September 22nd, 2026
Today, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced that nine municipalities have been awarded matching grant funding through the County’s first ever Community Climate Action Fund. By putting resources directly into our communities, the County is bringing local projects to life that preserve natural resources, protect the environment, and help secure our area’s future livability.
Recipients will receive matching funds for new or expanded initiatives included in the County’s Climate Action Plan Phase II. Awardees are the towns of Brighton, Chili, Gates, Greece, Irondequoit, Penfield, Perinton, Pittsford, the City of Rochester, and the Village of Hilton.
“Climate action is most effective when it starts in local neighborhoods and communities,” said County Executive Bello. “These grants will help our towns, villages and the City of Rochester turn good ideas into real projects that make our communities healthier, more sustainable and more affordable. Thank you to every municipality that applied and our Department of Environmental Services for launching this new program and helping bring these projects to life. These projects are an example of what can be accomplished when different levels of government come together around a shared goal.”
The second phase of Monroe County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) seeks to address greenhouse gas emissions from Monroe County residents, businesses, and organizations, complementing Phase I of the CAP, which focused on emissions from County-owned sites, facilities, and operations.
Successful grant proposals included initiatives to implement electric vehicle technology, energy-efficient materials, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Initiatives will see municipalities work collaboratively with one another as well as local organizations.
The announcement was made from the Town of Perinton, where the County Executive was joined by Town Supervisor Jenn Townsend at the Garnsey Road Arboretum. With the County’s funding, Perinton will introduce more trails and create a low-mow grassland that makes room for native species, changes that will help transform the space into one that residents can better enjoy while simultaneously protecting the native plantings and wildlife.
“The Garnsey Arboretum is treasured Open Space in Perinton, and this funding gives us an opportunity to thoughtfully explore its next chapter while preserving the natural character that makes it so special,” said Perinton Town Supervisor Jenn Townsend. “By exploring low-mow and naturalized areas, we can reduce mowing and associated emissions while supporting native habitat and biodiversity. As we move forward, we look forward to engaging our neighbors, the broader community and our Sustainability Advisory Board to help shape the future of the Arboretum. We’re grateful to County Executive Bello and Monroe County for investing in sustainability at the local level.”
The Climate Action Fund has been supported by the Legislature since its inception.
“By creating the Community Climate Action Fund, Monroe County demonstrated its commitment to our plan's implementation. That 9 municipalities responded to the grant opportunity shows that progress will happen when we work together. I am grateful for the leadership from these community partners and I look forward to future successes,” said Legislator Hughes-Smith, Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
“Each action changes the trajectory of our carbon footprint,” said Legislator Baynes, Chair of the Recreation and Education Committee.
“Climate action is most meaningful when residents can see and experience the benefits right in their own communities. This funding gives our towns and villages the opportunity to turn good ideas into tangible projects that strengthen our neighborhoods, protect our natural resources, and make Monroe County more sustainable for the next generation,” said Legislator Bartholomew McCoy. “I’m proud to support an initiative that puts resources directly into our communities and encourages municipalities to work together toward a healthier, more resilient future.”
“The Community Climate Action Fund provides key matching support for municipalities like Perinton to advance locally developed projects,” said Legislator Richard Milne. “That keeps the focus and decision-making where they belong - at the local level, with attention to the project, its cost, and the results it delivers for our community. I look forward to seeing communities across Monroe County use this opportunity to put local plans into action and deliver meaningful results close to home.”
Learn more about the Community Climate Action Fund at https://www.monroecounty.gov/des-caf-program.
