Local Governments Speak Up for a Green and Localized Economic Stimulus Plan

ICLEI USA
December 11, 2008

During Local Climate Action Week, city and county elected leaders across the country are generating local and national media buzz. More than 370 local leaders have endorsed the Climate Action Blueprint, which was submitted to President-elect Obama and members of Congress on Monday. During the entire week, these same leaders are reaching out to local media, via press releases and live local media events, with a consistent message: A federal economic stimulus plan should be green and contain support for local climate initiatives; that thousands of ready-to-go local government projects can create jobs, stimulate the economy, reduce energy consumption, and curb GHG emissions.

This message is gaining traction as media outlets across the country pick up the stories:

• Locavores shout out to Obama
  
• Arlington mayor calls on incoming pres to help with green jobs
  
• Grease is the word
  
• Greenbacks for Green Projects
  
• Leon County touts its "Going Green" efforts with tour of facility
  
• Leon County touts its 'Going Green' efforts
  
• Metro D.C. Ready to Go Green...with Federal Money
  
• Rockville Council nearly unanimous
  
• Syracuse mayor signs climate action blueprint
  
• Kansas City Councilmembers Join Call for Federal Investment in Local 'green' Programs
  
• Westchester County Executive joins national effort to press Obama on global warming plan
  
• Des Moines Mayor supports boost in 'green' aid
  
• Sacramentans call for green behind green promises
  
• Local Governments Call on Obama and Congress to Invest in Local Climate Action
  
• Morning Brief: Local Leaders Want Green Jobs
  
• D.C.-area governments want federal funds for green projects
  
• Localities Make a Pitch for Energy-Efficient Projects
  
• Des Moines Mayor calls for federal money to aid local environmental efforts
  
• Hybrid Streetcar to Lead Savannah Climate Action Parade
  
• 2 New York county executies urge green effort
• Gainesville, Fla., and Alachua County leaders look to 'green job' option
• Local Climate Action Week Kicks Off in Charlottesville, Va.
• Dane County, Wis., Exec. Falk, Madison Mayor Cieslewicz highlight local green jobs
  
• Brambleton Safety Center Touted As Climate Change Project
• $15 million collaborative to help El Paso save energy
• Chorus of cities ask for climate cash (ClimateWire subscription required)
  
• Local Governments Call on President-elect Obama and Congress to Invest Economic Recovery Dollars in Local Climate Action