The Climate Research Incubator 3rd Annual Symposium will bring together community partners, government representatives, and regional scholars to build meaningful engagement in regional climate action. Participants will hear about the importance of collaborative climate work in the region from an outstanding selection of speakers and generate connections for climate research that fit the needs of the regional communities.

This event is for research scholars, community partners, and government staff who are part of Green Umbrella’s Climate Research Incubator (CRI). If your organization is interested in attending and joining the Climate Research Incubator, please fill out this form.

This program pairs a Fellow - undergrad/graduate students OR individuals who want to pivot careers into the climate space - with a Green Umbrella member host government in order to support local climate action planning and implementation. Government hosts receive training, planning support, and implementation capacity while Fellows receive invaluable training, experience, and professional development support within the public climate sector. Fellow applications close January 15, 2026. Host applications close January 30, 2026. Apply now!

Looking for a full time role supporting local government  

climate action? Check out Green Umbrella’s Local Government Program Manager position on our Green Jobs board below!

In December, Green & Healthy Schools Director Cynthia Walters attended the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Albuquerque. Cynthia, along with Farm to School Advisory Board Member and Hawaii Schools Food Service Administrator Anneliese Tanner, presented the Local School Wellness Policy Tool Kit as a "call to action" during the Bridging Systems Thinking and Practice session. Cynthia also shared the expanded K-12 Agriculture Education Pathway framework that is being piloted in Cincinnati Public Schools.

For more information on how your school district or organization can get involved in building a wellness network and/or expanding green career pathways, contact Cynthia at cynthia@greenumbrella.org.

This month marks the groundbreaking of the City of Fairfield's 1.5MWdc solar array located at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. This array, designed and constructed by Melink Solar using 100% US components, will produce ~2,000,000 kWh annually and generate ~65% of the electric load for the City’s largest municipal energy user. With an expected 12-year return on investment and a 30+ year life expectancy, the city can expect to see $2.5M in net lifetime savings after all capital costs are paid. This project will offset 36,626 metric tons of CO2 emissions 

over the life of the system, making substantial progress towards the City’s Sustainability goals!

Cincinnati is supporting nearly 100 Winton Hills households with $100 monthly credits and free Kroger delivery through a new city-funded pilot program! The year-long initiative tackles food insecurity in a neighborhood where 40% of households lack vehicle access. 75% of early enrollees earn under $25,000 annually. Participants can use the credit for groceries, household supplies, cleaning supplies, diapers, and more - with almost no restrictions. This is a part of Cincinnati's Financial Freedom Blueprint, which also includes medical debt relief and child savings accounts to address the city's racial wealth gap.

Cincinnati is getting a new grant-funded pilot program that will provide free on-site recycling services at several apartment buildings. The goal is to reduce trash by at least 25% by moving more waste into recycling. Participating properties range from small buildings with fewer than 20 units to the largest property having over 300 units. At the end of the pilot, the city's Office of Environment and Sustainability will evaluate the data and feedback received and present it to City Council with recommendations.

Join us on February 10 at ADC Fine Art for Green Umbrella’s Annual Impact Celebration—an evening of connection, community, and momentum. Enjoy live jazz by The House Band Combo, a vegetarian grazing station, beer from HighGrain Brewing and Rhinegeist, wine, and a silent art auction with artwork available for purchase, all set inside a beautiful West End art gallery. We’ll celebrate the impact of the past year and share exciting announcements as we kick off the year ahead. Register by January 18 for early bird pricing—members receive a discounted rate!

Click here for the full Events Calendar. Members can submit events in the Green Umbrella online portal here.

Are you passionate about building a more resilient, equitable food system in the Greater Cincinnati region? The Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council (GCRFPC) is seeking new members and committee volunteers to help advance a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable regional food system. Applications are due by January 11, 2026.

In addition to Council membership, applications are now open for the Policy, Education, and Advocacy (PEA) Committee. You do not have to be a council member to join the committee! The PEA Committee plays a key role in translating strategic priorities into action through local policy research, advocacy campaigns, and community education, with focus areas in Farms & Land Use, Access & Education, Infrastructure, and Institutions.

Green Umbrella has an available opportunity to manage its engagement with and programming for local governments in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Local Government Program Manager is responsible for managing and executing programming for Green Umbrella member governments. 

Government-related programming at Green Umbrella includes the Climate Action Fellowship, 25 Communities Project, and Regional Climate Action Playbook. Local governments in Green Umbrella’s ten-county region leverage these programs and member benefits to achieve climate action individually and collectively. The regional collaboration, shared resources, equitable engagement, and innovative solutions made possible through these programs will lead to more resilient and thriving communities. For a full description and how to apply, visit our Green Jobs board!

Have an event, volunteer opportunity, or job posting to share? Green Umbrella members can submit them via the online Membership Portal. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a member, click here.