Spending the Stimulus Money – What to Expect in LA, Part 2

So, I attended the Green LA Coalition and Liberty Hill-sponsored event meant to let us all know how the billions headed for California will be spent. The verdict?

For small businesses, like mine, and nonprofits, it might be tough to get in on the action unless you’re prepared to work as a government contractor, which requires jumping through many hoops. But, if you are willing/able to do so, check out Grants.gov, a searchable listing of what’s available.

• » See also: Obsessed with the Magic of Chickens
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Specifically, the City of LA will get money one of three ways:

• A percentage assigned based on a formula – LA should see about $280 million from this
• Through nationwide competitive grants
• Through nationwide discretionary grants

According to Mayor Villaraigosa’s Federal Legislative Deputy Jim Clarke, categories include community development block grants, water-related infrastructure, energy efficiency, environmental clean up, surface transportation, low income housing improvements, and others. About a third of the money will go to the much discussed “shovel-ready projects”, while other funds are dedicated to tax credits and other disbursements.

Of all of the speakers, I got the most out of Clarke’s run-down of the projects (for a nice, clear break-down of where the money will be spent on a national scale, check out this spreadsheet). Many of the others read prepared speeches that didn’t seem to have much to do with the topic. Though everyone was there to find out how the money was to be spend and how they might play a part in it, there was precious little time devoted to that discussion. Oh, well.

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