Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page serves as your central resource for understanding the Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) and the future of clean energy in the Northern Waterfront region. Whether you are a business owner, job seeker, or resident, the following answers are designed to provide clarity on our mission and your role in it.

If your question isn’t addressed here, please reach out to Alyson Greenlee.

General

The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) is a strategic state initiative designed to establish the Northern Waterfront of Contra Costa and parts of Solano County as a leader in clean energy manufacturing. By aligning infrastructure, workforce development, and regulatory support, the GEZ will accelerate high-impact projects.

The GEZ was formally established through state legislation that took effect in 2023. In 2025, Senate Bill 227 was signed into law, extending the GEZ’s authorization to 2040.

Yes. The Green Empowerment Zone designated that a Governing Board be established to govern the operations of the program. The Board of Directors consists of representatives from various stakeholder groups of local officials, industry experts, labor unions, state representatives, and workforce developers.

Yes. Environmental Justice representatives were added as Governing Board members in February 2026. In addition, labor unions and workforce representatives are Board members. Proper representation best serves the communities that business leaders rely on and helps alleviate future concerns prior to the project development process.

If you have any additional questions or require more information on the GEZ, please reach out to Alyson Greenlee.

Project Management

  1. GEZ municipalities pursue zoning code updates to create more flexible land uses. By updating local municipal general plans and zoning codes, cities may ease restrictions and provide a more streamlined permitting process.
  2. Brownfield environmental site assessments investigate parcels of land within the GEZ for redevelopment. Infill development is key to providing opportunity regardless of overall business footprint.
  3. The GEZ Governing Board is currently developing policy recommendations that will act as a catalyst for development. These recommendations will be presented in Fall of 2026.

Yes. Please contact Alyson Greenlee for more information.

  1. The GEZ, in partnership with the University of California Labor Center , is developing policy recommendations to assist in reducing project timelines. The final recommendations will be presented in the Fall of 2026.
  2. In addition to the Board’s policy work, municipalities within the GEZ are also working at a local level to create predictable project timelines. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to Alyson Greenlee.

(List will be updated as projects progress.)

  1. Priority Production Areas Project : Will provide feasibility analysis, framework and template materials for adoption of PPA-related programs and policies, namely those in the County and in the Cities of Concord, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley.
  2. Brownfield Site Assessment Grant: $1.2 million awarded to Contra Costa County (in partnership with Antioch, Martinez, and Pinole) to catalyze key parcels of land toward redevelopment of key areas, establishment of new job centers, and furthering of each jurisdiction’s economic development goals. Once assessments and clean-up plans are complete, the county can pursue clean-up funding.

Utilities and Infrastructure

The GEZ contains two deepwater ports, an extensive rail network along the Contra Costa Northern Waterfront with rail spur access within certain industrial areas, two regional airports, and a high-capacity energy grid that can meet the needs of energy-intensive industries.

The GEZ Governing Board includes representation from California Congressional representatives, the State Senate, and the California Energy Commission . The Governing Board may act as a liaison with PG&E and the California ISO (CAISO) to advocate for expedited energy connections for manufacturers.

Financial Assistance

Please contact us for additional information regarding funding opportunities for your business. The information provided below may not be applicable to all businesses within the Green Empowerment Zone.

  1. State-Level Tax Credits and Exemptions
    1. California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)
    2. Sales and Use Tax Exemption
    3. New Employment Credit (NEC)
  2. Zone-Specific Incentives 
    1. Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)
    2. Opportunity Zones
  3. Specialized Financing and Loans
    1. IBank CLEEN Center
    2. Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
    3. GoGreen Financing
  4. Federal Incentives
    1. Production Tax Credits (PTC) & Investment Tax Credits (ITC)
    2. Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C)
  5. Workforce and Training Subsidies
    1. Employment Training Panel (ETP)
    2. Local Workforce Development Boards