CAMPAIGN PLATFORM 3
Climate Resilience and Urban Sustainability

Platform: Greening DC for the Future

• Set a goal to make DC carbon-neutral by 2040 through green infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and public transit improvements.

• Expand urban farming and green space initiatives to improve air quality and reduce heat islands.

• Upgrade stormwater systems to mitigate flooding, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods.

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Signature Proposal: The DC Green Future Fund – A $500 million investment in solar energy, electric buses, and green building retrofits.

 

Funding Strategy: Funding the Climate Resilience and Urban Sustainability platform and the DC Green Future Fund will require a combination of federal grants, public-private partnerships, municipal bonds, and innovative revenue strategies to support the $500 million investment. Here’s the detailed funding plan:

1. Reallocation of Existing Budget

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): Apply for grants focused on clean energy, public transit, and climate resilience projects.

  • Projected Contribution: $200 million over 5 years.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants: Leverage programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for stormwater upgrades and climate adaptation. Projected Contribution: $50 million over 5 years.

  •  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Funds: Secure funding from DOE initiatives for renewable energy projects, particularly solar energy.

• Projected Contribution: $50 million over 5 years.

 

2. Municipal Green Bonds

• Issue Green Bonds specifically to fund renewable energy projects, green infrastructure, and electric public transit improvements.

  • Projected Contribution: $100 million over 5 years.

 

3. Local Revenue Streams

• Carbon Tax or Emissions Fees: Implement a small carbon tax on high-emission businesses, encouraging sustainability while generating revenue.

  • Projected Contribution: $15 million annually ($75 million over 5 years).

• Stormwater Management Fees: Adjust stormwater fees to reflect a property’s contribution to runoff, incentivizing green infrastructure adoption.

  •  Projected Contribution: $20 million over 5 years.

•  Eco-Development Incentives: Introduce a modest surcharge on luxury developments, earmarked for urban sustainability projects.

  • Projected Contribution: $15 million over 5 years.

 

4. Public-Private Partnerships

• Renewable Energy Partnerships: Collaborate with private companies to co-fund solar energy installations, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy-efficient building upgrades.

  • Projected Contribution: $100 million over 5 years.

• Corporate Sponsorships: Engage corporations to sponsor green space and urban farming initiatives in exchange for tax incentives.

  • Projected Contribution: $20 million over 5 years.

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5. Philanthropic and Community Investment

• Foundation Grants: Partner with environmental organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies to fund green initiatives.

  • Projected Contribution: $25 million over 5 years.

• Community Green Investment Bonds: Allow residents and small businesses to invest in local sustainability projects with guaranteed returns.

  • Projected Contribution: $15 million over 5 years.

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How the Funds Will Be Used

The $500 million DC Green Future Fund will focus on three primary areas, with additional funds allocated to ensure sustainability and program longevity:

1. Solar Energy and Renewable Infrastructure:

• Install solar panels on public buildings, schools, and affordable housing units.

• Total: $150 million

 

2. Electric Buses and Transit Improvements:

• Transition the Metrobus fleet to electric buses, build charging infrastructure, and improve transit accessibility.

• Total: $200 million

 

3. Green Building Retrofits and Energy Efficiency:

• Retrofit existing buildings with energy-efficient systems and incentivize private developers to build to net-zero standards.

• Total: $150 million

 

4. Supplementary Investments:

• Expand urban farming and green spaces, improve stormwater systems, and fund community climate education programs.

• Total: $70 million

 

Projected Funding Breakdown​​​