OHIO — Five Ohio cities have been selected to join a list of 25 cities across the U.S. as part of the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative.

What You Need To Know

  • Five Ohio cities have been selected to join a list of 25 cities across the U.S. as part of the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative
  • The Ohio cities that have been selected are Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron and Dayton

  • This means 20% of the cities in this program are from Ohio, and the state has the most cities selected to join

  • The three-year initiative is meant to “turbocharge 25 U.S. cities’ efforts to leverage historic levels of federal funding to proactively build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities"

The Ohio cities that have been selected are Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron and Dayton. This means 20% of the cities in this program are from Ohio, and the state has the most cities selected to join.

According to a Bloomberg Philanthropies press release, the three-year initiative is meant to “turbocharge 25 U.S. cities’ efforts to leverage historic levels of federal funding to proactively build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities.”

The initiative is pledging $200 million toward supporting the various cities’ buildings and transportation sectors “through partnerships with PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and Natural Resources Defense Council.”

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

Cleveland

In a press release from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s office, it noted that an innovation team will come to the city to work on “climate mitigation” and “promoting equitable outcomes.”

The initiative also works with local, community groups to provide assistance with various investments. 

“Cleveland has long embraced the responsibility of acting on climate change and environmental stewardship,” Bibb said in the release. “From former Mayor Carl B. Stokes' historic efforts in 1969 to address environmental injustices, to our present-day climate action planning and implementation initiatives, our city stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. The BASC program in Cleveland will support equitable and more rapid implementation of historical funding at the neighborhood level, enhancing resources in our historically disadvantaged communities and reducing the racial wealth gap. Through this collaborative effort, we will continue to work with residents and key stakeholders to achieve a more equitable and environmentally resilient city for all Clevelanders." 

The release cites “historical disinvestment” in the city that has seen city residents exposed to more precipitation and flooding, stronger heat and an increased amount of air pollution. It also notes, however, the city’s goals of advancing the community despite these challenges.

“Mayor Bibb and his administration are dedicated to deploying climate solutions at the neighborhood level in order to raise up BIPOC communities -- both economically and environmentally – to improve the health, wealth and safety of residents, with a particular focus on Cleveland’s Southeast Side,” the release reads.

Akron

In a press release from the city, Mayor Shammas Malik announced the city’s participation. The release noted that the city is looking for candidates for the innovation team, specifically for the director and civic designer positions.

“I’m excited Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is helping cities, including Akron, tackle climate change and racial wealth inequities,” Malik said. “The innovation team will help us tackle real issues in the lives of Akronites – leveraging philanthropic funding to create and grow a truly sustainable and equitable Akron. With the added staff capacity and the network of other cities working towards similar solutions, we will be more innovative and engaged with the community in ideating, developing, and executing projects that create local solutions to the problems facing not only our city but the entire world.” 

Here is the complete list of cities listed as part of this initiative:

  • 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