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.
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 $46 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.
2026 Priority Conservation Area Grant Awards
In June 2026, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved the fourth round of PCA grant awards to protect and manage high-value conservation lands and to expand urban greening in communities. Totaling $8 million, this investment supports 16 projects across all nine Bay Area counties that reflect a strong regional commitment to:
- Expanding access to parks, trails and shorelines
- Protecting and restoring habitats and improving climate resilience
- Strengthening connections between communities and agricultural lands
What the 2026 Projects Deliver
The 2026 PCA grants fund a diverse set of projects that together implement Plan Bay Area strategies to create a more resilient and connected Bay Area. Expand below for details.
Habitat Protection & Climate Resilience
Projects are protecting or restoring wetlands, creeks and upland habitats to address sea level rise, wildfire risk and biodiversity loss:
- Napa County: Climate-ready restoration planning for Suscol Creek wetlands and floodplain
- San Mateo County: Wildfire resilience and native habitat restoration across foothill preserves
- Sonoma County: Protection of redwood forests and river habitats along the Gualala River
These efforts improve ecological function while preparing landscapes for future climate conditions.
Trail Connectivity & Active Transportation
Several projects close critical gaps in regional trail networks and improve safe, non-auto access:
- San Francisco City/County: Twin Peaks Promenade trail transformation
- San Mateo County: Bay Trail gap closure near San Francisco International Airport (2.5-mile multi-use corridor)
- Santa Clara County: Ridge Trail and wildlife crossings at Highway 17
Together, these projects advance longstanding regional goals for continuous, accessible trails.
Parks &nd Access in Underserved Communities
Projects prioritize equitable access to parks and open space in communities with limited recreational opportunities:
- Alameda County: Deep East Oakland creek access and stewardship programs
- Contra Costa County: New McNeil Park in San Pablo on a former school site
- Marin County: San Rafael Canal neighborhood urban park and pedestrian bridge
These efforts expand opportunities for recreation, health and community connection.
Agriculture & Working Lands
Projects strengthen links between communities and agricultural lands:
- Santa Clara County: Agricultural outreach and education to advance farmland protection and awareness
- Solano County: Farm-to-Market infrastructure in Suisun Valley
These initiatives support local farms and promote sustainable food systems.
Staff Contact
Ben Botkin, PCA Grant Manager
Phone: 415-778-5299
Email: ben.botkin@sfestuary.org
Learn more about how PCA grant awards support a healthy and resilient Bay Area.
The One Bay Area Grant guides MTC’s distribution of federal transportation funding to projects and programs throughout the Bay Area, including PCAs. Staff anticipate the next round of PCA grants will be released in 2027/28.
MTC works with ABAG to build healthier, stronger communities. ABAG adopts PCAs that are nominated by local agencies.
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.
See the projects that have been funded in the OBAG 1, OBAG 2 and OBAG 3 grant cycles: