The City of Savannah was selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 25 U.S. cities to join Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities. 

Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is a three-year initiative designed to leverage federal funding to implement transformative local solutions and build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities. 

“It is clear Savannah is leading the charge in reducing emissions and building an equitable, prosperous future for our communities,” Mayor Van R. Johnson, II said. “We are grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for investing in this shared vision.”

Building on the longtime leadership of U.S. cities to confront the overlapping crises of climate change and racial wealth inequity, the $200 million Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative will provide deep support to selected cities to pursue transformative solutions in the building and transportation sectors through partnerships with PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and Natural Resources Defense Council. 

“The City of Savannah is fully committed to a future where safe, clean renewable energy transforms economic opportunity for our residents,” City Manager Joseph A. Melder said. “This Bloomberg American Cities selection will bolster our ability to achieve the goals we’ve set.” 

By participating in Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, Savannah will receive a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team (i-team) with up to three dedicated staff with expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management to boost city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation and promoting equitable outcomes. 

The city will also receive multi-year, in-depth, customized policy and technical assistance in collaboration with community-based organizations to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.

Savannah was chosen by Bloomberg Philanthropies for Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities based on its leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities. 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.