OAKLAND, CA. - Since being sworn-in in January 2025, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) has secured over $344 million in federal funding for California's 12^th Congressional District. These federal grants have supported scientific research, arts, education, community health care programs, housing programs, infrastructure modernization, small businesses, and more across the East Bay.

"Our district is one of the most vibrant, diverse places in the nation. We have scientists, engineers, artists, educators, community leaders, and many groups who power the East Bay, the nation, AND the future with their work. Since coming to Congress in January, one of my top priorities has been to deliver federal funding back to our district," said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "I am proud to have secured over $344 million for organizations and institutions in our district that not only lift us up now, but that also innovate and send us towards a better future.

"As federal funding continues to come under attack, I will continue fighting to protect Congress' power of the purse and ensure that the institutions and organizations that breathe life into CA-12 receive the federal funds they deserve."

More details on the grants Congresswoman Simon announced throughout 2025 can be found below:

• Scientific research at the University of California (UC), Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley Labs and Kaiser Foundation Research Institute received over $76.5 million in federal grant funding this year. This money will fund various types of research including for neurological and aging disorders, cancers, and vision loss diseases. This funding will help to carry us into a future where more families know hope and less people know sickness.
• $22 million dollars has gone towards education and vocational training programs at UC Berkeley, Samuel Merritt University, and CiviCorps. Head Start and Early Head Start programs in the City of Oakland also received funding.
• The arts and arts education at the University of California, Berkeley and Kala Art Institute received $35,000 dollars this year. At a time when the Trump administration is devaluing the arts and decimating funding for artistic endeavors, this funding is an important step towards preserving the rich arts and culture of the East Bay.
• Over $6 million has gone towards health care programs and initiatives, including for Asian Health Services and Alameda Health System, which both aim to provide and expand accessible care.
• Housing programs have received nearly $500,000 in 2025. Organizations like The Unity Council and the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation have been the primary recipients of this funding as they work to expand access to affordable housing in CA-12.
• Infrastructure projects in CA-12, including at the Oakland International Airport, have received over $193 million dollars. This funding has gone towards projects that aim to improve safety and efficiency on our roads and in the skies.
• Public safety initiatives at the California Office of Emergency Services, including for survivors of domestic and initiate partner violence, have received $200,000 in 2025.
• Small businesses in the East Bay have received $22.7 million, primarily through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. This funding helps bolster main street businesses and contribute to the strong small business economy in the East Bay.
• Nearly $12 million dollars in AmeriCorps funding has gone towards East Bay programs like the Senior Companion Program through the City of Oakland, Reading Partners, CivicSpark and community planning projects, the Breakthrough Collaborative teaching fellowship, and Playworks. These programs build community, inspire young minds, and provide resources and opportunities for our children and elders.
• Veterans' services have received $500,000 through Swords to Plowshares, an organization in CA-12 that provides and connects veterans to housing, food, and health care services and resources.

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