California Construction News staff writer
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that 24 projects in 20 California communities will receive more than $789 million in cap-and-trade funds to build housing and sustainable projects, including public transit, bike and walking paths.
Funding is provided through the state’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program.
“We cannot solve the homelessness crisis without creating new affordable homes. Today, we’re reinvesting more than three-quarters of a billion dollars generated through cap-and-trade funding to build thriving and affordable communities for California families,” Newsom said. “By creating livable communities with sustainable transportation options, we can meet both our state’s climate targets and our goal of providing affordable housing for every Californian.”
Projects receiving funding are located in the cities of Berkeley, El Cerrito, Healdsburg, Hemet, Inglewood, King City, Livingston, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Oceanside, Oxnard, Red Bluff, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, and the county of Los Angeles.
“These investments not only address the urgent need for affordable housing that is integrated with critical infrastructure in a holistic approach to development, but also contribute significantly to our fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our most vulnerable communities,” said Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation Director Sam Assefa. “By integrating sustainable transportation with affordable housing, we are creating healthier, more resilient neighborhoods where all Californians can thrive.”
The 24 projects will also support the purchase of 52 new zero-emission transit vehicles, installation of approximately 100 new bus shelters, construction of approximately 60 miles of bikeways, as well as repair and construction of more than 60 miles of sidewalks to create safe, accessible walkways.
Since taking office, Newsom has announced more than $40 billion to boost affordable housing and $27 billion to address homelessness.
