News
Southeast Sustainability Directors Network Welcomes Two New Board Members
The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Megan Pendell of Durham County, North Carolina, and Alannah Irwin of Boynton Beach, Florida. Both bring deep experience in local government leadership and a strong commitment to advancing sustainability and resilience across the Southeast.…
Read MoreImplications of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) for local governments
This is the first article in a series written by SSDN’s Environmental Finance Center staff. These centers exist to help communities navigate the complex world of federal funding. By Catherine Mercier-Baggett, Director of Federal Technical Assistance Okefenokee Swamp. Photo by Catherine Mercier-Baggett One fundamental lesson public servants learn is the importance of defining words and…
Read MoreNew 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…
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…
Read MoreRichmond Battles Heat with New Cool Kit
The City of Richmond’s Office of Sustainability (an SSDN member community) just released its first-ever heat mitigation guide, the Richmond Cool Kit, with 25 evidence-based strategies to help city staff and community members tackle extreme heat. It’s a timely, practical resource designed to cool down both public and private spaces—because every degree matters. We’re proud…
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