https://www.greenempowermentzone.org Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) Department of Conservation & Development News Feed Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:46:13 +0000 en-US https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66676/which-communities-participate-in-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66676/which-communities-participate-in-the-gez Mon, 18 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 The following communities participate in the GEZ:AntiochBay PointBeniciaBrentwoodConcordCrockettEl CerritoEl SobranteHerculesMartinezNorth RichmondOakleyPachecoPinolePittsburgRichmondRodeoSan PabloTara HillsVallejoVine Hill Each city within the GEZ offers unique assets — historic districts, industrial parks, waterfront access, and skilled workforces — positioning the region as a top clean energy destination for companies expanding in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66675/where-can-i-find-the-latest-economic-development-news-on-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66675/where-can-i-find-the-latest-economic-development-news-on-the-gez Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 You can find the latest GEZ economic development news on the News and Media page on our website. There, you will find links to recent articles and press releases, an entire page devoted to past and ongoing projects in the region, and a video gallery featuring recent forums, community and... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66674/where-can-i-find-a-video-gallery-on-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66674/where-can-i-find-a-video-gallery-on-the-gez Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 The GEZ’s video gallery can be found on our website here. Through this portal, visitors can find recordings of prior economic development forums, community highlights, industry spotlights, testimonials, strategic roadmaps, and more. The video gallery is yet another tool designed to help inform and engage with site selectors, potential business... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66673/what-are-the-ongoing-successful-projects-in-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66673/what-are-the-ongoing-successful-projects-in-the-gez Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Currently, there are two ongoing projects showing success in the GEZ: the EPA Brownfields Coalition Grant and the Northern Waterfront Priority Production Areas Technical Assistance Project.The EPA Brownfields Coalition Grant: Contra Costa County in partnership with the cities of Antioch, Pinole, and Martinez was awarded a $1.2 million grant in... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66672/what-infrastructure-does-the-gez-provide-clean-energy-companies https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66672/what-infrastructure-does-the-gez-provide-clean-energy-companies Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 The GEZ provides the infrastructure clean energy companies need to scale their operations. Multimodal transportation, port access, robust energy infrastructure, and shovel-ready industrial sites reduce logistics costs, shorten project timelines, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.Three interstate highways and two airports move your workforce, equipment, and on-demand cargo quickly and efficiently. On-site... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66671/whats-the-quality-of-life-like-in-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66671/whats-the-quality-of-life-like-in-the-gez Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Residents within the GEZ enjoy a high quality of life via many first-rate amenities. Relatively affordable housing options, integrated educational institutions, world-class healthcare, accessible childcare, and unique tourist attractions build comfortable and supported communities.The GEZ provides residents and employees access to farmers' markets, recreational facilities, and physical activity programs. These... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66670/whats-the-breadth-and-depth-of-the-talent-pipeline-in-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66670/whats-the-breadth-and-depth-of-the-talent-pipeline-in-the-gez Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 The GEZ provides access to a skilled and adaptable talent pipeline capable of supporting advanced clean energy manufacturing and infrastructure development. The GEZ draws talent from a broad regional labor pool via a robust commuting network that transports over half a million workers between San Francisco and the Contra Costa... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66669/which-incentives-are-available-in-the-gez https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66669/which-incentives-are-available-in-the-gez Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Available incentive programs for companies entering the GEZ provide access to tax credits, grants, financing tools, and workforce programs. These incentives are part of a multi-layered financial safety net that de-risks new business ventures in the clean energy sector.GEZ Incentive Programs Accelerate Market Entry and Scale OperationsThe Recycling Market Development... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66668/whats-the-best-way-to-connect-with-us-on-social-media-platforms https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66668/whats-the-best-way-to-connect-with-us-on-social-media-platforms Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 A great way to learn more about the Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) and clean energy momentum in Contra Costa County is by reaching out on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Important information and updates are routinely shared on those platforms, which can also be utilized to submit... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66667/why-are-local-clean-energy-operations-positioned-for-growth https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66667/why-are-local-clean-energy-operations-positioned-for-growth Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Contra Costa County’s Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ), a thriving habitat for companies in clean energy sectors, has the region strategically positioned for growth in areas such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and sustainable materials. The GEZ vigorously supports businesses that establish operations in the area, fueling economic development in a... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66666/what-makes-contra-costa-county-ca-a-clean-energy-hub https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66666/what-makes-contra-costa-county-ca-a-clean-energy-hub Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 The communities of Contra Costa County are dedicated in their efforts towards making the region a clean energy hub. The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ), aligns infrastructure, workforce development, and regulatory support, which directly fosters green economic growth in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and energy.Why is Contra Costa County Growing... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66665/what-is-the-green-empowerment-zone https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66665/what-is-the-green-empowerment-zone Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) represents a strategic, multi-pronged approach to increasing clean energy potential in Contra Costa County, CA. Already, the state is a leader in clean energy-related industries, but the GEZ, leveraging state and federal partnerships, investments in local projects, tax incentives, workforce training and more, ensures continued... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66392/contra-costa-county-coalition-receives-12-million-grant-for-brownfield-assessments https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66392/contra-costa-county-coalition-receives-12-million-grant-for-brownfield-assessments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Contra Costa County in collaboration with the cities of Antioch, Martinez, and Pinole were selected for an assessment coalition grant. This grant program will allow the county and cities to evaluate potentially contaminated sites called brownfields. The work will allow local governments to take the necessary steps to begin the... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66391/team-california-site-selectors-northern-waterfront-tour https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66391/team-california-site-selectors-northern-waterfront-tour Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Discover economic opportunities in Contra Costa County's Northern Waterfront:  https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66356/green-empowerment-zone-enhances-support-for-ecofriendly-development-with-new-website https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66356/green-empowerment-zone-enhances-support-for-ecofriendly-development-with-new-website Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDeveloped with Golden Shovel Agency, the new site will highlight the benefits of building and expanding green businesses in Contra Costa CountyMartinez, CA – The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ), a cooperative effort of 13 northern California cities designed to support growth of green business in the region, has... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66355/phillips-66-to-build-88acre-solar-project-on-contra-costa-county-site https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66355/phillips-66-to-build-88acre-solar-project-on-contra-costa-county-site Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000 Next Era Energy, the company behind the Corby Project application (proposed for unincorporated Solano County and pending before the California Energy Commission) agreed last week to build an onsite solar array for Phillips 66’s Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex. The 88 acre solar facility in Contra Costa County will become one... https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66353/richmond-officials-say-viridi-fits-their-vision-of-a-green-waterfront-economy https://www.greenempowermentzone.org/news-and-media/recent-news/p/item/66353/richmond-officials-say-viridi-fits-their-vision-of-a-green-waterfront-economy Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 In the shadows of Richmond’s historic World War II buildings, an effort to reinvigorate California’s clean energy future is taking shape.Viridi, an energy storage company based in Buffalo, New York, is ramping up its plant in the former Ford Manufacturing factory, not far from where more 700 ships were built...