San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy

What San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy does

The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) is a California state government conservancy created by the legislature in 1999 and operating as one of ten conservancies within the California Natural Resources Agency. Headquartered in Azusa, California with approximately 13 staff, RMC's statutory mandate is to preserve open space and habitat, support wildlife habitat restoration, and deliver watershed improvements across eastern Los Angeles County and western Orange County - a jurisdiction covering 79 cities, ~21 unincorporated communities, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles River watersheds, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, and adjacent hills and coastline.

RMC's core product is a consolidated grant-making platform. Through a unified application workflow it deploys voter-approved bond funding (Proposition 4 approximately $112M, Proposition 68 $37.5M, Proposition 1 $50M, plus Wildfire Prevention $27M, Climate Resilience $11.1M, and Lower LA River Urban Streams $10M programs) to eligible applicants including state and federal agencies, tribal entities, 79 local public agencies, certified conservation corps, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Supporting offerings include a Technical Assistance Program, Small Grants ($50K-$300K), Very Small Grants (under $50K), and foundational planning documents (Common Ground, Lower LA River Revitalization Plan, Regional Priority Plan for Wildfire Resilience). Technology surface is limited to an ArcGIS-based interactive project map and a WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant website.

RMC is a state entity, not a commercial business. It has no consumer pricing, generates no commercial revenue, and distributes capital rather than products; funds flow from voter-approved bonds, State Budget appropriations (Wildfire Prevention 2020, Wildfire and Forest Resilience 2021, Climate Resilience 2021, Water and Drought Resilience 2021), and federal pass-throughs such as the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program ($2M, January 2023). Since 2003 RMC has awarded more than 390 grants and interagency agreements totaling at least $91 million. RMC holds membership in two joint powers authorities (Watershed Conservation Authority and Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority) and operates under the constraint that 40% of bond funding must benefit disadvantaged communities per statute.

Name

San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy

Legal name

San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

Website

https://rmc.ca.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy is a California state conservancy that distributes voter-approved bond funding as grants for open space, habitat restoration, wildfire resilience, and watershed protection to public agencies, tribes, and nonprofits across eastern Los Angeles County and western Orange County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Grant Funding

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

Keywords

• Conservation grant funding
• Watershed protection
• Habitat restoration
• Open space preservation
• Environmental resilience

Headquarters

HQ city

Azusa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Bond Funding (Proposition 4, 68, 1): Voter-approved state bond funding distributed through grant programs. Proposition 4 (2024 Climate Bond) provides approximately $112 million; Proposition 68 provides $37.5 million for Lower Los Angeles River; Proposition 1 provides $50 million for Lower Los Angeles River. Funds support open space creation, habitat restoration, greenspace expansion in disadvantaged communities, and watershed protection.
2. State Budget Appropriations: General Fund appropriations from California state budget including $12 million Wildfire Prevention (2020), $15 million Wildfire and Forest Resilience (2021), $11.1 million Climate Resilience (2021), and $10 million Water and Drought Resilience (2021)
3. Regional Block Grant (RFFC): $2 million awarded in January 2023 from Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program administered by California Department of Conservation for wildfire resilience and regional capacity building

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The RMC is a California state conservancy that distributes state bond-funded and budget-appropriated grants to eligible applicants including state agencies, federal agencies, tribal entities, local public agencies, certified conservation corps, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants support open space preservation, habitat restoration, wildfire prevention, watershed protection, climate resilience, and urban river revitalization projects across eastern Los Angeles County and western Orange County. The agency also provides technical assistance, planning documents, and an interactive ArcGIS-based geospatial map of its territory and projects.

Product overview

The Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) operates as a California state conservancy providing a multi-faceted grant programs platform rather than a single product. The core offering is the Consolidated Grant Program, which consolidates multiple funding sources (Proposition 1, Proposition 4, Proposition 68, Wildfire Prevention, Climate Resilience, and Lower Los Angeles River programs) into a unified application process. Supporting services include the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) helping disadvantaged communities access funding, Small and Very Small Grants Programs for smaller-scale projects, and digital tools including an Interactive ArcGIS Map for project visualization. RMC also maintains foundational planning documents including Common Ground and the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan that guide its grant-making priorities. Since 2003, RMC has awarded over 390 grants and interagency agreements totaling at least $91 million toward open space creation, habitat restoration, greenspace expansion, and watershed protection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• RMC Consolidated Grant Program A unified grant application process combining multiple funding sources (Proposition 1, Proposition 4, Proposition 68, Wildfire Prevention, Climate Resilience, Lower LA River, and non-bond priorities) into a single streamlined application workflow for eligible applicants including state and federal agencies, tribal entities, local public agencies, certified conservation corps, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
• Proposition 4 Grant Program Climate bond-funded program with approximately $112 million available for local assistance grants supporting safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, drought preparedness, biodiversity, and nature-based climate solutions across three program areas: Urban Lands, River/Tributary Parkways, and Mountains/Hills/Foothills. Emergency rulemaking submitted to OAL on February 3, 2026 with intended effective date February 13, 2026.
• Wildfire Prevention Grant Program $27 million grant program for preventive measures including fire-resilience, forest health improvement, burned area restoration, and workforce development, serving San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and urban wildlands corridors.
• Climate Resilience Grant Program $11.1 million program from the Budget Act of 2021 supporting community resilience through multi-benefit and nature-based solutions addressing climate impacts on fish and wildlife, habitat restoration, and climate-smart land management.
• Lower Los Angeles River Urban Streams and Rivers Program $10 million program funding projects consistent with the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan, focusing on natural river functions, flood risk management, ecosystem services, and climate impact mitigation.
• Proposition 68 River Parkways and Urban Streams Program $37.5 million bond-funded program protecting or enhancing the Lower Los Angeles River watershed and tributaries, with 80% for implementation, 10% for planning, and 10% for technical assistance.
• Proposition 1 River Parkways and Urban Streams Program $50 million water bond program for protecting and enhancing the Lower Los Angeles River watershed, with 90% for implementation and 10% for planning.
• Technical Assistance Program (TAP) Program supporting local communities with direct application assistance to facilitate access to RMC funding programs, helping under-resourced applicants navigate grant processes.
• Small Grants Program Subset of Proposition 1 and 68 allocations providing grants between $50,000 and $300,000 for jump-start projects, small design-build projects, project planning, and technical assistance to disadvantaged communities.
• Very Small Grants Program Simplified application grant program providing funding under $50,000 for technical assistance, gap/emergency projects, high-need implementation, and disadvantaged community application support.
• Interactive ArcGIS Map Web-based geospatial mapping tool displaying RMC territory, projects, and regional information across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
• Common Ground: From the Mountains to the Sea Comprehensive watershed and open space plan for the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers, adopted October 17, 2001, serving as the foundational policy document for RMC's operations with multiple phase addenda.
• Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan State-mandated plan (Assembly Bill 530) identifying 155 potential multi-benefit projects for revitalizing the Lower Los Angeles River from Vernon to Long Beach, improving community economics, health, equity, water, and environment.
• Regional Priority Plan for Wildfire Resilience Plan developed under the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program identifying critical wildfire resilience needs and highlighting projects for forest health and community safety in the San Gabriel Mountains region.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 390 grants and interagency agreements awarded since 2003
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and moderate.

• Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA)coreOthersJoint Powers Authority partner. RMC participates in WCA which focuses on watershed conservation and restoration projects. WCA Board Meetings held monthly. WCA is currently seeking School Outreach Specialist for Community Connections to Wildlands program.
• Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA)coreOthersJoint Powers Authority partner. LCWA focuses on Los Cerritos Wetlands restoration. RMC LCWA RFP released for Labor Compliance Services for Southern Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles RegionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partner for water resources management, flood control, and environmental restoration projects within RMC jurisdiction. Ex officio board member representation.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal regulatory partner for environmental protection, water quality, and environmental justice initiatives in Pacific Southwest region.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific RegionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for wildlife habitat protection, endangered species, and conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
• U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National ForestmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for Angeles National Forest management, wildfire prevention, and forest health in San Gabriel Mountains. Regional Forester serves as ex officio board member.
• California Coastal CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState regulatory partner for coastal zone management, wetlands protection, and coastal access.
• California Coastal ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState funding partner for coastal and resource conservation projects, environmental restoration, and public access.
• California State ParksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner for parks, recreation, and public lands management. Director serves as ex officio board member.
• Department of Fish and WildlifemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner for wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and fisheries management.
• Department of Water Resources, Southern DistrictmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner for water resources planning, flood management, and water supply reliability.
• California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent agency for RMC. One of ten conservancies within California Resources Agency. Secretary serves as voting board member.
• Wildlife Conservation BoardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner for wildlife habitat conservation and funding. Executive Director serves as ex officio board member.
• Santa Monica Mountains ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighboring conservancy for joint watershed planning. Co-developed 'Common Ground' plan with RMC.
• Baldwin Hills ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighboring conservancy west of RMC territory for open space and habitat preservation.
• Los Angeles County Department of Public WorksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty partner for flood control, water supply, infrastructure, and regional planning. Director serves as ex officio board member.
• Los Angeles County Department of Parks and RecreationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty partner for parks, recreation facilities, and open space access programs.
• Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty partner for regional parks and Measure A open space funding.
• Orange County Development ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrange County partner for development services and land use planning.
• Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner for mountain recreation, open space, and habitat conservation.
• Puente Hills Habitat Preservation AuthoritymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner for Puente Hills wildlife corridor and habitat preservation.
• The Nature Conservancy of CaliforniamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit partner for conservation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection.
• Trust for Public LandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit partner for parks, open space acquisition, and public land preservation.
• National Forest FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit partner for San Gabriel Mountains Community Collaborative and forest stewardship.
• Amigos de los RiosmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit partner for environmental education and community engagement in Los Angeles area.
• San Gabriel Mountains Regional ConservancymoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit partner for San Gabriel Mountains conservation and community engagement.
• Sierra Club - Angeles ChaptermoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization partner for conservation, advocacy, and public education.
• Los Angeles Department of Water and PowermoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal utility partner for water supply, power infrastructure, and environmental programs.
• Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniamoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional water district partner for water supply reliability and water quality.
• Aquarium of the PacificmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner for ocean conservation, marine education, and public outreach.
• San Gabriel Valley Council of GovernmentsmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional coordinating organization for San Gabriel Valley cities and agencies.
• Gateway Cities Council of GovernmentsmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional coordinating organization for 27 Gateway Cities in southeast LA County.
• League of California CitiesmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide municipal league providing advocacy and resources for California cities.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• California State Coastal Conservancy: A larger, statewide California conservancy that funds coastal and inland resource conservation. Comparable as a sister conservancy with broader geographic scope, providing funding partnerships (listed as a partner of RMC) and operating a similar grantmaking model but at a much larger statewide scale.
• California Department of Parks and Recreation: The state agency responsible for California state parks. Comparable: an ex officio board member of RMC and a major state partner, operating parallel open space and recreation programming at much larger scale and providing grant co-funding opportunities.
• Wildlife Conservation Board: A California state entity within the Natural Resources Agency that funds wildlife habitat conservation and protection. Comparable: serves as an ex officio board partner for RMC and provides parallel habitat and species funding across the state with a broader mandate.

Direct peers

• Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA): A regional joint powers authority in Los Angeles managing mountain recreation, open space, and habitat conservation. Comparable: regional partner of RMC with overlapping mission around mountain and rivershed open space preservation, and serves as a co-implementer on RMC-funded projects.
• Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority: A regional habitat preservation authority focused on the Puente Hills wildlife corridor within RMC's territory. Directly comparable: a regional partner of RMC with overlapping habitat preservation and open space mission in the same geographic footprint.
• Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy: Another California state conservancy within the Natural Resources Agency, focused on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Comparable as a peer conservancy operating under the same enabling statute with an identical grantmaking-for-conservation model, but in a different watershed.
• Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA): A Joint Powers Authority jointly controlled by RMC and the San Gabriel Valley cities. Directly comparable: it is a subsidiary-style entity of RMC operating watershed conservation and river-focused grantmaking with an identical nonprofit/JPA structure.
• Baldwin Hills Conservancy: A California state conservancy directly west of RMC's territory focused on the Baldwin Hills area. Directly comparable: same legislative creation, same California Resources Agency umbrella, and overlapping mission of open space preservation and park access in urban Los Angeles County.
• San Joaquin River Conservancy: A California state conservancy focused on the San Joaquin River Parkway and adjacent lands. Directly comparable: sister conservancy under the same statutory framework, with parallel river parkway, habitat, and open space grantmaking functions in a different region.
• Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy: A neighboring California state conservancy covering the Santa Monica Mountains and adjacent watersheds. Directly comparable: it is one of the ten California Resources Agency conservancies with the same enabling statute structure, co-developed the 'Common Ground' plan with RMC, and operates a similar open space/habitat grantmaking model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights1 record

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/san-gabriel-lower-los-angeles-rivers-mountains-conservancy

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy