CA AB972

Requires the Office of Planning and Research to convene a Local Assistance and Grant Program Streamlining Workgroup by January 1, 2025, in consultation with the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, and California Special Districts Association.

Workgroup must develop a coordinated system to centralize state and federal funding opportunities for local governments, prioritizing underresourced and disadvantaged communities.

Workgroup membership includes representatives from state agencies (CalEPA, Natural Resources Agency, Department of Finance, Department of Technology), cities of various sizes, rural/suburban/urban jurisdictions, and county representatives.

Workgroup must deliver a report by June 30, 2026, with findings and recommendations for short-term (by January 31, 2027), medium-term (by July 1, 2027), and long-term (by July 1, 2028) solutions to streamline grant processes.

Report must be posted on the Office of Planning and Research website and provided to the Department of Finance and relevant legislative committees; implementation of recommendations requires legislative appropriation.