California continues to invest in the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the Central Valley, known for producing about a fourth of the food consumed in the U.S. and projected to grow by five million people by 2060.
On Friday, April 11, a project to build new, affordable, energy-efficient homes close to jobs and transit options officially broke ground in Fresno County. The development, known as Dakota, received funding through the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program (AHSC) a program funded by California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Dakota project will create 114 new housing units for families, individuals and veterans in Fresno.
Dakota received $48.8 million through Round 7 of the AHSC program, which is administered by SGC and implemented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
While the groundbreaking was happening in Fresno, a celebration was being held in Merced and Mariposa counties for Waltz-Turner Ranch – a project that permanently conserved 10,361-acres of working ranch lands as agricultural lands through an $8.7 million easement. The easement is part of SGC’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC), which is also funded through CCI with Cap-and-Trade funds.
The SALC Program is offered in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is a partnership program within AHSC, where 10% of AHSC funds are used for three different types of conservation grants.
The Waltz-Turner easement will ensure grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and oak savannah provide adequate forage for sustainable agricultural production, while multiple wells, vernal springs, and stock ponds provide water to livestock and wildlife.
Both of these CCI projects are key parts of Governor Gavin Newsom’s agenda. Building more, faster and 30x30 - delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state while also accelerating conservation of our lands and coastal waters through voluntary, collaborative action with partners across the state.
“Balancing strategic development and conservation requires finding solutions that integrate economic growth with environmental protection,” said Gov. Newsom. “It’s not about either or - it’s promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the long-term health of our ecosystems. In California, we continue to prove both are possible.”
“We are laser focused on building a better California for all communities while ensuring we deliver on the state’s climate goals,” said Erin Curtis, Executive Director of SGC. “Our affordable housing projects are built near sustainable transportation options, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and other daily destinations. And we are conserving more green spaces and working agricultural lands to account for this growth – creating healthier natural spaces that further support healthier people.”
Media Contact:
Leticia Palamidessi
Leticia.Palamidessi@SGC.ca.gov
916-425-8286
About Dakota Affordable Housing Project
The Dakota housing project in Fresno will create a community where residents can get everywhere they need to go without having to drive - resulting in cleaner air, healthier lifestyles, and protection from current and future climate changes. The development’s location (replacing the old Smugglers Restaurant on north Blackstone Avenue) provides easy access to the newly upgraded Manchester Transit Center and new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. It’s also near grocery stores, medical facilities, pharmacies, and other social services.
The future 4-story housing structure will contain 53 one-bedroom units, 30 two-bedroom units, 30 three-bedroom units – and one live-in property manager unit. The units will be available to families and individuals with 30%, 50%, and 60% area median incomes (AMI), with 45 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program (VASH) vouchers available.
Strategic choices were made in the development, construction, and future maintenance of Dakota to make the building more energy efficient and environmentally friendly – while also protecting the health of future residents. These choices include features like tree and balcony shading and high-quality insulation and filtration systems that will protect residents from extreme heat events and provide cost savings on energy and water bills.
About the Waltz-Turner Ranch
The Waltz-Turner Ranch conservation easement was achieved through a tremendous amount of collaboration with partners across the state, leveraging voluntary actions and strategic land acquisitions. Led by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, the $8.7 million easement creates the permanent conservation of working lands for cow-calf operations along the border of Merced and Mariposa Counties. Adjacent to other conserved lands, this project creates a connected open space corridor that now stretches from the San Joaquin Valley to the Sierra crest, provides ample space for the survival and adaptation of wild animals, fish, birds, important pollinators and other species over time.
About the California Strategic Growth Council
The SGC is a Cabinet level Council housed within the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation that works to coordinate and work collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and philanthropy to achieve sustainability, fair access, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians. The Council is composed of the leaders of seven state agencies and three public members who work together to build healthy, thriving, resilient communities for all Californians.
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