California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84) on November 7, 2006. Among its provisions, the bond authorized the Legislature to appropriate $70 million for urban greening projects and plans that reduce energy consumption, conserve water, improve air and water quality, and provide other community benefits.
These funds assist entities in developing a master urban greening plan that will ultimately result in projects to help the State meet its environmental goals and the creation of healthy communities. These funds assist entities preserve, enhance, increase or establish community green areas such as urban forests, open spaces, wetlands and community spaces (e.g., community gardens). The goal is for these greening projects to incrementally create more viable and sustainable communities throughout the State.