CLEVELAND — The cities of Cleveland and Akron are among the 25 selected nationwide that will take part in a new initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies seeking to "turbocharge" local climate action and create "more prosperous communities."
Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities (BASC) is a three-year, $200 million initiative that is "designed to leverage historic levels of federal funding to incubate and implement transformative local solutions to build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities," according to a release.
Cleveland and Akron will both receive a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team with up to three dedicated staff with "expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management to bolster city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation and promoting equitable outcomes."
Each city will also receive multi-year, in-depth, customized policy and technical assistance in collaboration with community-based organizations to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.
“Cleveland has long embraced the responsibility of acting on climate change and environmental stewardship. From former Mayor Carl B. Stokes' historic efforts in 1969 to address environmental injustices, to our present-day climate action planning and implementation initiatives, our city stands as a testament to resilience and innovation,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb in a statement. “The BASC program in Cleveland will support equitable and more rapid implementation of historical funding at the neighborhood level, enhancing resources in our historically disadvantaged communities and reducing the racial wealth gap. Through this collaborative effort, we will continue to work with residents and key stakeholders to achieve a more equitable and environmentally resilient city for all Clevelanders."
The two cities say they were chosen for the "based on its leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities."
“I’m excited Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is helping cities, including Akron, tackle climate change and racial wealth inequities,” added Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “The innovation team will help us tackle real issues in the lives of Akronites – leveraging philanthropic funding to create and grow a truly sustainable and equitable Akron. With the added staff capacity and the network of other cities working towards similar solutions, we will be more innovative and engaged with the community in ideating, developing, and executing projects that create local solutions to the problems facing not only our city but the entire world.”
Here are the other cities that were chosen, including three others from Ohio:
- Atlanta, GA
- Birmingham, AL
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chattanooga, TN
- Cincinnati, OH
- Columbus, OH
- Dayton, OH
- Hampton, VA
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Lansing, MI
- Memphis, TN
- Montgomery, AL
- Nashville, TN
- Newport News, VA
- Oakland, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Raleigh, NC
- Rochester, NY
- Savannah, GA
- St. Louis, MO
