Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is a three-year initiative to help 25 U.S. cities—representing more than 10 million people — take bold, local action to build cleaner, more resilient, economically thriving communities.

Despite facing significant vulnerabilities like aging infrastructure and housing stock, Memphis has persisted in efforts to advance community prosperity and economic development. Personally, I have championed equitable housing initiatives, weatherization, and grid-stabilizing advancements to achieve our community-wide goal of a safer and stronger Memphis.

Being part of the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities program represents a historic opportunity for Memphis to lead the way in promoting climate-friendly economic equity to create more opportunities for a healthier and more sustainable future for our residents. –Mayor Paul Young, Building Together: City of Memphis Weekly Newsletter

THE ISSUE

Data shows that people living in areas with economic barriers face the worst air, water, and weather impacts, and rising disaster costs threaten their health, resilience, and economic growth.

THE SOLUTION

Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities provides deep support and policy expertise to bolster capacity in city halls, helping local leaders and communities deliver bold, local solutions that lower energy costs, create jobs, and improve public health.

THE APPROACH

1. Advance local solutions to help improve air and water quality and expand economic opportunity.

2. Increase capacity through multidisciplinary talent across city departments, sectors, and communities to design, develop, and incubate new solutions.

3. Strengthen city-community partnerships by supporting long-term collaboration.

4. Share what works by highlighting progress and inspiring replication.

ABOUT THE I-TEAM
The Memphis Innovation Team (i-team), funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, works directly with the Mayor’s Office to help the city identify bold, ambitious innovation opportunities around specific issue areas. The i-team brings expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management to bolster city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation and promoting equitable outcomes.

The Memphis i-team’s current focus area is climate resilience and inclusive wealth, identifying innovation opportunities for lower energy costs, better health, stronger infrastructure, and more jobs for residents.