September 24, 2024 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Board of Governors voted on Monday to support two statewide ballot measures that, if passed by voters in the Nov. 5 election, would provide bond funding for much needed improvements to educational facilities statewide and would invest in climate resiliency public works projects.

Proposition 2, the Kindergarten through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024, would provide $1.5 billion to community colleges for building, repairing and upgrading facilities. Proposition 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, would authorize $10 billion in general obligation bonds for environmental and climate projects.

“Our strategic plan, Vision 2030, calls for action with equity. And both propositions we’ve chosen to support are rooted in equity. We believe Proposition 2 will allow us to better serve our students with quality facilities to enhance the education and training of a skilled 21st century workforce while also supporting students’ basic needs. Proposition 4 would assist in our climate resilience efforts as we prepare students for careers in the green economy and address our operations and planning for the changing environment,” said California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Amy M. Costa.

The California Community Colleges includes 116 community colleges and 80 educational centers located in nearly every community in the state, serving more than 70% of California’s public postsecondary undergraduate students. The California Community College Chancellor’s Office estimates community college facilities have unmet needs of approximately $27.5 billion over the next five years.

Funds from Proposition 2 would help with constructing new classrooms to accommodate growth and provide job training, repairing health and safety issues, renovating facilities and equipping learning spaces with essential technology, all factors that play a vital role in supporting the goals outlined in Vision 2030.

The California Community Colleges is the largest workforce training provider in the nation and the primary engine of social and economic mobility for the state. This makes the colleges uniquely positioned to address the need for the educated and well-trained workforce necessary to help meet California’s climate action and sustainability goals. If Proposition 4 is approved, it will provide funding that would allow the California Community Colleges to be a workforce partner with agencies and organizations addressing the varied challenges facing California’s current and future climate impacts while also supporting the climate goals outlined in Vision 2030.

“I’d like to thank the Board of Governors for their support needed to move forward the goals of Vision 2030,” said state Chancellor Sonya Christian. “This includes modernizing educational facilities and calls on community colleges to lead in climate action in workforce development and in our daily operations. Our colleges are primed to build the next wave of climate action solutions needed to instill the importance of taking care of our planet.”

Vision 2030 is a collaborative action plan that provides focus, equity, and direction to our community colleges. It guides field practice, removes barriers, fosters policy reform, and supports college implementation. And it responds to technological and environmental changes facing our community while holistically addressing the needs of colleges and students.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to improve student success, our communities and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (Formerly Twitter).
Source: CCC