The federal government and states across the U.S. are making historical investments in climate action with a focus on programs that can achieve multiple benefits in disadvantaged communities. California, the state with the longest standing effort to uplift frontline communities through climate investments, offers broad lessons. Since 2014, the legislature has appropriated more than $22 billion in California Climate Investments for zero-emission transportation, sustainable communities, clean energy, natural resource conservation, and more.

The Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) is the leading academic research center evaluating and helping to inform equitable and effective California Climate Investments. One aim is to help California meet its goal to maximize benefits, particularly in under-served areas affected by pollution and poverty. Another aim to is take the lessons, both the strengths and the shortcomings, from California’s experience and use it to inform more transformative, community-driven investments across the nation.