NE Franklin News

The City of Columbus has been selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 25 U.S. cities to join the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced today. This three-year program aims to leverage federal funding to implement local solutions for building low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities.

“It is impossible to deny the impacts of climate change in Columbus,” said Mayor Ginther. “We are proud to have been selected for this important initiative, and we are eager to step up our efforts to further reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience — particularly among our most vulnerable neighbors.”

As part of its participation, Columbus will receive a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team (i-team) with up to three staff members specializing in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management. The city will also benefit from multi-year policy and technical assistance in collaboration with community-based organizations to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.

Columbus was chosen based on its commitment to local climate solutions while fostering equitable communities. Initiatives include the Columbus Climate Action Plan, a 100% clean energy aggregation program saving residents $25 million, an energy benchmarking ordinance for large buildings, and Empowered!, a clean energy jobs training program created with IMPACT Community Action.

“Energy insecurity is unevenly distributed throughout Franklin County, primarily affecting low-income as well as racial- and ethnic-minority households,” said Bo Chilton CEO of IMPACT. “IMPACT has been proud to partner with the City of Columbus and Bloomberg on innovations that advocate for strong, resilient and healthy neighborhoods.”

With over $400 billion in federal funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities aims to leverage $200 million for critical local projects in disadvantaged communities historically overburdened by pollution. This includes supporting efforts like creating Ohio’s first Black net-zero community in the American Addition neighborhood. Other potential projects may involve developing affordable net-zero energy housing, investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure, expanding access to clean energy, and scaling these efforts across other neighborhoods.

City Hall

90 West Broad Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone: (614) 645-3111