Program navigation
We will help you navigate the program, explore opportunities that work for your community, set out a manageable workplan, and connect you to resources.
2022: A Year in Review
Read about the great work happening across our region through the Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities programs with this 2022 summary.
State Support for Local Climate Action
Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a New York State program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. The program offers grants, rebates for electric vehicles, and free technical assistance.
Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a New York State program that supports local governments in leading their communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change, and thrive in a green economy. UBRI is part of a statewide technical assistance network supporting municipal participation in the program. Our team is conducting outreach and offering hands-on technical assistance to communities in Erie and Niagara counties. The CSC program is one of the programs identified in the One Region Forward plan for sustainable development to help address climate change at the local level.
To learn how your community can get involved with the Climate Smart Communities program, please contact UBRI’s Sustainability and Resiliency Planner, Josh McClain, at (716) 878-2439.
About the program
Climate Smart Communities (CSC) helps local governments plan and act for long-term resiliency. Benefits of participating include leadership recognition, free technical assistance, and access to grants. Local governments participate by signing a voluntary pledge and using the CSC framework to guide progress toward creating attractive, healthy, and equitable places to live, work, and play.
Communities can choose among over 100 climate mitigation and adaptation actions to complete, earning points for each. Program actions include creating a climate action plan, installing green infrastructure to prevent flooding, conducting a natural resource inventory, and many more across a variety of topic areas. Bronze, silver, or gold-level certifications are rewarded based on the number of points a community earns through the program.
For more information, including participating communities and a description of program actions, visit climatesmart.ny.gov
Alignment with Clean Energy Communities (CEC)
The Climate Smart Communities program aligns with NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program, although the two programs are distinct. Clean Energy Communities focuses specifically on energy, while Climate Smart Communities addresses climate action more broadly, with topic areas such as energy, land use, materials management, the green economy, public engagement, and resiliency. Actions taken for one program can earn credit in the other program. UBRI provides technical assistance for both programs.
UBRI’s Technical Assistance Options
Hands-on support
For time-consuming or technical tasks, we’re here to provide hands on support to help you get the work done.
Training and education
We host regular training and education programs to support informed decision-making around climate resiliency in your community.
The One Region Forward Learning Series is part of ongoing efforts to support local action around the plan’s vision. Each session focuses on a topic related to One Region Forward’s implementation agenda and includes information, resources, and case studies on how ideas can move into implementation at the local level. You can view all past events here.
Project development support
As you look to develop projects, we can help strategize effective opportunities and support grant award applications. UBRI’s association with the School of Architecture and Planning offers many opportunities for student projects to support local work.
Project Partners
