|
|
Community Investments Office
Learn about the Air District’s Community Investments Office's plan to direct funding to communities that are most impacted by air pollution.
About the Community Investments Office
In 2024, the Air District Board of Directors adopted the Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy to direct significant resources back into the communities where air quality violations occurred. The penalty funds policy and related settlement funds have generated over $124 million for local and regional projects.
These efforts are part of the Air District’s Bay REPAIR program, which directs penalty funds toward community-informed investments that address air quality impacts and advance environmental justice.
The Community Investments Office will oversee the reinvestment of penalty funds into impacted communities, supporting projects such as pollution mitigation efforts, community health programs, and the development of green spaces. The goal is to improve environmental quality and public health in areas that have been disproportionately impacted by air pollution.
- Learn more about these funds: Community Investments Overview
- For more information about agreements to resolve notices of violation, visit the Air District's Penalties and Settlements web page.
Local Community Benefits Fund
The Local Community Benefits Fund reinvests penalty funds into communities most directly affected by air quality violations. Funding supports community-driven and collaborative projects that reduce air pollution, improve health outcomes, and build economic resilience for a just transition. The first round of the program will focus on Benicia, Richmond, and surrounding communities.
Program Update
The public comment period for the Draft Local Community Benefits Fund Guidelines concluded on November 25, 2025.
Proposed updated materials are now posted for transparency in advance of Board consideration. The Air District Board of Directors will consider adoption of the proposed materials at its January 28, 2026, meeting. These materials are subject to change following Board action.
Updates will be posted to this web page as additional information becomes available.
Guidance Materials
The following proposed materials were developed following the public comment period and are posted for transparency in advance of Board consideration. These documents are subject to change following Board action.
- Local Community Benefits Fund Round 1 Guidelines
- Call for Projects – Benicia
- Call for Projects – Richmond
- Summary of Guideline Updates
- Summary of Public Comments
- Public Comments
Webinar Recording
The October 29, 2025, information webinar recording is available on the Air District’s YouTube channel.
Program Timeline
Draft Guidelines Development
- March–July 2025: Regional survey conducted for the Bay Area
- October 27, 2025: Draft Guidelines released for public review
- October 27–November 25, 2025: Public comment period
- October 29, 2025: Draft Guidelines information webinar (Local Community Benefits Fund Webinar)
Board Review and Next Steps
Grant Application (Pending Board Action)
- If adopted:
- As early as January 29, 2026: Grant application opens
- As early as February 2026: Grant application webinar
- May 1, 2026: Grant application deadline
Specific dates will be confirmed following Board action.
Survey Results
Between March and July 2025, the Community Investments Office conducted a regional survey on how to direct funding from enforcement actions to community-benefiting projects. Thank you to everyone who shared input. Survey results are now available and are informing program priorities and approach.
Stay Informed
To ensure that the investments are aligned with community needs, staff will actively engage with local leaders, community-based organizations, businesses, and residents. This collaborative approach will involve regular consultations, public meetings, and transparent decision-making processes, ensuring community members have a direct input on how funds are allocated.
Sign up to receive updates on the latest Community Investments Office activities via email notifications.
Last Updated: 17/12/2025