County Executive Adam Bello Encourages Local Municipalities To Apply For New Community Climate Action Fund Pilot Program

June 5th, 2026

Grant applications due Wednesday, June 17

View Full Press Release (PDF)

Program Info Page / Apply

As announced in the State of the County Address yesterday, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello invites municipalities within Monroe County looking to advance initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to apply for a new grant program. Individual municipalities can receive up to $10,000 in matching funds for new or expanded initiatives included in the County's Climate Action Plan Phase II.

The second phase of Monroe County's Climate Action Plan (CAP) seeks to address greenhouse gas emissions from Monroe County residents, businesses and organizations, complementing Phase I of the CAP, which focused on emissions from County-owned sites, facilities, and operations. Nearly 100 actions in areas like transportation, buildings and housing, energy use and consumption, and sustainable materials management are eligible for funding and applicants are encouraged to work with neighboring municipalities and stakeholders to implement or expand initiatives.

"Building off of the success of our School Food Waste Diversion Program, the Community Climate Action Fund will enable Monroe County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a larger scale by funding projects in our municipalities," said County Executive Bello. "Thanks to the innovation of our Department of Environmental Services we are introducing new ways to reduce waste and protect our environment. I encourage local municipalities to take part as we continue to advance Phase II of our Climate Action Plan."

"Climate action has been a cornerstone of my work in the Legislature, and I am proud to have helped advance this initiative. I am grateful for the partnership of County Executive Bello and Legislator Baynes in bringing this effort to fruition," said Legislator HughesSmith, Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee. "The effects of climate change will be felt by every member of our community, and addressing those challenges requires both strong leadership and collective action. By investing in resilience and sustainability today, we can better protect our residents and strengthen our communities for the future. Monroe County has an important role to play in supporting and empowering local climate initiatives, and this new grant funding represents a significant step forward. I am proud to see this vision become a reality."

"In a tightening budget environment, Monroe County demonstrates its commitment to climate action initiatives by funding the actions of our local governments," said Legislator Baynes, Chair of the Recreation and Education Committee.

To learn more about this program and apply online, please visit: https://www.monroecounty.gov/des-caf-program. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 PM on June 17, 2026.