The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $19,076,843 Project Grant under the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program (CFDA 66.616) to the County of Contra Costa, California. This 3-year grant will fund the North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative, which includes the following key activities:
Upgrading 40 homes with energy-efficient systems and appliances, expanding the Wildcat Creek Trail, installing green infrastructure like trees and rain gardens across North Richmond, building a community resilience hub at the North Richmond Farm, and creating an e-bike lending library. The grant will also support workforce development programs through partnerships with organizations like Urban Tilth and the Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond to provide job training and certification in green industries for underserved populations, including youth, unhoused residents, and the formerly incarcerated. Expected outcomes include improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increased community resilience, and greater economic opportunities for North Richmond residents.