Each year, hundreds of Californians work to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities by spearheading California Climate Investments projects, which are designed to support a more sustainable, more resilient future. Learn what these projects have accomplished in the Central Coast counties of Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz.
Cumulative Investments in the Central Coast
As of October 31, 2025
$763 million total implemented funds
5% of statewide California Climate Investments funding
19,069 projects
$466 million benefiting priority populations
61% of funds benefiting priority populations
5,345,604 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions
4,881 tons estimated criteria air pollutant reductions
2025 Achievements
Reporting period: Dec 1, 2024 – Oct 31, 2025
$213 million in newly implemented funds
534 new projects
What does this mean for you?
Here is some of what our 2025 grantees are bringing to the region:
5,707 acres of land conservation or restoration
Over 377,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions avoided
Over 20 million gallons of fuel use reductions, worth over $700M
Central Coast Climate Investments in Action
San Luis Obispo Homeless Shelter Runs on Solar
The 40 Prado Road Homeless Services Center in San Luis Obispo added a 120-kilowatt solar system and energy efficiency measures
Savings will give the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) the ability to redirect resources to help more people needing shelter
Supported by over $400,000 from the California Department of Community Services and Development’s Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP)
Restoring Salinas Lake for the Benefit of the Environment and Community
Big Sur Land Trust received an almost $489,000 grant from the Climate Ready Program to restore habitat in and around Carr Lake in Salinas and create a new park
Carr Lake is prone to flooding and has collected runoff from nearby urban and agricultural land for decades, contributing to some of the most polluted waters in Monterey Bay
The 76-acre property now contains a 6-acre neighborhood park with a playground, skate park, basketball court, and picnic and dog areas, as of August 2025. The remaining 67 acres will be restored with seasonal wetlands, wildlife habitat, and recreational trails
Discover more projects in your region
Read Central Coast project profiles
Interested in bringing more projects to the Central Coast?
Apply! Your first stop to learn more is to explore programs.
Who is eligible?
A number of implemented California Climate Investments projects span multiple geographic boundaries (e.g., a transit bus line or large forestry project crossing county lines). While most projects can be tied to one project address, where it is not feasible to associate a project with a single region, district, or county, the same project data is included in each area that benefits from the investment. This method of attribution tends to increase the implemented project totals reported here. See the Project List for a more detailed explanation of the methodology the California Air Resources Board uses to evaluate projects that cross geographic boundaries.
About Us
California Climate Investments uses billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to fund projects that reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, strengthen local economies, and support natural environments. With a strong focus on communities most impacted by pollution and limited access to resources, California Climate Investments help build a more equitable and sustainable future - particularly in disadvantaged and low-income communities.
Contact Us
1-800-757-2907 | info@caclimateinvestments.ca.gov | @CAClimateInvest