCI and SGC’s newest social media campaign to spotlight our employees behind California’s climate, equity, and community development efforts.  

The series launches with Johnny Hernandez, Senior IT Operations Engineer, who shares insight into his motivations and the “why” behind his work. He reflects on how his family history shapes his passion and the significance of supporting critical systems that advance climate solutions across California. 

That's all for now! See you in a month!

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