CALED is proud to announce we’ve been awarded a $5 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to accelerate permit streamlining efforts across California.

This investment will support a comprehensive, action-oriented program designed to help jurisdictions modernize permitting — grounded in real tools, training, and implementation support. Key initiatives include:

  • Publishing statewide analysis of major permit streamlining policies and recent legislation shaping local processes
  • Developing a robust training curriculum and video series covering the four stages of permitting and due diligence
  • Launching hands-on cohort-based trainings and a scalable statewide learning model for local agencies
  • Building a centralized resource hub with templates, best practices, and shared tools for jurisdictions
  • Partnering with providers to expand access to online permitting solutions, with an emphasis on supporting rural communities

A cornerstone of this effort is the California Permit Streamlining Academy, which will equip local leaders with practical strategies, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities to accelerate project delivery.

In partnership with GO-Biz, CALED is committed to reducing barriers, strengthening local capacity, and advancing economic opportunity across the state. CALED President & CEO Gurbax Sahota shared, “We are sincerely grateful to GO-Biz for their support of CALED and for their continued investment in California’s economic development ecosystem. Cities and counties are on the front lines of fostering economic opportunity, and this grant enables us to provide targeted resources and technical assistance to enhance permitting processes and better support their critical work.”

Stay tuned as we roll out this transformative initiative.