2025 All-America City Finalist – Austin, TX

Over the past decade, Austin has emerged as a vibrant, rapidly evolving city—meeting the demands of significant population growth while staying committed to sustainability, equity, and resilience. The adoption of a comprehensive Climate Plan in 2015, followed by a strengthened equity framework in 2021, laid a strong foundation for tackling climate change with a focus on the city’s most vulnerable communities. Austin’s climate action efforts emphasize not only environmental sustainability but also equitable opportunities for all residents to thrive.

The city’s initiatives are designed to address both environmental and economic needs, creating a more inclusive and resilient future for the entire community. 

Austin Climate Equity Plan

The City of Austin recognizes that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, compounding existing disparities in housing, transportation, and environmental health. Historically, these communities have faced greater exposure to environmental hazards, poor air quality, and climate-related risks. To address these injustices, Austin prioritized equity throughout the development of its Climate Equity Plan.

Underrepresented groups played a central role in shaping the plan through innovative strategies like the Community Climate Ambassador Program. These ambassadors, deeply rooted in their communities, led discussions on key issues such as energy, transportation, and access to green space—ensuring that those most impacted had a direct voice in the process. The planning effort also included five community-led advisory groups, a 19-member Steering Committee, public workshops, open houses, and digital engagement platforms.

The final plan outlines 17 goals and 75 strategies across five key areas: Sustainable Buildings, Transportation Electrification, Transportation and Land Use, Food and Product Consumption, and Natural Systems. A public dashboard tracks progress and highlights remaining gaps, promoting transparency and accountability.

Since 2023, the city has secured $242 million in federal grants to support climate initiatives. The development of a Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program will further align efforts to meet Austin’s ambitious goals by 2030.

The Austin Resilience Network

Austin’s ability to withstand and recover from disasters, such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires, depends on the resilience of its communities. The Austin Resilience Network (ARN) builds on the City’s Resilience Hub pilot program, evolving it into a community-driven, city-wide network designed to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Noting that marginalized communities have historically been underserved regarding resources and emergency response, the ARN addresses these disparities by creating a flexible and inclusive network that enhances resilience through strong community relationships, partnerships, and accessible resources that serve those most in need.

The ARN’s development began with the Resilience Hub pilot program, which established six locations offering critical disaster-related resources. After gathering feedback from residents and community organizations, city staff recognized the limitations of static locations. In response, they expanded the program into the Austin Resilience Network, which now includes over 50 partners from city departments, NGOs, and community-based organizations. This collaboration ensures that resilience efforts are not just centralized in a few locations but are woven into the fabric of the entire community, with a strong emphasis on equitable access to resources.

Since its launch, the ARN has made significant strides in strengthening disaster response capabilities. The network integrates community-driven resources and partnerships that ensure underserved communities receive timely support during emergencies. Through continued collaboration and funding, the ARN is building a more resilient, equitable city capable of responding effectively to future crises.

Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC)

The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) was launched in May 2020 to address rising unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic and create pathways into green jobs for underserved communities. Rooted in equity and systemic change, the ACCC prioritizes expanding opportunities for those most impacted by climate change—particularly low-income communities, BIPOC communities, and people experiencing homelessness. By collaborating across city departments and with external partners, the program supports employment and training across sectors such as natural systems, environmental education, zero waste, digital media, and more.

Austin, like many cities, faces challenges in building an inclusive green workforce. Historically marginalized communities continue to experience the brunt of climate change and economic exclusion. To address these disparities, the ACCC provides equitable job pathways and opportunities for leadership within the City of Austin.

Community involvement has been central to the program’s design, with local organizations and leaders helping to shape accessible career pathways. Since its inception, the ACCC has employed or compensated 773 individuals, including 387 in FY23 alone. Of these, 112 were offered positions after their term, and 14 have transitioned into full-time city roles. The ACCC exemplifies how investing in people, partnerships, and green job pathways can foster lasting change and economic resilience.

Return to the complete list of the 2025 All-America City Award Finalists.