CLIMATE ACTION
Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization.The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet. These changes also provide huge opportunities to modernize our infrastructure which will create new jobs and promote greater prosperity across the globe.
Core Team Representative
Ross Widenor, Widenor Consulting LLC
Introducing Youth Climate Action Fund Office Hours!
Are you an Akron youth interested in applying for a $1,000-$5,000 microgrant to implement a unique climate action project here in Akron? Or are you an Akron community organization interested in supporting a youth team take on a climate action project locally?
Join our weekly virtual office hours to learn about the Youth Climate Action Fund, ask questions, and get assistance developing your application.
All meetings will be held from 3:30-4:30pm. Visit akronohio.gov/YCAF to access the virtual meeting links and email YCAF@akronohio.gov with any questions.
SUMMARY
PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Malik Launches Youth Climate Action Fund, Providing More Opportunities for Akron Youth
Bloomberg Philanthropies funding will support youth-led climate projects across Akron
Akron, Ohio, July 21, 2026 — Today, Mayor Malik announced the launch of the Mayor's Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), a new initiative that will provide $40,000 in microgrants to empower Akron youth to design and implement projects that improve their community while gaining valuable leadership and workforce experience.
Funded through Bloomberg Philanthropies' global Youth Climate Action Fund, the program will award microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to teams of Akron youth ages 15 to 24 who develop innovative, community-based climate action projects in specific focus areas: healthy, efficient homes & buildings, transportation & mobility, waste reduction & reuse, and climate resilient communities. Youth teams must apply with an eligible fiscal sponsoring organization that would receive the microgrant award on their behalf and support their implementation efforts. Youth-led applications will be accepted August 3 through September 14, 2026 at akronohio.gov/YCAF.
The Northeast Ohio Community Resilience Centre is hosting a public update on their community engagement on the topic of local impacts of climate change this Saturday at the Helen Arnold Community Learning Center.
What Summit and Medina County Could Be / COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Climate Action Team Update
September 2025
In our last meeting, an insight from our brainstorming session was that SoSA could add value by putting our various heads together on a specific problem or opportunity within an organization. As such, we'd like to frame our discussion this week around a specific example from the group. I have some ideas, but I'd love to hear from everyone about something that's been challenging for their organization specifically around their carbon journey. Maybe along the lines of:
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How to decide between different efficiency improvements
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Figuring our your Scope 3 emissions
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Choosing the right tools for tracking and reporting
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Effective messaging on this topic with decision-makers
So, think about what's been holding you back in your day-to-day on this topic, and if possible, share it with me before Wednesday. Based on who is able to make it, we'll determine where to focus the energy.
Inflation Reduction Act RESOUCE HUB
Resources for Ohio Residents
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers tax credits that can help Ohio households transition to cleaner energy consumption and save money on energy expenses.
With the changing administration, I think it's safe to say that the future of the Inflation Reduction Act is unclear. If you were on the fence about making an investment in efficiency, energy savings, or electrification, I'd encourage you to review what federal incentives are available before the end of the year. .... Ross Widenor, City Council, Munroe Falls Ward 1 and SoSA Chair