Community Investments Office

About the Community Investments Office

In 2024, the Air District Board of Directors approved 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. The Air District is working on developing new approaches that actively engage affected communities in fund distribution, ensuring that community needs are prioritized.

The Community Investments Office will oversee the reinvestment of penalty funds into impacted communities, ensuring that these resources are used to support local 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 (LCBF) reinvests penalty funds back 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 distribute funds in Benicia, Richmond, and surrounding communities.

Program Update

The public comment period for the Draft Guidelines for the Local Community Benefits Fund (LCBF) for Benicia, Richmond, and surrounding communities was held from October 27 through November 25, 2025.

Thank you to all who submitted feedback. Staff are now reviewing all public comments and preparing Final Guidelines for Board consideration in late January 2026. Updates will be posted to this webpage as information becomes available.

Guidance Materials

The following resources include the Draft Local Community Investment Fund Guidelines, and Draft Calls for Projects for Benicia, Richmond, and surrounding communities released for public comment on October 29, 2025. These documents include eligibility requirements, funding information, and translated versions in Spanish and Traditional Chinese. Additionally, you can find the program FAQ which is updated periodically.

• Draft Local Community Investment Fund Guidelines
• Call for Projects – Benicia
• Call for Projects – Richmond
• Local Community Investment Fund Guidelines – FAQ

Webinar Recording

The October 29, 2025 webinar recording is now available on the Air District’s YouTube channel. Watch the full presentation to learn more about the funding process, timeline, and available resources.

Watch the Recording: Local Community Benefits Fund Webinar (10/29/25)

Office Hours

We’re now offering virtual office hours to provide one-on-one support and answer questions about the LCBF.

Schedule an Appointment Online

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

Grant Application (Pending Board Approval of Final Guidelines)

• January 28, 2026: Board of Directors consideration of Final Guidelines
• If approved:
  • 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 held a survey for the entire Bay Area, asking how to direct funding from enforcement actions to grant projects that benefit communities impacted by air pollution. Thank you to everyone who shared input. The results are now available. Your feedback is shaping the program’s priorities and approach. 

• April CIO Webinar Final Survey Results

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.