Phase 1 of the Cleaner, Greener Communities Program

Creating Regional Sustainability Plans

Because progress begins with good planning, Phase One of the Cleaner, Greener Communities Program provides nearly $10 million in funding to help the 10 regions in New York create comprehensive sustainability plans. Up to $1 million per region has been awarded. Planning teams are led by a municipality (county, city, town, village, Indian tribe or nation within New York State), acting on behalf of a consortium of other municipalities located in one of the 10 regions defined by the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC).

Each region is encouraged to adopt sustainability plans that reflect the needs of their residents. All planning efforts will:

• Assess current greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, along with available natural resources and economic assets, liabilities, and opportunities
• Set sustainability targets for energy supplies, transportation, waste and water management, land use, housing, agriculture, economic development, and open space
• Develop a sustainability plan outlining the short- and long-term actions our region can take to achieve targets and goals
• Prioritize eligible projects that can apply for Cleaner, Greener Communities implementation funding

For general information about Cleaner, Greener Communities, contact Lindsay Robbins at lrr@nyserda.ny.gov or 212-971-5342, Ext. 3008.