The nonprofit Urban Tilth launched a fundraiser amid the suspension of a $19 million federal grant benefiting North Richmond projects.
In December, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced a total of $216.5 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants for 15 California projects in underserved communities, including $19 million for the North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative. The funding derived from the Inflation Reduction Act as part of the Community Change Grants Program.
In the wake of massive federal funding cuts in the Trump Administration, Urban Tilth reports the $19 million grant for “shovel-ready” North Richmond projects was put on hold. The grant was set to support construction of the North Richmond Farm Community Resilience Center, which will create a center to serve the community in the event of an emergency or disaster, and also provide community services during normal operations.
The funds were also set to support the Las Deltas affordable housing revitalization; a Verde Elementary greening project; an e-bike lending library; Wildcat Creek improvements; and energy-efficient home upgrades.
“Many of these projects already have building permits and designs complete,” states Urban Tilth. “All that’s missing is funding.”
The nonprofit said it is exploring legal remedies and alternative funding sources to keep the projects moving forward, including its online fundraiser.
For funding partnerships, contact Doria Robinson at [email protected].
“Your contribution, no matter the size, will help build a healthier, more equitable North Richmond,” the nonprofit states.
