With the passage of Proposition 4, California has made history by enacting its largest-ever natural resources bond, a $10 billion investment aimed at tackling the state’s most pressing climate threats. This initiative represents a resounding commitment from California voters, who prioritized protecting landscapes, safeguarding communities, and preserving California’s iconic natural beauty for future generations. Prop 4 passed by a decisive 57.9% (as of Nov. 7).
Securing the $10 billion bond for Prop 4 was no small feat. The process involved years of advocacy and collaboration between environmental organizations, policymakers, and local communities. The passage of this bond is a testament to the growing urgency of addressing California’s climate challenges and preserving the state’s stunning landscapes for future generations.
Putting Prop 4’s $10 Billion Bond into Context
Prop 4 is not only California’s largest-ever natural resources bond, it’s also one of the most substantial environmental bonds ever passed in the United States. This milestone builds on California’s history of large-scale environmental investments, such as Proposition 68 in 2018, which allocated $4.1 billion toward critical areas like park improvements, water conservation, and climate adaptation. By securing nearly two and a half times that amount, Prop 4 reflects the state’s growing commitment to proactively address the escalating impacts of climate change.
California was not alone in prioritizing environmental action in 2024. Across the United States, states passed key environmental measures reflecting a collective commitment to climate resilience and conservation. In New York, voters approved a measure to fund clean water and conservation. In Colorado, voters backed a water conservation bond aimed at sustaining the state’s water projects. These wins signal a nationwide shift toward addressing climate impacts with strong, community-backed investments.
How Prop 4 Will Transform California’s Parks
Prop 4 provides critical funding to increase climate resilience, protect state parks, and expand access to the outdoors. Here’s what this historic bond means for California:
• Deferred Maintenance: $175 million will begin to tackle California State Parks' extensive maintenance backlog, estimated at over $1.2 billion, improving infrastructure, visitor facilities, and safety across parks statewide.
• Sea Level Rise and Coastal Protection: $50 million will be used towards safeguarding coastal parks from accelerating sea level rise, projected to surpass 6 feet by the end of the century. Adaptation projects mitigate adverse effects like flooding and erosion and protect wildlife habitats, coastal access, and visitor sites. To learn more about how Prop 4 will protect California’s state parks from sea level rise, visit this detailed blog post.
• Expanding Outdoor Access: $200 million will be used to create parks in underserved communities, addressing longstanding inequities in access to green spaces. This funding will help bring nature closer to urban areas, supporting healthier communities and a more inclusive park system.
Building Climate Resilience for Wildfires, Drought, and More
Beyond park improvements, Prop 4 allocates substantial funding to climate resilience projects across California:
• Wildfire Mitigation: With 8 of California’s 20 largest wildfires happening in just the past three years, Prop 4 will fund essential wildfire mitigation strategies, including forest management and habitat restoration to protect communities and natural areas.
• Drought Preparedness and Water Conservation: California continues to face severe droughts, and Prop 4 will support water conservation projects, groundwater recharge, and watershed restoration to build a more resilient water supply and protect sensitive ecosystems.
A Legacy of Resilience, Equity, and Environmental Protection
The passage of Proposition 4 was made possible by a coalition of environmental organizations, community leaders, and engaged voters committed to protecting California’s natural legacy. This bond will not only preserve and expand parks but also create resilient landscapes, improve outdoor access, and support vulnerable communities.
Together, California voters have taken a bold step toward a more resilient and inclusive future. Thank you for voting YES on Prop 4, for standing up for California’s natural beauty, and for ensuring a future where everyone can experience the remarkable landscapes that define our state. Now, with the funding secured, we look forward to transforming this victory into lasting, on-the-ground progress across California’s parks and coastlines.