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How We Got Here
How Bay REPAIR Began
For years, community members and advocates called for penalty funds to return to communities impacted by air pollution and for residents to have a say in how the money is spent.
In May 2024, the Air District adopted the Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy.
In December 2024, the Air District established the Community Investments Office (CIO) to manage these investments.
Through Bay REPAIR (Reinvesting Penalties for Air Improvement and Resilience), CIO works with residents, community organizations, and other stakeholders to fund projects that address community priorities.
Understanding Bay REPAIR
- Bay REPAIR: The name for all grant programs managed by the Community Investments Office. The Local and Regional Community Benefits Funds are part of Bay REPAIR.
- Local Community Benefits Fund: Invests directly in the communities affected by air quality violations that led to the fines. Round 1 serves Benicia, Richmond, and surrounding communities. Details on future rounds will be shared as they become available.
- Regional Community Benefits Fund: Supports communities across the Bay Area that face the highest levels of pollution and related health risks. Program details will be shared as they become available.
- Other Designated Funds: Includes funds with their own rules for where and how the money can be used, such as funds set aside to reduce the effects of specific pollution events.
Our Journey
Community input helped shape the funding guidelines for Round 1, which launched in January 2026. In September and October 2026, the Air District’s Board of Directors awarded more than $105 million in Round 1 grants. The Community Investments Office is now working with grantees to finalize their agreements so projects can begin in early 2027.
Explore the timeline below to see the key milestones that brought Bay REPAIR from community advocacy to its first round of investments.
- May–December 2024: Policy and office established. The Air District adopted the Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy and established the CIO.
- 2025: Community priorities shaped the program. Community members helped inform funding priorities and draft grant guidelines through outreach, surveys, and public meetings.
- January–May 2026: Round 1 applications. Applications opened alongside webinars, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.
- September–October 2026: Awards approved. The Board approved more than $105 million for Benicia, Richmond, and surrounding communities.
- Next: Project implementation. Staff are working with grantees to finalize agreements. Projects are anticipated to begin in early 2027.
Explore past community events and public meetings to learn how community input helped shape Bay REPAIR. Find recordings, presentations, and Board and committee materials below.
View past meeting materials and events below
Questions? Contact communityinvestments@baaqmd.gov.
Last Updated: 10/11/2026