Climate Mayors

The White House, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and FEMA announced $1.1 billion for projects that will boost climate resiliency and address future risks from natural disasters. These projects will help states, tribes, and local governments limit their vulnerability to the impacts from extreme heat, wildfires, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, and increased flooding that are heightened by climate change. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eVxw3vVt.

Today, #ClimateMayors drove insightful conversation during the Mayoral Climate Leadership Roundtable at the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation and Climate Symposium. Mayor Justin M. Bibb of Cleveland let us know that “the work is really about putting people and our neighborhoods first.” While Mayor John Giles of Mesa rallied for local leadership in saying “Mayors are impactful when it comes to climate and environment because the work is done at the local level.” Hear more from Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison and Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln by watching the full session here: https://lnkd.in/eMvttc2f Thank you to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for your continued support and partnership on the road to decarbonization, equitable access, and federally supported infrastructure projects as we build our sustainable future.

We were thrilled to see Mayor Bruce Harrell on the #BBGGreenFestival stage with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Antha N. Williams to discuss how cities can center people in local climate action. #ClimateMayors like Mayor Harrell are committed to fostering a thriving planet, while also ensuring life is easier, more affordable, and healthier for all. That's why Seattle is creating green jobs to give residents reliable employment, low pollution communities, and more!

A new guide 📑 from The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) offers best practices for local governments to successfully apply for federal funding! Read the guide to access insights and resources from local sustainability staff who successfully secured federal grants for new projects.

The White House and The Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed a rule to protect workers from excessive heat, amidst a summer that continues to break record temperatures nationwide. This rule is estimated to protect 35 millions workers and reduce the number of injuries, illnesses, and deaths caused by excessive heat. If finalized, this would be the first federal regulation to protect workers from dangerous temperatures – a remarkable win in the age of climate change induced heat waves. https://lnkd.in/d5Zbs2tF

The City of Denver released its 2023 Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR) Annual Report. The report provides an in-depth look at Denver’s climate activities, achievements, and impact from the last 3 years. The city’s achievements include cutting its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 331,154 metric tons – the equivalent of taking nearly 80,000 gas-powered cars off the road for a year.  Read the annual report here: https://lnkd.in/emNnKfXv  

The City of Racine’s RYDE ridership program saw a 40% increase in usage in 2023 with over 1 million unique rides – reflecting a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The city focused on developing community partnerships that expanded transit access for students, veterans, and local businesses. This included the Veterans RYDE program that offers free access to fixed-route transit for veterans! Mayor Cory Mason noted that these community partnerships in addition to the city’s growing electric bus fleet have contributed to a “really positive atmosphere of success.” Learn more : https://lnkd.in/e4-jchff

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Biden-Harris administration announced more than $142 million in new grant and loan awards under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GGRP). This funding will support substantial energy efficiency and climate resilience renovations for over 2,200 properties that house low-income individuals and families. The upgrades will also help reduce harmful emissions while promoting the use of green building materials. Read more about the announcement here: https://lnkd.in/dNwHep2u

The NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration announced $60M for nine climate resilience job training programs in conservation, renewable energy, urban agriculture, emergency preparedness, and more.  The projects include funds for Boston’s Office of Workforce Development to train over 1,000 workers to support climate resiliency plans, and for Columbus’ Ohio State University to train scientists and engineers to combat climate impacts in the state’s coastal communities. Recruiting for the projects will focus on training people from disadvantaged communities most impacted by climate change. https://lnkd.in/eTF5JFxt

Climate Mayors and C40 Cities urge Congressional leaders to secure a FY25 spending bill that supports the clean energy transition, and allocates special attention to extreme heat that offers additional relief and funding for cities. With historic heat waves sweeping the nation, we specifically call on the inclusion of H.R. 3965, the Extreme Heat Emergency Act, which adds “extreme heat” as an eligible disaster under the Stafford Act. This will allow for communities to access funds from FEMA for relief for impacts from wildfire smoke and heat waves. Read our 5 additional recommendations here: https://lnkd.in/gzqacAGB