2026 Solutions for Congested Corridors Program
🏛 Transportation Commission (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California Native American Tribes seeking to build long-term capacity in climate and housing work. Eligible applicants include federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Contact List as of February 2026. Non-federally recognized Tribes must be registered with the California Secretary of State as a nonprofit, for-profit corporation, or LLC. Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) listed in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's National Directory are also eligible.
Funding supports staff salaries and activities that advance climate and housing work. Eligible activities include planning, securing funding, and implementing housing projects that advance climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
Awards range from $350,000 to $420,000 for a 36-month grant term. No cost-sharing is required. Advance payments require federally recognized Tribal awardees to sign a limited waiver of sovereign immunity.
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Program description
Regional transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions and Caltrans are eligible to apply for program funds through the nomination of projects. All projects nominated must be identified in a currently adopted regional transportation plan and an existing comprehensive corridor plan. The Commission is required to score and select submitted applications based on the following criteria: Safety;Congestion;Accessibility;Economic development, job creation and retention;Air pollution and greenhouse gas emission reductions;Efficient land use;Level of matching funds; andThe ability to complete the project in a timely manner. Eligible project elements within the corridor plans may include improvements to state highways, local streets and roads, rail facilities, public transit facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and restoration or preservation work that protects critical local habitat or open space. Program funds cannot be used to construct general purpose lanes on a state highway. Capacity increasing projects on the state highway system are restricted to high-occupancy vehicle lanes, managed lanes, and other non-general purpose lane improvements for safety and/or operational improvements for all modes of travel. Examples are auxiliary lanes, trucks climbing lanes, or dedicated bicycle lanes.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proof of Tribe's status on NAHC Contact List or HUD's National Directory
- Project narrative describing climate and housing goals
- Budget and budget narrative with salary justifications
- Organizational capacity statement
- Tribal resolution or board approval (if required by Tribe)
Program contact
- 📧 Naveen.Habib@catc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-653-2044
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
California Native American Tribes on the NAHC Contact List as of February 2026 (federally and non-federally recognized) and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) in HUD's National Directory are eligible. Non-federally recognized Tribes must be registered with California Secretary of State.
What is the funding amount and grant term?
Awards range from $350,000 to $420,000 for a 36-month (3-year) grant term. No cost-sharing is required.
What activities can I fund with this grant?
Fund staff salaries and activities that advance climate and housing work, including planning, securing funding, and implementing housing projects that support climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
Does this grant require a waiver of sovereignty?
Reimbursement-based funding does not require a waiver. However, if you request advance payments as a federally recognized Tribe, you must sign a limited waiver of sovereign immunity.
What technical assistance is available?
The program offers no-cost, flexible technical assistance including grant application help, grant management support, planning, implementation, staff development, training, and peer learning.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear climate and housing project plan before applying. Reviewers want to see realistic goals and timelines.
- Highlight your Tribe's current capacity gaps and explain how grant funding will address them. Connect salaries to specific, measurable outcomes.
- Leverage the no-cost technical assistance early. Attend trainings and connect with other grantees to strengthen your proposal.
- Submit reimbursement documentation on schedule to avoid delays. Build a strong finance and grant management system before the award arrives.
- Document your partnerships with state, local, and nonprofit organizations. Collaboration strengthens competitiveness and implementation success.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lack concrete climate or housing project goals tied directly to Tribal priorities. Applicants underestimate staff capacity needs or fail to explain how salaries advance specific outcomes. Weak financial management plans or insufficient tracking systems for grant funds.
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