San Diego, December 19, 2025
California has reinstated $7.3 million in funding for climate resilience projects in San Diego’s historic barrios after the EPA’s cuts. The projects, led by the San Diego Foundation and the Environmental Health Coalition, focus on improving air quality, reducing heat, and expanding green spaces in vulnerable neighborhoods. This funding ensures the continuation of critical environmental justice initiatives and underscores California’s commitment to community resilience amid ongoing funding challenges faced by nonprofits.
San Diego, California
California has reinstated $7.3 million in funding for climate resilience projects in San Diego’s historic barrios, following previous cuts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The San Diego Foundation (SDF) and the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) had initially secured nearly $20 million from the EPA in 2024 to implement the “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity” initiative. This project aimed to enhance air quality, mitigate extreme heat, and expand green spaces in neighborhoods such as Logan, Stockton, Grant Hill, Mt. Hope, Sherman, Southcrest, and Shelltown. However, in April 2025, the EPA suspended these funds, citing a review of grant appropriations. This suspension threatened to halt critical environmental justice efforts in these communities. In response, California’s state government allocated $7.3 million to ensure the continuation of these vital projects, underscoring the state’s commitment to environmental justice and community resilience.
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by environmental nonprofits in securing consistent funding. The initial suspension of grants by the EPA had raised concerns about the stability of environmental initiatives nationwide. The reinstatement of funds by California’s state government provides a crucial lifeline, enabling organizations like SDF and EHC to proceed with their planned projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of residents in San Diego’s central historic barrios.
Background Context
In 2024, the EPA awarded nearly $20 million to the San Diego Foundation and the Environmental Health Coalition for the “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity” initiative. This project was designed to address environmental challenges in San Diego’s central historic barrios, including poor air quality and limited green spaces. The funding was intended to support the development of green spaces, housing and transportation improvements, community-led food production, and community centers. However, in April 2025, the EPA suspended these funds, citing a review of grant appropriations. This suspension threatened to halt critical environmental justice efforts in these communities. In response, California’s state government allocated $7.3 million to ensure the continuation of these vital projects, underscoring the state’s commitment to environmental justice and community resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity” initiative?
The “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity” initiative is a project aimed at enhancing air quality, mitigating extreme heat, and expanding green spaces in San Diego’s central historic barrios, including Logan, Stockton, Grant Hill, Mt. Hope, Sherman, Southcrest, and Shelltown. The project focuses on developing green spaces, improving housing and transportation, supporting community-led food production, and establishing community centers.
Why were the EPA funds suspended?
In April 2025, the EPA suspended nearly $20 million in grants awarded to the San Diego Foundation and the Environmental Health Coalition, citing a review of grant appropriations. This suspension threatened to halt critical environmental justice efforts in San Diego’s central historic barrios.
How did California respond to the EPA’s suspension?
In response to the EPA’s suspension, California’s state government allocated $7.3 million to the San Diego Foundation and the Environmental Health Coalition, ensuring the continuation of the “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity” initiative and underscoring the state’s commitment to environmental justice and community resilience.
Key Features of the “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity” Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Areas | San Diego’s central historic barrios: Logan, Stockton, Grant Hill, Mt. Hope, Sherman, Southcrest, and Shelltown. |
| Objectives | Enhance air quality, mitigate extreme heat, and expand green spaces. |
| Planned Projects | Development of green spaces, housing and transportation improvements, community-led food production, and community centers. |
| Initial Funding | Nearly $20 million awarded by the EPA in 2024. |
| Current Funding Status | $7.3 million reinstated by California’s state government following EPA suspension in April 2025. |
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