NYS Climate Smart Communities Program
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Starting in 2026, CSC Certification Applications will be review twice a year; once beginning in January and once in May. Announcements will be made during Earth Week in April and Climate Week in September. For more details and upcoming review dates, please visit the Climate Smart Communities website. GET INVOLVED
Contact STW for support and networking. Visit NYS DEC, CSC, and Southern Tier West websites for more details and current projects. New York State’s Open Space Conservation Grant Program is offering $25 million statewide for land conservation projects New York State has launched the Open Space Conservation Grant Program to help municipalities, not-for-profits, and Indian Nations or Tribes purchase land for permanent conservation. Grants from $50,000 to $3,500,000 are available with no local match, supporting projects that protect drinking water, reduce flooding, enhance habitat connectivity, and expand public access to parks and open space. This is a significant opportunity for communities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties to advance conservation and climate resilience goals. Applications are due in the State Financial System (SFS) by 3:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026. |
The New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Program assists local governments with reducing emissions, building climate resilience, and increasing sustainability.
NYS Climate Smart Communities Program is led by NYS DEC with state agency partners, who support municipalities with tools to cut emissions, adapt to climate change, and boost energy efficiency. NYSCSC also offers technical support, recognition, and grant opportunities. Towns begin by passing a pledge and working toward certification by completing climate actions., Southern Tier West's role is to help with task force formation, emissions inventories, and documentation, and guiding local governments through the CSC process and connect them to Clean Energy Communities resources and state support. Efforts include education, outreach, and project coordination. Southern Tier West is active in every CSC certification stage, assisting with: pledge resolutions, task force creations, emissions inventories and risk assessments, climate action plan development, and securing and managing CSC grants. 
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