HomeMy WebLinkAboutA006 - Motion authorizing staff to apply for and participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund program for up to $100,000ITEM #:8
DATE:01-13-26
DEPT:CMO
SUBJECT:BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES' YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND
PROGRAM
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
T h e Youth Climate Action Fund is a program administered by Bloomberg Philanthropies,
Johns Hopkins University, United Cities and Local Governments, and C40 Cities. The
competitive, global program provides successful local governments $50,000 and technical
assistance to launch open innovation competitions and mobilize young people ages 15-24 to
design, develop, and implement solutions that meet pressing local needs aligned to city
climate goals. If the initial $50,000 is committed by selected cities within one year, the
municipality is eligible for an additional $50,000 for a potential total funding of $100,000.
In the first program application round, 100 cities, including Dubuque, IA, were selected. The
organization has now opened a second round of applications for funding and is
accepting applications through January 23, 2026. There is no local match required to
participate in the program. However, the City is required to submit a signed mayoral pledge
along with the application (Attachment A).
Cities selected for this program are expected to design and deliver a local program that
includes:
The mayor launching a public open call for youth-led climate project proposals that align
with the city’s climate strategy;
Establishing an independent committee to review and select microgrant proposals;
Awarding microgrants and providing support for selected youth-led projects;
Sharing results and building enthusiasm publicly through community events and
communications channels, tracking progress, and collecting outcome data.
If selected, the Sustainability Coordinator will work with other City staff to coordinate the
program, oversee project delivery, and serve as the main liaison with program partners.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize staff to participate and apply for the Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate
Action Fund program for up to $100,000.
2. Do not authorize staff to apply for or participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth
Climate Action Fund program.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Local youth have already signaled motivation to participate in local climate efforts
through various partnerships, including the City's Climate Action Grants. Participation
in this program would provide the City additional resources to engage young people
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(ages 15-24) in sustainability education and practices. This effort aligns and supports
the goals of the accepted Climate Action Plan. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the
City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A_YCAF-Mayor's-Pledge.pdf
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Youth Climate Action Fund: Mayor’s Pledge
I ___________________________________________ [name], Mayor (or equivalent) of
____________________________________________ [city] confirm that:
• I feel the urgency of this moment and I am excited to be part of a group of global
cities deploying microgrants to innovative youth engagement projects across my
community within 12 months.
• I am committed to administering this youth-led climate action program in a way
that is consistent with my city’s climate plan.
• I can dedicate staff to launching and monitoring youth-led climate-focused
microgrants, to participating in virtual technical assistance programming, and to
sharing updates, impacts, and stories from the ground with Youth Climate Action
Fund partners.
_________________________________________
[signature]
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