We are excited to announce grant awards totaling $12.9 million in funding for two Measure A competitive grant programs: Recreation Access and Youth & Veteran Job Training and Placement, completing the second cycle of Measure A competitive grant programs. Whereas the first cycle of Measure A competitive grant programs awarded funding towards capital projects that promote, preserve, and protect parks and open space, this cycle awards programs promoting equitable access to public lands and open spaces and supporting education and skills training in the parks and recreation field for youth and veterans across Los Angeles County – a historic first in RPOSD’s thirty years of grantmaking.

A total of 33 applications were received for the 2022 Competitive Grant Programs during the 3-month application period. Submitted applications underwent review by a 5-member evaluation panel, and 16 were ultimately funded. RPOSD would also like to express our appreciation to all those who applied for this competitive round as well as our gratitude to the evaluators for the difficult task of selecting the first awardees ever for the two grant programs.

Highlights from the second cycle of Measure A Competitive Grants:

• The Recreation Access Program awarded $6.8 million in Measure A grant funding for education, interpretive services, and transportation that will enhance access to public lands and park facilities throughout the County.
  • It will allow over 72,000 residents to access recreation venues, including our local beaches, the Angeles National Forest, and various park facilities.
  • This funding will reduce geographical barriers by covering transportation costs to Countywide regional assets, including the LA Zoo, nature centers, and seasonal events.
  • A unique aspect of the program is the collaboration between RPOSD and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), who committed an additional $1 million in funding for Transit to Parks programs. Metro’s announcement and awards release is forthcoming.
• The Youth & Veteran Job Training and Placement program awarded $6.1 million in Measure A grant funding for education training and job placement programs that will result in jobs for Los Angeles County youth and veterans.
  • This funding will create a variety of exciting youth employment opportunities resulting in approximately 600 paid training for youth ages 18-25 and veterans, which will lead to jobs in the parks and recreation fields, including outdoor recreation, aquatics, and landscaping.

We invite you to learn more about the grant awards by exploring the resources linked below.