Goal

H

Create opportunities to extend City resources.

The SCP recognizes that many of the climate needs cannot be done by the city alone. St. Louis City has a wealth of community-based organizations, nonprofits, and other entities that are dedicated to addressing climate change, building community resilience, and offering support to EJ communities. The City should continue to build upon these existing partnerships and leaders in the community to make progress throughout St. Louis City. Creating a regional coalition with the East-West Gateway, St. Louis County, and others is particularly important to work with the State and with utilities to achieve more pro-climate policies and funding.

Strategy

Utilize the SCP to determine key nonprofit and private partnerships and activities, and to capture grants and other funding opportunities, with a focus on priority areas and underserved neighborhoods.

Expected Outcomes

Vibrant and growing ecosystem of advocates, nonprofits, educational institutions, and service providers advancing sustainability and a green economy with a focus on support and advocacy for organizations serving BIPOC, disabled, veteran, senior communities, and those with high housing/energy burden.
Ability to leverage the extensive network of partners regionally and locally to help advocate, fund, and implement climate action.

How will we achieve this?

Our Actions

H.1

Actively engage in coalitions to help advocate, particularly at the state and federal levels, for clean energy and clean air policies, energy efficiency programs and policies and resources, including opportunities for renewable energy and reduction of fossil fuels and energy burden.

H.2

Develop a revolving loan fund mechanism, green loan fund, or other funding sources to help support and maintain citywide climate efforts, particularly for energy efficiency goals.

H.3

Develop a green workforce plan in collaboration with nonprofits and state partners to increase skilled workers and career opportunities, particularly in energy and green infrastructure.

H.4

Provide dedicated City staff to ensure robust and ongoing community partnerships that connect external businesses, nonprofits, and community groups to the right Department and enable collaborative grant pursuits.

Case Studies

Learn more about the sustainability practices or principles mentioned in the actions above.

Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund

The City of Portland, OR is working to extend climate change resources to its frontline communities. One way the city is doing so is through the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. This initiative provides a consistent, long-term funding source for local climate action efforts, particularly for communities of color and people with low incomes. The fund invests in clean energy projects, transportation decarbonization projects, regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure projects, and climate action-related workforce development programs. The initiative prioritizes people that have been historically under-resourced by sustainability programs. By doing so, the Community Benefits Fund ensures that Portland’s most impacted residents are prepared for a changing climate as the city moves towards its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.