State and Local Policy Database

Equitable Climate Action and Energy Planning

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

In September 2020, 18 task force members were selected to be the key authors of the 2021 Climate Action Plan. These task force members were prioritized for selection based on their connections to or ability to authentically represent frontline communities. From September through March, task force members deliberated to set new climate policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. Specific deliberations on renewable energy and energy efficiency focused on values of energy democracy, racial justice, and equity.

Equity Accountability Measures

Resolution 20-75 requires the city to use racial equity toolkits to understand the benefits and burdens of policies, programs, and budget decisions. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups.

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Atlanta adopted a goal to reduce energy burdens for 10% of households, with tracking metrics focused on those with low incomes.

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The city created the Climate Equity Plan Steering Committee to give marginalized community residents a formal decision-making role in the creation of the plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Austin created an equity screening tool to assist in the development of the Climate Equity Plan.

Austin has a citywide focus on equity with the establishment of its Equity Office, including metrics focusing on social equity outcomes, but none are tied specifically to energy efficiency or climate action. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equitable Community Outreach

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies. However, as part of planning for the 2019 Baltimore Sustainability Plan, the city recruited 125 volunteer ambassadors who represented the racial demographics of Baltimore. The ambassadors conducted surveys in their communities, and as a result, black residents accounted for 47% of respondents.

Equitable decision-making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Baltimore's Equity Assessment Program requires city agencies to assess existing and proposed policies and practices for disparate outcomes based on race, gender, or income. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

Boston has conducted community engagement for several of its clean energy initiatives. Mayor Wu's Neighborhood Coffee Hour is a community engagement that gives residents the chance to speak with the Mayor and staff from various City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. The Environment Department has participated in this event engaged residents on both Boston Community Choice Electricity and Mass Save Programs. The city also conducted a webinar available in 12 different languages including American Sign Language Interpretation for its Community Choice Electricity program.

For the development of the building emissions performance standard, the City worked with One Square World (facilitation experts) and Alternatives for Community and Environment (local frontline community-based environmental justice organization), using a model of collaborative governance, to convene a resident advisory group, co-equal in importance to a technical advisory group. Goals included minimizing harm (displacement, environmental health, energy costs) and maximizing benefits and opportunities (building comfort and health, jobs, air quality, fair housing, transparency) for residents impacted by the policy. One Square World and ACE worked with three community partner organizations - Chinese Progressive Association, New England United for Justice and City Life/Vida Urbana - identified due to their presence and trusted status in communities likely to be impacted, such as Chinatown. Their organizers were engaged to recruit residents who live in large multifamily buildings and who would be directly affected by the ordinance. The resident advisory group met three times to shared their lived experiences, determine community priorities for the ordinance and share feedback that directly informed the policy's development and design. All meeting and outreach materials were translated into key languages, with systematic meeting interpretation in Cantonese, as well as interpretation in Spanish and Taishanese as requested.

While not involving a direct dialogue between relevant decision-makers and residents, the city's 2019 Climate Action Plan Update included a process of public engagement conducted in partnership with local community-based organizations. A street team composed of members of target stakeholder groups for outreach (youth, low-income individuals, people of color, and those with limited-English proficiency) conducted outreach at local neighborhood events, with materials available in all 6 of Boston’s main languages (English, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese).

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Though limited in scope to only specific initiatives, the city sometimes provides a formal role in decision-making for marginalized communities. One example is its "collaborative governance" approach to developing a building emissions performance standard, which aims to collaborate with and center communities that would be most affected by the policy. This project team includes Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE, an environmental justice organization) and One Square World, which has gathered a group of community members. The project team is co-creating the stakeholder engagement plan with (compensated) community partners that represent traditionally marginalized communities. 

Equity Accountability Measures

The city's Resilient Boston plan sets specific goals and indicators to improve transportation access and increase proximity to parks for disadvantaged residents.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: March 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The Corridors of Opportunity initiatives consists of six areas of Charlotte that have experienced historic underinvestment. Each corridor has a co-created playbook. The city conducted targeted community engagement in each area to inform development of each playbook.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

The Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Integration used an adapted version of the GARE (government alliance for racial equity) tool during the budget process that required every department to take an added step of justifying enhancements through an equity lens. This added step forced departments to look at who is burdened by a decision and who is supported by that decision, and integrate considerations into the final decision making. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: March 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Resilient Chicago plan includes specific goals and indicators to improve transit service to underserved areas and install efficient lighting in low-income communities.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Chula Vista adopted the Climate Equity Index in 2021. The index tracks several indicators related to climate, energy, and equity, and the city is required to update the index every five years. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

As part of the 2018 Green Cincinnati Plan community engagement process, the city held development meetings in Spanish and in communities of color, as stated in the 2018 Green Action Plan.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The 2018 Green Cincinnati Plan established a goal to reduce the household energy burden by 10% within 5 years.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Appendix E of the Climate Action Plan includes equity metrics by which to assess the efficacy of their climate objectives.

The city also developed a racial equity tool to evaluate every objective in the 2018 update.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

While developing the PlanCOS general plan, Colorado Springs conducted engagement events in traditionally underrepresented communities. The city’s planning team also engaged with community organizations that represented a variety of interest groups that contributed to the creation of the plan.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

Dallas offered transportation reimbursement to residents attending climate action planning meetings.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

As part of the city’s Resilient Dallas Plan, the city created goals to improve equity within the city government. The city has also identified actions, partners, and timeframes by which to fulfill these goals.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

Denver's Climate Action Task Force hosted 2 rounds of small community meetings with hundreds of Denverites in February and March. The city also hosted Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings in April with youth, climate activists, labor and workforce, business and industry, people vulnerable to climate impacts, and frontline communities. Additionally, the city conducted equity-driven virtual outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic via Consider. It to encourage participation in climate action planning meetings. Denver promoted access to WiFi and digital devices, offered direct phone support, and sent community liaisons into marginalized communities to encourage online participation in the meetings. At least half of these efforts were conducted in Spanish. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Climate Protection Fund has a mandate to spend 50% of the fund's budget with a lens towards equity and racial and social justice. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting outreach with multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

In developing the Sustainable Action Agenda, Detroit held seven focus groups with populations that are historically underrepresented in planning processes. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4) by-laws state that the leadership team (steering council) must have at a minimum 50% BIPOC and voting decisions can only be made if at least 33% of the voting members are BIPOC. The C4 is the main group with which the City will work to co-create a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. 

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

While developing the Climate Action Plan, Hartford's Office of Sustainability co-hosted meetings with local grassroots organizations such as the Center for Latino Progress's BiCi Co., Keney Park Sustainability Project, and KNOX. These meetings were also held after traditional working hours and were family-friendly, which resulted in much more diverse community representation.

The Hartford Office of Sustainability is working to ensure that its events are held in partnership with grassroots nonprofits, resident activists, youth, and local resident-run Boards and Commissions. The city specifically reaches out to different stakeholder groups when hosting events and has designed grant-funded programs with nonprofits rooted in community action. When the city hosts resident climate action meetings, it does so after traditional working hours, and designs them as family-friendly so that childcare is not an issue.

While resident climate action meetings provide information to citizens regarding clean energy initiatives, we were unable to determine if they also focused on engaging marginalized groups in a discussion to elicit their feedback or suggestions regarding implementation of multiple initiatives connected with the city’s Climate Action Plan.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The City’s Climate Stewardship Initiative, which is made up of the Climate Stewardship Council (CSC) and the Office of Sustainability, is working to achieve equitable outcomes for marginalized residents. The 34-member CSC, which was founded by Mayor Bronin, brings together residents, neighborhood revitalization zone groups, representatives of key area boards and commissions, grassroots nonprofits, and more. The city’s Climate Action Plan reflects feedback solicited by the CSC from 200 stakeholders. The Plan was brought by CSC members to neighborhood meetings, local Boards and Commissions staffed by resident volunteers, and the City Council, for feedback. The city hosted a national conference that brought together practitioners from across the country to review the Plan and ensure that every effort was made to use best practices. The CSC makes recommendations to the Mayor related to environmental justice issues. A list of Climate Stewardship Council members is available here.

While Hartford's Climate Stewardship Council advises the Mayor on environmental justice issues, it is also focused on economic development and public health. We were also unable to verify if the Council's membership consists of residents from marginalized communities.

Equity Accountability Measures

When the Climate Action Plan was adopted by City Council, the related resolution requires the Office of Sustainability to report annually on progress related to the Plan. The Plan features three core shared values: social equity, economic development and public health. The Office of Sustainability must report on the ways in which the plan fundamentally improves these three areas.

While the Office of Sustainability must report on its progress towards achieving equitable outcomes, we were unable to determine if the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Pillar I of the city's resilience strategy has several time-limited goals focused on energy and housing affordability outcomes. Pillar IV has several goals focused on city-community coordination. The city also reports that they have weekly meetings to report on progress towards these goals.  

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The city's Complete Communities initiative created ten unique development plans for ten historically under resourced neighborhoods. The city held several community meetings for each plan where residents could engage directly with plan developers. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

In planning Thrive Indianapolis, the city held specialized focus groups and training for target populations, including re-entry, veterans, low-income and those experiencing homelessness. To give youth a voice in the future of their city, planners held a Community Day with kid- and family-friendly activities. To reach people where they already are and feel most comfortable, city staff attended various City and community events and held regular pop-ups at the public library and other central locations. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups.

Last updated: June 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

During the development of the CPRP, Kansas City hired a local equity consultant to ensure that the city was reaching its historically disadvantaged communities. The city also brought two local climate justice workers on board to facilitate meeting communities where they live, work, and play to gather feedback on the plan. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The Equity Working Group developed and applied equity screening questions to the mitigation strategies discussed by the technical working groups.  A portion of that group’s funding also supported direct outreach surveying community members to inform their discussions and recommendations.  The facilitator worked directly with the Equity Working Group to craft the survey and compile results, and group participants that had the capacity to conduct surveys were compensated for their work.  That outreach was geographically targeted to Knoxville’s lower-income zip codes. The Equity Working group delivered recommendations to staff that generally assessed a strategy’s ability to advance potential equity outcomes. When setting final lists of priorities and presentation of strategy rankings in the Sustainability Work Plan, staff deferred to the recommendations of the Equity Working Group on strategies that were most likely to advance equity outcomes.  

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

Knoxville established the Climate Council Equity Working Group, which is actively participating in the city's climate planning processes.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 
 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The City has conducting bilingual community engagement to inform special area planning efforts. Most recently, one was completed for East Las Vegas, a majority Latino area of Las Vegas. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: March 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 
 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

As part of the city's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan outreach process, the city made direct outreach in marginalized communities and conducted outreach in Spanish and Khmer. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

Los Angeles conducted focus groups with low-income renters to inform their building decarbonization policies and programs.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

Los Angeles Department of City Planning and community organizations such as Los Angeles Equity Alliance, Brotherhood Crusade, and the South Los Angeles Transit Empowerment Zone are developing the South L.A. Climate Commons Plan. The plan is funded by a $200,000 plan grant awarded to the department. 

In implementing the city’s climate action goals, the City of Los Angeles and Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles created the Watts Community Leaderships Council (WCLC), which is comprised of local community residents. The WCLC created the Watts Rising Collaborative, which lobbied for and won $35 million grant for affordable housing and environmental justice initiatives in the Watts community.

The city secured another grant worth $23 million to fund environmental justice initiatives led by the “Green Together” collaborative which includes several community-based organizations that are active in the Pacoima-Sun Valley.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Green New Deal includes environmental justice goals of improving the raw scores of CalEnviroScreen indicators of communities within the top 10% of most polluted communities by an average of 25% by 2025 and 50% by 2035. The Green New Deal also contains a goal to reduce childhood asthma-related emergency room visits to less than 14 per 1,000 children by 2025 and 8 per 1,000 children by 2035. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

As part of the development of the Miami Forever Climate Ready strategy, the city held meetings across the city to educate on the city-specific risks associated with climate change and solicit input on objectives that should be prioritized in the strategy. In-person translation services were available in Spanish or Haitian Creole. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

Council resolution 190445 established the Climate and Economic Equity Task Force. Membership includes representatives of organizations that represent the interests of marginalized communities. The task force is charged with making recommendations on how to meet Milwaukee's emissions reductions goals (see Climate Action and Energy Planning Goals above) and mitigate racial and income inequity through green jobs. The task force's work can be tracked here, including their preliminary report

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The city created the Minneapolis Green Zones Initiative. The Initiative is a place-based policy that puts greater emphasis on improving health and spurring economic development using environmentally conscious efforts in communities that face the cumulative effects of environmental pollution, as well as social, political and economic vulnerability in low-income communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color. There are currently two Green Zones: the Northern Green Zone and the Southside Green Zone. Green Zones are community driven. Members of the Northern and Southside Green Zone communities sit on task forces or councils that serve as an advisory board to the City Council and Mayor on the implementation and evaluation of their corresponding Work Plans, which were also developed by community members. Green Zone Task Forces develop and lead outreach work plans to engage community members in planning their initiatives.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

Minneapolis’s Climate Action Plan Environmental Justice Working Group recommended the creation of Green Zones within the city.

Equity Accountability Measures

The racial equity impact analysis (REIA) helps City of Minneapolis staff, departments and elected policymakers consider racial equity outcomes when shaping policies, practices, programs and budgets. The REIA is both a process and a tool. The process guides the city in shifting the approach to city work so it can effectively consider the racial equity impacts of an initiative at all stages of development. The tool is a set of meaningful questions. The answers to these questions will shape a story about racial equity impacts of a City initiative.
Staff are required to conduct a full REIA when bringing certain Requests for Council Action (RCA) before a City Council committee. The standard REIA form must be completed and uploaded with a RCA submission for the following: new ordinances and updates to ordinances, charter amendments, new city enterprise policies, and updates to policies.

The city and Green Zone Task Forces use numerous indicators to track the outcomes of sustainability initiatives that serve the two zones.

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement 

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the county has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

Montgomery County adopted the Racial Equity and Social Justice Act, a broad policy that will require the county to assess the equity impacts of each bill.

Last updated: December 2019

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Nashville's annual budgeting process requires each Metro department to complete a budget equity evaluation that documents how department expenses and activities will further diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their department and the community.

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

In 2018, New Orleans launched the Climate Equity Project, a broad and comprehensive approach to equitable climate and energy planning. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement with multiple clean energy initiatives to marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

Local Laws 60 and 64 of 2017 required the city to establish an Environmental Justice Advisory Board, which has since been created. The Board consists of residents of environmental justice communities and environmental justice experts. The Board will work to create a citywide Environmental Justice Plan and will help the city incorporate environmental justice concerns into decision-making. 

Equity Accountability Measures

Executive Order 45 (2019) requires city agencies to annually report on key equity indicators.

Intro. 886-A sets up an Interagency Working Group to create a citywide Environmental Justice Plan that provides guidance on incorporating environmental justice concerns into city decision-making, identifies possible citywide initiatives for promoting environmental justice, and provides specific recommendations for City agencies to bring their operations, programs and projects in line with these concerns.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equitable-Driven Community Engagement

Oakland's Inclusive Community Engagement Administrative Instruction (AI) provides a framework for all City projects to follow to ensure that representative community voices are consulted and incorporated into decision-making and implementation.

The development of the city's Energy and Climate Action Plan included initiatives to solicit engagement from marginalized communities. Town hall meetings were held in Oakland's most climate-impacted neighborhoods at varying times and dates to expand accessibility. Language interpretation services, free meals, and child care were provided.

An Equity Facilitator conducted public outreach for the most recent update to the city’s Climate Action Plan. The role of the Facilitator is to ensure that outreach is executed equitably and that equity actions are integrated into the Climate Action Plan.

Oakland has also created a Multifamily and EV (Electric Vehicle) Working Group tasked with overcoming barriers to the installation of EV charging infrastructure in multifamily and low-income buildings.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

Climate Action Plan and the city’s energy goals both consider equity factors and implications. The city also published an Equity Indicators Report, which tracks the effects of the energy cost burden on low-income communities, health impacts, and park quality (among other indicators). 

The Racial Equity Impact Assessment and Implementation Guide was developed by the city's Equity Facilitators team. This will help the city identify frontline communities and provide metrics for the city to study as it tracks implementation of climate action initiatives in the ECAP

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

While developing the Parramore Comprehensive Plan, the city conducted public meetings in Parramore, a historically black community, where residents were able to speak, provide comments, vote, and engage with community leaders

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Parramore Comprehensive Plan includes several metrics to track outcomes related to energy and health. 

The city hosted internal social equity training and conducts monthly workshops to evaluate sustainability programs through a social equity lens. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: March 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The Office of Sustainability has been conducting focus groups regarding energy burden with high-burden communities to discuss their experience of energy use in their homes and how they are accessing financial support. Discussions focused in on three areas related to energy burden- gas usage, heat resiliency, and weatherization. The outreach will inform planning for several housing and energy initiatives. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The City has formed the Philadelphia Environmental Justice Advisory Commission (PEJAC) that is comprised of residents impacted by environmental injustice to advise the City on action and decision-making

Equity Accountability Measures

Philadelphia is requiring city departments to use a racial budget equity tool and connect funding requests to racial equity. Further, Philadelphia Energy Authority programs track and annually report metrics related to energy-related outcomes for low-income households. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The C40 Climate Action Plan being developed has taken a unique and expanded approach to conducting engagement with marginalized groups as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate Action Planning Workshops were conducted in partnership with a local community organization, CHISPA Arizona focused on the Latinx population and specifically for high school age youth in partnership with the Phoenix Union High School District Sustainability Officer. In addition, multiple workshops with working groups that were given in English and Spanish were conducted, along with presentations to multiple societies, community-based organizations, and climate and resilience workgroups

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The city established 15 Village Planning Committees for community residents in each of our urban villages to provide input monthly on all projects in their community.  These committees review and provide approval for sustainability action plans in their communities and input on environmental quality issues, like air quality, and are being asked for input on the climate action plan being created.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The City of Pittsburgh released the Pittsburgh Equity Indicators: A Baseline Measurement for Enhancing Equity in Pittsburgh report which includes environmental and sustainability metrics. The city is committed to an annual review of these metrics.

Last updated: August 2023

Equitable Community Outreach

Portland's Zero Cities Project, which aims to achieve increased racial equity and a net-zero carbon buildings sector, recruited Verde to identify zero carbon building policies that intersect with community priorities. Several other community-based organizations have joined the project's planning process, including Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC), Organizing People/Activating Leaders Environmental Justice Oregon (OPAL) and Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF). Together, these community organizations will lead a community engagement process on behalf of the Zero Cities Project, with an ultimate goal of delivering a roadmap, report, and resolution to Portland's City Council. 

Equitable decision-making

PCEF prioritizes projects serving Portland’s frontline communities and neighborhoods, including communities of color and people with low incomes. These communities, identified as priority populations for PCEF, have historically been left out of conversations and solutions for climate justice and resilience.  PCEF is now 5 years old and has invested millions in community for clean energy, energy efficiency, workforce, and resilience projects. PCEF’s new Climate Investment Plan will invest $750,000,000.00 over the next 5 years by specifically targeting resources for communities of color and clean energy jobs. The investments fund the breadth of climate and energy work from energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, transportation projects, resilient community centers, green infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, and workforce development. Projects are selected by a panel which includes  members from disadvantaged communities.

Representatives from six community organizations serving underserved communities were involved in an Equity Working Group as part of the 2015 Climate Action Plan development process. The city paid the representatives a stipend for their participation and some participated in the Plan’s steering committee.

Equity Accountability Measures

Portland requires city departments to use the Budget Equity Assessment Tool on budget proposals and base budgets. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equitable Community Outreach

The Racial and Environmental Justice Committee (REJC), comprised of community members of color, is now leading Providence’s climate planning engagement process. The Committee has trained ten community members in energy democracy and energy systems to better inform the city’s climate strategy. The ten community members have conducted interviews within their communities to better understand how energy impacts lives and communities.

The City is also working with the REJC to launch two Green Justice Zones to deepen collaboration with Providence’s frontline communities. The Green Justice Zones will help the City prioritize investments that align with the Climate Justice Plan in the two neighborhoods in Providence that are most burdened by environmental impacts. 

Equitable decision-making

Providence aided in the creation of a Racial and Environmental Justice Committee (REJC), which is entirely comprised of community members of color. The REJC advised the Office of Sustainability on how to better incorporate equity into its work. REJC and the City continue to share power with frontline communities in a collaborative governance model. 

Equity Accountability Measures

The Climate Justice Plan includes seven key climate equity objectives and over fifty strategies that seek to create an equitable, low-carbon city. The plan also identifies changes that are needed in the city's governing structure, economic systems, and health of their communities to ensure an equitable transition from fossil fuels. The plan includes specific goals for improving low-carbon transit options for frontline communities and reducing diesel truck traffic in those communities.

The Racial and Environmental Justice Committee created the Principles and Values for a Racially Equitable and Just Providence framework. The city evaluates all climate strategy recommendations through this lens.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The city created an equity impacts tool to inform the development of the Community Climate Action Plan. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The RVAgreen 2050 Racial Equity and Environmental Roundtable is a group of residents from historically disenfranchised communities who are being paid for their time and lived experience expertise to help with both the planning process and the outreach and engagement around RVAgreen 2050. 

Equity Accountability Measures

RVAgreen 2050 will include specific goals and metrics for how climate action initiatives affect local marginalized communities.  The Equity Screening Tool will lay the foundation for this process. The RVAgreen 2050 Equity Screening Tool, which was co-created with the Racial Equity & Environmental Justice Roundtable, is designed to help determine the extent to which proposed climate action and resilience actions prioritize equity. It will be used to conduct a basic equity assessment of every action in the RVAgreen 2050 equitable climate action and resilience plan, as well as prior to making related decisions on policy, planning, programming, and budgeting.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

 As part of the General Plan updating process, plan developers met with key community leaders from communities most impacted by pollution on how to best incorporate environmental justice objectives into the General Plan. 

Environmental justice listening sessions were provided within disadvantaged communities, and food, translation services, and family activities were provided to encourage participation. Similar services were provided at four citywide workshops and ten community area meetings. Recommendations from these events are being incorporated into the 2040 General Plan. Additionally, quick but interactive "pop-up outreach" was conducted at existing community events and gathering places withing disadvantaged communities. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The Sacramento Environmental Justice Collaborative Governance Committee launched in February 2021. It is a 12-person committee from various backgrounds or issue areas that care about environmental justice. Committee members will meet monthly during 2021 and give quarterly recommendations to the Sacramento City Council related to climate, land use, transportation, and environmental justice matters.

Sacramento created the Environmental Justice Working Group to advise of environmental justice planning implementation, identify meaningful community engagement strategies, assist city staff on processing input from identified community needs and priorities, provide guidance on environmental justice policy element, advise on community capacity development, and identify areas for overall improvement within the city. Also, the Mayors' Commission on Climate Change is advised by an inclusive process which includes Technical Advisory Committees (which include community representatives), community and youth engagement, and equity roundtables. Recommendations from these processes will be incorporated into the Climate Action Plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups, though the 2040 Climate Action Plan will include an environmental justice element. Equity goals and strategies for the plan are currently being developed. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

While developing the Climate Action and Resilience Plan, the city hosted five community forums to solicit feedback. Four of the five forums were held in areas of concentrated poverty where a majority of residents were people of color. Additionally, each event was co-hosted by a community organization partner. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

In January 2021, the City Council approved the Mayor’s appointments for a 16-member Climate Justice Advisory Board (CJAB).  The CJAB will advise the Mayor and City Council on developing policies and programs related to the City of Saint Paul’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP).  The CJAB’s focus will be to ensure that the costs and benefits of new programs in clean energy, energy efficiency, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and climate resilience and adaptation, are equitably distributed and address the challenges faced by our most vulnerable populations and neighborhoods.  CJAB members are 50% BIPOC.  

Equity Accountability Measures

Saint Paul’s Path to Carbon Neutrality: Building Sector report established a goal to reduce energy burdens in ten years so that no household spends more than 4% of its income on energy costs. Appendix 5 of the report included near-term priorities and year-one milestones towards the goal.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The Climate Equity Technical Working Group consist of 15 community members that identify barriers and solutions to climate challenges specific to San Antonio. The working group aims to increase equity while strategically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Separately, the Climate Equity Advisory Committee will consist of representatives from community-based organizations representing the interests of marginalized communities and will be one of two committees advising the implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Interviews for the committee are underway.

Equity Accountability Measures

The city created the budget equity tool to integrate considerations of racial and economic equity into the budgeting process.

Further, the Climate Equity Technical Working Group designed the Climate Equity Screening Mechanism as a framework to consider the equity-related impacts of climate action strategies, including mitigation and adaption. The city also monitors several climate equity indicators, including median wages, asthma rates, and neighborhood poverty. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

San Diego developed the Climate Equity Index to track the level of resident access to opportunities and the potential impact of climate change in census tracts. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

As part of the Climate Action Plan development process, SF Environment led 11 online workshops, with 2 workshops conducted exclusively in Chinese and Spanish. 

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

SF Environment convened an Anchor Partners Network and established community-based organizations familiar with building and energy policies and programs that provided critical feedback on how to integrate social and racial equity into potential building sector policies and programs.

Equity Accountability Measures

SF Administrative Code 12A.19(d)(4) directs the Office of Racial Equity to conduct a racial and social equity assessment on all legislation. All new legislation must be referred to the Office of Racial Equity within eight days of its introduction.  

SF Environment is currently preparing a major update to the communitywide Climate Action Strategy and is anticipating applying an Equity Assessment Tool developed by Race Forward for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance “Zero Cities” project. This tool and supporting report provide metrics and suggested methodology for energy cost burden on people of color, distribution of economic prosperity, gentrification and displacement, health risks associated with housing, environmental justice/locational exposure to environmental risk, urban heat island, and community engagement.  

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

While developing the Climate Smart San José plan, the city conducted 38 community meetings and events in Spanish-speaking and Vietnamese-speaking neighborhoods. Environmental Services partnered with the nonprofit organization, Mothers Out Front, to hold a Spanish-language outreach event to publicize Climate Smart to Spanish-speaking residents of San José.

While not providing an opportunity to directly engage and receive feedback with marginalized communities, the city also pursued several outreach strategies targeting such communities. Examples include trilingual surveys and advertisements, energy-efficiency and recycling trainings held in Spanish, and LED light bulb distributions in underserved communities.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The city's Co-Creation Consultant initiative gives two community-based organizations serving marginalized residents a formal decision-making role in the development of residential energy efficiency initiatives. 

Equity Accountability Measures

Move San Jose identifies more than 40 key performance indicators that track the City’s progress towards 9 transportation objectives – “Access for All”, “Enjoyable Transportation”, “Plan for the Future”, “Clean the Air”, “Less Driving”, “Connected Neighborhoods”, “Transportation Safety”, “Move the Economy”, and “20-Minute Neighborhoods”. Examples of the 40 KPIs that track program impacts on local disadvantaged communities include electric vehicle market penetration rate by neighborhood and public electric vehicle charger deployment by neighborhood. The City aims to use these KPIs and public input to prioritize investment strategies, especially in low-income and historically underserved communities, and track the City’s progress of advancing the KPIs for those communities. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Accountability to Equity

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2020

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The city collaborated with marginalized residents living in the South Park region of Seattle to create the Duwamish Valley Action Plan. The city employed several approaches to increase participation from these residents.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

The city’s Environmental Justice Committee (EJC) allows residents most-affected by environmental inequities to influence implementation of the city’s Equity and Environment Agenda. The EJC consists of a twelve-member board with ties to Seattle communities. The EJC oversees the Environmental Justice Fund, which is a grant opportunity for communities to pursue opportunities and projects that enhance environmental justice and social equity. In 2022 the Environmental Justice Fund has awarded $750,000 in funding to 13 community organizations for projects that advance environmental justice in Seattle. Since its launch, the EJ Fund has awarded four grant cycles totaling over $1.8 Million to 28 community-based organizations, whose projects are led by or are in partnership with communities of color impacted by environmental injustices.

As part of Seattle’s commitment to the Green New Deal, Seattle’s City Council has stipulated the creation of a Green New Deal Oversight Board made up of 19 members. Eight will come from community representatives directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices (including one tribal member and two individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 at the time of their appointment). Three representatives from environmental justice organizations; four representatives of labor unions; three representatives with experience in greenhouse gas reduction and climate resiliency strategies relevant to cities; and a workforce training specialist. Compensation is provided for those who would incur financial hardship by their participation on the Green New Deal Oversight Board.

Equity Accountability Measures

Seattle requires new policies and programs to complete a Racial Equity Toolkit at their inception. The City of Seattle requires all City departments develop race and social justice goals and assess program development and implementation with a race and social justice toolkit through the city’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Seattle’s Equity and Environment Agenda seeks to advance racial equity in environmental planning. The Agenda outlines broad goals the city must pursue to ensure a just and equitable approach to environmental planning. The city also released the Environmental Equity Assessment Pilot tool. The tool makes environmental equity data transparent and available to the public.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

Prior to developing the city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, Springfield conducted a vulnerability analysis to identify the city’s most at-risk communities. The city then conducted two out of three workshops in socially vulnerable communities to solicit input to be used towards development of the plan.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Climate Action and Resilience Plan has a goal to ensure 50% of all low-income utility accounts receive a 50% or greater discount from community solar projects by 2022.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

When the city submitted a grant under California's Transformative Climate Communities initiative, local community-based organizations were involved in the planning and grant-writing. 

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Regional Sustainability Plan includes a goal to improve the area's housing and transportation affordability index by 11 index points (a 15% reduction) between 2012 and 2030.

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: August 2023

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

The Sustainable DC plan updating process included speaking to residents that represented the diversity of the city. To make the process most convenient for residents of underserved communities, the city partnered with community organizations to help recruit new participants, held meetings in familiar Metro-accessible venues for communities, and restructured meeting formats to be more casual and accessible. The city also focused community engagement in locations that have been underserved in the past.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

In partnership with the Georgetown Climate Center, the Department of Energy & Environment created the Equity Advisory Group. The Group consisted of residents and community leaders of Far Northeast Ward 7, where a climate vulnerability analysis showed the community has been uniquely vulnerable to climate-risks due to its proximity to the Watts Branch Tributary of the Anacostia River. The Group was tasked with developing recommendation to be incorporated into the District’s Climate Ready DC Plan and Clean Energy DC Plan. The partnership published a community engagement guide. Work is now underway to focus on developing resilience hubs and workforce development initiatives based on the advisory group’s recommendations.

Equity Accountability Measures

The Racial Equity Achieves Results Act (REACH Act) of 2020 established a new Office of Racial Equity, led by a new Chief Equity Officer, creates a racial equity impact assessment for Council legislation, trains all government employees on racial equity, creates a racial equity tool to ensure District government is accountable, and establishes a Commission to advance racial equity. The Office of Racial Equity will focus on developing an infrastructure to ensure policy decisions and District programs are evaluated through an equity lens. The Chief Equity Officer will collaborate with District agencies, residents, and external stakeholders to make meaningful progress toward a more equitable city. Among the first responsibilities of the Chief Equity Officer will be to conduct an equity analysis of the District to establish government-wide priorities and to build a team to support the implementation of these priorities.

The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is developing a racial equity tool in the implementation and future update of the District’s Sustainable DC plan.

Last updated: January 2024

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021

Equity-Driven Community Engagement

We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.

Equity-Driven Decision-Making

We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.

Equity Accountability Measures

We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups. 

Last updated: September 2021