In an update from the offices of Governor Gavin Newsom, a substantial pot of gold is being distributed across California – with the intent to create more affordable homes and eco-friendly neighborhoods. As part of the state's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant Program, 20 communities have struck luck with a collective $789 million earmarked for the development of 24 housing and infrastructure projects.
Last week's announcement, which can be leafed through on the official governor's website, detailed the creation of 2,483 rent-restricted homes across the state. It also includes green perks, promising several locales fresh fleets of zero-emission buses and the construction of new bikeways, which will stretch for 60 miles and would make even the most steadfast couch potato consider the merits of biking to work.
One could argue that California is building more than just houses and bike lanes, here - setting the stage for communities that are more than a collection of homes, but havens of sustainability and inclusivity. Among the places basking in the grant's glow are Berkeley's NBB BRIDGE Apartments, which snagged $49 million, and Long Beach's 1401 Long Beach Blvd project, boasting a $24 million piece of the financial pie. Other cities, including San Francisco and San Diego, are lining up to transform some neighborhoods with this injection of cash.
The AHSC program is hardly a newcomer to the scene, having launched seven previous rounds of funding to promote housing and transportation projects in proximity to essential services like jobs and schools. This effort is a piece of the larger California Climate Investments tapestry – a program that's said to be investing billions of cap-and-trade dollars to slice through greenhouse gas emissions, foment the economy, and improve both public health and the environment, according to the governor's website. Particular focus has been cast on aiding disadvantaged communities, who often shoulder a disproportionate share of environmental burdens.
For the full rundown of projects and their respective windfalls, the details are but a click away on the governor's website.
