Sustainable Transportation Equity Project

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

What does it fund?

Community-driven planning, clean transportation, and supporting projects that increase transportation equity by addressing community residents’ transportation needs, increasing residents’ access to key destinations, and reducing GHG emissions.
The Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) aims to address community residents’ transportation needs, increase access to key destinations (e.g., schools, grocery stores, workplaces, daycare facilities, community centers, medical facilities), and reduce GHG emissions. STEP has the flexibility to fund many different types of projects to ensure that STEP funds can help meet the needs of each community within that community’s context. STEP’s overarching purpose is to increase transportation equity in disadvantaged and low-income communities throughout California via two grant types: (1) Planning and Capacity Building Grants and (2) Implementation Grants.

Who is eligible for funds?

Community-based organizations, federally-recognized tribes, and local governments that serve disadvantaged and low-income communities throughout California.

How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?

Projects must be in disadvantaged or low-income communities and are designed to address community residents’ needs and center residents’ expertise through all phases of project implementation.

How do I access funds?

Apply through a competitive statewide solicitation.

Funding Timeline

Application window is currently closed. No additional funds are available at this time.

Project Profiles

Read stories of projects funded by this program.

Cumulative Statistics

As of November 30, 2023

$44.5 million allocated

$44.5 million implemented

$44.5 million benefiting priority populations

4,921 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions

31 projects implemented

2023 Achievements

Reporting period:
Dec 1, 2022 – Nov 30, 2023

$18.2 million implemented

458 MTCO2e estimated GHG reductions

25 full-time equivalent jobs reported

$18.0 million benefiting priority populations

100% benefiting disadvantaged communities

0% benefiting low-income communities and households

0% benefiting other areas of California

Other Expected Benefits

$587,255 in travel cost savings

105 pounds NOx reductions

57 pounds particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) reductions