PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia has been named as one of 25 U.S. cities to join the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative. This prestigious three-year program, backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $200 million fund, aims to accelerate local climate action and foster economically thriving communities.
The recent announcement came from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who underscored the alignment between the city’s Clean and Green Initiative and the ethos of the Bloomberg program. “I am thrilled Philadelphia was selected for this initiative which will contribute to a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia, with economic opportunity for all,” said Mayor Parker. “Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities will help unlock important resources to bring our vision to life.”
The Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative is designed to leverage the unprecedented levels of federal funding currently available to incubate and implement transformative local solutions that build low-carbon, resilient, and economically prosperous communities. The program, run in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University and the Natural Resources Defense Council, will empower the selected cities to address the intertwined crises of climate change and racial wealth inequality.
As part of the program, Philadelphia will receive an innovation team (i-team) funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. This team will consist of up to three dedicated staff members with expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management. Their role will be to support the city’s efforts to drive progress on climate mitigation and promote equitable outcomes.
In addition, Philadelphia will gain multi-year, in-depth, customized policy and technical assistance. This support will come through collaboration with community-based organizations, aiming to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.
Bloomberg Philanthropies picked Philadelphia based on its demonstrated leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities. Despite facing significant vulnerabilities, including escalating flooding and extreme heat due to the climate crisis, the city has been steadfast in its commitment to advancing community prosperity and economic development.
Potential solutions implemented through the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative could include developing affordable, energy-efficient housing, accelerating the just energy transition, and expanding access to clean energy. These measures will particularly target disadvantaged communities that have historically borne the brunt of pollution.
Elizabeth Lankenau, Interim Director of the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the city. “Our participation in Bloomberg American Cities will be instrumental in furthering our efforts to center communities disproportionately burdened with the negative environmental impacts in our climate work,” she said. “This initiative will give us key tools and resources to meaningfully include Philadelphia’s most impacted communities in building a lower-carbon world that drives shared prosperity.”
This announcement marks a turning point for Philadelphia. The support from Bloomberg Philanthropies not only provides the city with vital resources to tackle climate change but also signals Philadelphia’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for all its residents. As cities worldwide grapple with the urgent need to address climate change and social inequality, Philadelphia’s selection for this initiative sets it apart as a leader in these critical areas.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.