Climate Mayors

How is the current administration slowing cities’ plans to advance infrastructure improvements? Climate Mayors Deputy Director Laura Jay spoke with Heatmap News about the uncertainties cities and a range of infrastructure and clean energy programs are facing amidst the federal funding freeze. Even as cities navigate the freeze, she shared how cities will continue their work in order to deliver results for their constituents, “Cities are incredibly nimble and innovative… they’re fully committed to making sure that this work is continuing.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gXfKn42m

In response to the federal funding freeze, Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb and Rochester Mayor MALIK EVANS spoke with the press about how unfreezing funds remains critical for advancing clean energy projects. Currently, funds approved by Congress under the Inflation Reduction Act and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund are on hold which has allocated $20B for the advancement of private investment in clean energy projects, with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities. "Mayors in this moment have to protect and defend these investments and keep making the case on why these are important,” said Mayor Bibb about the funding freeze. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dAW6GA5B

The climate crisis is a cost of living crisis. That’s why #ClimateMayors, C40 Cities and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) convened local leaders to explore how cities are investing in projects that are lowering bills, cleaning our air, and tackling rising costs. Learn more about how mayors are joining forces through a “Climate, Affordability, and Prosperity” working group to share best practices in their cities for supporting clean energy projects and solutions that strengthen local economies and reduce energy costs. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e8tyr2hj

As Mississippi River mayors ask Congress for vital flood control funding amid rising waters, Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCT) co-chair and Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. highlights the river's crucial economic and environmental significance. ???? With threats of federal funding freezes, member mayors of the MRCT stressed the need for resilient infrastructure and key funding provisions from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gYMt3ZhV

#ClimateMayors Chair Emeritus and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced the Rapid Response Hub to support federal employees in the Greater Cleveland area impacted by national funding cuts and layoffs. This initiative, led by Greater Cleveland Works and in collaboration with local organizations, offers services such as resume updates, job search help, interview preparation, career counseling, training funds, and unemployment claims assistance. Mayor Bibb highlighted the importance of providing necessary resources to help local dedicated public servants navigate significant changes prompted by federal layoffs. The hub will also host job fairs to connect impacted workers with local employers. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dRGAi2Gt

Today, Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright condemned the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s?plans to rollback essential environmental protections that limit air pollution, safeguard clean waterways, eliminate hazardous chemicals, and protect both our environment and public health. “Our mayors will remain steadfast in their commitment to the safety of their residents and ensuring everyone can breathe clean air and drink clean water.” Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/epzTkZBH

Our Chair and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego wrote in Newsweek alongside Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas that with the federal funding freeze, it will be up to local leaders to do everything they can to preserve and find new ways to expand critical services & meet local needs. In the op-ed, the mayors highlight how local leaders who are part of Accelerator for America are collaborating to share and develop solutions to pressing challenges. They share how innovative city-specific programs are successfully boosting businesses and supporting an abundance of good-paying jobs. Read more from the mayors here: https://lnkd.in/ej_GDaWJ

Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb is leading an all-of-government approach to show how improvements to the city’s built environment can boost public safety efforts. In a call with the press, Mayor Bibb shared that efforts to improve communities' environments are tied to better safety and health conditions: "When you can tie (efforts) to making sure that abandoned house gets torn down, that's progress. When you can tie it to ... planting more trees so kids aren't struggling with asthma in a neighborhood, that's progress.” Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the status of promised federal grants to cities like Cleveland, the mayor underscored the importance of persistently safeguarding and advocating for these investments. Mayor Bibb emphasized that local leaders must continue to make the case to those in Washington as to why infrastructure funds remain critical for American cities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dDEeeTKm

"We grieve the loss of an incredible public servant and dedicated climate champion in Congressman Turner today..."? ? As the former Mayor of Houston and Chair of Climate Mayors, his legacy is marked by significant contributions such as Houston’s first Climate Action Plan, the One Clean Houston campaign, and the Hire Houston Youth program, which provided over 20,000 jobs to young adults in lower-income neighborhoods. Congressman Turner’s leadership extended beyond Houston, guiding U.S. cities toward meaningful climate action.? ? It was an honor to work alongside him. We are committed to continuing his vision, ensuring cities across the country implement policies that reduce pollution, create better-paying jobs, and build healthier, more equitable communities. ? Read the full statement:?https://lnkd.in/gKyeKkJc

Climate Mayors Chair and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego is one of CNBC’s 2025 Changemakers – the first elected official to receive this recognition! Under her leadership, Phoenix has experienced transformative growth. Mayor Gallego secured a $65B investment from Taiwan Semiconductor, creating thousands of jobs in her city, and has implemented innovative solutions to make the city more climate resilient. Her policies are driving both economic and environmental prosperity for her community. Read more the change happening in Phoenix here: https://lnkd.in/eCf_Hkqc