In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective, under the leadership of the Climate Solutions Accelerator, achieved significant milestones in their collective efforts to address climate challenges in the region. The Steering Committee experienced notable growth, beginning its third year with 28 permanent members, including representatives from nine new organizations. This expansion reflects a commitment to diverse collaboration and expertise.

The implementation of the 2022 Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Action Strategy saw the launch of three working groups focused on buildings/housing, transportation, and renewable energy. These groups, involving a total of 30 local organizations, are dedicated to making a substantial impact on regional emissions. Five lived-experience experts were recruited from specific communities (Indigenous, Rural, Urban Latino, Urban Black, and Youth) to further enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of these initiatives.

The collective actively participated in the Tamarack Institute’s Climate Transitions Cohort 2023, representing the Finger Lakes region. Eight members of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective engaged in a 10-month learning journey, exchanging experiences with like-minded organizations, accessing coaching sessions, and contributing to discussions on developing community plans for a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.

Additionally, the collective commissioned a study through the Rochester Area Community Foundation to explore how recently approved federal investments, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, can be secured for climate action in the region. The results identified key areas aligning with the 2022 Climate Action Strategy, and a decision to apply for funds from the IRA’s Environmental & Climate Justice Program was approved.

In active collaboration with Monroe County during Phase II of its Climate Action Plan, the Accelerator supported the completion of a community-wide greenhouse gas inventory, contributing insights from its own Regional Emissions Inventory.

The 2022 Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Action Strategy identified access to regionally specific, reliable, and consistent data as a critical element for success during the implementation phase. The collection and sharing of this data through a Shared System of Measurement is necessary to have a clear understanding of regional impacts, to measure progress, to improve transparency, and to maintain accountability. Since February 2023, the Accelerator has been working with the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) and the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Achieving Community Targets Rochester (ACT Rochester) initiative to identify an initial set of climate-related indicators for tracking progress and sharing results with the community. Ten of these indicators will be included in ACT Rochester’s well-recognized, publicly accessible dashboard of community well-being indicators starting in 2024 and will continue to be tracked yearly.