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The Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) program continues to move forward, with three CERF updates recently released.
First, the final map of 13 regions that will receive up to $5 million planning grants under phase I of the program was published. This map is based on the public comment period that closed in mid-November. Included along with the region map are FAQs that arose during the public comment process. To view the final 13 regions and FAQs, click here.
(Photo: EDD)
Another public comment period has been announced, this time seeking input on the CERF Planning Phase proposed guidelines, as well as any other questions that may arise from the planning phase guidelines document.
The draft planning phase guidelines provide further information, including an overview of CERF phases 1 and 2, the vision and objectives of CERF, descriptions and characteristics of the primary roles for the planning grants, application and research requirements and an updated best-case scenario program timeline.
| Date | Activity |
| December 2021 | Release of finalized regions |
| December 2021 | Draft guidelines for Planning Grants released for public comment |
| January 2022 | Listening-session webinar for public feedback |
| February 2022 | CERF Planning Grant Solicitation released |
| March 2022 | Draft guidelines for implementation grants released |
| April 2022 | CERF Planning Grant finalists selected and grants awarded |
| August 2022 | Implementation grant solicitation released |
| October 2022 | Begin awarding implementation grants |
| June 2024 | Funds must be encumbered |
| October 2026 | Funds must be expended |
(Current state timeline, subject to change.)
All public comments received by Friday, January 28, 2022 will be considered. Submit all comments to WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov and include “CERF Planning Phase Public Comments” in the email subject line.
Finally, the CERF Leadership Team – including the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), the California Labor Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) – are holding a listening-style webinar on the Planning Phase of the CERF Program on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To register for this facilitated discussion, click here.
We will continue to keep you updated as CERF program updates are released.
