California has allocated $25 million in grants to support litter removal, beautification, and workforce development in underserved communities across the state. The funding comes through the Clean California Community Empowerment Program (CCEP), which focuses on cleaning public spaces and creating employment opportunities for people facing barriers such as justice involvement, homelessness, or being at-risk youth.
The CCEP provides competitive grants that support local projects aimed at reducing litter and graffiti while offering job training and paid transitional work. These efforts are carried out in partnership with workforce development organizations to connect participants with meaningful employment pathways.
All of this year’s grant funding will go to underserved communities. Projects funded include $580,000 for expanding San Francisco Public Works’ Tenderloin Clean Workforce Development Program; $251,000 for the Trinidad Rancheria Harbor District Beautification and Workforce Development Initiative in Humboldt County; $300,000 for Selma’s Second Street and Downtown Arts Corridor Revitalization project in Fresno County; $172,000 for Lancaster’s Community Cleanup & Youth Workforce Development program; and $600,000 for National City’s Revitalization & Employment Pathway program in San Diego County.
In addition to supporting clean-up efforts, the grants will fund public education campaigns against littering statewide. A full list of recipients is available online.
“These investments are more than just grants. They are catalysts for change. By combining community beautification with workforce development, Clean California’s CCEP program is restoring pride, creating opportunities and building stronger, safer neighborhoods across the state. Together, we’re proving that when we invest in people and places, we pave the way for a cleaner and more connected California,” according to a statement from the program.
Since its launch in July 2021, Caltrans reports that Clean California has removed 3.5 million cubic yards of litter—equivalent to filling over 150,000 residential garbage trucks—and hosted more than 650 free dump days statewide. These events have collected over 15,500 mattresses and 57,000 tires. More than 10,000 volunteers have participated in community clean-ups under the initiative which has also created over 18,200 jobs—including positions for those who were formerly incarcerated or experiencing housing insecurity.
Information about additional transportation and infrastructure projects funded by state and federal sources can be found at build.ca.gov.
