The Rockefeller Institute of Government and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) will co-host a one-day conference on September 9, 2022, in Syracuse, New York (and broadcast virtually), on green policy solutions at the local government level.

Municipal leaders and planners regularly make decisions about how to manage their communities’ resources and infrastructure. Many local leaders across New York State have made a commitment to consider environmental sustainability when making these decisions. This includes amending code requirements, requiring the use of sustainable materials and design, implementing innovative and renewable technologies, rethinking planning processes, combining green and grey infrastructure systems, and seeking out new partnerships with local companies and nonprofits.

Recent federal funding under the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created further opportunities for localities to (re)imagine their streets, pipes, parks, and waterways. In this conference, the Rockefeller Institute and SUNY ESF will host a range of local government experts to highlight best practices, lessons learned, and successful projects that illustrate how local leaders can integrate sustainability into their municipal decision-making. Attendees will hear from SUNY experts in sustainability, municipal leaders, and other key stakeholders that will provide them with the information they need to empower more sustainable and environmentally friendly decision-making.

The goals of this meeting are to:

• Highlight successful projects and practices that have addressed sustainability at the local level.
• Identify research questions and challenges faced by local leaders when developing projects.
• Identify policy priorities and practices for state and local leaders.
• Network with experts and other municipal leaders.
• Facilitate long-term connections between the research, policy, and practice communities.

We invite researchers, advocates, policymakers, and practitioners to submit presentation proposals across a range of related issue areas as they pertain to local policy and practice, including: energy resiliency and efficiency; environmental justice and health; solid waste policy; land-use, preservation and recreation; transportation infrastructure and planning; clean water and wastewater infrastructure; and financing green initiatives. Proposals can include original research or case studies highlighting successful initiatives.

Please submit a proposal/abstract (200 to 300 words) by Friday, July 15 to Alexander Morse at [email protected].