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The Green Cincinnati Plan continues making strong progress despite reduced federal support. More than 85% of the plan’s 130 actions are underway or completed. Local funding, community partnerships, and strategic planning are driving progress. Projects include renewable energy expansion, recycling programs, and environmental justice initiatives. City leaders emphasize that much of the plan’s success comes from local efforts. They note that most work has occurred without federal investment for 15–20 years. As a result, Cincinnati aims to meet its carbon reduction, sustainability, and equity goals. The city is preparing for the next plan update in 2028.
The Green Cincinnati Plan remains on track to meet its sustainability and emissions goals this year despite reduced federal support.
The city’s progress reflects a mix of local initiatives, community engagement and strategic adjustments to funding shortfalls.
Cincinnati officials reported to City Council that the Green Cincinnati Plan — the city’s roadmap for carbon reduction, resilience and equity — continues advancing key actions. This progress continues even as major federal support has waned.
The director of the city’s Office of Environment and Sustainability highlighted strong performance on core plan goals and local efforts that keep Cincinnati moving toward climate benchmarks.
Green Cincinnati Plan progress amid funding challenges
City leaders told Council members that more than 85 percent of the Green Cincinnati Plan’s 130 actions are either completed or underway. The report stressed that this progress stands despite significant reductions in anticipated federal climate funding.
“When we look at the 130 actions in the GCP, more than 85% of them are in progress or completed,” said Director of Environment and Sustainability Ollie Kroner in a report by WVXU.
The city originally secured about $50 million in federal climate grants tied to initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act and other programs. However, much of that funding has been canceled or tied up in litigation. This shrinks the actual dollars available to roughly $18 million.
One notable federal cut affects a solar project planned at a former landfill in the Winton Hills neighborhood. Nearly $10 million in grants are in active legal dispute. Rather than abandon the project, the city is moving forward using alternate funding sources and City Council consideration.
A separate solar farm proposal at a retired landfill site would generate about 10 megawatts of electricity. This would offset energy costs for city operations and contribute to renewable energy goals. That project stalled after federal funding pulled out. Nevertheless, city leaders are exploring ways to fund it locally and present it to council for approval.
Local efforts and community engagement drive plan delivery
Local funding and partnerships have played a key role in sustaining plan progress for years, officials said.
“Most of this work has happened without federal investment for 15–20 years,” Kroner noted, emphasizing strong community and municipal backing.
Beyond energy projects, the Green Cincinnati Plan includes goals for increasing recycling, reducing food waste, improving air quality and advancing environmental justice. These efforts tie into broader city strategies and relate to local initiatives such as pilot recycling programs at apartment buildings and air quality action frameworks.
Community input has shaped the plan since its first adoption in 2008 and through each five‑year update. The most recent update was in 2023. Multiple neighborhood meetings and thousands of community suggestions helped define the plan’s focus areas and priorities.
City and regional partners also continue collaborative work on climate readiness and sustainability. They work together through networks like the Greater Cincinnati Regional Climate Collaborative. This group brings together governments, nonprofits and institutions to accelerate climate action.
Economic and equity goals tied to sustainability
Officials stressed that the Green Cincinnati Plan pursues more than emissions reductions. The plan links environmental goals with resilience, job creation, equity and quality‑of‑life improvements across Cincinnati’s neighborhoods.
For example, the 2023 plan version identified workforce development as a cross‑cutting theme, with targets for training and placing thousands of workers in green jobs by 2035.
City leaders say embedding equity into sustainability efforts strengthens both environmental outcomes and community support. This is especially true in historically underserved neighborhoods. These strategies align with some federal funding principles, even as dollars have tightened. In addition, they help attract state, regional and private investments.
What’s next for the plan and Cincinnati
Officials said the next few years will focus on energy generation and usage tracking. This will include more data from renewable installations and updated emissions figures. They are also preparing groundwork for the 2028 Green Cincinnati Plan update. Planning is scheduled to begin next year.
As Cincinnati adapts to shifting funding landscapes, Mayor Aftab Pureval has emphasized local priorities and strategic investments citywide. This strategy includes housing, infrastructure and community programs, which intersect with sustainability goals.
City budgeting decisions have also reflected ongoing commitment to sustainability. Council allocates millions for green initiatives in the current fiscal plan alongside other capital projects.
Experts outside Cincinnati note that cities often fill gaps left by federal pulls in climate support. They do this by leveraging local resources and creative partnerships. This is a trend in urban climate action nationally.
Cincinnati’s experience underscores the importance of balancing federal, local and community resources to sustain ambitious environmental plans. This is necessary even amid shifting political and financial conditions.
FAQs
What is the Green Cincinnati Plan?
The Green Cincinnati Plan is the city’s official roadmap to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability, and improve environmental equity. It includes energy, transportation, waste reduction, and climate resilience goals, with both short-term and long-term targets.
What are the main goals of the plan?
- Reduce carbon emissions: 50% reduction by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Expand renewable energy: Solar installations on city buildings and landfills.
- Improve waste management: Increase recycling and reduce food waste.
- Promote equity: Target underserved neighborhoods for environmental programs.
- Enhance resilience: Prepare for climate-related events like storms and flooding.
Who leads the Green Cincinnati Plan?
The plan is managed by the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability, currently led by Director Ollie Kroner. The office coordinates city departments, community partners, and regional collaborators.
How is the plan funded?
Funding comes from a combination of:
- Local city budgets and capital projects
- Community partnerships and private contributions
- Federal grants (when available) — though recently reduced due to policy changes
Notably, as Ollie Kroner said, “Most of this work has happened without federal investment for 15–20 years,” highlighting local efforts.
Also read:
Cincinnati landfill solar project set to power homes while boosting city’s renewable energy push
