Justice 50

In Progress
Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels

Justice50 adapts the federal Justice40 program to the need in Ithaca. In both, the level of investment in certain communities is based on financial requirements and historic injustice.

OUR INTERPRETATION

In a unanimous May 2024 vote, the City of Ithaca Common Council adopted a climate justice policy, Justice 50, that establishes a framework for City government to direct 50% of IGND financial investment to Climate Justice Communities or those communities that have been historically marginalized. The program will require 40% of participants in future City workforce development programs to fall under the definition of climate justice individuals. Justice 50 also directs monies to a Participatory Government program. See more under the Democratic Engagement goal.

Climate Justice Community Definition

Complete

Climate Justice (CJ) means that all people should receive fair treatment and equitable benefits from environmental protections. Because benefits have not been equally and fairly distributed in the past, a transformative effort is now necessary to prioritize populations that are and have been historically marginalized. As a first step, the City will need to define the criteria that identify a Climate Justice Community or family. 

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By May 2022: The City will create, and adhere to, detailed definitions of Climate Justice Communities in the implementation and disbursement of investments under the IGND.
  • Ongoing: In addition to the federal and New York State recommendations for defining CJ communities, the IGND definition will consider median income, home ownership, financial inclusion and unemployment benefits.

Justice 50 Implementation Guidelines

In Progress

Under Justice 50, the City has committed to address the historical marginalization of Climate Justice communities. The City recognizes that actions taken as part of the IGND in Climate Justice Communities (e.g. retrofitting buildings) will require more than double the expense necessary in other parts of the community. In response, the City will allocate at least 50 percent of the overall climate and clean energy investments made under the IGND to Climate Justice communities. 

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • Ongoing: The City has committed to direct a minimum of 50% of IGND funds invested to Climate Justice communities.
  • By December 2024: The City will determine a methodology to ensure all IGND programs and tasks apply the lens of Climate Justice, distribute benefits accordingly and, establish a tracking mechanism. The original target date for this milestone was August 2022.
  • ‍By December 2024: The City will determine standards for contractors and subcontractors to apply Climate Justice to the work they do on behalf of the IGND. The original target date for this milestone was August 2022.

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