Background: NY Climate Act commits to rapid decarbonization of the economy and directing of 35 - 40% of public investment resources into historically “disadvantaged” communities bearing the burden of environmental injustices. The Hudson Valley Regional Climate Action Strategy calls for reinvesting in these communities with a priority on public health, economic development and redesign of public spaces to improve resilience while reclaiming quality of life every day. In developing this vision, we have built a network of 81 interested parties throughout the region, many representing organizations that are active in this work. We begin implementing the vision by opening dialogue with the networks represented by this initial group, especially in communities identified by the Climate Action Council.

Opportunity: We have two major goals – to serve as a bridge between Hudson Valley communities and Climate Act benefits, and to support Hudson Valley communities in using these newly available resources, locally, in a strategic way to achieve outcomes that matter to them in such areas as public health, wellness, education and economic well being. Our community engagement and involvement strategy has five objectives:  

• Make sure communities are aware of the Climate Act, benefits that will accrue, and ways to utilize them to achieve multiple outcomes

• Frame a respectful dialogue with language that avoids stigma like “disadvantaged” and instead recognizes “priority” communities for investment of effort, caring and time as well as financial resources

• Create a channel of communication between interested communities and state agencies as NYS finalizes the policy framework so that it is shaped by community voices

• Where there is interest, undertake inquiry and research to understand the communities’ interests, concerns, hopes and aspirations, aspirations, cultures and circumstances in order to meet people where they are, and to generate a statement of opportunity as a foundation for future work

• Build collaboration for collective problem solving and strategizing, focusing on issues defined by the community, providing relevant and useful information and support

Building on this initial process, we will help local partner communities to identify and access funding resources to improve energy efficiency, affordability and security, transportation choices and building quality in ways that reduce neighborhoods’ greenhouse gas emissions, and consider how to leverage these resources to make neighborhoods healthier, safer and more comfortable as well as better able to withstand the stresses associated with climate change. Wherever possible, we will work with communities to take another step and create local opportunities for business ownership and investment such as dedicated investment funds and entrepreneurship resources.