Dontá Council, PhD’s Post

We're thrilled to share that What’s Possible: Investing NOW for Prosperous, Sustainable Neighborhoods is available for download! #WhatsPossible brings together experts from the climate, finance and community development sectors and offers actionable solutions to build more #resilient, #sustainable and #equitable communities. Learn more about the project and get a free copy of the book at WhatsPossibleBook.org

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish your community’s capacity to create lasting POSITIVE CHANGE - read the solicitation package carefully and LETS GO!! #communityimpact #communitydevelopment #communitybuilding #communityempowerment #communityleadership #communityenergy

The activities to be performed under the grants are expected to fall under the following categories: #ClimateResiliency and #ClimateAdaptation, Mitigating climate and health risks #urbanheatislands, #extremeheat, #airpollution, #wildfire events, etc. #greeninfrastructure #greenroofs 

I spent part of my summer serving on Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's transition committee for Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver. I'm excited to share our public report which came out earlier this month. My working group's recommendation focused on this question: what would it take for Denver to become the national model for climate policy? Here's what we determined from our extensive stakeholder engagement and research process. ------- "For Denver to become a national model for climate policy demands vocal leadership from the mayor, with climate and equity champions empowered throughout all City departments. Denver must defend and expand model programs like Energize Denver and Climate Action Rebates as well as maximize federal funding opportunities for residents, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. The Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resilience (CASR) should lead efforts to rapidly transition all buildings off fossil fuels, work with Xcel Energy and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to achieve Denver’s goal of 100% renewable electricity, and lead by example in municipal buildings and invest in an all-electric vehicle municipal fleet. The Mayor’s Office can lead by developing innovative financing mechanisms to help communities afford clean energy solutions such as low-interest loans, on-bill financing, and social impact bonds. Climate programs must enhance resilience in disproportionately impacted communities, prepare people for clean energy jobs through workforce development programs, and address cumulative burdens (e.g., air and water quality, housing insecurity, transportation mobility, cooling access). Climate justice requires a bottom-up approach, by proactively prioritizing community engagement and transparency around how community feedback is integrated into decisions."

Download the What’s Possible book for free and check out the chapter from National Consumer Law Center attorneys Alys Cohen and Karen Lusson. 𝘌𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺-𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴, recognizes energy insecurity as a racial justice issue, identifies consumer protections as a critical component of any energy­ efficiency financing program, and calls for increased affordability, transparency and accountability, and data-informed program development. #EnergyEfficiency #RacialJustice #ProtectConsumers

In my previous post, I talked about “Why Community Participation is Crucial for Successful Projects.” In this post, I want to discuss “Enhanced Relevance and Effectiveness in Sustainable Community Projects.” From my experience working with community leaders, I have found that involving community members in planning a new clean water supply system has proven to be a game-changer. By ensuring that the services offered align perfectly with the community’s needs, we have seen a significant increase in usage and maintenance. This approach not only guarantees that the system is well-kept but also generates revenues that are reinvested into other community projects. Importantly, this model reduces dependency on external funding, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability within the community. Please share your experiences and comments below.

We can't wait for you all to dive into "What's Possible," a timely and critical book on the #climatecrisis slated for release next month. This joint endeavor between Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Enterprise Community Partners showcases essays from esteemed climate and community development experts, offering innovative solutions on #decarbonization, #resilience, and #equity, including from our very own Madeline Fraser Cook as well LISC’s Boston and Phoenix offices, all of them at the front lines of the critical work of community climate resiliency and sustainability.     The urgency of the #climatecrisis demands immediate action to fortify our communities, ensuring they are stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Our new book is an important resource and guide, and a great place to start. https://lnkd.in/ecFuuD4X

Life can sometimes feel like two steps forward, three steps back – especially for those impacted by crisis. At IFRC, we recognize the challenges faced by communities worldwide, striving to rebuild amidst ongoing crises. Our 2024 Global Plan for the coming year is not just about doing more; it is about being ready to respond at scale while strengthening community roots and local resilience. Each gain, each step, each footprint will endure, ensuring a lasting impact.

The neighborhoods of South Park and Georgetown border Seattle’s only river—the Duwamish. Due to the ongoing effects of many environmental and social injustices, in these areas, community members have a life expectancy 13 years shorter than people living in Seattle’s wealthier neighborhoods. As an early step in this effort, a team of researchers from the University of Washington School of Public Health and the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps surveyed Duwamish Valley households to find out what the community needs to prepare for, adapt to, and respond to the impacts of climate change. The project and StoryMap found that community members prioritize environmental health, which includes the need for more green space and inclusion of community perspectives in the work to build climate resilience. https://lnkd.in/gr4PzsZx #PublicHealth #ClimateHealth #ClimateResilience #CommunityHealth

Engagement Matters Part 4: Build a resilient community. Help residents know what to prepare for and the resources available, paving the way to equitable disaster response using community input to customize resource allocation. https://ow.ly/FBUT50RCi1h