ATL Standard

Atlanta has been chosen as one of 25 cities in the United States to participate in the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative. This three-year program, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to support local climate action and create more prosperous communities.

Mayor Andre Dickens announced Atlanta's selection in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared resources in working towards sustainability and equity goals. Mayor Dickens stated, "Like many of our efforts, reaching our sustainability and equity goals is a group project and we look forward to participating in Bloomberg's American Sustainable Cities Challenge. This is an opportunity for us to collaborate with cities facing similar challenges, share best practices and tap into resources to fight climate change and enhance the quality of life for all Atlantans."

Chandra Farley, Atlanta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed enthusiasm about Atlanta being chosen for the program, saying, “Our selection as one of the 25 cities for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative is an exciting activation.”

The Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative will provide Atlanta with an innovation team and technical assistance to drive progress on climate mitigation and promote equitable outcomes. Atlanta was selected for this initiative based on its leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities despite facing vulnerabilities such as high energy burdens, extreme heat, and flooding.

With more than $400 billion in federal funding available to local governments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative aims to help cities access and implement historic funding for critical local projects. The program will focus on marginalized communities that have been historically overburdened by pollution, with the goal of implementing solutions such as affordable, energy-efficient housing, electric vehicles, clean energy access, and nutritious food options.

The Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative builds upon previous efforts by Bloomberg Philanthropies to support local climate action in the United States, such as the American Cities Climate Challenge. Through these initiatives, cities have been able to pass significant policies and launch programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions and addressing essential infrastructure needs.

Atlanta's participation in the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative reflects a commitment to advancing sustainability, equity, and resilience in the face of climate challenges.