News
New Video Release: “Black Food Sovereignty”
SSDN is proud to support the creation of Black Food Sovereignty, a short film produced by Maria Dozier and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) that uplifts the powerful work of On Da Farm LLC, HBCU Green Fund, and Historic Westside Gardens in City of Atlanta, Georgia. This video explores how community-rooted solutions like urban…
Read MoreA Holiday Message from our New Executive Director
A message from our new Executive Director: As I finish my first week as SSDN’s Executive Director, I’m filled with gratitude for this community and for the incredible work our members lead across the Southeast. This season is a reminder that, even in challenging times, we’re fortunate to do work that truly makes things better.…
Read MoreNeed a holiday listen? Check out this month’s Green Minds Podcast
Does your community have a Leave the Leaves campaign? Take a listen to this month’s Green Minds Podcast as we explore what communities are doing to encourage residents to leave their leaves on the ground. In this episode, interview host Dr. Robyn Byers, Ph.D. with the City of Charlotte, NC, talks with John Richardson and Brennan…
Read MoreWelcome to Rob Phocas, Our New Executive Director
Sustainability, social impact, and community transformation visionary joins regional network of government sustainability professionals representing cities and counties across 10 member states. The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) is pleased to announce the selection of Rob Phocas as its new Executive Director. Rob brings more than two decades of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.…
Read MoreSSDN Members Leading on Green Building
24/7 Wall St. just released its list of U.S. Cities Leading the Green Building Revolution — and we’re proud to see SSDN member communities featured! 👏 Shoutout to the City of New Orleans, LA; the City of Arlington, VA; and the City of Alexandria, Virginia; in our network showing how local policy and leadership can…
Read MoreGeorgia Members Meet in Athens
Our Georgia members gathered this week for their member retreat in Athens, Georgia to reconnect and discuss funding, state agencies, utility engagement, and 2026 Legislative Priorities.
Read MoreLeave the Leaves
Fall leaves are nature’s mulch and habitat. By letting leaves stay where they fall, we: ✅ Provide shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects ✅ Protect and enrich soil ✅ Cut down on yard waste headed to landfills ✅ Save time, money, and energy Learn what our member communities are doing to encourage residents to…
Read MoreBack to the Future: A New Era for Local Governments and their Communities
By Anita Tillman, AMCorp International and the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network For the better part of the past decade, local governments have operated in an unprecedented era of opportunity. Billions in federal funding became available almost overnight, reshaping how municipalities dreamt, designed, and delivered infrastructure and resilience projects. And yet, as the landscape begins to…
Read MoreMaking Energy Work
SSDN Policy Director Caitlin Rose recently attended the 2025 Making Energy Work Conference in Raleigh, NC. Hosted by NC Sustainable Energy Association, the conference is designed to shape policies that advance an accessible and affordable clean energy economy for all.
Read MoreMeet the Volterra: Cary, N.C.’s First Electric Fire Truck!
The Town of Cary Fire Department made history recently when they officially put the Pierce Volterra electric pumper into service, the first of its kind on the East Coast. The Volterra created a quieter, safer work environment, allowing firefighters to hear one another more clearly and focus during high-stakes moments. This investment demonstrates SSDN member…
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