The Color Your Community Green (CYCG) network grew substantially in 2023-2024, expanding its presence in the Genesee-FLX region, particularly in areas with state-designated “disadvantaged communities.” CYCG teams focused on strengthening connections with members of their community as well as fostering collaboration within the CYCG network. Collectively, teams either completed or advanced over 30 projects that align with actions identified in the Genesee-FLX Climate Action Strategy, including advocating for county-wide composting, running clean heating and cooling campaigns, planting trees, and advocating for improved walkability in their communities. The Color Your School Green Network (CYSG) now has representation from eight school districts across three counties. Through monthly meetings, students, parents, and educators collaborate to take impactful climate action in their school and/or school district.

We expanded the CYCG Toolkit to better support CYCG teams, equipping them to take on projects that align more closely with the Genesee-FLX Climate Action Strategy. New guides and training now provide resources on advancing building energy efficiency and electrification, optimizing transportation and land use, and defining group roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. We offered in-person and virtual training sessions covering a wide range of topics to strengthen community-driven climate action. These included clean energy services and partnerships, funding opportunities, solar initiatives, policy advocacy, environmental justice, collaboration with local organizations, and updates on regional climate plans and energy efficiency programs.

The Accelerator's new CYCG funding initiative has already enhanced equity across its network by providing financial resources for projects that previously lacked funding. Looking ahead, we aim to grow the grants program, allowing more teams to benefit. Additionally, we plan to introduce a $300 startup fund to support new teams as they get established, ensuring they have the resources to hit the ground running and contribute to climate action.