NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News is making strides toward sustainability, and those efforts are not only receiving national recognition but also a big boost of support.
In a release on Thursday, Mayor Phillip Jones announced Newport News is among the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities. The Hampton Roads city joins 24 other U.S. cities the organization says have proven to "build resilient, equitable communities."
The $200 million, three-year initiative intends to support cities in local solutions to creating a more sustainable community.
The achievement will land the city an innovation team funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The team will consist of "up to three dedicated staff with expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management to bolster city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation and promoting equitable outcomes," according to the release.
Plus, Newport News will get technical help when collaborating with community-based organizations to promote public, private and philanthropic investments.
"I am committed to implementing policies and providing meaningful solutions to address environmental disparities in our community,” said Mayor Jones. “It is imperative that we work towards taking action to advance access and inclusion to ensure equitable protection for our residents and a community that will continue to flourish for future generations.”
Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities' efforts are made possible through the roughly $400 billion in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. That funding will bolster projects to address environmental issues like pollution.
"Anticipated solutions implemented through the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities could include developing affordable, energy-efficient housing, investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure, accelerating the transition, and expanding access to clean energy, among others," the release reads.
This is the latest initiative Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched to encourage climate action. Through the organization's initiatives, dozens of building, energy and transportation policies have passed, along with the launch of 71 new climate programs.
