Oakland and San Gabriel get sustainable communities funds

Oakland and San Gabriel are the latest cities to benefit from the California Treasurer’s Sustainable Communities Grant and Loan Program, a $2.5 million fund to help local governments pursue smart growth initiatives. San Gabriel has received a $328,000 grant to assist in revitalizing the city’s Valley Boulevard Corridor. The grant will help fund the creation of a plan to cope with rapid growth by increasing open space, initiating transit strategies to reduce traffic congestion, designing livable neighborhoods with higher density housing, and promoting building methods that reduce pollution and energy consumption. A $350,000 grant to Oakland will fund planning for the proposed Coliseum BART Transit Village which will include affordable housing and homes for first-time owners, retail development, and a city park. In all, 14 cities have received grants for projects to expedite sustainable development and revitalize economically struggling neighborhoods.