Previous CERF program timeline updates are listed below.

Program Timeline

December 17, 2021
Finalized CERF Regions released
A document announcing the final 13 CERF Regions with the list of corresponding counties.
January 6, 2022
CERF Listening-Style Webinar
Video recording of the presentation portion of the Listening-Style Webinar.
February 14, 2022
Governor Newsom signs Senate Bill 115
Senate Bill 115 changed the funding source of CERF from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to State General Fund.
April 18, 2022
Second draft of the Planning Phase Draft Guidelines released
Second draft of the Planning Phase Draft Guidelines released for public input through a series of regional workshops
May 11, 2022
CERF Guidelines Workshop in Spanish
The Spanish Draft Guidelines Workshop written in Spanish.
May 12, 2022
CERF Guidelines Workshop in Cantonese
The Cantonese Draft Guidelines Workshop written in Cantonese.
May 18 & 19, 2022
CERF Regional Networking Sessions
Northern California, Inland California, Bay Area & Central Coast, and Southern California.
June 13, 2022
Deadline to preregister for Planning Phase Informational Webinar
Preregistration is required for all participants. Submit preregistration requests to WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov no later than June 13, 2022, with the subject as “Preregistration CERF.”
June 15, 2022
CERF Planning Phase Informational Webinar
June 22, 2022
Deadline to submit Notice of Intent to Apply 
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to notify the EDD of its intent to apply by sending a short email to WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov. The message must include the applicant organization's name with the subject “CERF Notice of Intent to Apply.” The deadline to submit the Notice of Intent is Wednesday, June 22, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. PT.
July 25, 2022
Planning Phase Solicitation period closes and scoring process begins
October 20,2022
Planning Phase Grantees Announced
November 7, 2022
Release Economic Development Pilot Projects for public comment

Winter 2023-2024

Janurary 2023

  • Release Economic Development Pilot Projects Final Guidelines and Solicitation

Winter 2023

  • Release Implementation Projects Draft Guidelines
  • Tribal Funding Opportunity Draft Guidelines for public review

Spring 2023

  • Release Implementation Projects Final Guidelines and Solicitation

Summer 2023

  • Release Tribal Funding Opportunity Final Guidelines and Solicitation

Winter 2024

  • Planning Phase encumbrance deadline
  • Planning Phase expenditure deadline

For More Information

Mary Collins
Mary is Senior Advisor for Climate & Economy. Prior to joining OPR, she was the Managing Director for the American Jobs Project, a non-profit think tank founded by Jennifer Granholm that focused on place-based economic development strategies to decarbonize our economy.