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Date: |
September 16, 2026 |
03 |
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Apply for and Accept a State of California Strategic Growth Council Transformative Climate Communities Program Round 6 Implementation Grant and Related CEQA Exemption (Districts: 1 and 4)
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Overview
On May 29, 2026, the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and opened applications for Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program Round 6, including awards of up to $27.5 million available for three Implementation Grants each. Today’s request is to authorize the County of San Diego (County) to apply for, and if awarded, accept a TCC Round 6 Implementation Grant, and obtain authority to execute all related documents if awarded.
The County’s application directly advances community priorities identified and developed through the Spring Valley Sustainable Environments & Engaged Development Strategies (SEEDS) TCC Program Round 4 Planning Grant, previously awarded through the same funding source. More than half of the requested funding under the Round 6 Implementation Grant would support infrastructure development to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities and community mobility, increase urban greening, and enhance stormwater resilience.
This funding amplifies already committed County funding for infrastructure improvements in Spring Valley by investing additional grant funds into community-identified projects at priority locations. Infrastructure projects will be focused on construction of sidewalks, bikeways, and urban greening enhancements. The remaining funds would go directly to community-serving and community-based organizations in Spring Valley to invest in specific improvements for community health services and programs, healthy food access, youth entrepreneurship programs, and workforce training and skill building.
Through the ongoing co-development of projects and programs with the Spring Valley community, the County is uniquely positioned to lead this competitive application by advancing the TCC Program’s own priorities to evolve state-funded Planning Grant efforts through Implementation Grants.
Body
Recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer:
1) Find that the proposed actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California CEQA Guidelines.
2) Adopt a Resolution entitled: Resolution Of The San Diego County Board Of Supervisors Authorizing The County Of San Diego To Apply For And Accept A State Of California Strategic Growth Council Transformative Climate Communities Program Round 6 Implementation Grant.
3) Authorize the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Land Use & Environment Group, the Director of the Department of Public Works, and the Chief Sustainability Officer, or their designees, to apply for and accept a State of California Strategic Growth Council Transformative Climate Communities Program Round 6 Implementation Grant, and authority to execute all related documents if awarded including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, annual extensions, revisions, payment requests, and/or any agreements or memorandums of understanding with other entities as Co-Applicants, subgrantees, participants, and/or partners in the application and spending of grant funds received, that do not materially impact or alter the services or funding level and may be necessary for completion of the grant deliverables.
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Equity Impact Statement
Through the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program, the State of California Strategic Growth Council is committed to achieving racial equity in its operations, investments, and policy initiatives and to achieving its vision that all people in California live in healthy, thriving, and resilient communities regardless of race. The TCC Program framework represents an evolution in the State’s typical funding models to provide investment directly into neighborhoods and to residents through place-based and multi-faceted cross-sector activities that deliver community benefits, and support long-term partnerships and collaborative governance between public agencies, nonprofit organizations, residents, and other local entities to advance a shared community vision.
Sustainability Impact Statement
The TCC Program funds community-led development and infrastructure projects that achieve major environmental, health, and economic benefits in California’s most disadvantaged communities. All Projects must directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or contribute directly to meaningful public health benefits through climate resilience. The recommended action exemplifies the Sustainability Initiative in the County’s Strategic Plan by bolstering community-driven climate action and environmental justice outcomes that enhance the well-being of residents and environments in the unincorporated community of Spring Valley.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with today’s actions to apply for a TCC Program Round 6 Implementation Grant. If approved and funds are awarded, this could result in estimated costs and revenue of up to $27,500,000 over the grant term (not to exceed six years) beginning at the time of award, which is anticipated in Spring/Summer 2027. Matching funds equal to 25% of the total requested grant funds are required. Matching funds do not need to be formally committed by the application due date, and can come from eligible sources including, but not limited to, funds already committed to public infrastructure projects in the project area, funds for transportation projects in the applicable capital improvement plan, and in-kind goods and services. There will be no change in net General Fund costs associated with the grant award or matching funding. If awarded, the grant funds would support one full-time staff to support grant oversight and management, which would be included in a future Operational Plan.
Business Impact Statement
In addition to furthering climate adaptation and resilience, key expectations of TCC Program grants include maximizing community benefits through direct funding for local community-serving and community-based organizations (CBOs). Direct funding would focus on workforce and economic development that generate high-quality career pathways in the region. Further, funding will be used in support of coordination between local jurisdictions, community-serving organizations, and CBOs to convey information on and implement policies and programs that avoid the displacement of very low and low-income existing households and small businesses located in or involved within the project area.
Advisory Board Statement
N/A
Background
The State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program funds community-led development and infrastructure projects that achieve major environmental, health, and economic benefits to California’s most disadvantaged communities. The TCC Program funds three grant types (Planning Grants, Project Development Grants, and Implementation Grants) and prioritizes applications that build on work previously funded by SGC to support continuity across the project pipeline and implement the results of that previous work.
On June 29, 2022 (5), the San Diego County (County) Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted a resolution and directed staff to apply for and accept a TCC Program Round 4 Planning Grant to support underserved unincorporated areas generally located in Spring Valley in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing health, environmental and economic benefits to the community. The Spring Valley Sustainable Environments and Engaged Development Strategies (SEEDS) Planning Grant was awarded to the County on October 27, 2022, and appropriated to the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice (OSEJ) on October 24, 2023 (6).
The Spring Valley SEEDS Planning Grant included five activities delivered by the County and five Co-Applicants. Through two-and-a-half years of community engagement, planning, and celebration, the activities defined a shared vision for the future development of innovative and meaningful programs and practices that could amplify the vibrancy and vitality of Spring Valley. The Spring Valley SEEDS Planning Grant was officially completed on August 3, 2026. During the grant period, hundreds of residents, youth, business owners, and local organizations shared their individual and community experiences, priorities, and ideas in workshops, surveys, infrastructure audits, and events.
Staff have continued collaborations with Planning Grant Co-Applicants, and have established new partnerships with community-serving and community-based organizations, and nonprofits to evolve Planning Grant activities and demonstrate readiness for implementation. Key desired results include: infrastructure to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety at priority locations identified through mobility audits; tree planting, urban greening, and stormwater management; an all-electric community kitchen and youth farm-to-market entrepreneurship programs; workforce and economic development; indoor air quality relief; mobile health clinic operations to address gaps in local services; and displacement avoidance plans and activities.
On May 29, 2026, SGC released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and opened applications for TCC Program Round 6, including approximately $82.5 million available for three Implementation Grant awards of up to $27.5 million each. Today’s request is to authorize the County to apply for and accept a State of California Strategic Growth Council Transformative Climate Communities Program Round 6 Implementation Grant, and authority to execute all related documents if awarded.
The County will serve as Lead Applicant. If awarded, the County will execute a grant agreement with SGC and enter into contractual and legally binding sub-agreements with each Co-Applicant to complete the TCC Program’s interrelated implementation components, including a Vision Statement, Strategies, Projects, Transformative Elements, and all applicable Program Policy Priorities. This includes continued partnerships with TCC Program Round 4 Planning Grant Co-Applicants and new Co-Applicants identified through Planning Grant community outreach and engagement activities. It is anticipated that roughly 65% of the grant will go toward infrastructure led by the County Department of Public Works together with administrative oversight and project support, and 35% toward projects led by community partners. As the Lead Applicant, the County will maintain legal, fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities, including managing grant funds in accordance with SGC regulations, policies and guidelines. As the Lead Applicant, the County will also be responsible for the development and submission of all reports to TCC Program staff and additional funding agencies, bookkeeping, accounting, and grant compliance services.
Partnerships and collaborative governance are core requirements for the TCC Program and are essential to achieving transformative outcomes. The County and Co-Applicants will engage in collaborative governance throughout the grant term, and will jointly develop and sign a Collaborative Governance Agreement. At a minimum, the collaborative governance structure will include the County, TCC Program Round 6 Implementation Grant Co-Applicants, TCC Program Round 4 Planning Grant community partners, community residents, and a diverse set of participants and organizations that represent the broader community of Spring Valley. Grant funding requests include opportunities for fellowships with the County to support community engagement and collaborative governance.
Environmental Statement
Today’s proposed actions to adopt a resolution authorizing the application for a and acceptance of a grant are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. Applying for and receiving grant funds will not have a significant effect on the environment. As needed, each project awarded through the grant will prepare and submit any required CEQA documentation to be approved by the relevant governing authority.
Linkage To The County Of San Diego Strategic Plan
Today’s proposed actions support the Sustainability, Equity, and Community Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. By pursuing grant funding to maximize resources and community partnerships for project implementation, this effort supports dismantling barriers to expanding opportunities in traditionally underserved communities while increasing the well-being of residents and environments, addressing climate change, and advancing economic growth to benefit the region.
Respectfully submitted,
Dahvia Lynch
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment(s)
Attachment A - Resolution Of The San Diego County Board Of Supervisors Authorizing The County Of San Diego To Apply For And Accept A State Of California Strategic Growth Council Transformative Climate Communities Program Round 6 Implementation Grant