The first Prop 1. funding deadline is two months away

Potential applicants must request a pre-application meeting before Oct. 15

By Caroline Grinder, legislative affairs lobbyist   

Over $3 billion in competitive grant funding for behavioral health from Proposition 1 — half of which is reserved for cities and counties — is now available. Applicants must request a pre-application meeting before Oct. 15. to be considered for funding.

During the consultation, prospective applicants will describe their proposed project and how they would use the funding, as well as ask questions that help produce quality applications. Cities can refer to the application questions guide to preview the questions before requesting a meeting.

After the consultation, cities have until Dec. 13 to complete their applications. All applications must be supported by the county behavioral health director where the project is located. Applicants must also base their proposals on local behavioral health needs data and demonstrate community engagement and regional collaboration.

Last week, Cal Cities hosted a webinar with the Governor’s Office on Prop. 1 implementation. The Governor’s team encouraged cities to kick off the application process by collaborating with county leaders and asking county officials the following questions:

• Are more seriously ill people in your county being connected with behavioral health services and housing?
• How is the county planning to apply for and leverage Prop. 1 bond funding?
• What are the county's priorities for the new behavioral health plans starting in 2026? What is the process?

A second round of Prop. 1 funding will be available in mid-2025. The state plans to award all funding — $6.38 billion in total — no later than 2026. Cities can learn more about available funding on the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act landing page.

Cal Cities’ 2024 Advocacy Priorities focus on securing investments to reduce homelessness and boost the supply of affordable housing. For years, Cal Cities has called on the Legislature and the Governor to provide ongoing funding to address these crises. The investments made through Prop. 1 align with these goals and are a step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable Californians.