City of Lancaster Officially Named a Clean California Community and Awarded $172,205 Grant to Expand Beautification Efforts

Lancaster, CA. April 30, 2026 - The City of Lancaster has been officially designated a Clean California Community by the State and awarded a $172,205 grant through the Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway (CCEP) Program to expand its TeamUp Lancaster initiative-an innovative program focused on community beautification, workforce development, and civic engagement.

TeamUp Lancaster, led by the City's Public Works Maintenance Services Division, builds on a successful community-driven model that mobilizes residents, students, and local organizations to improve the community through environmental service and education. Since its rebranding in 2023, the program has hosted seven large-scale cleanup events, coordinated the adoption of more than nine miles of roadway, and removed over 100 tons of debris across the city.

The newly awarded grant will support the expansion of these efforts by increasing participation, enhancing workforce development opportunities, and strengthening long-term community stewardship. The program integrates litter cleanup, graffiti abatement, anti-graffiti public art, workforce development, and youth engagement to create cleaner, safer, and more vibrant public spaces.

"Lancaster is at its best when residents take ownership of their City," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "TeamUp Lancaster is more than a cleanup program; it is about pride, accountability, and giving people a direct role in building the kind of community they want to live in. This Clean California grant allows us to expand that work, create new opportunities for our youth, and continue making our neighborhoods cleaner, safer, and stronger."

Through the expanded program, the City will continue to partner with schools, local nonprofits, businesses, and community groups to mobilize volunteers and promote environmental education. TeamUp Lancaster has partnered with 18 community organizations and continues to grow its network of collaborators dedicated to improving the quality of life in Lancaster neighborhoods.

A key component of the program is its partnership with the Lancaster Police Department's Hope, Opportunity, Mentorship, Empowerment (H.O.M.E) Program, which connects youth with hands-on service, mentorship, and workforce development opportunities. This approach supports the Clean California Program's broader goals of creating employment pathways while addressing environmental challenges.

The Clean California Community designation reflects Lancaster's commitment to sustained beautification, public engagement, and long-term maintenance of public spaces. By combining cleanup efforts with education and workforce development, TeamUp Lancaster advances the program's objectives of litter abatement, community pride, and equitable opportunities for underserved populations.

The CCEP grant will help formalize and expand these efforts while establishing consistent reporting, maintenance, and training systems to ensure long-term impact. The program is designed not only to address immediate cleanup needs but also to foster lasting community ownership and environmental stewardship.

For more information about TeamUp Lancaster and the City's Clean California initiatives, visit the City of Lancaster website.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.