Funding » Regional Funding Programs

Green Means Go

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Accelerates infill development through infrastructure investment, technical assistance and policy support.

Green Means Go is a regional effort to meet California housing goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, and improve mobility by focusing on housing in the heart of communities. The program pairs investments in underground infrastructure (like sewer and water) with policy support and technical assistance to help cities and counties revitalize corridors and advance transportation priorities. 

26 of the region’s 28 local jurisdictions have adopted Green Zones, which are key areas that have infill capacity but face market or other barriers to development. By pairing transportation planning and housing investments together in Green Zones, the region is building more complete communities where residents can meet their daily needs more holistically within their neighborhoods. 

Who can apply?

This funding program applies to public agencies in the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba.

Additional Information

Green Means Go was spurred by a requirement set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent in the region (SB 375). SACOG was the only region in the state to have its target conditioned on the successful implementation of a pilot. GMG formed through extensive outreach to regional partners and policymakers and has been a major focus for the agency and the region over the last seven years.

The GMG program is a critical implementation component of the region’s long-range plan and vision for a vibrant community. First described in the 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS) which helps the region work towards its goal to have one third of all homes built in centers, corridors, or established communities. 

Green Means Go is entirely grant funded. The SACOG Board directed the agency’s one-time allocation of the statewide REAP 2 program to support the initial set of Green Means Go investments. SB 170 subsequently allocated an additional $4 million to SACOG’s Green Means Go program, and the agency has also secured a federal Reconnecting Communities/Neighborhood Access grant to fund the next wave of Green Means Go projects.