A total of 26 communities in New York have achieved certification under the state’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program, according to an announcement by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The announcement was made in Kingston, one of seven municipalities that reached the program’s highest silver level, marking a record for most silver certifications in a single round.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated, “Certified Climate Smart Communities across the state are essential partners in implementing Governor Kathy Hochul’s resiliency and sustainability initiatives and achieving New York’s clean air, clean water, environmental justice, and climate mitigation goals. As New York and other states face more extreme weather and costly damages due to climate change, communities representing more than 92 percent of all New Yorkers recognize the importance of taking smart actions for a stronger, safer, more resilient future.”
The CSC certification program awards points to local governments for planning and implementing actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience. In this round, four communities—Austerlitz, Mamaroneck, Montour Falls, and Rhinebeck—achieved silver certification for the first time. Beacon, Hastings-on-Hudson, and Kingston were recertified at the silver level. Nineteen additional communities received bronze certification or recertification.
Many certified communities contain areas designated as disadvantaged according to criteria set by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group. For example, all of New Paltz is considered disadvantaged; significant portions of Beacon (73%), Sleepy Hollow (69%), Yonkers (79%), and Kingston (65%) also fall into this category.
Kingston has used several CSC grants for projects such as green infrastructure improvements at Dietz Stadium ($1 million), complete streets elements on Broadway ($850,000), Franklin Street enhancements ($750,000), an organics diversion program ($538,000), refrigerant management efforts, pedestrian and bicycle planning initiatives, and organic waste management planning.
Other community projects include Rhinebeck’s municipal compost facility supported by a DEC grant and an urban planning project involving students that led to federal funding for new sidewalks. Austerlitz produced a documentary with residents discussing local climate impacts. Saratoga Springs converted streetlights to LEDs and added electric vehicles using support from NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program.
The CSC program was established in 2009 as an interagency effort led by DEC with support from NYSERDA and other state agencies. The certification component began in 2014 to recognize leadership in local climate action. Currently 460 local governments representing nearly 17.9 million people have adopted the CSC pledge.
NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris said: “Congratulations to these 26 municipalities that are striving to create a healthy and sustainable environment for their residents and businesses by reducing their energy use and investing in future-focused clean energy solutions. DEC’s Climate Smart Communities program and NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program gives us the opportunity to partner with and support local leaders in implementing high-impact energy actions that help build community-wide resiliency and provide economic opportunity across the state.”
Maureen A. Coleman of the Environmental Facilities Corporation commented: “EFC applauds the recipients of this distinguished designation and the DEC for their partnership in turning Governor Hochul’s bold resiliency agenda into concrete, local action. We’re proud to see that many of these Climate Smart Communities have benefitted from EFC’s grants for crucial stormwater and resilience projects that paved the way to this recognition… Today’s announcement is a testament to the power of partnerships, innovation, and the state’s commitment to a cleaner, more resilient New York.”
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble added: “We are honored to be re-certified as a Silver Climate Smart Community. As the first city in New York State to reach the Silver status… This program has unlocked grant funding and technical assistance that has helped us pursue many of our climate-related goals.”
The DEC launched its CSC Grant Program in 2016; it supports municipal efforts on emissions reduction projects as well as adaptation measures against extreme weather events. In May 2025 DEC announced $22 million available through grants aimed at flood risk reduction infrastructure upgrades among other eligible activities.
DEC also operates programs supporting zero-emission vehicle adoption via grants for public charging stations or rebates toward municipal fleet purchases.
Proposed amendments related to Climate Smart Community Projects regulations are open for public comment until December 9th; changes aim to expand eligibility consistent with recent legislative updates.
Regional coordinators continue providing free technical assistance statewide under an initiative extended earlier this year; they help municipalities plan mitigation strategies using CSC guidelines.
New York’s broader climate agenda targets net-zero emissions by 2050 through efforts spanning energy production as well as building efficiency upgrades—and seeks equitable distribution of benefits especially toward disadvantaged communities.
