News
Back 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…
Read MoreAn Energizing Afternoon at Climate Week NYC
Our staff was honored to speak at the Future We Steward Together event at Climate Week NYC recently. It was a space to reflect, imagine, and connect around the role networks play in advancing bold, community-based climate action. Together with our co-hosts, we explored how networks must lead the way as tools for trust, accountability,…
Read MoreAs seasons change, so do we
As the season changes, so do we As we move into fall, a season of change, we’ve also had some changes within SSDN. We do not anticipate the changes to impact the amazing services SSDN staff provides to our member communities. We remain steadfast in our mission. Interim Executive Director Ann Livingston has accepted an…
Read MoreGreen Minds Podcast EP: 29 – AI & Sustainability
Listen to this month’s podcast AI is already transforming how we manage energy, model climate risks, and optimize city services—but it also has a growing environmental footprint. How can we use AI sustainably? In this episode of Green Minds, host @Dr. Shaleen Miller speaks with Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of @Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability…
Read MoreMember Spotlight: Savannah, GA
Our Georgia Policy Manager, Joy Ward, recently headed to Savannah to connect with Interim Director of Programs, Nick Deffley, and the City of Savannah’s newly fully staffed Sustainability Department. Savannah has been a committed SSDN member since 2014 and continues to lead the way with its 100% Savannah Plan—including bold commitments to renewable energy, energy…
Read MoreA Framework for a Heat-Ready Nation
Extreme heat is now the deadliest climate threat in the U.S., and its impacts are growing along corridors like I-10, where communities face rising temperatures, rapid growth, and strained infrastructure. That’s why the new “Framework for a Heat-Ready Nation” from the Federation of American Scientists and the Ten Across Resilience Network is such a critical…
Read MoreState Allocations of Clean Water Revolving Funds?
SSDN’s Environmental Finance Center staff joined partners at the Rural Community Assistance Partnership’s National State Revolving Fund Infrastructure Financing and Training Workshop to learn, share, and strengthen our collective efforts to ensure water affordability and resilience. The need is urgent: according to EPA, roughly 9% of U.S. households spend more than 4.5% of their income…
Read MoreGrant Spotlight: Investing in Local Climate Resilience
We’re thrilled to announce that several of our member communities have been awarded grants through the Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI)! Here’s what’s happening: Boynton Beach, FL, has received $100,000 to develop a data-informed, community-driven urban heat resilience strategy, including efforts around tree canopy expansion and cooling infrastructure. Chatham County, GA, secured $110,787 to create…
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