Your application to the Cohort includes an application to host a McKinney Climate Fellowship. See the application for ERI’s new MCF policy handbook and a draft collaborator agreement.
Cohort communities are expected to contribute a small cost-share for each Cohort track they participate in. This goes towards the costs of expert consultants and the scholarship paid to the fellow. Fees will be invoiced by ERI.
| Climate Action Accelerator | Urban Green Infrastructure |
Program cost-share | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Fellowship cost-share | $2,200 | $2,200 |
Total | $3,200 | $3,200 |
Local government plans represent the priorities of local leaders and community members and are typically based on extensive analysis and public engagement. But so often, the plan is written, adopted, and then nearly forgotten. Staff responsible for implementing plans don’t always know what to prioritize or how to start. ERI’s first-ever climate action accelerator is designed to help local government staff get un-stuck.
Climate action is feeling especially urgent–2023 has been the hottest year on record, while federal funding provides unprecedented opportunity to launch climate solutions. The accelerator will introduce a new portfolio of tools, resources, and activities, paired with the familiar Resilience Cohort facilitation and training, to help participants make progress on the action of their choice.
Cohort members will:
- Determine priority actions
- Create an action implementation template
- Uncover funding opportunities
- Learn and pilot the “Strategic Doing” framework for solving complex problems
- Work with a climate equity coach
Anticipated partners include Jane Rogan Connect and ERI’s Indiana Resilience Funding Hub.
The accelerator provides each participant with training, one-to-one coaching, and professional services with an estimated value of over $10,000.
Contact ERI Resilience Programs Coordinator Anagha Gore (anagore@iu.edu) if you have any questions.
Who should apply?
Local or regional government staff responsible for overseeing implementation of climate, energy, or sustainability actions.
The accelerator will be most helpful to communities that:
- Have adopted or approved plans that list specific strategies or actions.
- Have some degree of buy-in or support for implementation from government leaders.
- Have an existing network of stakeholders that can be convened to collaborate on projects.
Climate actions are most commonly found in climate action plans, climate resilience plans, sustainability plans, or energy plans. However, comprehensive or master plans, economic development or housing plans, or multi-hazard mitigation plans could all contain actions that are a good fit for the accelerator.
Research shows that US cities are losing tree canopy cover due to development and climate stress factors, yet urban tree cover is a key tool for communities to build resilience to climate change. Unfortunately, canopy cover is often lowest in the disadvantaged parts of our communities, where arguably it is needed the most. ERI’s Urban Green Infrastructure cohort will facilitate a science-backed, equity-based tree canopy cover assessment, tree planting, and maintenance program for Indiana cities of any size.
The Cohort will include a planning phase and an implementation phase. Cohort members will:
Phase 1: Development of Tree Planting Plan
- Receive a professional tree canopy assessment
- Work with an equity coach
- Engage with community members and stakeholders to help identify priority tree planting areas
- Develop a community-wide tree-planting plan that provides equitable access to the benefits of trees
Phase 2: Implementation of Tree Planting Plan
- Receive up to 100 trees to be planted in disadvantaged areas identified in the planting plan
- Receive professional planting services
- Receive professional watering and tree care to establish each planted tree
Phase 1 is valued at over $17,000 in professional services and Phase 2 is valued at $125,000 in green infrastructure installation and maintenance, for each participant.
Anticipated partners include Davey Resource Group, Jane Rogan Connect and the IUPUI Polis Center. The Cohort is supported by the USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.
Contact ERI Resilience Programs Coordinator Anagha Gore (anagore@iu.edu) if you have any questions.
Who should apply?
Local government staff responsible for overseeing tree planting and maintenance. Regional organizations that coordinate with multiple local governments are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have at least one Federally designated disadvantaged community census tract. While the assessments and planning will cover a participant’s entire jurisdiction, all cohort-funded trees must be planted in a designated tract as designated by the White House Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST).
This program will welcome a new cohort of communities each year from 2024-2027.
Apply