25 Communities Project Kickoff

Join us for the launch of the 25 Communities Project on July 22nd!

At Green Umbrella, we see a bright future for our region, one that is thriving and resilient to the effects of a changing climate. We envision:

• Communities with beautiful greenspaces that clean the air, cool our neighborhoods, reduce flooding, and bring people together.
• Communities that are energy efficient and powered by renewable energy to reduce costs and pollution.
• Communities with green schoolyards that create shade and outdoor learning experiences for kids, including opportunities to grow their own food.
• Communities connected to a regional food system with accessible and nutritious food, minimal waste, and local food production and processing capacity that shelters us from food system disruptions.

Green Umbrella is launching the 25 Communities Project, an initiative that will bring twenty-five new communities into the movement towards a resilient, equitable and thriving region. This ambitious and exciting project will bring the resources, skills, tools, and collaborative connections Green Umbrella has developed over the past 26 years to help historically disinvested communities reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Communities that are historically disinvested are more vulnerable to climate change impacts. These communities are more likely to have outdated infrastructure susceptible to extreme weather events, fewer green spaces, higher temperatures, poorer air quality, and fewer resources to recover after extreme events. The 25 Communities Project will help these communities access the resources, funding opportunities, and technical support they need to take action on their most pressing climate-related challenges and to help them build more resilient, equitable, and thriving communities.

Programming for the cohort of 25 Communities will begin in July 2025 and continue through August 2026.

• Only local governments are eligible to officially sign up for the 25 Communities Project BUT community partners are key to this work and there will be opportunities to collaborate throughout the project. So we strongly encourage community organizations and advocates to join this kickoff to learn how to work with your government and encourage them to engage with the project.
• Your community must be located in one of the following counties: Boone Co. KY, Butler Co. OH, Campbell Co. KY, Clermont Co. OH, Dearborn Co. IN, Franklin Co. IN, Grant Co. KY, Hamilton Co. OH, Kenton Co. KY, Warren Co. OH.

Participating communities will receive monthly offerings tailored for the cohort including trainings, workshops, consultations, and direct project technical assistance from Green Umbrella staff and regional/national partners, community event support, working group access, cohort convenings, and media coverage. Any staff from participating local governments can attend events and leverage available resources.

The 25 Communities will also be eligible for a 2026 Climate Action Fellow during Summer 2026. Our fellowship pairs undergraduate or graduate students and individuals who want to pivot careers into the climate space with Green Umbrella members to develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.

Register for The 25 Communities Kickoff today — space is limited! 

To learn more or officially sign up for the Project, email van@greenumbrella.org.