Update

Priority Conservation Area (PCA) Grants

Priority Conservation Area (PCA) grants support agencies, tribes and non-profits as they implement local projects that advance Bay Area conservation priorities.

Credit
Ben Botkin

Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) are spaces that provide important environmental and/or outdoor recreation benefits in the Bay Area. PCAs are identified and nominated through a locally driven process and are designated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). PCA designations and the PCA grant program support the goals of Plan Bay Area 2050, the adopted long-range regional plan for housing, the economy, transportation and the environment.

The PCA grant program – funded through the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program and administered by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership – was initiated by MTC in collaboration with the State Coastal Conservancy. Since 2013, the PCA grant program has provided over $38 million to protect and enhance the region's natural and agricultural lands, improve outdoor access and urban greening, and build regional climate resiliency across Bay Area communities. 

Explore the PCA Grants StoryMap

Learn about the more than $30 million in grants to support of a healthy and more resilient Bay Area.

See details on projects, maps and more.
California poppies on the coast of Contra Costa County.

2024 PCA Grants

In November 2024, MTC awarded a total of $8.5 million to 13 Bay Area organizations for PCA grants that support long-term protection and enhancement of the region's natural and agricultural lands and improve outdoor access and urban greening in Bay Area communities.

MTC anticipates releasing another PCA Grant Program Call for Projects for $8 million in 2025.

Staff Contact

Ben Botkin, PCA Grant Manager
Phone: 415-778-5299
Email: ben.botkin@sfestuary.org

One Bay Area Grants

The One Bay Area Grant guides MTC’s distribution of federal transportation funding to projects and programs throughout the Bay Area, including PCAs.

Learn more.
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

MTC works with ABAG to build healthier, stronger communities. ABAG adopts PCAs that are nominated by local agencies.

Visit the ABAG website.
History

The PCA grant program was initiated by MTC in collaboration with the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) in 2013 to provide funding to cities, counties, park districts, utility districts and other agencies and non-profits to acquire, enhance or improve designated PCAs. 

PCA Grant Program Funded Projects

See the projects that have been funded in the OBAG 1, OBAG 2 and OBAG 3 grant cycles: