Climate Mayors

Dive into Southern Environmental Law Center’s new report to learn how five Southern cities are leveraging federal funds to slash pollution, boost local economies, and create jobs!

At an event hosted by the Climate Action Campaign DC, Mayor Eric Genrich joined local climate leaders in the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin to showcase how federal investments are powering weatherization initiatives and allowing the city to reduce energy costs, prepare for the winter, and meet its clean energy goals.   “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the people of Green Bay will see significant savings on their energy bills as we approach the colder months,” said Mayor Genrich about the importance of federal investments.   With the impacts of extreme weather prompting historic heat waves and intense rainfall in Wisconsin, enhancing weatherization and clean energy programs becomes crucial. These efforts will protect communities from rising energy costs and increasingly unpredictable weather, especially as winter approaches.   Watch the event here: https://lnkd.in/eu9__Tf4 

Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston has established a new city Climate Council to lead the development and implementation of the next phase of Boston’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). This council will prioritize emissions reductions, green job creation, and boosting community resilience.    The council will bring together leaders from across the city government to coordinate efforts aimed at achieving Boston’s climate goals. This includes implementing solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 2026-2030, and ultimately reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ecmdqu7b

Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho, joined Bloomberg Philanthropies and the The Aspen Institute on stage at the Bloomberg CityLab summit for a panel about how cities are deploying sustainable water strategies and solutions in response to climate change. On Boise’s approach to resilient water management, Mayor McLean said, “We want to make sure that as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, we are prepared for a climate-constrained future, and can ensure we set up economic opportunities for our residents – and water is a big part of that.” The city of Boise is taking steps to build more resilient and sustainable water infrastructure through its Water Renewal Resource Plan. Through this plan, Boise is working to launch a water recycling program that offers clean water solutions to local companies. Hear more from Mayor McLean here:  https://lnkd.in/ejqaBX2b

Congrats to the City of Racine on making lasting progress towards becoming a more sustainable and resilient community! Under the leadership of Climate Mayor Cory Mason, Racine has leveraged federal support from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to enable transformative projects like electrifying 40% of their bus fleet, building a new community and health center, and repairing city infrastructure. “We are seeing more frequent and more powerful storms, and the cost of upsizing our wastewater pipes or making a more resilient and powerful lakefront becomes an important investment that we have to make,” said Mayor Mason. Ream more here: https://lnkd.in/eAamcGcP

City of Madison, WI is riding towards a sustainable future with its new Bus Rapid Transit system! With 100% zero-emission electric buses, 31 heated boarding stations, and smart payment options, Madison is making public transit more sustainable and convenient. https://lnkd.in/eT5BbY58

A new innovative green hydrogen energy project is coming to member village Questa, NM that will reduce emissions, create green jobs and improve grid resilience. The project is a finalist for a $95 million award from the US Department of Agriculture OIG’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. By solar generation to power facilities and creating long-duration energy storage technology, the project will transform the region’s energy infrastructure. Learn how the project serves as a blueprint for the adoption of clean hydrogen: https://bit.ly/3Y214Yp

The #IRA has created over 330k jobs and counting, 75% of which won’t require a 4-year degree. In addition, clean energy jobs grew at twice the rate of overall US employment in 2023 and can result in an 8-19% income increase.   And states and cities are primed for even more clean energy jobs, especially if they pursue the industries most feasible for their region. The Clean Growth Tool shows every metro area in the US which clean energy industries are most likely to thrive there, and where workforce gaps exist. https://lnkd.in/ew_Kk8YQ   But who will fill those jobs? This is where workforce development, training, and apprenticeship programs come in that can train skilled workers in these growing industries, and why the US Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors, just announced a commitment to support 1 million workers in completing Registered Apprenticeships by 2035, aiming to catalyze a diverse workforce and expand career pathways.   By bringing all these elements together and aligning clean energy goals with workforce strategies, policymakers and economic development organizations can attract investment and create jobs, workers can develop stable career pathways and transform their lives, and clean energy project developers can utilize more federal incentives, allowing clean energy to be deployed faster.   To learn more about why workforce programs are so important and why a cohesive strategy to align goals can maximize benefits, check out our latest article: https://lnkd.in/eBMtmZ58

At an event hosted by Climate Action Campaign DC, Mayor Cory Mason of Racine, WI joined other local leaders to highlight how historic federal climate legislation is boosting solar energy deployment, the electrification of city fleets, building efficiency and more in the city. “The work that we do around climate change is critically important for us, but for future generations in particular," said Mayor Mason about Racine’s efforts to make the city a leader in Wisconsin’s clean energy future. Read more about how Racine, WI is using funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to break ground on several innovative and sustainable projects: https://lnkd.in/euuR9B7G

Exciting news from Atlanta! Climate Mayor Andre Dickens and other local leaders gathered at City Hall to celebrate the federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) allocation to Solar for All, the National Clean Investment Fund, and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. This funding will help thousands of residents access affordable solar energy and support broader clean technology deployment. Speakers emphasized the importance of continued federal partnership and the economic and environmental benefits of these initiatives, particularly for low-income communities. Let's continue to drive positive change and sustainable growth in our communities! Watch the full event here: https://lnkd.in/erdup9As