The Climate Smart Communities program is a state initiative that supports local governments taking action to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and increase climate resiliency. The program supports a range of actions to achieve these goals as well as provides funding for regional coordinators such as STC to assist communities in completing actions outlined as part of the program. Participation is voluntary and free, but it carries many benefits.
Benefits of becoming a Climate Smart Community
- Free technical assistance from Climate Smart Communities Coordinators
- Assistance with Mitigation and adaptation reports and plans to prepare your community to reduce emission and prepare for future hazards
- Increased scores on certain grant applications (DEC Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, DOS Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning Grant Program, DEC Water Quality Improvement Project)
- Support sustainability and smart growth goals (i.e. adding a sustainability chapter to a comprehensive plan or audit of a zoning ordinance for smart growth policies)
- Assistance with implementation actions such as switching to LED lighting, installing EV chargers, and/or adding heat pumps to municipal buildings
Local municipalities that are currently registered in the program are the Village of Bath, Town of Big Flats, Town of Campbell, Town of Hector, Village of Odessa, and Village of Painted Post. There are also two Bronze Certified communities in the region: the Village of Montour Falls and Chemung County.
Climate Smart Communities Coordinators
Chemung County
Jack Cook
jcook@stcplanning.org
607-962-5092 ext. 205
Schuyler County & Painted Post
Brian Toy
btoy@stcplanning.org
607-962-5092 ext. 210
Steuben County
HannahMathilde Waschezyn
hmwaschezyn@stcplanning.org
607-962-5092 ext. 203
For more information please view the Climate Smart Communities introduction https://climatesmart.ny.gov/about/ or the website; https://climatesmart.ny.gov/