Developing and Implementing a Community-Centered Climate and Equity Plan
As the planet continues to warm, Milwaukee, like many American cities, faces the increasingly catastrophic effects of climate change. Milwaukee also has pronounced racial disparities that are exacerbated by this climate crisis. Confronted with the climate emergency and persistent economic disparities, Milwaukee recognizes an opportunity to simultaneously address both of... Read more
Implementing Strategies to Mitigate Disaster and Build Long-Term Urban Resilience
In 2020, Nashville weathered the worst disasters in the city’s 238-year history. This included being hit by a category EF3 tornado in early March – the largest natural disaster in the city since the area’s 2010 flood. Then the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which briefly debilitated the city’s tourism... Read more
Building Community Resilience by Implementing a Climate Health Equity Program
King County Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) and its Environmental Health Services Division (EHS) are dedicated to building innovative and intersectional climate solutions that support community resilience and limit the climate burden on frontline communities. The department’s Blueprint for Addressing Climate Change and Health (Blueprint) offers a... Read more
Developing Environmentally Sustainable Approaches to Maintaining Roads
The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) maintains 23,000 miles of car, bike, and pedestrian lanes per year. After power generation, paving streets is one of the leading producers of greenhouse gas in a municipality’s operations. StreetsLA is committed to finding new ways to pave roads, bike paths and... Read more
Establishing Community-Based Clean Energy Programs
San Jose has been working to become one of the most sustainable cities in the country. As part of that effort, the city established San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE), which offers renewable energy options at competitive prices to residents and businesses. SJCE is also working to develop clean energy programs... Read more
Raising Funds for Green Spaces
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has been working to broaden funding sources for expanded community services. The aim is to be able to offer diverse, accessible, and equitable programs independent of fluctuations in funds allocated by the county due to changing economic conditions, especially in... Read more
Enhancing Park Services Through Grants
Availability and access to urban parks promotes the health and well-being of communities, while also supporting ecosystems, stormwater capture, and urban forestry. To expand park and recreational space in historically underserved neighborhoods, the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space District (RPOSD) wanted to create a Technical Assistance Program... Read more
Championing Sacramento as the “Farm to Fork” Capital of America
Sarah spent her fellowship year championing the Sacramento region as the "Farm to Fork Capital of America.” Mayor Kevin Johnson recognized that few places rival the region's resources - natural, economic, historical and political- and that their synergies give Sacramento an extraordinary comparative advantage in fulfilling this collective identity. In... Read more
Designing a Strategy to Modernize the City’s Fleet
More than 2,000 vehicles that support the delivery of a wide range of public services fall under the purview of the City of New Orleans’ Equipment Maintenance Division (EMD). To support the agency with the management of the fleet system, FUSE executive fellow Monica Soileau worked with the EMD to... Read more
Building a Resilient, Energy-Efficient, Self-Sufficient Utility Service
The pumping and drainage system of the city of New Orleans, which sits below sea level, is regularly tested by extreme weather events. FUSE Executive Fellow Priya Dey-Sarkar joined the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWB- NO) to help implement enhanced process safety controls, create an enterprise risk... Read more