Logo courtesy of Clean California

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Caltrans is inviting cities, counties and local groups to earn recognition for keeping their communities clean through the Clean California Community Designation Program.

The statewide initiative encourages communities to commit to reducing litter, improving public spaces and building long-term civic pride. Participation is free and open to a wide range of groups, including municipalities, neighborhood organizations, business districts, college campuses and military installations.

Communities that earn the designation receive several benefits aimed at supporting ongoing beautification efforts. These include personalized signage recognizing anti-litter commitments, promotion through state websites and social media, and access to grants, educational resources and cleanup kits through Keep America Beautiful. Participants are also granted membership in Keep California Beautiful, providing additional guidance and support.

To qualify, communities must complete 10 of 15 criteria within one year of taking the program pledge. Activities include organizing cleanup events, hosting collection drives, forming partnerships and adopting policies that reduce litter. Caltrans notes that many communities may already meet some of these requirements through existing programs.

The process begins by submitting a pledge at CleanCA.com and designating a local representative to oversee participation. Communities then track and document their progress toward meeting the criteria over a 12-month period.

According to program materials, the effort is designed to strengthen community engagement while creating cleaner, healthier environments statewide.

More information, including a full list of criteria, is available at CleanCA.com or by emailing [email protected]