The Environmental Justice (EJ) and Community-Based Transportation Planning (CBTP) Grant Programs are key methods by which many California communities plan for closer connection between transportation and land use. Over the past 10 years, both programs have provided over 310 planning grants equating nearly $45.3 million. These grants have been instrumental in developing and studying the sustainability of land use plans that increase the quality of life for many Californians.

Upon an award, ninety percent (90%) of a EJ or CBTP project cost is funded by the Caltrans grant. The remaining 10% is contributed by the grantee as a local match. EJ and CBTP products are expected to help leverage program funds from other sources that will forward future project phases. EJ and CBTP products are expected to help foster sustainable economies, increase available affordable housing, improve housing/jobs balance, encourage transit oriented and mixed use development, expand transportation choices, and reflect community values.

EJ and CBTP grant funded projects should include innovative public and stakeholder participation in the planning and decision-making process. Each project should be a smart growth - livable community demonstration approach to collaborative planning. Completed EJ and CBTP products should contribute to positive local planning practice by influencing and integrating those products into the larger regional or blueprint plan. EJ and CBTP projects should also set an example, and provide best practice planning solutions for communities statewide.

Resources

• Transportation Planning Grant Program - Information about the new grant application cycle.
• Fact Sheets - Summaries of completed grant projects, by District. Fact Sheets will be posted as projects are completed. Note: The Project Focus and Project Goals sections of the Fact Sheets contain the language as it was presented in the application.
• Community Based Transportation Planning (CBTP) Grant Program Fact Sheets
• Environmental Justice (EJ) Grant Program Fact Sheets
• Environmental Justice and Community-Based Transportation Planning Grants Handbook (coming soon)
• EJ and CBTP Grants Tool Box- Documents, Samples and Reference documents
• HQ & District Grants Contacts (December 14, 2011)

Contact

C. Edward Philpot, Jr.
Branch Chief, Grants/Public Engagement
Office of Community Planning
(916-653-8817)
c_edward_philpot@dot.ca.gov