California Air Resources Board

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently launched a refreshed online portal featuring essential information about its landmark equity-focused Community Air Protection (CAP) Program. The site aims to increase transparency on how the allocated $1.4 billion is used and make key resources available to communities across the state that face significant environmental burdens.

CommunityHub 2.0 features an interactive map of where program funding has been spent, a visual data display of the key strategies that have been implemented, and videos of community resources and success stories.

The CAP Program is a community-driven partnership between residents, community-based organizations, air quality districts, local businesses, land use agencies and CARB to put solutions in place that reduce exposure to emissions and harmful pollutants. CommunityHub 2.0 expands awareness of the program and makes key information accessible to other communities that are interested in applying and participating, while also offering information to the general public on CARB’s equity-driven work and its impact.

Transparency and a commitment to sharing what has worked are key priorities in the recently adopted Blueprint 2.0, a five-year roadmap for the CAP Program approved in October 2023.

“The Community Air Protection Program is an innovative effort that for the last seven years has invested in more than 5,000 projects that have cleaned the air, raised awareness about environmental issues, and empowered residents to take action and work with air quality staff to drive solutions,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “Community Hub 2.0 tells the story of what happens when equity is prioritized, residents are brought to the decision-making table, and we invest in building healthier communities.”

The website was developed as a resource that is useful for those seeking to apply for funding or are looking for proven solutions to address local air quality challenges. Examples of features on the CommunityHub 2.0 include:

• Videos featuring the voices of community members in Calexico, El Centro, and Heber to implement urban greening projects, improved agricultural burning practices and indoor air filtration installations at schools and paved walking and biking infrastructure.
• An interactive map of existing incentives and community air grants projects.
• An explanation of how the program is funded and how resources have been spent.
• Information about the fundamentals of air quality and how the regulatory process works, available in English and Spanish.
• A visual database of Community Emissions Reduction Program (CERP) actions communities have implemented to tackle local environmental challenges.
• Downloadable data sets that include community boundaries, incentive funding and the program’s strategies and actions.

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