Transformative Climate Communities

Transformative Climate Communities is a climate action model that puts communities in charge, giving them the power and resources to fight climate change and build stronger, healthier, and economically resilient communities.

Many decades of redlining -- the deliberate practice of blocking investment in communities of color -- and environmental racism saddled communities of color with the worst pollution and the fewest resources to cope with the effects of climate change. Government responses to these injustices have tended to be incomplete, fragmented, and designed from the top down. Under-resourced communities of color need a more effective and equitable model to cope with climate change and build thriving, resilient communities. 

TCC works on a neighborhood scale to empower the communities most impacted by poverty and pollution to define their own goals and solutions to fight climate change, reduce pollution and address community economic needs -- and then provides the funding to make those dreams real. 

TCC brings communities together to make decisions about the future of their neighborhoods. Collaboratively, stakeholders, led by residents and community based organizations, must develop one vision for their neighborhood, and the state of California then provides the money to implement that vision.

TCC encourages the development of unified, holistic community plans that bring together clean energy, affordable housing, transportation, etc.--topics usually addressed in isolation at the government level. Linking these elements together magnifies their impact and ensures that the various pieces all work together.

For example: East Oakland has some of the worst air quality in the nation, and lacks clean transportation and opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation. East Oakland’s TCC program has developed a multipronged strategy to address these issues, including a bikeshare program that’s providing clean transportation and healthy exercise while hiring and training young people to provide needed local bike repair services. What’s more, this program is also actively trying to work against displacement and gentrification so that residents can enjoy the benefits that will come from TCC in the future.

This model goes way beyond typical government “consultation” and embeds deep, ongoing community leadership, power and control in the process of developing CO2 reduction plans that bring multiple health and economic benefits

Too often, the voices of community members aren’t prioritized in top-down community development or planning programs -- especially communities of color. Residents know what they need in their own neighborhoods. By centering community leaders and CBOs, this model ensures that projects are derived from resident-identified needs, giving community members ownership over changes taking place in their own neighborhoods.

Unlike typical, top-down models, TCC has an explicit climate focus and emphasis on the community planning process, with resources to support planning and broad community engagement. And, TCC maximizes economic benefits to underserved communities while incorporating intentional, structured efforts to minimize harms like displacement. It also requires detailed evaluation to ensure stated goals are reached and to learn from mistakes.

TCC encourages the development of unified, holistic community plans that bring together clean energy, affordable housing, transportation, etc. - topics usually addressed in isolation at the government level

Without the incentives provided through the TCC model guidelines, many local governments wouldn’t come to the table to collaborate with residents and community groups. TCC fosters that collaboration. It isn’t always easy, but it’s a starting point. 

This model is also different because it builds in transformative elements including anti-displacement, workforce development, resiliency and community engagement plans. This is different from most normal planning which is often siloed. This holistic approach works and government responds.

The Greenlining Institute has been involved with the TCC program from its original concept to its local implementation. Along with the California Environmental Justice Alliance, Greenlining co-sponsored and advocated for the passage of AB 2722 (Burke, 2016), which established the TCC program. We have also supported two communities, Stockton and San Diego, with technical assistance in applying for TCC funding. This gives us a unique perspective on the vision for the program, how TCC functions on the ground, and how the program could continue to be improved.

TCC is state-funded. More specifically: TCC is funded through California budget allocations and administered by the Strategic Growth Council. 

Since 2017, TCC has made large-scale investments ranging from $10.8 million to $66.5 million in eight of California’s most impacted communities including Sacramento, Oakland, Stockton, Fresno, Pacoima, Los Angeles, Ontario, and Riverside. 

In past years TCC has often been inadequately funded. The program received $115 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year, with a commitment to $420 million over three years. This is a step in the right direction and a level of funding, that if sustained, can truly tap into the program’s potential.