Rochester is actively pursuing a range of climate initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience. Key efforts include the development of a Climate Action Plan, participation in NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program and the DEC’s Climate Smart Communities program, as well as a focus on expanding the city’s urban forest.

The Rochester Tree Expansion and Beautification Initiative aims to plant 6,000 new trees by 2025, which is part of the City's broader effort to increase its urban tree inventory from 64,000 to 70,000 trees and achieve an 85% stocking level across all quadrants. The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant from the USDA's Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act.

In 2024 the City updated its Urban Forest Master Plan which acts as a comprehensive roadmap for managing approximately 67,000 public trees. The plan emphasized equity, community engagement, and long-term resilience.

Since 2011 the Village of Perry has been transitioning its fleet to electric. This will support the Regional Climate Plan goals of reducing greenhouse gas. Between 2022 and 2024 the Village ahs saved over $30,000/year from transitioning our vehicle fleet to electric or hybrid and converting our street lights to LED. The Village continues to find ways to save money for its residents and support climate action, through a community solar project where residents can sign up for a guaranteed 10% savings on their electric bill and the Village is exploring a solar array at the wastewater treatment plant that would pay for itself by reducing electric demand for that facility.

Learn more about the Village of Perry here: https://villageofperry.com/news/state-of-the-villa...