Fall Forum and Funding Opportunities

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the 2026 guidelines for its Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP), which provides funding for community-led projects that reduce flooding and erosion, restore natural stream habitats, and improve the health and resilience of urban waterways.

This opportunity is especially relevant for Los Angeles County projects focused on creek restoration, streambank stabilization, floodplain improvements, green infrastructure, habitat restoration, and community access to urban waterways. The program prioritizes projects that provide direct benefits to disadvantaged communities and incorporate community participation, education, and long-term watershed stewardship.

Funding is available through Proposition 4, with at least $15 million reserved for projects benefiting disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations.

Concept Proposals open October 1, 2026, and will be accepted monthly on a rolling basis. The first submission window closes October 30, 2026. Invited applicants may submit full applications beginning January 4, 2027.

Helpful links: Program page · 2026 Final Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package

The LA28 Resilience Champions Fund is accepting Round 2 applications, offering grants of up to $100,000 to support nonprofit organizations advancing community-led climate resilience projects across the Los Angeles region.

Administered by Community Partners, the fund supports projects focused on wildfire resilience and nature restoration, ocean protection, and cooling solutions. This opportunity is especially relevant for Los Angeles County nonprofits working on habitat restoration, watershed protection, urban greening, shade structures, community cooling infrastructure, and other neighborhood-scale projects that deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.

Funding will support locally led solutions that strengthen community resilience in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Applications are due October 30, 2026. Grants will be awarded in February 2027, with funded activities to be completed by January 31, 2028.

Helpful links: Program page and eligibility guidelines · LA28 announcement

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is preparing to award approximately $152 million through its Watershed Resilience Grant Program to support water conservation, climate adaptation, and long-term watershed resilience across California.

This opportunity is especially relevant for Los Angeles County partnerships working on watershed-scale planning, water conservation, drought resilience, and coordinated water management projects that strengthen regional water supplies and help communities adapt to changing climate conditions.

Funding will be available through two solicitations: Conservation Implementation, offering approximately $60 million for capital projects that deliver water conservation benefits, and Watershed Resilience Planning+, offering approximately $92 million for collaborative watershed planning and implementation of priority projects.

Conservation Implementation draft guidelines are now available, with public comments accepted through November 9, 2026. Concept Proposals are anticipated in early 2027, followed by full applications in spring 2027. Planning+ applications are expected in late 2027–2028.

Mark your calendars – November 10, 2026 – for the fourth LA Infrastructure Forum, the premier gathering where vision meets action! Produced by ENR in partnership with Infrastructure LA, this year’s theme—Where LA Infrastructure Leaders Align on What’s Next —puts the spotlight on bold strategies to drive equitable, climate-ready, 21st-century infrastructure across Los Angeles County.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
• Location: Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles, CA
• Produced by: ENR in partnership with Infrastructure LA