Our Vision
To create a more equitable and climate-resilient community through neighborhood planning that supports climate change adaptation, the health development of children; the ability of older adults to age in place; and an overall sense of connectedness that benefits all residents. It means having access to public resources like recreational and wellness facilities, zero-emission public transportation, affordable housing, urban forest, and solar programs that help make homes more energy efficient: parks and open spaces, infrastructure like sidewalks and bicycle traits that promote activity and mobility, and economic opportunities the increase wealth and prosperity.
Coachella Prospera: A Community-Led Transformation
The Coachella Prospera Collaborative Stakeholder Structure emerged from a deep rooted, community driven planning effort aimed at addressing environmental justice, economic opportunity, and public health in Coachella’s neighborhoods most affected by pollution and underinvestment. Residents who live, work, own property, or serve the community were invited to participate in public workshops, and community meetings to shape a collective vision for the city’s future.
This inclusive process brought together residents, nonprofit partners, local businesses, and local agencies to identify key projects that will strengthen neighborhoods, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance quality of life. The proposal was spearheaded by the City of Coachella’s Economic Development Department, which led a robust engagement and planning process. Their leadership resulted in a successful application to the California Strategic GrowthCouncil, ultimately securing $22 million from the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program to launch the Coachella Prospera initiative. The department continues to lead the program’s implementation with strong interagency coordination and community accountability.
Why Was Coachella Selected?
In 2023, the California Strategic Growth Council awarded Coachella one of the state’s larges community driven climate grants through the Transformative Climate Communities Program.
This selection reflects the city’s:
•High concentration of residents in disadvantaged communities, as identified by
CalEnviroScreen and other equity-based tools.
•Legacy of agricultural labor and environmental exposure, particularly in areas with poor
air quality, limited tree canopy, and lacking infrastructure.
•Track record of local leadership, community planning, and readiness to scale climate-
smart investments through coordinated implementation.
What Is the Purpose of the Funding?
The TCC funds support transformative, neighborhood investments that cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve community health, housing, transportation, and green space. Rather than small, disconnected efforts, the funding emphasizes larger, interconnected projects that support economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Because these dollars come from the state’s Cap and Trade program, all funded projects must demonstrate climate benefits while directly benefiting low-income households and historically underserved communities.
TCC
The Transformative Climate Communities Program is an innovative, new investment in community-scale climate action, with potentially broad implications. Launched in 2017 by the California State Legislature, TCC funds the implementation of neighborhood-level transformative plans that include multiple, coordinated projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program is also designed to provide an array of local economic, environmental, and health benefits to disadvantaged communities, while minimizing the risk of displacement.The Transformative Climate Communities Program empowers communities disproportionately impacted by pollution to lead their own neighborhood transformation. Administered by the Strategic Growth Council in partnership with the California Department of Conservation, TCC funds a wide range of community led climate strategies, such as affordable housing, shared mobility, green infrastructure, and energy efficiency that deliver both local and global benefits.
Coachella Prospera Is Part of California Climate Investments
TCC is a core part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative using billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce emissions, encourage economic development, and protect public health, especially in disadvantaged communities like Coachella. These investments are supporting clean energy, walkable streets, zero emission vehicles, affordable housing, and green jobs.
California Climate Investments are directed toward low-income households and communities, helping ensure that the residents most vulnerable to climate change and pollution benefit first and foremost.
Why This Work Matters in Coachella
•Environmental Justice: Coachella has among the highest per capita concentrations of residents living in areas identified as severely disadvantaged due to environmental and socioeconomic conditions.
•Smart Growth Challenges: Like many inland cities, Coachella faces the legacy of suburban sprawl and a need for equitable, compact, and sustainable development.
•Community First Solutions: Years of local advocacy, planning, and cross-sector collaboration laid the groundwork for Coachella Prospera. The City’s Economic Development Department continues to serve as the driving force behind implementation, ensuring that projects remain community focused, and outcomes driven.
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