Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  March 12, 2024

Bloomberg Philanthropies Commits $200 Million for Sustainable Cities

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, a three-year initiative to increase 25 cities’ efforts to leverage federal funding to proactively build low-carbon, resilient and economically thriving communities. 

The $200 million Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative will provide support to selected cities to pursue transformative solutions in the buildings and transportation sectors through partnerships with PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University and Natural Resources Defense Council. 

With over $400 billion in federal funding available to local governments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. cities have an opportunity to access and implement new investments that combat climate change and improve lives. Potential projects in the 25 cities announced include developing affordable energy-efficient housing, increasing access to clean energy, investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure, and more.

The cities selected to participate in the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative are:

• Akron, OH
• Atlanta, GA
• Birmingham, AL
• Buffalo, NY
• Charlotte, NC
• Chattanooga, TN
• Cincinnati, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Dayton, OH
• Hampton, VA
• Jackson, MS
• Kansas City, MO
• Lansing, MI
• Memphis, TN
• Montgomery, AL
• Nashville, TN
• Newport News, VA
• Oakland, CA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Raleigh, NC
• Rochester, NY
• Savannah, GA
• St. Louis, MO

“Tackling climate change and building stronger and more equitable cities go hand in hand,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, in a statement. “Mayors have bold ideas for how to take on both challenges at once, and we’re looking forward to expanding our support for them.”

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ commitment to supporting cities in reducing emissions is over $650 million to date.

In 2019, Mike Bloomberg launched the American Cities Climate Challenge to provide resources and support to 25 of the largest U.S. cities to scale proven urban climate solutions in the buildings and transportation sectors. With Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support, the 25 Climate Challenge cities passed 54 major buildings, energy, and transportation policies and launched 71 new climate programs and initiatives, which are projected to reduce 74 million metric tons of carbon emissions through 2030.