Bloomberg taps Savannah as one of its American Sustainable Cities, to fund 3 positions
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Savannah looks to put a charge in its sustainability efforts by plugging into a national network of cities recognized for efforts to reduce their carbon footprint while opening access to clean energy resources and creating jobs in underserved areas.
As one of 25 communities selected to join the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities program, the city will launch a three-year initiative to “leverage federal funding to implement transformative local solutions and build low-carbon, resilient and economically thriving communities,” according to a recent announcement.
Under the three-year arrangement, Bloomberg Philanthropies, founded by financial media magnate Michael Bloomberg, will fund up to three full-time staff members to boost Savannah’s efforts to reduce climate-impacting emissions and promote “equitable outcomes” for citizens.
“The 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,” Bloomberg Philanthropies said. “Savannah was chosen ... based on its leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities.”
The organization added that the $200 million national effort will build on its efforts to “confront the overlapping crises of climate change and racial wealth inequity” by supporting cities as they “pursue transformative solutions in the building and transportation sectors” through partnerships with PolicyLink, the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
“Savannah is fully committed to a future where safe, clean, renewable energy transforms economic opportunity for our residents,” City Manager Jay Melder said in the announcement. “This Bloomberg American Cities selection will bolster our ability to achieve the goals we’ve set.”
Solutions implemented through Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities could include developing affordable, energy-efficient housing; investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure; and accelerating the transition to clean energy while expanding access, the organization said.
“It is clear Savannah is leading the charge in reducing emissions and building an equitable, prosperous future for our communities,” Mayor Van Johnson said. “We are grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for investing in this shared vision.”
In 2020, the city council adopted goals of having all Savannah’s electricity supply generated by emissions-free sources by 2030, and all other uses including transportation, heating and industry by 2050.
EV opportunity: Grant aims to plug underserved Black communities into electric transportation
Other highlights of the city’s sustainability efforts include:
A $1 million federal Environmental Justice Grant to start a 100% Savannah energy efficiency program, which is expected to roll out in late fall.
Installed solar systems totaling 700 kilowatts of capacity at 16 city facilities, with a second phase of additions underway. Several residents who underwent training during the projects now are working with Georgia BRIGHT, a program that helps low and middle-income households add solar panels.
Through Georgia BRIGHT, helped 30 qualifying households secure leases for solar systems, with more in the pipeline.
Began transitioning city buildings to high-efficiency LED lighting.
Converted more than 98% of streetlights and all traffic lights to LEDs.
Worked with advocacy groups to secure a U.S. Department of Energy grant to ensure that underserved Black communities plug into available federal funds to support “equitable, accessible, electric mobility initiatives.”
John Deem covers climate change and the environment in coastal Georgia. He can be reached at jdeem@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Bloomberg taps Savannah for sustainability funding, 3 positions
