Furthering the role of local leadership in US climate action

With the introduction of a lot more federal funding to help cities combat climate change, has the last 12-18 months felt like a tipping point for mayors and their climate action ambitions?

Absolutely, it does feel like a tipping point. Mayors have been diligently working on climate action plans and setting ambitious targets for nearly a decade, but now with the infusion of unprecedented federal funding, they are poised to make significant strides in combatting climate change.

Cities have been at the forefront of the battle against climate change, grappling with the need to enhance resilience and address the escalating consequences of greenhouse gas emissions. But the sheer magnitude of federal funding, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, has completely reshaped the landscape for transformative climate action.

Just considering the Inflation Reduction Act alone, it has been hailed as one of the most substantial investments in clean energy the world has ever witnessed. We’ve seen $278 billion announced in new private clean energy investments, leading to the creation of approximately 170,000 new jobs, which represents a monumental opportunity for environmental change and economic opportunity.

The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated over $15 billion in funding to support the transition to electric vehicles and other low-carbon or zero-carbon transportation modes. These investments are not short-term fixes, they will have impacts long into the future by reducing air pollution, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating the related health impacts.

We hope that what we’re seeing is proof of concept that those investments do make a difference across a number of indicators, from health and environment to economy as well. The progress that’s been made so far will continue to prove the case for further investment, both at the government level and from the private sector.

"Our mayors take a holistic approach to climate action ... They don’t see addressing the critical impacts of climate change and the crisis that climate change has created as separate from the housing crisis and from the racial equity crisis"

How important has it been to see a balance in where funds are being allocated locally, particularly between investments in hard infrastructure projects, and projects to reconnect communities to put climate justice front of mind?

It’s absolutely crucial, not least because climate justice has been at the heart of our mission at Climate Mayors from the very beginning. We believe that there can be no sustainable future without equity. Historically, we’ve witnessed how climate change has disproportionately affected marginalised communities, particularly those who are Black, brown, or economically disadvantaged. It’s paramount that we prioritise equity in the allocation of these funds at the local level.

The level of funding that we’re currently seeing presents a unique opportunity to safeguard the safety and future of these vulnerable residents. We commend the Biden administration for their leadership in adopting the Justice40 approach, which aims to direct 40 per cent of funding towards these communities that have historically borne the brunt of environmental challenges. Our mayors are fully aligned with this approach and have set their own local goals to address historical injustices.

There are a couple of concrete examples that really help illustrate the transformative power of these investments that I want to mention. The city of Atlanta has received funding from the Reconnecting Communities programme under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for a project known as "The Stitch". The project includes a 14-acre park featuring affordable housing and improved transportation. The overarching goal, as the name suggests, is to mend the historical wrongs that deliberately divided a historically Black community in the 1950s. The Stitch aims to reunite this community through green spaces, housing, and transportation infrastructure.

Similarly, the city of Richmond has submitted a $10 million grant proposal through a programme funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The grant supports urban greening initiatives led by brown and Black coalitions in Richmond, Virginia.

These are just a couple of many examples across the nation where funding is catalysing projects that directly benefit communities that have historically suffered the most from the impacts of climate change. We have a unique moment to rectify those historical injustices and further enhance community resilience.

Our mayors take a holistic approach to climate action, which is really important. They don’t see addressing the critical impacts of climate change and the crisis that climate change has created as separate from the housing crisis and from the racial equity crisis. They recognise that the best solutions should provide benefits across each of those key challenges.

What support has Climate Mayors as an organisation been able to provide its members in this time period?

We’ve been actively supporting our members during this period and collaboration has been a cornerstone of our approach. We’ve partnered with other organisations dedicated to addressing climate change in cities, such as C40 and USDN, to provide mayors and city leaders with essential guidance regarding federal funding, with a particular focus on the climate-related opportunities it presents.

Our assistance encompasses several key aspects:

Accessing funding

We’re helping our members understand how to apply for and access these crucial funds. Navigating the complexities of federal funding can be challenging, and we’re here to ensure they have the knowledge and resources they need.

Prioritisation

With various funding opportunities available, we’re assisting mayors and city leaders in determining which ones align best with their climate action goals. Prioritisation is vital to ensure that the funding has the greatest impact.

Community engagement

Beyond direct funding applications, we’re emphasizing the importance of engaging with business owners and community members. City leaders can play a vital role in streamlining local regulatory processes to maximize the effective use of these funds and protect against negative development.

Educational webinars and convenings

We’re actively organising educational webinars and events that facilitate peer-to-peer learning among our members. These platforms allow city leaders to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices.

Guidebooks and resources

In collaboration with C40, we’ve developed an Inflation Reduction Act guidebook. This provides a comprehensive overview of the various roles cities can play and breaks down the tax breaks, credits, and incentives available to them. It simplifies the process of identifying and pursuing different funding opportunities.

It’s important to note that our member base is incredibly diverse, representing a wide range of cities, from major metropolises like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to smaller and medium-sized communities, including those in rural areas. Recognising that smaller communities often have fewer staff resources, organisations like Climate Mayors, C40, USDN, and others in this space also provide support and capacity-building to help them navigate these opportunities effectively. Ultimately, our collective goal is to empower cities of all sizes to make the most of these opportunities and advance their climate action agendas.