KC Reporter

Kansas City has officially joined the ranks of the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities (BASC) initiative, standing alongside 25 other cities in a collective effort to support climate action, economic development, and racial wealth building. In a statement, Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed the city's commitment to sustainability and resilience, emphasizing the importance of building a more climate-conscious community that prioritizes the well-being of vulnerable populations.

"From championing zero fare transit to securing millions of dollars to plant thousands of trees across our city, my administration is committed to finding ways to build a more climate resilient community, and our work must continue," Mayor Lucas remarked. "Becoming a Bloomberg American Sustainable City allows us to continue building a more climate conscious city, with a special focus on reaching Kansas City’s most vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by climate change."

The initiative will see the establishment of an innovation team in Kansas City, dedicated to identifying solutions that promote climate resiliency and economic growth while improving the quality of life for residents. Led by City Manager Brian Platt, the team will work in collaboration with vulnerable communities to address key areas such as mobility, energy supply, natural systems, waste reduction, food production, and sustainable building practices.

Kansas City's commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by the city's recent fundraising successes, which have garnered over $41 million in federal, local, and philanthropic funding for various environmental initiatives. These include investments in waste reduction, transportation infrastructure, tree canopy restoration, lead removal, and the electrification of city buildings and fleet.

The city's participation in the BASC initiative, which is part of a $200 million program led by Bloomberg Philanthropies, PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and Natural Resources Defense Council, will provide substantial support to selected cities like Kansas City. With access to over $400 billion in federal funding, the initiative aims to facilitate critical projects, particularly in disadvantaged communities, focusing on affordable housing, electric vehicle infrastructure, and clean energy accessibility.

Through partnerships with organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies, Kansas City is poised to advance its sustainability goals and contribute to the broader movement towards local climate action. The establishment of the Office of Sustainability marks a significant step towards embedding innovative solutions that will not only address environmental challenges but also promote inclusive economic development and community resilience.