After two successful years of youth-led projects, the City of Columbus is continuing to invest in the Youth Climate Action Fund program for a third year. Nearly $50,000 in microgrants is available for youth groups ages 15 to 24 to turn climate ideas into action to advance the goals of the Columbus Climate Action Plan. Applications are now open through October 23. Projects should begin by January 2027 and target completion by July 2027. To learn more about the microgrants available, eligible projects, and to apply, please visit this webpage.
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Earlier this month, our Buildings & Energy Coordinator Cassie Johnson was honored for her work implementing the buildings section of the Columbus Climate Action Plan. The early career professionals award, presented by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), recognized Cassie for her accomplishments in advancing energy efficiency in the buildings sector. This opportunity allowed her to highlight Columbus’ efforts to experts across the country and get valuable insights to move the work forward. Congratulations, Cassie!
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 The City of Columbus is modernizing its zoning code for the first time in more than 70 years, and city leaders want your input. An updated zoning code is an important part of guiding growth in a smart and equitable way. The public comment period is an opportunity for our community to “Zone In” on how we’ll grow and prosper in the years and decades to come. Residents are encouraged to review the proposal and share feedback now through October 24. Learn more and take the survey here.
Sustainable Columbus is pleased to welcome our 2026 intern Bella Shorr, a junior at The Ohio State University. Bella is studying both Environmental Policy and Decision Making (EPDM) and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). During her internship, she contributed to the construction of the Columbus ClimateView Dashboard, taking data for a temperature change and cool surfaces pilot at Blackburn Park and supporting engagement efforts for Sustainable Columbus programs at multiple community events. Bella is providing critical support by leading the office’s 2026 process to collect and submit the City’s climate and sustainability data to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
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Sustainable Columbus is helping grow a greener city through its Clean Energy Columbus program and associated community grant funding. This year, $25,000 was awarded to the Columbus Tree Assistance Program (TAP), a partnership between Columbus Recreation and Parks and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. The funding supports neighborhood-led tree planting projects across Columbus, helping expand the urban tree canopy while creating long-term benefits like cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, improved stormwater management, and healthier communities. TAP provides funding and technical support to eligible community groups, including civic, neighborhood, and homeowners associations, making it easier to bring tree-planting projects to life throughout the city. Learn more about the TAP at this website.
10TV WBNS: How Columbus is working to prevent flooding, overwhelmed sewers
Spectrum News: Ohio attorney general announces grant funding to combat illegal dumping
Axios: Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus’ first participatory budget
NPR: NPR spent two years tracking deaths from heat. We found a staggering hidden toll.
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