The City of Commerce has secured nearly $1 million in state and federal grant funding to support roadway safety planning and community cleanup efforts. Awarded through highly competitive programs, the funding will advance citywide safety initiatives, improve neighborhood conditions and strengthen quality of life for Commerce residents.
“These grants reflect the dedication and expertise of our Public Works team, who worked diligently to bring critical state and federal funding back to Commerce,” said Mayor Kevin Lainez. The team secured $949,772 in funding without the help of lobbyists, all of which will be directly invested back into our community to make streets safer, beautify our neighborhoods and strengthen the community.”
After submitting a competitive application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, the City received $630,772 in federal funding to develop a Commerce Safety Action and Vision Zero Plan. This allows Commerce to build a comprehensive strategy to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries citywide.
The plan will establish safety goals, identify data-driven solutions and prioritize roadway safety improvements across Commerce. The total project cost is $798,465, and Commerce is providing a 20% local match, a required portion of the funding that the City provides to support the project.
In addition to advancing roadway safety planning, the City’s Public Works team also secured $200,000 in state funding through the Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Program, administered by the California Department of Transportation.
The grant will support debris and trash removal along key corridors and alleyways throughout Commerce that require ongoing cleanup. This includes Telegraph Road, Garfield Avenue, Washington Boulevard and the Bandini and Rosewood residential neighborhoods.
Through a partnership with Back2Work, the project will also create paid transitional employment opportunities for underserved adults, including veterans, while supporting community beautification and public education efforts.
Beyond these efforts, the City also secured $119,000 in state funding through the CALSTART – Communities in Charge Rebate Program. This grant will provide 14 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at Commerce City Hall. The EV charging stations will replace outdated chargers and nearly double the number of chargers currently available. The project will upgrade eight existing chargers and add six new chargers to expand public access.
Commerce is dedicated to supporting the community’s sustainability and clean transportation goals and strengthening public charging infrastructure. Public Works staff will continue to coordinate project implementation and ensure compliance with all program requirements.
“Securing nearly $1 million in grant funding is a major accomplishment for our City and demonstrates our commitment to delivering results for residents,” said City Manager Ernie Hernandez. “These investments enable us to proactively address safety, sustainability, and neighborhood improvements, while creating meaningful opportunities for our community. We remain committed to leveraging external funding to enhance services and improve quality of life in Commerce.”
Together, these grants highlight the City’s success in bringing additional funding to Commerce while improving quality of life for residents. The City extends its appreciation to the Public Works team for their leadership and dedication in securing these competitive grants and advancing projects that benefit the entire community.
The City is committed to keeping residents informed as these initiatives progress.