Ask the Experts

Special Districts Can and Should Seek Environmental Justice Funding

By Roberto Carlos Torres, Sr. Program Manager for the Institute for Local Government

In 2018, California allocated 57% of its implemented investments as part of the California Climate Investment dollars to disadvantaged communities. One of the very first actions President Biden took after his inauguration was to sign Executive Order 14008, pledging 40 percent of some federal investments for disadvantaged communities. These actions highlight the state and federal government prioritization of environmental justice

(EJ) in local policy and programs and tying more funding opportunities to help the most vulnerable communities. However, the Institute for Local Government (ILG) has found that only a small number of local governments have policies in place and/or understand what EJ is and how to incorporate it into their jurisdiction in mutually beneficial ways. The implementation of EJ poses a challenge for many local governments.

Nonetheless, new grants and funding opportunities are prioritizing it.

So, what can special districts do to be competitive for these funds, take advantage of the funding available and authentically address EJ issues?

Collaborate to Compete

The first thing special districts can do is encourage community and government partners to work together to identify what EJ means for the community, what’s needed to attain EJ, and develop a roadmap to attain it. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to work with community stakeholders to define the specific EJ issue or need and develop policies related to it. Many funding opportunities require strong partnerships with community-based organizations and letters of support from regional bodies. That’s because EJ and equity cannot be meaningfully achieved without full collaboration on the development of plans and policies alongside the communities who need it most.

Find Your Funding

Next, identify specific funding sources from the state or federal government to help fund plans or projects that address those EJ needs. For example, the California Strategic Growth Council is helping fund community partnerships through multiple sources like Regional Climate Collaboratives, Transformative Climate Communities, and other grants. The U.S EPA also has several funding opportunities available to special districts and community groups. Bottom line: if any part of your district’s operating area is under-resourced or polluted, there is likely funding available to address EJ in those areas.

Ensure Internal and External Alignment

Third, build the district’s staff capacity to better understand EJ, its importance, and the role the agency plays as a public servant. As a start, check out the ILG webinar, Advancing Climate Equity: State Regulations and Strategies for Local Governments. This webinar provides ideas to enable districts to take action. Also, make sure the special district staff understands the communities most impacted by EJ issues. ILG’s website also provides information related to authentic public engagement, which can jumpstart overall outreach efforts.

The term “Environmental Justice” may carry negative connotations in some jurisdictions after years of challenging, divisive discourse, but the narrative is shifting. Every special district has a unique connection and opportunity to advance environmental justice principles to better support its ratepayers and residents -- especially when serving disadvantaged or under-resourced, or underrepresented communities. It may seem daunting, but there are resources available and ILG is poised to help.

Roberto Carlos Torres oversees ILG’s public engagement and equity programs. He can be reached at rtorres@ca-ilg.org