In fiscal year 2023-2024, the Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective Steering Committee took important steps to raise awareness and engage the community on regional climate challenges. With representation from at least 15 organizations, including five lived experience experts or resident consultants, the collective actively promoted collaboration and inclusion in climate action efforts. Goodwill of the Finger Lakes joined the Steering Committee this year, further broadening the coalition’s reach and community impact.

The collective partnered with ACT Rochester to introduce 8 sustainability and environmental justice indicators to their Community Indicators dashboard. These vital metrics are used to assess the well-being and progress of a community and serve as a central resource for data efforts and will help establish a shared system of measurement.

Since its launch in 2021, the collective has implemented high-impact actions from the Climate Action Strategy across the region. Working groups tackle emissions sources by focusing on transportation, buildings, and renewable energy. For example, the Transportation Impact Collective addresses Monroe County’s land use policies in partnership with Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) and ReConnect Rochester, while the Finger Lakes Clean Energy Hub has served as our Buildings Working Group. Additionally, the Renewable Energy Working Group is raising awareness about clean energy careers.

Building on the Genesee-FLX Climate Action Strategy, the collective identified two strategic priorities: climate awareness among officials and residents, and increasing energy efficiency program participation. These goals aim to reshape local views on climate solutions and provide access to clean energy technologies, particularly for historically underserved communities.

The collective has also identified clean energy workforce development as essential for advancing local climate solutions and creating high-quality job opportunities. Members have collaborated with community partners like the Rochester Area Community Foundation, Causewave Community Partners, RochesterWorks!, and The Workforce Development Institute. Together, they are identifying key occupations, training opportunities, and employment barriers in the clean energy sector to build a comprehensive workforce development ecosystem.