New York Certified 29 Climate Smart Communities
The state program recognized municipalities for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Civic
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New York State recently awarded Climate Smart Communities certification to 29 municipalities and counties. The recognition highlights local government initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience.
Why it matters
The program incentivizes local governments to implement sustainable policies and establish task forces. This statewide effort aims to adapt infrastructure to climate change through verified performance metrics.
The new round of certifications includes eight silver and 21 bronze designations. This brings the total statewide count to 198 certified communities, comprising 168 bronze and 30 silver awardees.
The players
New York State
The state government manages the Climate Smart Communities program to drive local environmental action.
Victor
Located in Ontario County, this town received its first bronze certification during this cycle.
Chemung County
This county successfully renewed its bronze certification status within the state framework.
Onondaga County
The county earned a bronze certification for the first time for its climate-focused initiatives.
The details
Local governments earn these certifications by adopting a pledge to reduce emissions and maintaining a dedicated task force of residents and representatives. Twenty-four of the 29 newly recognized communities also hold separate Clean Energy Communities designations.
Timeline
The Climate Smart Communities program began in 2009.
The official certification system launched in 2014.
Grant funding for the program started in 2016.
The state recognized 29 new communities on September 22, 2026.
Roadmap
The expansion of the Climate Smart Communities program reflects a broader trend of state-level coordination in local environmental policy. This framework positions participating New York municipalities to better access state grant funding for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Residents in certified communities may see increased local funding for sustainability projects through the program's grant incentives. These certifications signal that local governments have formalized long-term plans to mitigate climate risks in the area.
The takeaway
Communities participating in this program demonstrate a structured commitment to reducing their regional carbon footprint. Residents are encouraged to engage with their local climate task forces to stay informed about upcoming environmental projects.
Further reading
Learn more about local government initiatives in the New York section.
Live Poll
Do you believe your local government is adequately preparing for future climate-related challenges like flooding?
