SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Caltrans has announced a $25 million investment in 90 local projects aimed at improving communities across California. This funding, part of the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway grant program under Clean California, focuses on litter and graffiti removal.
“Governor Newsom’s vision for more vibrant public spaces is being realized by linking community improvements with paid job training to create opportunity, stability, and long-term success for Californians,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.
“These grants do more than fund cleanups; they’re investments in people and provide hope and opportunity,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. The program partners with local agencies to offer job training and create employment pathways for justice-impacted individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and at-risk youth.
The grants also support public education and anti-littering campaigns, with all $25 million designated for underserved communities. Notable projects include $580,000 for San Francisco’s Tenderloin Clean Workforce Development Program and $600,000 for San Diego County’s Clean National City Revitalization & Employment Pathway program.
Since its inception in July 2021, Clean California has significantly impacted litter removal and job creation. Caltrans and its partners have removed 3.5 million cubic yards of litter and created over 18,000 jobs, benefiting many individuals facing housing insecurity or with past incarceration. For more on these initiatives, visit their website.