A wide variety of funding programs available through state agencies can support local efforts to increase opportunities for physical activity, promote healthy eating and reduce exposure to environmental hazards. While some of these programs have an explicit health purpose, such as funding to clean up land and water contaminated with toxic compounds, other programs that were developed primarily for other purposes can also deliver health co-benefits. For example:

• The Office of Local Assistance in the California Department of Parks and Recreation provides funding for local park improvements.
• The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) administers the Safe Routes to Schools program that funds infrastructure improvements, such as constructing sidewalks and crosswalks, creating bicycle paths and installing count-down signals. Funds are also available for “non-infrastructure” projects to educate and encourage young people to walk and ride their bikes.
• The Strategic Growth Council offers grants to local and regional agencies to support General Plans and other planning efforts that promote the development of sustainable communities.